Presidents’ Day Challenge: 15 Open Standouts
Michigan had a pair of teams competing for the 15 Open/Premier Division title at the Presidents’ Day Challenge this past weekend. Though Indiana took home the title, there were a number of strong players from both states leading their respective…
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Continue ReadingMichigan had a pair of teams competing for the 15 Open/Premier Division title at the Presidents’ Day Challenge this past weekend.
Though Indiana took home the title, there were a number of strong players from both states leading their respective teams.
Here’s a look at some of the top players from this division over the weekend.
Sophia Simonetti, S Munciana 15 Blackhawks
Simonetti was the catalyst for Munciana’s run to the championship. The Indiana-based program got great play out of their court general. She was locked in and creating a lot of great hitting opportunities for her hitters. She also ready the floor really well and disguised her attacks well. Simonetti also had a number of good service runs for the team.
Emily Overbeck, OH Munciana 15 Blackhawks
The setting led to a lot of good hitting for Munciana. Overbeck was one of two outsides that really were dialed in. She had a big swing that generated a lot of velocity. When she went up for the ball and got to wind up, you knew the point was about to end.
Mya Woodley, OH Munciana 15 Blackhawks
Woodley was the other 1-2 punch on the outside for Munciana. She had a lot of pop on her swings, but also did a good job of mixing offspeed shots. Woodley read the floor and blockers well, and was able to capitalize thanks to her setter.
Maya Kuebler, L High Performance Nike 15-1
The runner-up had great defensive play throughout the weekend. Kuebler is bouncing back nicely from the prep season, where she dealt with injuries. She’s taking on a new challenge at libero, but her athleticism is making the transition pretty smooth. Along with her solid defensive play, Kuebler can be a difference-maker with her serving. She led some key service rallies this past weekend.
Rachel Johnston, MH High Performance Nike 15-1
Johnston stands 5’11” and though she may be outsized by some opponents, she’s using her explosiveness off the floor to counter that. Teams are struggling to deal with her agility and athleticism. Johnston is also very in tune with her setters, allowing the offense to play fast and stay ahead of blockers. Johnson also has a pretty solid service game that has caught opponents off guard.
Avery Kapeller Avery Kapeller 5'11" | OH Orchard Lake St. Marys Prep | 2027 MI , OH High Performance Nike 15-1
Kapeller is proving again and again that she’s a solid six-rotation option. She’s got very consistent power and is finishing at a high rate right now. When Kapeller gets going, she can really carry the team on her back. Her energy also carries over to her defense, where she’s been a big blocking force at the net.
Anika Jaroszewski, L Michigan Elite 15 Elite
The libero for Michigan Elite continued a strong club season by leading her squad to the semifinals. She was consistently in the right spots to back up hitters and to take on opposing attacks. Jaroszewski moves very quickly and stays light on her feet, but still looks very composed despite having to move constantly. She also had some good serving runs and some solid feeds to hitters for out-of-system balls.
Kate Sulkowski Kate Sulkowski 6'0" | MB South Lyon | 2027 MI , MH Michigan Elite 15 Elite
Sulkowski was a big factor at the net, as she was able to be a difference-maker with her presence on offense and defense. The 6’1” middle was able to play above blockers, while her high energy and active feet allowed her to slow down a lot of opposing shots.