Nike Open: Athlete HQ 17-Burger Earns 3rd Place

Mike Bryant May 3, 2024 @ 10:38 AM

As both Infinity 17 Green and AVC 17 Red have been featured here regularly, it is no surprise that they found themselves facing each other for the recent 17/18U Nike Open title in Cleveland. Infinity took the win with a 5-1 overall record that included a 15-11 third set result to claim gold. They defeated [program_tooltip program_id='431829' first='Athlete' last='HQ'] 17 Burger to get to the finals. AVC beat Black Swamp to earn their spot in the finals. One of the teams that stood out the most was [program_tooltip program_id='431829' first='Athlete' last='HQ'] as we have not had a lot of opportunity to see them compete this season. This group fended off some good teams to get to the day-two semifinals, including wins over top 17U teams from CVC and Mintonette. Here are some of their key prospects:   The 6'2 presence of [player_tooltip player_id='227627' first='Malia' last='Romes'] is significant as she has good length and big ability to terminate and defend. She is a top prospect from Kalida, a team she led offensively at 4.0 k/s in 2023. Romes has great physicality featured by good quickness and ability to get on the ball fast to terminate with pace and range. Her mobility is a big asset too as she can get the pins to shut down hitters.   On the left side is [player_tooltip player_id='289184' first='Lucy' last='Schlotterer']. The 5'10 pin is a primary offensive threat that can bring big power while also contributing in the first-touch aspects. She has good movement and footwork in her transition and approach patterns that get her feet to the ball well. As this team will move their outside hitters around with variation in location and tempo, Schlotterer closes well to be able to maximize her lift for good pace and range upon contact. On the right pin is [player_tooltip player_id='445134' first='Zoe' last='Denny']. At 5'11, she has good versatility but is a steady factor that helps balance their offense through both sides as she has good arm speed in the air.   The primary setter evaluated for this squad is [player_tooltip player_id='483807' first='Kristin' last='Matlack'] (*pictured). At 5'10, she has good size for the role and with her ability to contact the ball high that benefits well the pace they get from their big middle action, which can help develop some space at the pins when she decides to push the location. She distributes their offense well as the decision making and balance helps keep opposing defenses honest.   In the ball control and defensive phases the trio of Vayda Delventhal, Maclaughlyn Wineman, and Lucy Boos helps to get their offense in motion while also bringing a lot of support and energy to the court as the team is fun to watch given their competitive mindset. Get a look at this team if you have the chance.

As both Infinity 17 Green and AVC 17 Red have been featured here regularly, it is no surprise that they found themselves facing each other for the recent 17/18U Nike Open title in Cleveland. Infinity took the win with a 5-1 overall record that included a 15-11 third set result to claim gold. They defeated Athlete HQ 17 Burger to get to the finals. AVC beat Black Swamp to earn their spot in the finals. One of the teams that stood out the most was Athlete HQ as we have not had a lot of opportunity to see them compete this season. This group fended off some good teams to get to the day-two semifinals, including wins over top 17U teams from CVC and Mintonette. Here are some of their key prospects: