Prez Day StL Athletes Under The Radar: 16 Club

<p>Just a few more previews before we start our huge President's Day tournament in Saint Louis, and there is no shortage of size or skill in this division. In this article, we'll talk about nine athletes from six different rosters that should be main parts in their respective teams' success.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Circle City 16 White</h2>   <p>I've been high on this team since I saw them play at the Early Bird Shootout in early January. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='499450' first='Krea' last='Martin'] ('27, 5-2 DS/L, Columbus East)</strong> should be wearing the special jersey, but I found out a fun fact about Miss Martin. She was moved into the setter's role halfway through last fall (as a freshman!) to run the varsity offense. Of course, Krea stepped right into the position with a ton of hard work and made what could have been a disastrous season into an optimistic one for her future. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='511372' first='Faith' last='Schoettle'] ('26, 5-0 DS/L, Roncalli)</strong> could also legitimately be the libero on this squad, as her quick feet and sound technique make her an excellent add to any roster.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">KeAloha 161 Cape Fear</h2>   <p>The 1s team from the Valparaiso area doesn't have as much size as other typical 1s teams around the state, but they still have a ton of skill. Two-sport star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='511374' first='Grace' last='Craig'] ('26, 5-7 RS/MB, North Judson-San Pierre)</strong> is probably a right side at the next level, but her basketball skills and jumping ability make her a great add as a makeshift middle. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='511376' first='Alexis' last='Rippe'] ('26, 5-6 DS/OH, Morgan Township)</strong> looks like a prototypical beach player, as her serve receive is controlled and accurate, while her attacking is intentional and scores points regularly with smart shots.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monon Select 16E Medusa</h2>   <p>As of the writing of this article, it was difficult to find any information on most of the members of this squad. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='505200' first='Evie' last='Mayer'] ('26, 5-6 DS/L, Westfield),</strong> however, has logged more than enough footage to tell even the average observer that she's a confident and reliable defender who excels in serve receive.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">NCISVBC 16-1</h2>   <p>Another team I've highly regarded since early January, a pair of undersized and under appreciated players dot this roster. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='499444' first='Izzy' last='Adams'] ('26, 5-7 S, Benton Central)</strong> comes from a long line of high volleyball IQ athletes from BC. Her setting places the ball perfectly for her hitters, and she can be aggressive on two when she needs to be. She also defends her position well for this class. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='499448' first='Rilee' last='Clifton'] ('26, 5-6 DS/L, Lafayette Jefferson)</strong> saves the day regularly for this roster, and is the obvious choice for libero here. She can pass half the court if you let her, and has no problem whatsoever doing the dirty work and hitting the floor to keep the ball alive.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rev 16-3 Eagles</h2>   <p>In most cases, once you get to the 3s level of any age group, you stop looking for size and focus mostly on skill. How about both? <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='505206' first='Kara' last='Rush'] ('26, 6-0 MB, Triton Central)</strong> has a strong upper body to combat opponents on both the attack and defense, while her volleyball acuity has her putting balls away at all angles.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Union 16 Purple</h2>   <p>Speaking of bigs being emphasized on a shorter roster, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='499060' first='Maycee' last='Hoefler'] ('26, 6-0 MB, Christian Academy of Indiana)</strong> is a big reason why this team will see some success this weekend. A six-footer from a 1A school is gift enough, but how about one as agile and athletic as Maycee? She can out jump a lot of her competitors, is faster than the bigger middles she might face, and has that Union training to keep her volleyball IQ high.</p>

Just a few more previews before we start our huge President's Day tournament in Saint Louis, and there is no shortage of size or skill in this division. In this article, we'll talk about nine athletes from six different rosters that should be main parts in their respective teams' success.