Top Five DMV 14 U Clubs

I got an opportunity to watch a number of 14 U teams play in Junior Nationals. This helped me finalize the top five list. However, the 14 Us still maintain a lot of unknown territory.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Metro</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='753097' first='Nadia' last='Wooten'] is an impressive outside with her 10'4" approach jump and impressive swing. Sometimes the other outsides on the team get overlooked. One of those would be Sai, who can also put the ball away at an impressive clip. She also is not afraid to hit the floor doing her best to keep a rally alive.   Now that the club season is complete, Sai will take her skill level to Bullis where she will do her best to resurrect the success the Bulldogs carried a couple years ago. It may take some time, but Sai has the skills to give the volleyball program there a jump start. It would be a shock if she did not have an impact on the varsity her frosh season. With Bullis she will definitely stand out as the star attraction.    Metro 14 put together a successful season. They competed well in the Open at Junior Nationals playing against the best. One bad streak in which they struggled, losing three consecutive matches to very strong teams, two of which finished first and third in the Open put a taint to the tournament. At this age consider these matches as lessons learned defining what they need to do in the future to compete with Legacy and Dynasty. After those three losses they went to the bronze division defeating two strong teams to win the bronze bracket.   While AES ranks them number two in the Chesapeake Region and 21 nationally, they were the only team in the DMV area to qualify for Open. A 17th place finish out of 48 teams is still impressive. They did not get a chance to play [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] during the season that I'm aware of, but they did beat [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] twice, once at the Capitol Hill Classic and the other at the Charm City Challenge.   Incredible depth on this team. The two main outsides appear to be [player_tooltip player_id='753097' first='Nadia' last='Wooten'] and [player_tooltip player_id='941763' first='Sai' last='Herndon-Brown']. Others who can also hit the pins include [player_tooltip player_id='893943' first='Mila' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='941779' first='Jordin' last='Guthrie'], [player_tooltip player_id='948024' first='Kaila' last='Banks'] and [player_tooltip player_id='877857' first='Asli' last='Anaz']. Guthrie will be joining her setter [player_tooltip player_id='768588' first='Eliana' last='Butler'] and [player_tooltip player_id='917866' first='Sloan' last='Tann'] at South County high school. Watch for them next season. Kaila will team with Sai at Bullis giving them two young pin hitters with pop to help with the rebuild.   The main middles are [player_tooltip player_id='941769' first='Gabriella' last='Scott'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1006166' first='Kateri' last='Arah']. Both list at 6 foot or more and can reach close to 10 feet. [player_tooltip player_id='1006177' first='Isla' last='Takem'] is an undersized middle at 5'7" but her excellent timing and impressive vertical enhance her effectiveness at the middle. The two setters responsible for feeding them are [player_tooltip player_id='768588' first='Eliana' last='Butler'] and [player_tooltip player_id='888185' first='Abigail' last='Chang']. They work a 6/2 and come out in the front row for a more effective hitter/blocker combination.   [player_tooltip player_id='888626' first='Blake' last='Ahn'] and [player_tooltip player_id='777558' first='Kayla' last='R Tutoni'] handle the libero responsibilities. Kayla will transfer to Paul VI where she will compete with [player_tooltip player_id='893067' first='Clara' last='Hays'] for the libero slot. [player_tooltip player_id='789638' first='Zenaia' last='Gray'] also fills a libero role. She will be going to Flint Hill next year.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge']</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='941767' first='Veronica' last='Barvick'] is three inches taller than Charlotte and is the primary offensive player for [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge']. However, Charlotte can hold her own stinging the ball with her own swing to generate points. She served up the ace that gave [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] a win over [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] Jazz in the Chesapeake Regionals that advanced them to a higher division for Junior Nationals.   When playing for Chelsea Academy Charlotte plays more as a libero. Too many other Barvicks compete with her for the outside hitting position. Ultimately, her size may limit her to the libero spot. At Chelsea you can play on the varsity starting in the seventh grade    [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] beat [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] in the Chesapeake Regional Bid championships but lost to [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] in the Northeast Qualifier later in the season. [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] fell to Metro at the Capitol Hill Classic and Charm City Classic. They also beat MVSA Force in the Chesapeake Bid Championships. Coming into the tournament they had already earned a USA bid by finishing third in the Sunshine Classic. [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] passed the USA Division bid to MVSA Force once they earned the National Division bid, but MVSA Force later passed it on to American when they earned a National Division bid as well.   [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] is not one of those intimidating teams that will beat you with size. [player_tooltip player_id='941767' first='Veronica' last='Barvick'] and [player_tooltip player_id='941768' first='Randilyn' last='Hancock'] are the main offensive contributors from the outside. Both are undersized at 5'9" or less, including the 5'6" [player_tooltip player_id='941775' first='Charlotte' last='Barvick'] who also can rip the ball outside. [player_tooltip player_id='947272' first='Claire' last='Marshall'] normally attacks from the right side along with the south paw swinging [player_tooltip player_id='998146' first='Mattie' last='Gentry'].   Like most [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] teams libero [player_tooltip player_id='941765' first='Aubrey' last='Astorino'] covers a lot of ground in the back row. At the Capitol Hill Classic she won best receiver award as well as best server. She will play volleyball for the West Virginia powerhouse Musselman this coming season.   [player_tooltip player_id='948217' first='Sophia' last='Roddefer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1006199' first='Malta' last='Klassen'] set. Sophia won the best setter award at Capitol Hill Classic. [player_tooltip player_id='941668' first='Dagny' last='Haaga'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1006206' first='Avery' last='Riehle'] hit middle.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] Jazz</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='849196' first='Leyla' last='Landry'] made the USAV American Division all tournament team for her outside hitting and six rotation play. She was an offensive presence in the front as well as back row. Her vertical is still on the low side but with more growth and strength that should improve. Ideally, she should shoot for close to 10 feet if she hopes to compete at the Open levels or Division I in college.   This coming high school season she will suit up for Paul VI. They have an opening at one of their left sides but competing as a frosh in the WCAC have humbled many before her with high expectations. [player_tooltip player_id='941986' first='Coco' last='Lewis'] thrashes from one of the left sides.      Starting slow and finishing strong is better than the opposite. It brings good vibes as you enter the high school season. [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] came into the Chesapeake Regional Bid Championships as the number one seed, but when it was over they escaped with a fifth place finish. They played in a number of Qualifiers but could not improve on their American Division bid. Early in the season they played in Triple Crown and finished 60th out of 73 teams.   [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] came into the Junior Nationals as the 36th seed. After being swept by EU Black in the opener their fortune remained bleak. [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] then sprinted out of the gate to win 6 of their next seven to face EU Black again in the finals of the American Division. This time it was [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] who swept EU Black.   Their two outsides [player_tooltip player_id='849196' first='Leyla' last='Landry'] and [player_tooltip player_id='944759' first='Nyla' last='Mclaurin'] were named to the USAV all tournament team. Nyla impresses with her jump but her 5'6" height still gives her the same jump approach number at 9'2", the same reach as [player_tooltip player_id='849196' first='Leyla' last='Landry'] with her 5'9" height. They both remained lethal with their six rotation play and savvy hitting abilities. Another pin [player_tooltip player_id='892908' first='Maya' last='Zadafshar'] could bury the ball with her pin work but she was best used on the right side where she was limited to three rotations.   The two middles [player_tooltip player_id='785509' first='Pia' last='Pardikar'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1001180' first='Liana' last='Lipscomb'] were the favorite targets for setters [player_tooltip player_id='1001234' first='Ellen' last='Hong'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1006215' first='Penelope' last='Hsu'] during the later stages of the match. Both middles deserved spots on the USAV all tournament team but only Liana earned the selection. Pia earned a spot on the Prep Dig all-tournament team. Nyla earned the top nod as the MVP. [player_tooltip player_id='1001242' first='Kylie' last='Thompson'] used her left handed swing for the right side. She also served and set in that rotation but came out for Penelope after her serve ended.   [player_tooltip player_id='1006223' first='Anna' last='Gelston'] impressed me with her libero play. She kept rallies alive with her defense while also keeping the team in system with her passing. She also earned a spot on the Prep Dig All tournament team as one of the two liberos.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">MVSA Force</h2>    MVSA Force played in a strong National Division, losing their first five matches. This prevented me from seeing as much of MVSA as I would have liked. [player_tooltip player_id='957102' first='Carlin' last='Sarlis'] is one of many taller players on the team. As a middle she hits the ball well burying a redirect kill to the floor. She reminded me of another middle who played for MVSA as a 13 who later went on to Metro. Her name was [player_tooltip player_id='536719' first='Katherine' last='Mitchell'], who recently committed to Minnesota.   While Carlin plays with strong potential there still is plenty of time for her to develop. Watch for her to make an impact as a frosh in high school.    While MVSA Force struggled in Junior Nationals, finishing 31st out of 48 teams, they still completed a very successful season. Three first place finishes including winning the Chesapeake Showdown. They also had five top five finishes, including a third place finish in the East Coast championship. They did lose a match to [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] Jazz in a local tournament and [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] in the Chesapeake Bid Championships. At the East Coast Championship they split with Virginia Juniors. Overall, AES has them ranked 4th in the Region but only 353 nationally.   MVSA carries a lot of height with [player_tooltip player_id='957102' first='Carlin' last='Sarlis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='990794' first='Skylar' last='Beckwitt'] in the middle and the 5'10" [player_tooltip player_id='990793' first='Gianna' last='Thomas'] hitting left side along with [player_tooltip player_id='990792' first='Ella' last='Liu'] who lists at 5'9". [player_tooltip player_id='957103' first='Rylee' last='Goh'] handles the libero role. It will be interesting how these players develop next year.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Virginia Juniors</h2>    Her older sister is [player_tooltip player_id='290176' first='Kieran' last='Rhoton'], who played right side for Metro and Virginia Juniors. She later committed to William & Mary. Kinley is following in her footsteps and could stand out as the better player. It is very common for the younger sisters to out perform their older sisters in the volleyball arena. Kinley hits the ball hard from the right side.   Next year Kinley will play as a frosh for Independence. She will get an opportunity to play with her sister Kieran if she makes the varsity. After watching her play the odds are good. The challenge will be who will hit the right side.    Determining the number five club was a toss up between [program_tooltip program_id='489547' first='540' last='Volleyball Academy'] and Virginia Juniors. [program_tooltip program_id='489547' first='540' last='Volleyball Academy'] played in the National Division in Junior Nationals while Virginia Juniors finished a disappointing 9th in the Chesapeake Regional Bid and failed to qualify for Junior Nationals. However, in the East Coast Championships Virginia Juniors finished first defeating 540 in the finals. They also did well in the AAUs finishing 19th in the Select Division out of 91 teams. They also did well in the Northeast Qualifiers (21st) and Salt Lake (5th) but only the top team in the American Division earns a bid to Junior Nationals. Ultimately, they fell short but the talent exists.   Class of 2029 left side [player_tooltip player_id='990788' first='Laylah' last='Hampton'] impressed the most when I watched them at the East Coast championship. At 5'9" she brings some height for her age group but will still need to grow a couple inches as she plays at the older ages. [player_tooltip player_id='990342' first='Genevieve' last='Carter'] also brough height playing middle, but her game is still a bit raw. She will play at Independent High School. [player_tooltip player_id='990790' first='Kinley' last='Rhoton'] can play both pins but hit right side when I saw her play. She puts good velocity on the ball. Kinley will also attend Independent High.   [player_tooltip player_id='965250' first='Jasmine' last='Uuganbayar'] fills the back row as a libero/defensive specialist while [player_tooltip player_id='980634' first='Julia' last='H. Kim'] sets. These two players appear on my watch list because they created profiles on Prep Dig.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='450416' first='East' last='Coast Volleyball Club'] Black the Surprise Club of the Year</h2>    Her parents moved from Belarus but because she was only four years old at the time volleyball was not a big part of her life. That developed while she lived in the United States. She now is a dominating 6'1" middle playing for [program_tooltip program_id='450416' first='East' last='Coast Volleyball Club'] Black.   Her mom said she would be going to Ocean Lakes, however a recruiting profile listed First Colonial. No matter the school she should make an impact for them her frosh season. She hits the ball hard in the middle unlike many taller players her age who spend most of their time tipping over blocks.    They played in the American Division in the Junior Nationals with [program_tooltip program_id='489547' first='540' last='Volleyball Academy'] taking the Old Dominion bid prize that rewarded them the National Division. East Coast did not play in a lot of local tournaments so their regional ranking is low. They did have an impressive 9th place finish in the USA Division of the Sunshine Classic. In the Junior Nationals they won their first four matches. However, they lost their next three matches to stumble into the Bronze B Division where they won their last three matches.   Left side [player_tooltip player_id='897643' first='Julia' last='Ferguson'] is their primary offensive player. At 6'0" she powers balls over and through the smaller blockers. She also impressed enough at the USAV Prep Dig Showcase to earn a top performer award. While watching her I thought she performed much better playing in the matches at Junior Nationals rather than at the Prep Dig showcase. Peyton Smith also showed some effectiveness hitting left side   Middle [player_tooltip player_id='1000565' first='Arina' last='Huseva'] is also an offensive threat. At the 14U age group her 6'1" height can dominate. [player_tooltip player_id='1006240' first='Sophia' last='Mejia'] does not carry the height of Arina but she plays a solid middle as well. She brings the timing to click with the setters on the quick tempo sets as well. [player_tooltip player_id='983815' first='Natalie' last='Fisher'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1006244' first='Payton' last='Ware'] shared setting duties. [player_tooltip player_id='999439' first='Charlotte' last='Nguyen'] showed some good hustle at the libero position

I got an opportunity to watch a number of 14 U teams play in Junior Nationals. This helped me finalize the top five list. However, the 14 Us still maintain a lot of unknown territory.