PSR Regionals: 15U Middles to Watch
PSR, or Puget Sound Region, has another weekend of regional championship tournaments coming up. After the 16s were awarded last weekend, the USAV bids will be allocated for the 15 and 17 Age Divisions. It’s an excellent chance to see…
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Continue ReadingPSR, or Puget Sound Region, has another weekend of regional championship tournaments coming up. After the 16s were awarded last weekend, the USAV bids will be allocated for the 15 and 17 Age Divisions. It’s an excellent chance to see many, but not all, of the excellent players on the West Side of the state. Here, we focus on middles in the 15U competition who will loom large for their teams.
Bernard has been a key figure in the Dakine 15 Surf middle attack this club season. The springy 2027 from South Kitsap loves to find the seam in the block, and has the quickness and fast arm to terminate before defenders can close the gap. Bernard has rapidly improved her game overall this season. She is a willing defender and tough server, adding to her explosive play at the net.
Sabrina Kuehner
Sabrina Kuehner
The 5’10” middle from Bellevue Christina has been a big part of a middle rotation at SIVBC 15 that also includes Maria Waldorf and Amaree Hollis. Kuehner has an aggresive approach, loading up and delivering big swings when in system.
Blue Royals have been letting Gonzalez work this season; she is playing on the pin and delivering big kill numbers. She has good power and clever shots when finding a change-up to score. Gonzalez will work a roll shot, a two-handed push, and a soft tip over the block. The 2027 from Everett has been taking swings out of the pipe and looks comfortable there.
Williams is going to be a tough player to deal with for the next three years. The 2027 is 6’1′ or taller, with a developing arm swing and a big-time press on the block. She is moving her shots around to either corner already, and her strength will improve, giving her more pop on the ball. Williams is showing aggression and confidence going after overpasses, a great sign for a young, tall middle.
Ava Knapp
Ava Knapp
The Puyallup Viking has good feet and timing; she runs the slide effectively in transition. Knapp has good hands and won’t panic when she has to play the ball out of the middle; her training as an overall player gives her ease and flow when she is on the court. She will consistently score on quick sets in front of the setter; she has an excellent connection with Olivia Puttler when Puttler is running the show.