Three Pioneer Region, Tennessee teams finish in Gold Bracket

Ttwo teams from Tennessee and one from the Pioneer Region made it to the Gold Bracket in the USA Volleyball 16, 17 Girls Junior National Championships at the Indiana Convention Center hoping to bring home the gold. None managed that, but did conclude incredible runs with great records.   The Tennessee Performance Volleyball 16 Maverick hoped for more gold after winning an Amateur Athletic Union 16 Premier Crown in Orlando last week. However, the top-seeded 16 Maverick team saw those dreams stop short in the quarterfinals by A5-16 Stephen. The team still finished tied for fifth out of 48 teams with an impressive 7-2 record.   The [program_tooltip program_id='432001' first='Memphis' last='Juniors Volleyball Association'] 16 Elite Black team made it to the semifinals of the 16 Liberty Division. The team tied for third with an 8-2 record out of 48 teams, besting Alliance 16 Red, 2-0 (25-18, 25-12) before falling to NorStar 16-1 in a tight match, 2-1 (23-25, 25-27, 15-12).   The Union 17 Green also put together a solid run in the 17 Freedom Division. The team drove to the semifinals, finishing 9-2 to tie for third out of 64 teams. The 17 Green knocked off Countdown 17 Elite, 2-1 (25-19, 23-25, 15-12) before dropping the battle against eventual champion Adversity G17 Purple Adidas, 2-0 (25-19, 25-16).   To get in front of Prep Dig Scouts, college coaches and other top talent from the Class of 2030 at the Freshman Showcase in Wilder on July 18, register here. This code of Mike26PD25OFF gives players 25 percent off registration. <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2288/register/kentucky-stock-up-showcase">https://events.prepdig.com/e/2288/register/kentucky-stock-up-showcase</a>. The Stock Up Event for the 2027 through 2029 classes is also the same day. One can also use the discount code and register here. <a href="http://events.prepdig.com/e/2288/register/kentucky-stock-up-showcase">http://events.prepdig.com/e/2288/register/kentucky-stock-up-showcase</a>    Duby helped 16 Maverick form a solid defense. Duby is consistent in the back row, constantly helping the team get into a great rhythm. Duby also provides sound net coverage. Her range has improved throughout the season. She takes minimal steps to get to balls. Even when lunging, Duby does a good job keeping her body aimed at the target. when out of system, Duby sends balls back toward the net creating opportunities for hitters to smack down balls. Duby also does a great job adjusting to redirected balls.     Pettit brings a lot to the table with her sharp angled shots on the right side. Pettit has a sound four-step approach, explosion off the ground and finish. She paints the back lines regularly. Pettit can beat blocks before they form. Pettit can smack balls in between double blocks and into seams with precision. If teams slide defenders her way, Pettit can smoke crosses to the side lines. Pettit even tools blocks. Pettit also tips balls to the middle and provides good net backup. She reaches out aggressively to block balls defensively.     Keith uses her size and athleticism to dominate the net. Her cut shots are tough to dig up. Keith produces from all six spots on the court. Keith has a great court IQ mixing in hard and soft shots. Keith has solid crosses and line shots. Keith tips over double blocks near lines when defensive specialists are playing back to land quick points. Keith also lands hard line shots from the back row.     Loe is outstanding at forming walls around balls under great contol. Balls often ping off her arms right to targets. Loe keeps her body aimed at targets consistently. Loe handles hard-struck balls with precision. Loe handles setovers with a great platform and makes sound out of system sets. This libero is one of many reasons Briarcrest Christian should be in position to contend for another state championship.     Randol is coachable and that has helped her take her game to another level during club season. Randol has better touches on her sets and does a good job involving a number of hitters. Randol anticipates well on defense and sends across hard serves. Her experience will be a key to success for the Jaguars in the fall.     Hans takes sound angles in tight spaces at the pins. Hans continuously finds different ways to smack balls through and around blocks. Hans has also inproved her blocking technique during club season. Hans works with teammates to form solid double blocks and displays great enthusiasm on the court.    Note from Writer   Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for two years and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. 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Ttwo teams from Tennessee and one from the Pioneer Region made it to the Gold Bracket in the USA Volleyball 16, 17 Girls Junior National Championships at the Indiana Convention Center hoping to bring home the gold. None managed that, but did conclude incredible runs with great records.