Several 16U Teams Set for GJNC
Several Ohio and northern Kentucky teams are set to challenge for national titles across various 16U divisions in Indianapolis. Here are some of those teams and key athletes to look for. 16 Open NKYVC 16-1 Tsunami, seeded 10th among 36…
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Continue ReadingSeveral Ohio and northern Kentucky teams are set to challenge for national titles across various 16U divisions in Indianapolis. Here are some of those teams and key athletes to look for.
16 Open
NKYVC 16-1 Tsunami, seeded 10th among 36 teams in the highest division, look to improve upon last season’s finish and capitalize on some great success across this club cycle. Given they are healthy and at full strength when their division begins play on July 1st, expect them to compete well to advance to the gold bracket in the latter stages of the event. When they are performing well in all areas they can produce an unbeatable product. As many of their athletes have been highlighted over the last several months it really will come down to a collective effort in which their ball control and defense can allow setter Abby Yoder Abby Yoder 5'10" | S Kings | 2024 State #101 Nation OH to create balance in their offense. They have the arms to get it done on the pins in the trio of Alivia Skidmore Alivia Skidmore OH St. Henry | 2024 State #64 Nation KY , Sydney Barrett Sydney Barrett 6'0" | OH Kings | 2024 State #119 Nation OH , and Lilly Gillespie Lilly Gillespie 5'8" | OH Turpin | 2024 State OH . If middles Julia Hunt Julia Hunt 6'1" | MB Holy Cross (Covington) | 2024 State #11 Nation KY and Lilly Hamburg Lilly Hamburg 6'0" | MB Conner | 2024 State KY can score with regularity and efficiency, which they definitely have the potential to, then watch out. Libero Elizabeth Tabeling Elizabeth Tabeling 5'7" | DS/L St. Henry | 2024 State #127 Nation KY is seemingly at her best defensively in the biggest moments. This is the area’s only opportunity to compete for an open-level title as no Ohio-based teams qualified in this division.
16 National
As the #3 overall seed in this division, Mintonette m.61 enters the event as one of the favorites finish on the podium. At 6’1, setter Kaylee Musick Kaylee Musick 6'1" | S Bishop Hartley | 2024 State #112 Nation OH is one of the best in her class in Ohio. She runs a good offense and continues to improve the quality of her skills and decision making that includes increased precision and location through both pins. One of her biggest targets is Becca Wight Becca Wight 6'4" | RS Thomas Worthington | 2024 State OH . She has length and reach on the right side that is a handful for opponents. Lily Barron Lily Barron 6'2" | OH Oletangy Orange | 2024 State OH on the left side also brings size at 6’2 and great arm speed in the air to generate big pace. Role players that also make important contributions are libero Jessica Guttridge and middle Hattie Welker.
The team that is Maverick 16 Elite has deservedly earned their #2 seed in their pool (14th overall) and could wreak some havoc if they have all their parts contributing well. Setter Hannah Pattie Hannah Pattie 5'7" | S Lake Catholic | 2024 State OH (pictured) is a dynamic floor leader and will certainly bring her competitive fire to help elevate the level of play among her teammates. Middle Ava Kanj Ava Kanj 6'3" | MB Solon | 2024 State OH is their best quick tempo option and has a good relationship with her setter to find the right opportunities for her to take big swings. The pin action has potential for balanced effort through Pattie’s ability to distribute both directions on the move. On the left side is Kate Trzcinski and the athleticism and aggressive arm of Aubrey Kirk Aubrey Kirk 5'10" | OH Avon Lake | 2024 State OH . At opposite is the lefty Jessica Neiman Jessica Neiman 6'0" | RS Padua Franciscan | 2024 State OH who benefits well from the space she gets when the ball is set against the flow. This team is fun to watch so it is encouraged that you stop by their court and take a look
NKYVC 16-2 Tide will also compete in this division after earning their spot following their 16-1 counterparts claiming an open-level bid. Middle Peyton Walker Peyton Walker 6'0" | MB Conner | 2024 State KY is one to keep an eye on as she has good physical tools, including a 9’11 touch point. She has a nice arm in the air and can generate good power while also putting up a big block on the defensive side. Getting her involved will be the key so their ball control and defense needs to produce quality in-system opportunities for their offense. On the pin is Melana Bigelow Melana Bigelow 5'11" | RS Turpin | 2024 State OH who has steadily increased her productivity with increased power and ability to hit the full range of the floor. This team is scrappy and has had some high quality competitive moments and results throughout the season.
Additional Ohio and northern Kentucky teams competing in other 16U divisions include:
16 American
– ECJ 16-1
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Elevation
16 Butcher
– Mintonette m.62
– MOVA 16-M
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RockCity
16-1
16 USA
– CVC 16 Black
– Southwest 16N Joe
– TVC 16 Black
16 Liberty
– Infinity 16 Green
16 Freedom
– AVC CLE Rox 16 Blue
–
Elevation
16 Matt