Nike Mideast Qualifier Indy Final Day Notables

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The final day of the Nike Mideast Qualifier saw some dominant performances. These five really stood out on the final day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["706522"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e0a81e4ec67"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sensenbrenner dominated the net in the 17 USA championship game, helping the Union 17 UA Black team finish off a perfect 11-0 run in the 17 USA Division. She landed a number of short sets including quicks. Sensenbrenner made quick reactions to balls to keep plays alive. Sensenbrenner also landed some blocks at the net. She does a good job running fakes to draw blockers away from other hitters. Sensenbrenner said the high-pressure games have helped the team pull through in games like this.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["227628"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e0acfeb7a5e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sprada is a consistent, hard-nosed hitter that lands tough kill after tough kill for the 17 Chicas squad. Her play helped the team finish runner-up in the 17 Open Division on Sunday. Sprada simply understands angles well. That allows her to record big kill after big kill. She especially landed things on the 31 routes. Sprada said playing in these tournaments lets them play more free, adding while the team wants to win, they are playing for each other.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["221034"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e0acfeb7b1e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hoppe demonstrated why she is committed to the University of Pittsburgh. Hoppe moves to balls and does what she can to make quality sets. She puts good power into her sets, including jump sets. Hoppe can do a huge number of sets including the back sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["752987"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e0acfeb7baf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ballard played a big role in leading the 17 Blue team to a runner-up finish in the 17 Select Division, playing up an age group. Head coach Bill Rineker describes Ballard as a beast, blocking as well as any 15-year-old he's ever seen. Rineker praised Ballard's quick feet and ability to reach for balls when she realizes a hitter is attempting to tip around her. Rineker added the touches allow back row players to pick up a number of balls. Offensively, Rineker said Ballard hits with power to both corners and tip balls with a lot of touch to open areas of the court. Ballard said the adjustment to the 17U was not too bad since the teams practice together a good bit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535275"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e0acfeb7c34"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mantooth (pictured) also played up helping the team go far. Rineker said Mantooth brings a ton of energy and aggression. He credited her ability to attack like a seasoned player doing things like ripping line, crushing hard cross and landing roll shots into the open court. Rineker said she also plays sound defense off the block and can pass when needed. Rineker said Mantooth brings a positive mindset to the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note from the Writer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for one year and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in both Kentucky and Ohio. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @prepdigkentucky or @prepdigoh on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky or Ohio needs coverage, please email Mike at pnmikeg@yahoo.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount, enter code graham30 at checkout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->