Top Players to Watch from 16U Teams in Junior Nationals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No open teams in this bunch. Two National teams and a total of nine teams in this age group, four more than in the 17U Division. Premier Edge will play in the Freedom Division but they are a club from Delaware. Beach Elite Black (National), Beach Elite Red (American) as well as East Coast Volleyball Club Black (Freedom) play in the Old Dominion Region. Below are some of the top players from the five teams in the Chesapeake Region competing in the 16U in Chicago. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181763"],"_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-6484a8d1083e5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro </strong>(National)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>General Info</strong> - They had some rough luck in the Open Division Qualifiers. Middle of the pack finishes that kept them from earning an open bid. In their most recent tournament they earned a third place finish in the JVA Summerfest. They are due for something big. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified</strong> - They won the Chesapeake Regional Qualifier to earn the National Division bid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Players to Watch</strong> - Prep Dig came out with their class of 2025 National Rankings. 6"2" setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181303' first='Isabelle' last='Bardin']</strong> (108) and 6'0" middle/left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181307' first='Leni' last='Stanton-Parker']</strong>(100) were the two players from this group to make the top 115. Isabelle has the ability to both hit and set so she stays right side to give the team some offense. Metro does not normally leave setters to play in the front row but Isabelle is one of those rare exceptions. Leni brings the flexibility to hit left side or middle. At this point her best position is middle where she only needs to rely on her athleticism to block or put the ball to the floor on a quick set. She brings an approach jump that reaches 10'6". </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'1" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181805' first='Madison' last='Smith']</strong> has grown an inch or two from last year. She uses more of the court and appears to have some extra juice on the ball when she hits. When Leni moves to middle the smaller [player_tooltip player_id='249341' first='Baylee' last='Doolan'] plays left side. Metro uses her as a defensive specialist when not playing left side. At 5'8" she brings a good vertical and consistently puts the ball to the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181763' first='Jada' last='Aksu']</strong> brings some pop and enthusiasm to the court. She stands 6'0", swings lefthanded and comes in for setter [player_tooltip player_id='181244' first='Ryan' last='Hicks'] in the front row. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238358' first='Evie' last='Huang'] </strong>belongs to the class of 2026 but can hang with the 16s. She brings a good serve, passes well and knows where to play on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finally, lots of depth and length fill the middle with the 6'5" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235284' first='Caitlin' last='Johnson']</strong> and the 6'2" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181764' first='Kristen' last='Moore'] </strong>plugging the holes with their blocks. The 6'2" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181315' first='Sierra' last='Evans']</strong> is another option. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181309"],"_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-6484a8d10843c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Paramount </strong>(USA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>General Info</strong> - They fell just short of qualifying for the National Division with a second place finish in the Chesapeake Qualification Regional. In the Windy City Qualifier they finished 21st out of 32 teams while playing in Open. In their most recent tournament, the JVA Summerfest they also played in Open and finished 32nd out of 36 teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified</strong> - In the Sunshine Qualifier they finished second out of 64 teams in the USA Division. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Players to Watch</strong> - Love their libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235291' first='Sadee' last='Gedse'].</strong> She is so consistent in the back row, passing nails, hustling down balls and making the plays to put her team on the offensive. She comes in for two very strong middles in the 5'10" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='225187' first='Simone' last='Schaefer']</strong> and the 6'2" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181309' first='Brianna' last='Holladay'].</strong> These two are adept at hitting the quicks and putting up solid blocks. All three players fall within the top 20 for the class of 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238357' first='Claire' last='Mo'] </strong>belongs to the class of 2026. She set as a frosh for Langley, where they advanced to the Class 6D Regional finals. Sharing the setting role with her is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='183972' first='Abigail' last='Litonjua']</strong>. Don't be surprised to see either one set a 5/1. Abigail hits lefthanded, a nice attribute for the right side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paramount comes at you with two lethal pin hitters. First, teams have to contend with the length of 6'0" left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='248705' first='Zoe' last='Ryu']</strong>. She gets good arm extension on her hits giving her the ability to hit the ball high off the blocks. Second, comes the smaller [player_tooltip player_id='192587' first='Adriana' last='Perodin'], who stands just 5'8" but brings terrific velocity to her hits. Adriana belongs to the class of 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["290899"],"_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-6484a8d10848f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blue Ridge</strong> (American)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>General Info</strong> - In the Advanced Event System local rankings Blue Ridge sits at number one in the Chesapeake Region. They have beaten all the top teams in their region and Beach Elite Black from the Old Dominion Region. In the only qualifier they entered Blue Ridge finished 9th out of 60 teams in the USA Division of the Northeast Qualifier. Without a doubt, this team will surprise a lot of people. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified </strong>- A third place finish in the Chesapeake Regional Qualifier, where their only loss was against Metro.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong> - Possibly the two most talented players are from the class of 2026. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid']</strong> ranks number one from that class. The 5'11" left side plays all six rotations. As a frosh she led her high school James Wood to the Class 4 Virginia State championship, leading the team in kills. Second on the team in kills was <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin']</strong>, who only stands 5'5". She plays libero for Blue Ridge. There may not be a player who covers more court than Brenna.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181299' first='Ada' last='McCoy']</strong> gives Blue Ridge a potent one/two punch from the left side. Another six rotation player who plays for West Virginia State champion Musselman. In total Blue Ridge has four players on their roster who play for state champions, with Musselman setter <strong>Kendall Watcher</strong> the fourth player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'11" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='290934' first='Ava' last='Dickerson']</strong> plays middle like an outside. She doesn't bother with the quick sets. She hits the two sets and goes left or right without being blocked. A tough player to contain even when you know she is being set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["309031"],"_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-6484a8d1084de"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MVSA Sparks </strong>(American)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>General Info </strong>- They have done well in the tournaments they have played in, finishing in the top ten. A ninth place finish in the Northeast Qualifier out of 87 teams in the Liberty Division attests to their strong play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified</strong> - They finished fourth in the Chesapeake Regional Qualifier, earning them a Freedom bid. It was reallocated up to American.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch </strong>- The left handed swinging <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235748' first='Ema' last='Djordjevic']</strong> is the player all the teams key on. Rarely does she hit against one block. The 6'0" left side sometimes moves to the right side to hit, where her lefthanded swing can do more damage. The USA national team has invited Ema to multiple NTDP training sessions. Ema plays all six rotations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'11" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320821' first='Jordyn' last='Palazzo']</strong> plays the other left side. She often gets overlooked as teams key on Ema for the back row attack. Jordyn can also put the ball to the floor with a powerful righthanded swing. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309031' first='Caroline' last='Kaye'] </strong>is a 6'1" middle that sweeps in for the quicks when teams focus too much on the outsides. She also covers a lot of territory with her blocks, moving fluidly from pin to pin. If they can get [player_tooltip player_id='309030' first='Corinne' last='Howard'] off the basketball courts she is a fun player to watch. She can dominate the game from the middle or the outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finally, the Sparks have two quality back row players in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235749' first='Kareena' last='Rathnam']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='306543' first='Sherry' last='Ye']</strong>. Kareena can string together points with a bullet serve that teams find a challenge to pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["235283"],"_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-6484a8d108525"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Virginia Juniors </strong>(Freedom)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>General Info</strong> - They played in the USA Division in the Northeast and Mideast Qualifiers. In the Northeast they had an impressive 9th place finish out of 60 teams. Not so impressive in the Mideast with a 52nd finish out of 96 teams. In the latest tournament, the JVA Summerfest they claimed the 29th spot out of 36 teams in the Open Division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified </strong>- It did not look good after they finished fifth in the Chesapeake Regional Qualifier. MVSA got bumped up from Freedom to American and Virginia Juniors got a reallocated Freedom bid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181300' first='Alexis' last='Ewing'] </strong>is the daughter of professional basketball player Patrick Ewing and Cheryl Weaver, who played on the U.S. national volleyball team. Tremendous potential exists for the 6'4" left side hitter who reaches close to 11 feet with her approach jump. Once she gains confidence in her ability she has the potential to rise to the top of the 2025 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other pin hitters who can make a difference include <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235293' first='Destini' last='Pickett']</strong>, <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>. With Alexis filling one of the left sides, these four players share the other three pins. Destini stands out as the best back row player of the group but stands just 5'8".</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'6" setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='206729' first='Megan' last='Phan']</strong> is the lone class of 2026 player on the roster. She sets a 5/1 for Bullis High School, the same school attended by Alexis. For Virginia Juniors they run a 6/2 to accommodate all their pin hitters. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284195' first='Daisy' last='Pentorn'] </strong>is their second setter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->