17s Teams to Watch at the Nike President’s Day Classic

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Nike STL President's Day Classic was always a highlight for me as a coach, filled with great memories and the excitement of seeing teams that I don't usually encounter. This weekend, I'm particularly eager to catch five teams that showcase incredible talent and potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First on my list is <strong>H2 17UA Longhorns_Geoff</strong>, competing in the 17 Premier Red division. This team has had a solid season, bringing together a strong group of players from outside the Saint Louis Metro area. Notable players include <strong>Lucy Gegg</strong>, an exceptional libero who excels in defense, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817940' first='Reese' last='Bequette']</strong>, a powerful middle hitter at 5'11". <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='813375' first='Eve' last='Litton']</strong> also stands out as a finesse middle hitter with noticeable improvements over the past two years. Together with setters <strong>Ally Boyd</strong> and <strong>Ella Jo Jokerst</strong>, they run an impressive offense supported by hitters like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746582' first='Kylie' last='Woods'], Liv</strong> <strong>Scherffius</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732870' first='Megan' last='Copeland']</strong>. Although I've only had a brief chance to observe H2 this season, I'm eager to see how they perform.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next up is <strong>No Coast 17 Tsunami</strong>, another contender in the 17 Premier Red division. This team had a strong showing in the Gateway League, showcasing their depth and talent. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='900523' first='Adayah' last='Sievers']</strong>, a 6'3" middle or opposite hitter, possesses the ability to take over matches, while <strong>Mya Haynes</strong> shines as a versatile setter and opposite hitter. The team also features formidable middles in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='846004' first='Molly' last='Stephens']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='485599' first='Lilly' last='McGrail']</strong>, both capable of making impactful plays. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='794078' first='Gianna' last='Gambaro']</strong> has been solid on defense, and having seen No Coast early in the Gateway League, I'm excited to witness their continued growth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From the SEMO area, <strong>NSSC 17 Nike</strong> competes in the 17 Premier Blue division. This team features a mix of skilled players, including liberos <strong>Kate</strong> <strong>Church</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='485634' first='Layla' last='Estes']</strong>, both vital to its defensive strategy. Interchangeable hitters like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='475335' first='Olivia' last='Kennedy'], [player_tooltip player_id='812240' first='Cashlynn' last='Sturgeon'], [player_tooltip player_id='827330' first='Mauriona' last='Menley']</strong>, and <strong>Isabella Sostillio</strong> provide versatility, while <strong>Maggie Reinert</strong> can impact gameplay from either pin. <strong>Lola Mooty</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='796845' first='Mallory' last='Mayberry']</strong> hold down the setting duties, and I believe this team has the potential to make significant noise in their division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm also looking forward to seeing <strong>[program_tooltip program_id='428797' first='Pursuit' last=''] 17 Elite</strong> from the SEMO area, competing in the 17 Club division. This team has shown promise throughout the season, and I've previously watched some of their younger squads. Middle hitters <strong>Ella McGowen</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827427' first='Mollie' last='Mannon']</strong> are gaining invaluable experience by playing in positions they wouldn't have in high school. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='885268' first='Kadence' last='Turner'], Kinsley Huffman,</strong> and <strong>Cesia Salinas</strong> are stepping up by playing in an older age group, which should benefit their development. With <strong>Chloe Wehner</strong> on the right side and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='797099' first='Mia' last='Slipis']</strong> as libero, this team has the potential for some surprising outcomes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finally, <strong>KC [program_tooltip program_id='428823' first='Voltage' last=''] 17-2</strong>, also in the 17 Club division, might not be the tallest team, but their determination and defensive skills are impressive. Libero <strong>Chloe Newsome</strong> leads the defense, supported by defensive specialist <strong>Brilee Betts</strong> and setter <strong>Meaghan Foote</strong>. Hitters like <strong>Ally Smallwood</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='811827' first='Brielle' last='Carroll'], Elaina White</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='837164' first='Reese' last='Hardin']</strong> provide enough firepower to challenge their opponents. Their grit and teamwork will keep them competitive throughout the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->