Teams and Players to Watch at Shamrock Showdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This tournament brings some of the same cast and characters who won the event last year. There are also some new teams entering the fray. Below is a breakdown of some of the players and teams to watch this weekend at the Shamrock Showdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>17/18 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["397397"],"_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-67ce68c1dd939"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jasmine was a top performer at our first Prep Dig event held at St. James back in 2023. What impressed me most about her game was her athleticism. While she played middle when given an opportunity to play back row she showed tremendous quickness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Though she stands 5'11" her approach jump reaches 9'11". Last year her middle play helped Club 540 win the Shamrock Showdown as well as the East Coast championship. This year 540 ranks number one nationally in the Old Dominion Region. They recently finished 25th out of 86 teams in the USA Division of the Sunshine Qualifier.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jasmine does a good job hitting the quick tempo sets. As her skill level improves, she slowly creeps up in our rankings. Now at number 34.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year the<strong> 540 VB </strong>16 team surprised the older 17/18 open teams and won the event. They return as 17s this year and will be favored to repeat. The Automated Event System (AES) ranks them number one nationally in the Old Dominion Region. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='397536' first='Aubrey' last='Parker']</strong> leads the team with her setting but Colgan setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464563' first='Elizabeth' last='Robinson']</strong> is a new name on the roster. They have the option of running a 6/2 or 5/1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='397397' first='Jasmine' last='Williams']</strong> is a strong middle and at 6'3"<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='333653' first='Elizabeth' last='York']</strong> can provide offense from the middle or right side. Recent North Carolina-Pembroke commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221415' first='Lindsey' last='Canty']</strong> is a force to watch on the left side. This team carries five players ranked in the top 50 from the class of 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another Old Dominion team playing in their pool <strong>River City Acadamy</strong> could be their biggest test. They came in second last year to [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] in the 16 Open. River City brings the strong swing of left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='519343' first='Dylan' last='Cline']</strong> to the court. At 5'9" she may be considered a bit undersized but she carries a lot of pop. Her Midlothian teammate<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='527009' first='Ella' last='Sumser'] </strong>also packs some pop hitting the middle. The Dodge sisters, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='526878' first='MacKenzie' last='Dodge']</strong> and libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='760169' first='Annika' last='Dodge']</strong> keep the team in system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another Old Dominion team to keep an eye on is <strong>108 Beach Volleyball Hybrid</strong>. They carry the 6'3" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='608994' first='Emma' last='Sofis']</strong>, who can be a disrupter in the middle or an offensive headache if playing right side. Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235304' first='Addison' last='Higgins']</strong> as well as libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='397414' first='Isabella' last='Park']</strong> are two other players to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the three Old Dominion teams stand out as the favorites in this age group <strong>MVSA Blaze</strong> could cause a stir. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='412056' first='Elizabeth' last='Mitchell']</strong> provides strength from the left side while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221032' first='Wynn' last='Mendez Eaton']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346818' first='Charlotte' last='Deraleau']</strong> provide quality setting to run the offense. All three rank in the top 50 in the class of 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":412374,"width":"270px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/419-Bridgette-Templeton-e1688415121702.jpg?w=988" alt="" class="wp-image-412374" style="width:270px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='245602' first='Bridgette' last='Templeton']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>American 18 Red</strong> brings impressive ball control with quality back row players <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='609602' first='Allison' last='Cibrian-Martinez']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='245602' first='Bridgette' last='Templeton']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='245603' first='Porcha' last='Limsumang']. </strong> The pin hitters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='470561' first='Grace' last='Francis'],</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235294' first='Ema' last='Ilijoski'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='186445' first='Alexis' last='Dietterick']</strong> are a bit undersized but all bring the ability to find the floor. As an 18 team they bring one more year of experience to the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["581553"],"_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-67ce68c1dd99f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another middle for Colonial Forge. At 6'0" she brings some height to the position. When she blocks her hands extend over the net. She also seems to transition well to get in a good position to hit. Her quick tempo sets are struck at a number of locations along the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For a class of 2027 it will be interesting to watch her develop. Next year an opportunity exists to play on the Colonial Forge varsity. She will team with [player_tooltip player_id='397397' first='Jasmine' last='Williams'] to form two quality middles. This could result in the Eagles return to the state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='498081' first='Loudoun' last='Elite'] Josi</strong> did well in the American Division at the Sunshine Qualifier finishing 9th out of 128 teams. They also finished second to Virginia Juniors in the National Harbor tournament. They have two undersized left sides in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='471485' first='Kaelyn' last='Wharton']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536741' first='Lacey' last='Bogues']</strong> who can do some damage from the position. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='728459' first='Ali' last='Joyce']</strong> and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='444617' first='Kamilla' last='Hendrix']</strong> share the setting shores. Of those four players Kaelyn ranks highest in the class of 2027 at 55. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532908' first='Olivia' last='Stroupe']</strong> can hit either pin. She also fits in the undersized category. While they may lack the big superstar, they bring that village depth mentality where any player on the court is capable of making the play to earn a point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>540 Club</strong> also lacks that super star player. Their 6'1" right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='483591' first='Willa' last='Voto']</strong> is the only player ranked within the top 50 at 47. Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='577515' first='Sierra' last='Beaver']</strong>, outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='502514' first='Jenna' last='Kate Tanner']</strong> and setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='476422' first='Aniyah' last='Brevard']</strong> were added to our more recent rankings. While Sierra is listed as a middle she brings the quickness and athleticism to fit anywhere on the court. At 6'0" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='581553' first='Karinne' last='Goodrum']</strong> brings some height to the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":732496,"width":"324px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/Danika-Swanson1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-732496" style="width:324px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='448705' first='Danika' last='Swanson'] as a hitter</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the 16 Open<strong> American Red</strong> carries the highest ranked player at 23 in setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448705' first='Danika' last='Swanson']</strong>. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530368' first='Sadie' last='Barrera']</strong> also plays her position well sliding in the 50th spot. <strong>[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] Orange</strong> ranks as the first seed in the 16 open. They actually are a second team that happens to carry a higher national ranking than their first team. While it still remains early in the club season, they are a team to check out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>15 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["587036"],"_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-67ce68c1dd9ed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last year she started for Yorktown as a frosh hitting left side. Since you are playing against older players at the high school level maintaining success is always a challenge. With Virginia Elite she stands out as their top left side. Standing 5'10" she brings the height to the position. With a little more physical training she can enhance that 9'3" approach jump.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Virginia Elite has done well in the local tournaments. When playing at the Open level in national tournaments they have struggled. While the Shamrock Showdown qualifies as a local tournament it brings teams from the Old Dominion Region so it falls in between. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Virginia Elite </strong>brings the highest ranked player from the class of 2028 in [player_tooltip player_id='612396' first='Natalie' last='Hobson']. She ranks at 23 and shares the setting duties with [player_tooltip player_id='521323' first='Ilana' last='Collingham']. Ilana fits in at 39 in the class of 2028. When Natalie does not set she stays in the front row to hit right side. Ilana, at 5'4" does not bring the height to stay in the front row. On the outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587036' first='Olivia' last='Black']</strong> can make her presence known. At 5'10 she brings some good height to the pins. At 6'0" middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='554674' first='Elle' last='Campbell']</strong> brings good length but her game is still quite raw.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":589174,"width":"263px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/19-Cailin-Connors.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589174" style="width:263px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='466369' first='Cailin' last='Connors']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>540 VB Elite</strong> has two players who just fall outside the top 50 in rankings. Left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466369' first='Cailin' last='Connors']</strong> sits at 54 while libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='602392' first='Elise' last='Nair']</strong> falls just a couple slots behind her. Elise took a top performer award at the Sunshine Prep Dig showcase earlier this month. Cailin impressed at the Prep Dig frosh showcase in Rockville last summer but also hit well from the left side in a North Stafford high school scrimmage. Another left side to watch is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='609590' first='Leah' last='Eggleton']</strong> while her sister <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='627365' first='Alexa' last='Eggleton']</strong> shares the setting duties with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587035' first='Maggie' last='Race'].</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The only other team with players ranked at the lower spectrum of the top 100 in the class of 2027 is <strong>American Red.</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587034' first='Mackenzie' last='Gregory'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587033' first='Lily' last='Atangan']</strong> both play the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Premier Edge</strong> is a Chesapeake Region team from Delaware so we do not include them in the DMV rankings. Their teams are normally competitive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>14 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the two teams I have watched from the 14 age group is MOCO Magic. They surprised at the National Harbor by finishing second in the 14 age group. They have a defensive specialist/libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754674' first='Clark' last='Rodney']</strong> who is fun to watch when she patrols the back row. She anticipates well when playing defense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754676' first='Gia' last='Capaldi'] </strong>actually plays the libero position. [player_tooltip player_id='754667' first='Katja' last='Nagy'] put some balls down from the right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another team I watched a little bit is Virginia Juniors. They actually beat MOCO Magic in the finals at National Harbor at the 14 age group. Left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='748006' first='Alaenah' last='Frank']</strong> did a good job of putting the ball to the floor. Her counterpart from the left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754650' first='Madison' last='Meiring']</strong> showed a good arm swing when taking a hack at the ball. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754655' first='Bella' last='Pereyra'] </strong>brought a quick arm swing to the right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->