2024 Emperor’s Cup – Top Pins

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2024 Emperor's Cup recently took place from May 3rd to 5th at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Hundreds of players from across the nation had the opportunity to showcase their skills in one of the last club volleyball tournaments of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I had the opportunity to attend and caught up with some prospects I've already been scouting, while discovering some new names along the way. I was very impressed with several pin hitters, but here are a few that really stood out at the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kimora Combes","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Cimarron-Memorial","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Wildcats Elite 17","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022s1u0022u003eKimora showcases exceptional versatility as a six-rotation player, excelling on both front row and back row. Offensively, she can hit some powerful line and cross shots that often result in kills. Defensively, she's scores extra points with big blocks and helps execute plays by passing well on serve receive and digging tough hits from opponents. I got a chance to witness Combes get a service ace, pass a few dimes on serve receive, dig and tally a few kills within a single set. Combes was exciting to watch and I'll be keeping an eye on her during her senior season.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-663b02175edaa"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6pHZswSSn_/?igsh=MTNweHpzZTJrdzBnMg==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6pHZswSSn_/?igsh=MTNweHpzZTJrdzBnMg== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='548329' first='Madison' last='Garvin']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Arbor View","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Vegas United 17 Black","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022s1u0022u003eMadison's performance at the tournament left a lasting impression on me. Her powerful outside attacks were electrifying during the 17u open championship. With her high energy, hard hits, and well-timed tips, she played a significant role in her team's success over the weekend. Her quick armswing frequently caught opponents off guard, often resulting in kills. Garvin was an exciting player to watch and I look forward to seeing her in action again during her senior season.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-663b02e1bf436"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jeya Dupris","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Coronado","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Dig This VBC 18 Black","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022s1u0022u003eJeya was a new name for me and she left a lasting impression with her elite game and volleyball iq. The lefty is very tough to block and her quick and powerful armswing often resulted in points for her team. The junior does a great job of switching her attacks up with tips and roll shots when there's a strong block up or when there's an opportunity to end a long rally. Her volleyball iq shined through on many plays, which assisted her team to an impressive third place finish in the 18 Liberty division. I'll be keeping an eye on this player next season. u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-663bbb842fba1"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6t4lOGui6R/?igsh=MTY5YjJrenZ1YThmbQ==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6t4lOGui6R/?igsh=MTY5YjJrenZ1YThmbQ== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='544594' first='Ellie' last='Thurman']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"GV Christian","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Vegas United 17 Black","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022s1u0022u003eEllie truly excelled throughout the tournament, showcasing remarkable strategic decision-making amidst challenging rallies. Her arsenal of hard hits, offspeed shots, and well-timed tips proved invaluable when her team needed her most. With her powerful swings and dependable performance, she's a key player the team relies on. Furthermore, Ellie's exceptional serving skills rank her first in Nevada and 24th nationally.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-663bc0c78842d"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6rgCkVS_8I/?igsh=MWF2bDJicThsOHNicg==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6rgCkVS_8I/?igsh=MWF2bDJicThsOHNicg== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Myla Matavao","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Liberty","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"702 Blessed 16-1","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022s1u0022u003eDuring the tournament, Myla stood out as an electrifying force on the court. She is very good about transitioning back quickly, ensuring she is always ready to attack. When not hitting, she remains actively engaged on front row defense, contributing big blocks and passing up any short tips or sharp hits that come her way. The sophomore really impressed me with her constant movement on the court and focus during tough matches, which ultimately helped her squad to finish second overall in the 16 National division. u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-663bd327cdc58"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A few other outsides that were on my watchlist prior to the tournament finished with some great performances as well. <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/05/2024-emporers-cup-freshmen-pins-to-watch-nevada/">Get a full analysis of all the below players in this article. </a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/emagin-stutzman/"><strong>Emagin Stutz</strong></a> and <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/05/2024-emporers-cup-freshmen-pins-to-watch-nevada/">Lauren Noble</a> </strong>played really well over the weekend with powerful hits and attacks. Their contributions ultimately led to their team finishing third in the 16 National division.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/05/2024-emporers-cup-freshmen-pins-to-watch-nevada/">Kennedy</a></strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/kennedy-cope-2/"><strong> Cope</strong></a> was another outside I had on my watchlist that made several key kills and digs that helped her team secure a top ten finish in the 15U division.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/05/2024-emporers-cup-freshmen-pins-to-watch-nevada/">I'yanna Riley</a></strong> helped her team to an impressive second place finish in the 16 open division with her smart attacks throughout the tournament.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/tori-castro/"><strong>Tori Castro</strong></a> played well on both front row and back row with some several hard hit line shots and impressive digs on back row. Her team finished third in the 15U division.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were many other players that did a great job over the weekend and I will be highlighting more positional standouts soon. If there is a player you would like to add to my radar, please email me at:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lasvegasvbanalyst@gmail.com">lasvegasvbanalyst@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or DM me on Instagram<strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lasvegasvbanalyst?igsh=dXdjMHVnZTc0d3h6&amp;utm_source=qr">@lasvegasvbanalyst</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->