USAV Junior Nationals Recap Five – Uncommitted 2024s

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Only two more days for the Junior Nationals. This will be your last opportunity to sneak a peek at some talented uncommitted class of 2024s. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181232' first='Renee' last='Jones']</strong> right side (pictured above) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233010' first='Mickhaila' last='Murray']</strong> outside (Metro) - Renee stands 6'5". Her twin sister has committed to Pittsburgh. What is not too like? Mickhaila has been alternating at right side. She hits the ball hard and disguises her roll shot well. Both will be playing on court 57 at 0800 and 1000.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233008' first='Greta' last='Barvick']</strong> setter/outside (Blue Ridge) - For her high school she hits left side. For Blue Ridge she plays setter, but stays in the front row to hit right side. She is one of the offensive weapons for Blue Ridge. They have struggled in the National Division, going 0-5. They will be playing on court 84 at 0800, 1000 and 1300.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209790' first='Aubrey' last='Hatch'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181234' first='Samia' last='Sayd'] </strong>left sides (Virginia Juniors) - Samia is the better passer and defender and plays six rotations. Aubrey subs out for a defensive specialist. At this point, Aubrey may be the better hitter. She also plays six rotations for her high school Colgan, which has won one state championship and been to the finals the last two years. Virginia Juniors took first place in their pool finishing 5-0. They will be playing on court 37 at 1400 and 1600.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180282' first='Paige' last='Ahakuelo'] </strong>setter (Paramount) - Last year she ran a 5/1 for Paramount. This year she shares the setting duties with [player_tooltip player_id='180285' first='Clara' last='Yu']. She stands just 5'7" but she has the capability to hit the ball if given the opportunity to play front row. Blocking would be the question with her playing front row. Her setting has carried Paramount to a 5-0 record in pool play. They will be playing for first place in their pool at court 21 at 0800.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309025' first='Payton' last='Swinton']</strong> right side and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='309026' first='Lindsay' last='Kelley'] </strong>setter (Maryland Juniors) - Payton stands 5'10 with a powerful left handed swing that is made for the right side. She also plays all six rotations, bringing a potent back row attack. Lindsay sets a 5/1. She runs quick attacks with frequency, keeping defenses off balance. She stands 5'9". Maryland Juniors still has a shot to finish first in their pool. They will be playing on court 28 at 0800.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chesapeake Teams Still Gunning for the Gold</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["180300"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a4fcb264e34"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro 17 </strong>(4-1) - Even a loss to the winless Boilers Juniors in their last match of the day did not prevent them from winning their pool. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180288' first='Emerson' last='Sellman']</strong> leads the offense while<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='180300' first='Mailinh' last='Godschall'] </strong>guides the defense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180281' first='Erin' last='Debiec']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180283' first='Natalie' last='Nguyen']</strong> run a 6/2 with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180295' first='Ryla' last='Jones']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180296' first='Madison' last='Bowser']</strong> clogging up the middle. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181297' first='Lameen' last='Mambu']</strong> from the class of 2025 has started to come into her own. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They finished 4-1 in pool play, their only loss occurring after they had clinched first place in their pool. It has not been easy for Metro, with five of their eight wins won by just two points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["209790"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a4fcb264e8f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Virginia Juniors</strong> 17 (5-0) - Last week they played in AAUs. This week they play in the Freedom Division at Junior Nationals. The only set they have lost was the first one they played. They have captured first place in their pool in the Freedom Division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two quality setters run their offense in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='182753' first='Isabel' last='Ostvig']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='244159' first='Jaylyn' last='Simon']</strong>. Both hit well enough they can play right side. The left sides are normally <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181234' first='Samia' last='Sayd'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209790' first='Aubrey' last='Hatch']</strong>. Samia plays a strong defense and passes nails, which allows her to play six rotations. At 6'2" middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='182776' first='Brianna' last='Clay'] </strong>has the length to put up a wall on the block. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181239' first='Lanie' last='Goff']</strong> plays a solid libero. She was added to the 18 roster for the Junior Nationals there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["180282"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a4fcb264edc"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Paramount 17 </strong>(6-0) - They have been dominating their opponents in pool play in the American Division. The closest a team has gotten is 22 points, during the second set of the day. Tomorrow, they play Aspire Premier for first place in the pool.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180294' first='Kiylah' last='Presley']</strong> leads the offense from the left side while middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209795' first='Harlan' last='Wyche'] </strong>has been crushing the quicks. This is the best I have seen her play. Paramount uses two quality setters to distribute their offense in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180282' first='Paige' last='Ahakuelo']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180285' first='Clara' last='Yu']</strong>. Last year Clara set for Metro, but with Paramount she has found more playing time. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181240' first='Natalie' last='Carlin'] </strong>has really upped her game, while defensive specialist <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207594' first='Paula' last='Sigurani']</strong> plays a scrambling defense. I have really been impressed with the quality of play of right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='244160' first='Nia' last='Gibson']</strong>. When she combines with Kiylah in the front row for blocking it spells trouble for the left sides.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["319714"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a4fcb264f27"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maryland Juniors 17</strong> (4-2) - Maryland Juniors needs to win their one match tomorrow against the winless ID Peak. If they lose it could come down to a tie breaker for third place. If the two teams ahead of them both lose, they still have an opportunity to win one of the American Division pools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309026' first='Lindsay' last='Kelley']</strong> quarterbacks this offense with her 5/1 setting. Her primary offensive weapon is right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309025' first='Payton' last='Swinton']</strong>, who hits with damaging velocity from the back or front row. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='319715' first='Deviana' last='Walker']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='361569' first='Malani' last='Martin']</strong> are weapons from the left side. The middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='319714' first='Maya' last='Ogbogu']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='314736' first='Kiara' last='Harmon']</strong> cannot be ignored because Lindsay runs the quick sets to keep the defenses guessing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181280"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a4fcb264f70"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blue Ridge </strong>16 (5-1) - Tomorrow they will be playing for first place in their pool in the American Division against undefeated Club One Az. They battled Katy United to a 17-15 win in their next to last match yesterday and then followed that up with a loss to SG Elite Roshambo. Because the two other 4-2 teams are playing against each other a loss should still make them eligible to compete for a spot in the gold bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Left sides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181299' first='Ada' last='McCoy'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid']</strong> play a big role in this offense. Few liberos play the libero position better than <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin']</strong>. Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='290934' first='Ava' last='Dickerson'] </strong>can also provide some wallop to the offense. The setters are <strong>Kendall Watcher</strong> and <strong>Alexandria Lynch</strong>. Sometimes these two setters do not get enough credit for keeping the offense together. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181763"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a4fcb264fba"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro 16</strong> (3-2) - When Metro lost their first two games the first day things looked bleak. They roared back the second day winning all three, including a 15-13 win against Athena in their last match that kept them eligible to earn a spot in the gold bracket. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181303' first='Isabelle' last='Bardin']</strong> leads this offense. On day one she set a 5/1. The second day [player_tooltip player_id='181244' first='Ryan' last='Hicks'] helped out with the setting, giving Isabella an opportunity to provide some offense on the right side. They have plenty of weapons in left sides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181307' first='Leni' last='Stanton-Parker'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181805' first='Madison' last='Smith']</strong>, as well as right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181763' first='Jada' last='Aksu']</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='249341' first='Baylee' last='Doolan'] </strong>can come in as a defensive specialist while still providing some offense in the back row. Libero [player_tooltip player_id='238358' first='Evie' last='Huang'] brings a solid passing game and defense to the table. She also has a serve that can score aces in bunches. Metro tends to rotate between middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181315' first='Sierra' last='Evans']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235284' first='Caitlin' last='Johnson']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181764' first='Kristen' last='Moore']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181311"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a4fcb265003"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Paramount 16 </strong>(3-2) - Paramount lost their last two games, including a 16-14 third set loss to first place Circle City Black. This left three teams at 3-2. Paramount benefitted from their three sweeps on the first day to have the second best set percentage to capture third place.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paramount appears to have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238357' first='Claire' last='Mo']</strong> set a 5/1. She belongs to the class of 2026 but sets like a veteran. Middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181309' first='Brianna' last='Holladay']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='225187' first='Simone' last='Schaefer']</strong> provide solid blocking. They are also effective with the quick attacks leaving holes in the blocking for the pins to attack. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192587' first='Adriana' last='Perodin']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181311' first='Skyler' last='Tennant']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='248705' first='Zoe' last='Ryu']</strong> provide offense from the left side, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='240027' first='Kaitlyn' last='Demitz']</strong> brings a lefthanded swing to the right side. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235291' first='Sadee' last='Gedse'] </strong>seems to dig anything near her. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As you can see from the teams above it has been a good tournament for many of the Chesapeake Region teams in the 16-17 Division. It also shows a lot of diversity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->