Sooner Super Regional Champions – Premier 16 Diamonds

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Teams from several nearby states descended on Norman this past weekend for the 16s Division of the Sooner Super Regional, looking to earn their free entry into AAU Nationals in Orlando, Florida.&nbsp; Clubs from Kansas, Missouri, Texas and of course Oklahoma were in attendance.&nbsp; The finals was a tight 3 set battle between OK Premier 16 Diamonds (Oklahoma) and PAO Southside U16 from the Gateway Region in Missouri.&nbsp; Premier pulled out a nail biter in set 1, 27-25.&nbsp; PAO however came roaring back to take the 2^nd set in dominating fashion, 25-13.&nbsp; Premier rallied to win a close 3^rd set, 15-11.&nbsp; This same group of players had a very successful season last year as the flagship team for Premier.&nbsp; Little changes this year as they move up to 16s, including Coach Stacey Upchurch.&nbsp; Here are 6 players that helped power them to the win:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='773574' first='Tinlee' last='Upchurch']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The outside hitter, and daughter of Coach Upchurch is no stranger to Prepdig articles and rankings as she makes a name for herself.&nbsp; Tinlee led her team with 43 kills and delivered in several clutch moments on their way to the championship.&nbsp; She is the unquestioned top option any time her team needs a key point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='899618' first='Lylla' last='Owens']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's impossible to miss the impact of libero, and fiery vocal leader, [player_tooltip player_id='899618' first='Lylla' last='Owens'].&nbsp; Every time I have seen her play- she brings an incredible amount of energy and heart to her team.&nbsp; Steady in serve receive, her value really comes out on the defensive side- covering huge areas of court- and making several key digs throughout the weekend that kept giving her team opportunities to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932314' first='Jadyn' last='Roberts']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's tough to stop a team with two excellent outside hitters, both of whom can deliver kills both in system and out of system- but that's exactly what 16 Diamonds has at their disposal.&nbsp; So much of the game is spent out of system- that most games are won and lost at the hands of the outsides.&nbsp; Jadyn is able to keep her team in a great position to win by keeping the offensive production steady even when their OH1 goes to the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Amy Haynes &amp; Bella Castle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The middle blocker position can often be a thankless job- patrolling the net all day long, with only the occasional payoff.&nbsp; Haynes and Castle quietly left their mark on the tournament however- contributing 11 blocks a piece, and opening up opportunities for the outside hitters by drawing in the opposing middle blocker as a key part in Premier's fast paced offense.&nbsp; Castle, who is new to the middle blocker position, continues to look more comfortable each match as she gains experience and confidence in the position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Atticus&nbsp; Hall</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last but certainly not least is the conductor of the previously mentioned fast paced offense this team employs.&nbsp; Going up-tempo allows the team's hitters to have a built in advantage against the opposing blockers- but requires a quick and athletic setter, who can put the ball in a precise location for the offense to work.&nbsp; Atticus does a great job of transitioning and getting her feet in a position to deliver a perfect ball.&nbsp; She has a good command of their offensive philosophy- understanding where she has a matchup advantage, which hitters are hot, and which tool in her toolbelt will give her team the best opportunity to win the rally.&nbsp; Her calm and thoughtful demeanor had a big impact on her team climbing back after the 2^nd set defeat in the finals to ultimately win the match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->