Digging Deeper on Illinois 16s Going to Nationals

The Illinois athletes are ready to roll at nationals.  We're going to take a look at some who will be competing in the 16s level at Indianapolis and Orlando.  Who are ones who need to be on the radar?     Seeing [player_tooltip player_id='546199' first='Katelyn' last='Beirne'] for 1st Alliance 16 Silver was impressive at the Prep Dig Gauntlet. Not only was she impressive over the weekend, but you could see an upside to her game where her best volleyball is ahead of her. She has the length and athleticism to build upon where with her high contact point she was able to hit some insane angles. She was an option to score in every rotation. She was impressive out of middle back as well where she knew how to hit to the deep corner. 1st Alliance 16 White has over 60 wins on the season and will be ones to watch in Indy.     Another outside hitter for 1st Alliance 16 Silver is [player_tooltip player_id='780221' first='Madeline' last='Maloney']. She impressed at the Prep Dig Gauntlet where she knew how to score points from the pin. There was an efficiency to her game where she has a high snap on her swing creating top spin that allowed her to swing big and hit the deep corner, she knew how to use the block to her advantage, and played solid off block defense still being able to transition to score points. The small details made a big difference for Maloney and her 1A 16 Silver team!     On paper Liyah Taylor might be considered undersized as a middle blocker, but with her hops she has a big game. The Class of 2028 prospect plays for [program_tooltip program_id='431567' first='Adversity' last=''] 16 Adidas who has grabbed an open bid to USAV Nationals in Indy. They have an impressive group of 2028s who have made ways all season. Taylor is one who can connect in the middle with solid hand contact where she is going to find the deep corner…with authority. She has also shown she can work hard and work fast in closing the pin and still being available for her setter.     Teagan Lee was someone who I had notes on from the Windy City Qualifier. She plays for [program_tooltip program_id='429102' first='Club' last='Fusion'] 16-1 National where I was impressed with her no fear style of being able to swing big. She was able to show that she can swing on the outside or rightside. There are some athletes who are usually stronger than others on one pin for another, but she has shown ability to contribute on either pin allowing her to be a dynamic weapon for her team. [program_tooltip program_id='429102' first='Club' last='Fusion'] has been a sneaky good team this year where they could be ones to watch at AAU Nationals in Florida.     Gia D'Angleo is a fun one to watch out of the middle where she is sure to cause problems for the other side of the net. She preps at Loyola Academy and will also be one to watch as a breakout player on the high school courts as well. I like how she is approaching as if she is going to get set every time. I know that is something for middles that can be tough, but D'Angelo is approaches and is tough to read in terms of going left, right, or tipping to the donut. She is also able to connect and score on a “C” ball or shoot. When this [program_tooltip program_id='431567' first='Adversity' last=''] 16 Purple team is in system and D'Angleo can be a weapon they are tough to stop.     [player_tooltip player_id='546198' first='Lexie' last='Clanin'] could be a steal at the next level. She is a 2028 setter who has ran the show for [program_tooltip program_id='431567' first='Adversity' last=''] 16 Purple where they've had an impressive season. I was able to see Clanin and her team play at MEQ and the Windy City Qualifier. Via her Instagram she went to the Sunshine high academic camp recently in Southern California. The Ivy League has gotten some highly talented Chicagoland athletes and Clanin would fit right in with that group. Her athleticism and physicality at the net is real impressive among Illinois setters. She knows how to put her attackers in position to score and can do so herself when needed. [program_tooltip program_id='431567' first='Adversity' last=''] 16 Purple will be heading to AAU Nationals in Orlando.     She's playing for a 16s team in Attack 16 Select, but she's from the Class of 2030. Yes, an 8th grader. [player_tooltip player_id='962400' first='Brenna' last='Garrigan'] commands the court from the backrow with poise and confidence. She has been emerging as a leader for this team who will be heading to USAV Nationals in indy and competing in the 16 Freedom Division. Garrigan gets their offense rolling whether its from left back or in serve receive. She has a mature game for someone who could be playing in the 14s Division. She will have an exciting volleyball (and recruiting) journey ahead of her!     [player_tooltip player_id='896646' first='Odessa' last='Bucciferro'], first off what a fun name! Along with with the fun vibes of the name, Bucciferro brings good vibes to the court as the libero for [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] 161 Elite. I was able to see Bucciferro and her [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] team at the Windy City Qualifier. The Rockford Christian prep was able to play with control, composure, and make the tougher plays look standard. She also puts up a great second ball for her pins to take a full swing. [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] has always produced high level liberos and Bucciferro is right in line.

The Illinois athletes are ready to roll at nationals. We're going to take a look at some who will be competing in the 16s level at Indianapolis and Orlando. Who are ones who need to be on the radar?