17 Open Standouts At The Presidents’ Day Challenge
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The 2024 Presidents’ Day Challenge in Detroit is a wrap. Canada took home most of the top honors in the 17 Open/Premier Division, but FaR Out was able to collect a runner-up honor. Here’s a look at some of the…
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Continue ReadingThe 2024 Presidents’ Day Challenge in Detroit is a wrap.
Canada took home most of the top honors in the 17 Open/Premier Division, but FaR Out was able to collect a runner-up honor.
Here’s a look at some of the top players from this division over the weekend.
Alexandra Schultz, OH Defensa 17 Purple
Schultz was an easy player to see on the court, as she couldn’t help but make big plays. She has a natural gift for the game and led Defensa to the title this weekend. Schultz has a very athletic swing and she can dial up a lot of velocity to power through blockers. She got on a roll often during the weekend and no teams has a real answer for her.
Alice Wang, MH Defensa 17 Purple
Wang was a great compliment to Schultz in the middle. She had great timing with her setters and consistently put down the ball when it came her way. She could stay light on her feet and adapt well to the ball.
Yaisa Sealy/Kyra Appel, S Defensa 17 Puruple
The setters for Defensa were locked in. The team collectively hit at a high rate, especially during bracket play and that speaks to the play of the setters. Both Sealy and Appel knew where to get the ball and each put a good touch on their feeds.
Lexi Armstrong Lexi Armstrong 5'8" | S Hudsonville | 2025 State MI , L FaR Out 17 Black
Armstrong is a good all-around player that sports the libero jersey. Her defensive play is obviously at a top level, but she also has the ability to set and swing when needed. Her unique set of skills allows her to have great court awareness and make a lot of instinctive plays. She was a big reason FaR Out finished runner-up this weekend.
Reese Lowe Reese Lowe 5'10" | OH Byron Center | 2025 State MI , OH FaR Out 17 Black
Lowe is an explosive hitter that can really dial up the speed over and over again. She’s got the ability to wait on the ball mid-air and adjust her swing, but still provide a lot of pop. Lowe plays with a lot of intensity and wants the ball coming her way during crucial points.
Ella Dekylen, OH FaR Out 17 Black
Dekylen is a difference-maker at all times. She’s only listed at 5’10”, but she plays much longer and she’s a relentless player at the net with her blocking and getting after 50-50 balls. On top of that, Dekylen has a fundamentally smooth swing that really challenges defenders.
Kate Mathieu, OH Forest City 17 Helios
Mathieu was a great source of offense for Forest City, as it finished third on the weekend. She was able to mix up her shot speeds and angles at the pin, but was the spark to lead the team on a lot of long scoring rallies. Mathieu played off the blockers well and always looked locked in.
Aurora House, MH Forest City 17 Helios
When House was on the court, Forest City was trying to make sure she got a lot of opportunities. House did a good job of taking what came her way and making the most of it. She showcased her offspeed attacks, as well as her power swings. She worked her way around the front row smoothly as well.
Alexia Cornea, OH Lakeside Isihlangu
Cornea was a long outside hitter that helped Lakeside to a semifinal run. She was able to finish from both pins and has a smooth swing at either spot. Her long reach allowed her to come over the top of the ball consistently and find a spot in the defense.
Jenna Hassan, S Lakeside Isihlangu
Hassan could be a little unassuming on the floor, but she continuously made some challenging sets that gave her hitters a great opportunity to finish. Hassan could get really low to the ground and make a solid set out of a poor pass. She also had a challenging serve that was confusing opponents.