Rockwood Thunder Denies The “Hype” – NIT Elite Eight Bound

Miami Hype 17N Emilio had the upset of the tournament earlier in the night when they defeated reigning 16s NIT Champion and hometown favorite Dynasty 17 Black.  This scrappy team from South Florida plays with a lot of pace, grit, and physicality that can be a tough match up for most teams. 

Rockwood Thunder 17 Elite out of the St. Louis area had other plans. They set the tone early jumping out to an early set one lead eventually taking it 25-21 and closing out set two and the match 25-17. This brought their tournament record to 6-0 on the weekend.

Libero and Ohio State commit, Olivia Hasbrook Olivia Hasbrook 5'9" | DS/L Eureka | 2024 State #56 Nation MO showed why she is a future Big Ten athlete. She commands the backrow, she takes the lead on serve receive with such a range nearly taking half of the court, picking up the tips, anticipating the next play, and has such positive intangibles to go around. She is constantly moving around, creating energy by talking and connecting with her teammates. 

After watching Rockwood Thunder teams compete the past few years on a national level, this match was very on brand with what their club represents: Discipline, defense, and a well balanced offense. 

A healthy dose or Claire Morrissey Claire Morrissey 6'0" | RS St. Joseph's Academy | 2024 State #22 Nation MO , Allison Risley Allison Risley 5'11" | OH Fayette | 2024 State #187 Nation MO , Jordan Smith Jordan Smith 6'4" | OH Francis Howell Central | 2025 State #61 Nation MO , Maya Witherspoon Maya Witherspoon 5'11" | OH Fayette | 2025 State #48 Nation MO was just too much for Miami Hype. All of these athletes are able to score points from both pins. This kept the middle blockers guessing and a lot of one on one opportunities to terminate, or pun intended - a lot of “Lightning and Thunder”. 

Morrissey has been a consistent force for this squad and has given her verbal to stay in state and play for Mizzou. Her ability to score points on both pins will be welcomed under new coach Dawn Sullivan who took over the program earlier this winter. Risley will be heading to Northern Kentucky. The junior can also handle a heavy bulk or serve receive and can be a threat out of the backrow to score points.

There is some youth on this team, playing up an age group that has had a major impact. Smith, Witherspoon, and setter Morgan Dumm are out of the Class of 2025. Their recruiting process can officially begin June 15 of this year. Witherspoon brings athleticism, physicality, and a whole lot of explosiveness all along the front row. She is so fast to the ball and is a mismatch nightmare. Smith was scoring a lot of points on the right side. Her heavy swing can power through the block and even when the defense does get a touch, it is tough for them to stay in system. Dumm makes such a great combo with fellow setter and Villanova commit Alyssa Nelson Alyssa Nelson 5'8" | S Wildwood | 2024 State MO . She brings quick feet, a smooth release, and can stay neutral going to any of her attackers for a favorable matchup. Plenty of schools will be reaching out in just a few months. 

The journey of NIT continues for 17 Elite as they kick off the quarterfinals starting at 8:30 AM against OT 17 T Aaron out of Tampa, Florida