The Top 15/16U Prospects to Watch at Capital Hill

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As far as I know all the 15/16U remain uncommitted so prospects are broken out by their club teams. The first weekend when Division I scouts have an opportunity to be at a tournament in 2023 has arrived. The National Invitational Tournament (NIT) in Kansas City figures to be the top spot for the major Division I college coaches. But awesome talent will be on display in D.C. at Capital Hill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>16U</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181302"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63eb2ac5650f7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> <strong>[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] gets top billing based on the contributions of two players from the class of 2026. Left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid']</strong> and Libero<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin']</strong> led James Woods high school to the Class 4 State championships as frosh. Brenna at 5'5" played left side and placed second in kills. Kennedy led the team in kills. They both lead this [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] team, but Brenna plays her more natural libero position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The other left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181299' first='Ada' last='McCoy'] </strong>plays six rotations. She plays for Musselman High, which won the West Virginia State Championship. Kennedy and Ada combine to form the best duo of left sides for a club not named Metro. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='290934' first='Ava' last='Dickerson']</strong> plays a solid middle, putting enough balls to the floor to force other teams to respect the position and not focus too much on the outsides.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Virginia Elite </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They pulled a big upset against Metro 16 in the MAPL. As the season progresses perhaps we will find out it was not such a big upset. The smoothest player to watch would be their setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181242' first='Shylah' last='Swope'].</strong> She can do so many things with the ball. An extremely crafty setter who can approach close to 10 feet with her jump. Teams need to watch for that "pineapple" dump that she performs to perfection. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181298' first='Ana' last='Toumazatos']</strong> gets in a zone very little can stop her. At 6'0" she can hit it through or over many blocks. She also plays a solid back row with passing, defense and hitting sets at the three meter line. Right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181243' first='Evelyn' last='Jurden']</strong> can also set, but she stands close to 6'2" and records the highest approach jump on the team. A difference maker on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you are looking for middles [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] ranks supreme. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='225187' first='Simone' last='Schaefer']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181309' first='Brianna' last='Holladay'] </strong>can both dominate a game. At 6'2 Brianna stands taller but the 5'11" Simone oozes athleticism. As a sophomore the Potomac District voted her player of the year. She also earned a spot on the Class 5 Regional first team and Class 5 All State second team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'10" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181311' first='Skyler' last='Tennant']</strong> plays right side but I could see a move to left side. The 6'0" left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='248705' first='Zoe' last='Ryu']</strong> led Georgetown Day to a Washington DC high school championship. They also have depth in the outside ranks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The player responsible for orchestrating this offense will be the top setter in the class of 2026 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238357' first='Claire' last='Mo']</strong>. She set for Langley as a frosh setting them into the quarter finals of the Virginia State championships, before losing to the eventual state champions Alexandria City. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235291' first='Sadee' last='Gedse'] </strong>shows quick movement at the libero position. If you are looking for defense she will impress in that area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clearly the most talented team in the Chesapeake area. One loss to Virginia Elite dropped them down to 13th in MAPL and a loss to Triangle cratered them to ninth in Charm City Challenge. They did win the Maryland Jrs 16 open. Bet on them to win the top spot in Capital Hill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Normally, when you find a setter listed at 6'2" she may have good hands but moves slowly to the ball. Not the case with 6'2" setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181303' first='Isabelle' last='Bardin']</strong>. She moves quickly to the ball and sticks in the front row for her offensive capabilities. Definitely a player to watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Washington Post voted libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238358' first='Evie' last='Huang']</strong> to their all met first team, the only frosh named to that team. Her serve shows incredible movement as it dances across the net. A very calm and consistent player on the court. Evie belongs to the class of 2026 but plays in a class by herself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181307' first='Leni' last='Stanton-Parker']</strong> played mostly middle for Langley High School last year with an occasional appearance on the left side. Her play got her first team votes for the District and Region and second team Class 6 All State. Metro has put her on the left side and there will be some timing issues to conquer but she appears to be adjusting well. In my opinion left side will be the position she will create the most impact. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181805' first='Madison' last='Smith'] </strong>plays the other left side. The six rotation player has upped her game from last year. One of many players from Metro voted to the National Team Development Program (NTPD). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181763' first='Jada' last='Aksu'] </strong>takes a powerful lefthanded swing to the right side. The 6'4" middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235284' first='Caitlin' last='Johnson'] </strong>shows tremendous potential. A number of talented athletes on this roster. Definitely the team to watch to pick an athlete that excites your senses the most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MVSA Sparks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The jewel on this team is left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235748' first='Ema' last='Djordjevic']</strong>. Her left handed swing fits better on the right side, but she plays left side to rotate through all six rotations. At this point her defense rates higher than her passing but her ability to provide an offense in the back row fuels this offense. <strong>Jordyn Palazzo</strong> provides good pop opposite Ema on the left side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309030' first='Corinne' last='Howard'] </strong>plays middle this team ignites with offensive options. She plays basketball in high school so her availability remains a question. At 5'11" she can dunk a volleyball, a testament to her massive vertical jump. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235749' first='Kareena' last='Rathnam']</strong> and defensive specialist <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='306543' first='Sherry' last='Ye']</strong> pursue balls well in the back row. Kareena also brings a vicious bullet serve to her game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'1" middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309031' first='Caroline' last='Kaye']</strong> moves effortlessly to the pins for blocking and hits the quicks well in the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Virginia Jrs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their first tournament was National Harbor where they finished fifth. Left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181300' first='Alexis' last='Ewing']</strong> brings the most attention. The daughter of pro basketball player Patrick Ewing and volleyball Olympian Cheryl Weaver brings tremendous potential to the game. It still needs work, especially in the back row but at 6'3" she hits the ball over blocks. With her jump and arm extension getting to 10 feet should not be an issue.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They appear to have a crowded field of outsides on their roster. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235293' first='Destini' last='Pickett'] </strong>makes up for her 5'8" height with a nice vertical jump. She plays a good back row as well. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235283' first='Racquel' last='Frazier']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='183589' first='Angelique' last='Desamours']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181237' first='Zoe' last='Strachan']</strong> also share the other outside slots. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='206729' first='Megan' last='Phan']</strong> shares the setting duties with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284195' first='Daisy' last='Pentorn']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Others to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='245600' first='Peyton' last='McGee'] </strong>(Beach Elite) - The 5'9" right side can bury the ball to the floor but also fills a setting role for the team. Definitely someone to put on your radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238857' first='Julie' last='Xu'] </strong>(Virginia Volleyball Academy Blue) - The 5'11" right side also sets. She belongs to the class of 2026 but plays up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>15 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["218149"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63ebf5aba7928"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro 15</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a talented pool of 15 teams they seem to be the best of the bunch. They won MAPL and finished second at Charm City.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The left sides are potent with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='303701' first='Caydence' last='Doolan']</strong> and the 6'3" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227251' first='Morgan' last='D. Williams']</strong> getting most of the time. Caydence plays a smooth back row. Right sides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='210539' first='Emma' last='Gardner']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='220923' first='Soleil' last='Rancourt']</strong> and even middle<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='301696' first='Nadiya' last='Johnson']</strong> can shift to left side if the need arises. All three stand over 6 feet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nadiya, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235324' first='Rowan' last='Johnson']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='321676' first='Gabrielle' last='Wigglesworth'] </strong>plug up the middle. Rowan belongs to the class of 2025. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='218149' first='Giselle' last='Norris'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick'] </strong>rotate in the libero role. Laila can also hit outside and belongs to the class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='321677' first='Charis' last='Burge']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238859' first='Sydney' last='Bryant'] </strong>share the setting duties. With so many talented pin hitters they do not get an opportunity to play front row. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In three tournaments [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] finished first, second and third. They play a disciplined game that revolves around passing and playing good defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The two left sides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309027' first='Skylar' last='Norris']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309028' first='Gracelyn' last='Brown']</strong> set the tempo by generating the offense. Gracie leads the team in passing efficiency with her six rotation play. <strong>Callie Hose</strong> plays right side and slides into the back row for defense. The captain holds the team together with her leadership skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When not at a swim meet the 6'2" <strong>Sammie Stephens</strong> plugs up the middle. Her left handed swing may be best suited for the right side in the future. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828368' first='Tenley' last='Mattison'] </strong>occupies the other middle and leads the team in blocks. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320814' first='Alycia' last='Miller']</strong> fills the libero role scooping balls up before they hit the floor. Her responsibility is to keep rallies alive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377332' first='Bianca' last='Hutzler']</strong> makes this engine purr. She also brings a good serve to the court, leading her team in aces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MVSA Charge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They beat a tough Liberty Elite team to win the most recent Maryland Jrs. 15 Open tournament. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='322107' first='Eden' last='Tardy']</strong> plays a strong left side to lead this team offensively. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325600' first='Taryn' last='Su']</strong> strings this offense together with her setting. She also brings a good serve to the court, bunching up seven consecutive points in one stretch against Liberty in the finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sydney Peters </strong>led the team in kills from the right side in the championship game. She ended a number of rallies with her left handed swing. <strong>Reagan Lentz</strong> plays a strong middle. Her quicks frequently hit the floor untouched. She also won a couple jousts in the middle against the taller Liberty Elite blocker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Liberty Elite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'2" middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325603' first='Parker' last='Sutherland'] </strong>loves to hit the 31's. Her threat in the middle opens up the offense for pin hitters <strong>Sophie Everhart </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='374418' first='Jayanna' last='Ware']</strong>. The other middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='436117' first='Sidney' last='Turner'] </strong>also runs the quicks well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325602' first='Alexa' last='Smith']</strong> plays a solid game. She never quits trying to get better, digging warm up hits in between matches. Her serve accumulated 19 points to begin one game, finally missing a serve after the coach called a timeout. With the set starting at 4-4 she only needed two more points to run the table.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Adysen Seymour</strong> and <strong>Kylee-Anne West</strong> share the setting duties. Adysen stays in the front row and hits right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] impressed with a third place finish at MAPL. Teams from the 14-16 age group competed in that event. Their only loss was to second place [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like many of the top teams they are led by their left sides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='249330' first='Charlotte' last='Arrington'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221415' first='Lindsey' last='Canty']</strong>. The 6'1" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238341' first='Teodora' last='Stamenkovic']</strong> also makes an impact from the right side. If needed Teo can move to the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'11" middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235306' first='Brianna' last='Washington'] </strong>features the highest approach jump on the team, a couple inches shy of reaching the 10 foot category. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class of 2027 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='298857' first='Ingrid' last='Smith']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235322' first='Avery' last='Prendergast']</strong>, from the class of 2025 share setting duties. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Others to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238356' first='Morgan' last='Reeves'] </strong>(East Coast Power Shock) A 5'10 left side who started for St. Johns as a frosh. She brings a powerful swing to her game. While she plays six rotations for EC her back row play could use some improvement.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221032' first='Wynn' last='Eaton'] </strong>(East Coast Power Shock) - She also started for St. Johns as one of their two setters. Now that she has gained strength in her hands to eliminate her deep dish the setting capabilities will move quickly forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='229773' first='Evie' last='Ballengee']</strong> (Heart of Virginia Volleyball) - The 6'1" middle looks good on film. Looking forward to actually watching her play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->