MOVA Madness 18s – Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MOVA Madness 18s featured some really high-level ball, and I was only able to catch the teams on the court playing directly behind me and then the gold bracket. In semifinal one, [program_tooltip program_id='428820' first='Team' last='Momentum'] 18 Orange lost a close battle with [program_tooltip program_id='428820' first='Team' last='Momentum'] 18 Navy 19-15, 19-17. The other semifinal pitted another interclub battle with MOVA 18 Gold, knocking off MOVA 17 Gold 19-8, 19-12. The final with [program_tooltip program_id='428820' first='Team' last='Momentum'] 18 Navy and MOVA 18 Navy was a high-level match, with [program_tooltip program_id='428820' first='Team' last='Momentum'] squeezing out the 25-20, 25-22 for the title. Below is a list of my top six players at the MOVA Madness 2 18s Tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='447163' first='Anna' last='Berkbigler'] – Setter – [program_tooltip program_id='428820' first='Team' last='Momentum'] 18 Navy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was my second chance this club season to watch Anna play, and it's always fun. Anna is a terrific setter with great hands, is very smart with her sets, and&nbsp;has a high IQ. The aspect of her game that I enjoy the most is watching her bust the defense either out of position or cheating, calling her number, and placing the ball perfectly for points. She's one of my favorites from the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Logan Ruble – Outside/Middle – [program_tooltip program_id='428820' first='Team' last='Momentum'] 18 Navy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Logan has developed into a beast at the net. She can hit from anywhere on the court and any set she is given. Her adjustments are spot on, and she can flat-out thump the ball. She's a great teammate who will score at will with her versatility. Logan is a big-time player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cooper Griffin – Middle – [program_tooltip program_id='428820' first='Team' last='Momentum'] 18 Navy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was my first time catching Cooper play in person, and she has developed into a solid middle. She's been a fixture at North Point from day one and has watched plenty of highlights, but they don't do her justice. She's a very active middle who's quick to the pins and in transition, making herself available to attack. Cooper is a vocal player with excellent communication with her setter and pin blockers. She is absolutely a next-level athlete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='493032' first='Megan' last='Wood'] – Outside – [program_tooltip program_id='428820' first='Team' last='Momentum'] 18 Navy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I could not catch Megan playing in person at either high school or the&nbsp;club level until last weekend. I've missed out! She is a big-time baller, and I see why she is heading to Tennessee Martin. Megan can play six rotations, is&nbsp;a solid passer, and can slam the ball. Megan will fit perfectly at the next level and push for playing time in her first season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='737554' first='Gracianaelle' last='Ladouceur'] – Opposite – MOVA UA 18 Gold</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I love that Gracianaelle is playing the opposite for MOVA, and it's also an excellent fit for her at the next level. Many other players don't match her pure athleticism. She is tall, can fly off the ground, and has a ton of power in her swing. Her improvement from two years ago, when I watched her at Bayless, to last weekend is impressive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kennedy Graham – Middle – MOVA UA 18 Gold</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is great to see Kennedy playing for MOVA after I watched her at Hazelwood Central this past fall; she stood out on her high school team. Now, watching her play much higher, I see her doing a great job in the middle. A fast approach and quick swing have her getting past some bigger blockers. Kennedy is a next-level player and will help out any team at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->