Paramount Maureen Only DMV 16/17 to Find Gold Bracket

Every one of these Junior National events is a journey. In this journey there are three layers of survival. The first is to finish in the top three of a six or eight team pool. Once you survive that you compete in a three team pool or a bracket. If you finish in the top two in the bracket then you face the final hurdle, playing a crossover match against another team (the Freedom has a challenge round group). Once you survive those hurdles you play in the gold bracket. Win one match and you get third. Win a second match you win gold.   [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] Maureen has survived all the hurdles. While they remain without a match loss they did have a little stumble against Alliance which would have created a three way tie if they had lost.    This has been the second time her name has been highlighted. [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] Maureen won the first set against Alliance 25-17 but lost the second 22-25. For [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''], they have yet to lose a match, but they have gone three sets in two matches. However, their third three set match was the most harrowing.   Alliance built up a three point lead 9-12. [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] pulled to within one 11-12 on a [player_tooltip player_id='744453' first='Megan' last='Elder'] middle hit and an ace serve from [player_tooltip player_id='438046' first='Anna' last='Dierks']. Each team exchange kills with Alliance building a 14-12 lead. A serve in the net gave [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] the serve back.   Giuliana hammered a quick tempo set from the middle position tying the set at 14-14. Behind again 15-16 Giuliana came through with another quick tempo kill from the middle position to tie it at 16-16. A [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] hitting error dropped them down by one again. An Alliance serve in the net and two hits that travelled out gave [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] the 19-17 win.   They would go on to win the crossover 25-23, 25-23. However, without those two clutch kills from Giuliana [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] would have played a stronger opponent in their crossover match in order to reach the gold bracket.     [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] Alec will play in the Silver Bracket. If they win their first match they may play against MVSA Sparks for the Silver A Bracket championship.   In their first crossover match they defeated WGVA Black 25-21. The second set was tight with a kill by [player_tooltip player_id='730594' first='Gianna' last='Molfino'] giving them a 23-22 lead. [player_tooltip player_id='893325' first='Bella' last='Pham'] went back to serve and delivered two quick aces that dropped in front of the passer to give Paramount the match victory 25-22.   Bella plays multiple roles on this team. She is the secondary setter when they choose to run a 6/2. Normally, they run a 5/1 with [player_tooltip player_id='941988' first='Amanda' last='Dadio'] setting. When she is not setting she plays as a defensive specialist.   Bella hopes to fill that role this coming high school season for Madison.       The Open competition is tough. You rise to the first division you need your A game to survive. While some of the other Metro hitters struggled trying to find openings in the block Olivia was on fire. It seemed everything she hit found the floor.   At 6'3" she brings great length to the right side. This year she appears to have muscled up. She also shows an approach jump of 9'11 but it would not surprise me if it were greater.   Olivia will be a force for West Potomac High School this coming high school season. She led West Potomac to the Class 6 state playoffs for the first time in seven years. Ultimately, the lost to Colgan in the quarterfinals. One of the more enthusiastic players you can find on the court. When she puts the ball to the floor the noise level rises a decibel level with her celebratory actions.   Olivia is one of the few class of 2027s who have yet to commit. She seems a much more physical player now, in great shape to go the diatance.       Johanne was not on my radar until she showed up for the National Prep Dig Showcase in Indianapolis. She was one of five middles that were highlighted in the showcase, standing out for her ability to pound balls down the line. Two of our Prep Dig scouts highlighted her play. That type of praise for one player is a reason to take notice.   While watching Metro National play in the Junior Nationals Johanne definitely made an impact. Her timing on the quick tempo sets was exemplary as balls were powered straight to the floor without touching an opponent's hand. She also slides from pin to pin well allowing her to participate in a number of blocks.   She has certainly now placed herself squarely on my radar.

Every one of these Junior National events is a journey. In this journey there are three layers of survival. The first is to finish in the top three of a six or eight team pool. Once you survive that you compete in a three team pool or a bracket. If you finish in the top two in the bracket then you face the final hurdle, playing a crossover match against another team (the Freedom has a challenge round group). Once you survive those hurdles you play in the gold bracket. Win one match and you get third. Win a second match you win gold.