January’s Top Teams: U18s
As we close out the month of January, we volleyball enthusiast gained just a glimpse of what the current club season has to offer. As some teams have already made a big splash, others are growing their experience and developing…
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Continue ReadingAs we close out the month of January, we volleyball enthusiast gained just a glimpse of what the current club season has to offer. As some teams have already made a big splash, others are growing their experience and developing their own momentum. Here are three U18 teams that have already established their presence and competitiveness with some great success in this first month of events.
MN Select 18-1
Finishing 4th at the Northern Lights Qualifier and 2nd at the Winter Classic in Chicago, both in the 18 Open division, they earned a bid to the 2019 GJNC later this season. Competing in two qualifying events in one month can be daunting but this collection of athletes is experienced and has depth to be able to handle such a busy schedule.
MN Select 18-2
This team earned a bid to the 2019 GJNC by finishing 2nd in 18 USA division at the Northern Lights Qualifier in Omaha, NE. They also competed at the Winter Classic in Chicago in the 18 USA division, finishing 14th overall.
As MN Select lists all of their 18s athletes together on their club website, only a few are still unsigned/committed. The following athletes are certainly worth a look as they have skills to compete at the next level.
Kate Achenbach – 6’2 | 2019 | OH/RS | Osseo High School
Sami Hilley – 5’11 | 2020 | MB | Champlin Park
Kelsie Sealock – 5’8 | 2019 | DS | Osseo High School
SMV 18-1
With a 7-1 tournament record they claimed the Big City Luau 18 Gold championship. They defeated a solid Kokoro 18-1 team in the finals avenging their only loss from earlier in the tournament. Both of those matches went the distance in the best two of three format. The Luau is one of the best early-season region-based events. SMV 18-1 is an athletic and talented group that many have anticipated their opportunities to watch compete this season. They are certain to find themselves among the top teams at each of their events going forward. A handful of their athletes are committed to some great programs while others are still working towards their decisions. Athletes that remain available include:
Caroline Braun – 5’9 | 2019 | OH/DS | Kasson-Mantorville High School
Emma Goss – 6’0 | 2020 | RS/MH | Rochester Mayo High School
Kelly Klees – 5’10 | 2020 | S | Rochester Mayo High School
Morgan LaVigne – 5’10 | 2020 | RS/MH | Wabasha-Kellogg High School
Eden Mueller – 5’9 | 2020 | OH/RS | John Marshall High School
Mina Wimmer – 5’7 | 2019 | S/DS | Rochester Century High School