Setting the Standard at MEQs: 16 Open

<p>Behind every elite hitter there's the trailblazer that puts the ball in motion. The caliber of talent at the Mid-East Qualifiers proved just how game-changing a setter can be. The pool of setters in the 16 Open really raised the bar of competition and then some.</p> <p>The 16 Open saw Dynasty 16 Black take the ultimate crown and a bid for July. Somehow going 10-0 on the weekend, Dynasty was on point all weekend especially with such a stacked field of competition.</p> <p>Without further ado, let's take a look at the setters setting the standard in the 16 Open at MEQs.</p> <p><strong>Juliana Horta</strong> (2024) | 5'10 S | NC Academy</p> <p>To really make an impact on any team, especially in the position of a setter, you have to be fierce and loud. <strong>Juliana Horta</strong> was a natural leader on the court this weekend. With a great court presence and vocal leader for NC Academy, Horta was a joy to watch throughout the weekend. She's fast to the ball and can be quite deceptive when she calls her own number on two.</p> <p><strong>Abby Yoder</strong> (2024) | 5'9 S | NKYVC</p> <p>NKYVC was a fun team to watch throughout the weekend. A group filled with some dynamic athletes, it is no surprise they finished in the top 5 of the qualifier. It even less shocking when you see <strong>Abby Yoder</strong> in action. Yoder plays a very smooth and composed game and has great ball placement.</p> <p><strong>Lilly Wagner</strong> (2024) | 6'0 S | MKE Sting</p> <p>One of my new favorite players to watch in any position, <strong>Lilly Wagner</strong> had my expectations high coming into the weekend, and she more than delivered. She has a great demeanor on the court and she runs a well oiled machine. Wagner has great timing when feeding the hot hand and came up timely with her dumps on two.</p> <p>https://x.com/LineShotVBall/status/1507746900514152464?s=20&amp;t=mdJMUsiwX4SM2OIs_pPkyw</p> <p><strong>Chloe Hokenson</strong> (2024) | 6' S | VA Elite</p> <p>Like in the opening every great hitter is a great setter, <strong>Chloe Hokenson</strong> fits the bill quite well. Hokenson has a great approach to the setter position. She runs a faster offense and maintains a consistent location throughout. Her connection with Zoe Strachan this weekend was quite something to watch, Hokenson's comfortability going against the grain and Strachan's strong south paw created a lot of problems for opponents.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><strong>Emery Moore</strong> (2024) | 5'10 S | Circle City</span></p> <p>Finishing within the top ten of this tournament is no easy task, given this stacked field, and <strong>Emery Moore</strong> was great leading her team there this weekend. Moore is consistent and poised on the court. She runs a very balanced offense that sees the tempo stepping up a notch, but with great delivery throughout. </p> <p><strong>Reese Messer</strong> (2025) | 5'11 S | Dynasty</p> <p>I refuse to believe this player is only a freshman. <strong>Reese Messer</strong> is a big time athlete that's just getting started, but already so good. <span style="font-size: 1rem;">There's no wonder how Dynasty won the Mid-East Qualifier when they have this as their setter. Messer runs a very smooth, balanced offense and when you least expect it, she'll call her own number!</span></p> <p>https://x.com/LineShotVBall/status/1507741542123020290?s=20&amp;t=mdJMUsiwX4SM2OIs_pPkyw</p> <p><strong>Calli Kenny</strong> (2024) | 5'9 S | 1st Alliance</p> <p>Taking her team to the championship match is a great feat and well expected after watching <strong>Calli Kenny</strong> in action. A player who moves well around the court, she makes the game look so easy. Kenny likes to run a diverse offense, getting everyone involved. You never know who she'll call on.</p> <p><strong>Lea Gage</strong> (2024) | 5'10 S | L2</p> <p><strong>Lea Gage</strong> had another good outing this weekend for L2. A consistent hand in the game, she was never too off base with her delivery throughout the weekend. Gage showcased a great connection with her pins this weekend once again, but also saw improvement with her middles.</p> <p><strong>Lucy Mott</strong> (2024) | 6'0 S | Legacy</p> <p>A name very familiar, but always impresses, nonetheless. <strong>Lucy Mott</strong> had another solid showing in Indianapolis. She's a player that can better any ball and had to do a lot of that this weekend. Dealing with some passing woes throughout the weekend, Mott was able to keep up a well oiled machine.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><strong>Janelle Green</strong> (2024) | 5'10 S | KC Power</span></p> <p>A huge driving force to KC Power's third place finish came from the hands of<strong> Janelle Green</strong>. An outstanding setter, what caught my eye even further was her defense. I would argue Green was one of the best defensive setters on the weekend. Green made some great plays on the ball whether it was in her first contact or second.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><strong>Mya Ball</strong> (2024) | 6'1 S/OPP | Team Pineapple</span></p> <p><strong>Mya Ball</strong> was a fun player to watch throughout the weekend. Doubling as an opposite in the front row, to a setter in the back, Ball was solid throughout. As a setter, Ball was having great success with her hitters all weekend. Ball runs her game very steady with consistent delivery. </p>