Volley by the James Introduces New Faces

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unfortunately, I had my own team to coach and could not get down to the Richmond Convention Center, where the open teams were playing until late Saturday night. The evening session featured the the15 and 16 Open teams. In just those four hours a number of new faces were discovered. Below are some names to watch for the 2024 club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='520349' first='Lauren' last='Hobbs'] </strong>setter ([program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] 16/North Hagerstown) - She set North Hagerstown to the Maryland Class 3 State championship. [player_tooltip player_id='481859' first='Emily' last='Gassaway'] also set for North Hagerstown which got her included in the class of 2024 rankings. While Hobbs got some mentions in my notes she fell short of getting ranked in the class of 2025. At the Volley by the James she orchestrated a 5/1 offense and led [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] to the gold in the 16 Open Division. Her variety of sets kept [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] off balance, especially in set three where [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] demolished them 15-5. [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] won the gold over Club 540 in the final set 16-14. Lauren appears to be a winner wherever she plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["492737"],"_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-65a720488a546"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='525324' first='Olivia' last='Smith']</strong> left side ([program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] 16/ Williamsport) - For her high school she finished second in kills. At 5'7" her height could be a disadvantage, but she hit high off the [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] blocks allowing her to accumulate kills. She also brought a tough serve that [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] found difficult to pass. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["498420"],"_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-65a720488a599"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='498420' first='Meisha' last='Sykes'] </strong>middle ([program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 16/Henry A Wise) - At 6'1" she brings some height to the middle. Her approach jump gets over 10 feet. The previous year she played for St. James. She puts up a solid block at the middle, her long arms able to reach high over the net. She has taken over the middle blocking responsibilities for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] with [player_tooltip player_id='325603' first='Parker' last='Sutherland'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["377337"],"_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-65a720488a5db"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377337' first='Gabrielle' last='Tindall'] </strong>middle (Virginia Elite/Yorktown) -At 6'2" she also brings some height to the middle. While she got added to our rankings in May 2023 her name was still not that familiar. She has the highest approach jump for Virginia Elite, reaching close to 10 feet (9;8'). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377334' first='Josephine' last='Seekford']</strong> left side (Virginia Elite/Loudoun Country) - A 6'2" outside hitter who played for Loudoun County. She did not get a lot of playing time for them last year but with another year of club experience she should begin appearing on the radar. Currently ranked number 74 for the class of 2026. She put a few balls away for a Virginia Elite team that won their last five matches in Volley by the James. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='525329' first='Jaya' last='Lewis']</strong> Libero (American/Battlefield) - [player_tooltip player_id='525329' first='Jaya' last='Lewis'] loves to hit the floor. She played for Battlefield last year, who appeared in the finals of the Class 6 state championship before losing to Langley. The Bobcats will be losing their libero next year but Jaya appears poised to inherit the position. She showed hustle on the floor at the Volley by the James. Next year the Battlefield libero position could be hers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='525331' first='Terry' last='Spring']</strong> left side (Maryland Juniors/Arundel) - Arundel will need to reload after losing a number of seniors. Terry should be part of that addition. She did not get a lot of playing time last year but she showed some springs hitting outside at the Volley by the James. for Maryland Juniors A couple more inches of growth and she should be scary good. Currently listed at 5'9".</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='534058' first='Alexa' last='Bracey']</strong> right side ([program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']/Elizabeth Seton) - Alexa stands tall at 5'10" with a good left handed swing from the right side. She plays for a strong [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 15 team which won the 15 Open Volley by the James. Lots of talent on that team so playing time could be an issue but she has an arm. Younger sister of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181236' first='Erika' last='Bracey']</strong>, who has committed to Rhode Island. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='493358' first='Kennedy' last='Cummins']</strong> libero (MVSA Sparks/Glenelg Country School) - Kennedy played a strong libero for MVSA Sparks. With her and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238860' first='Mia' last='Fornasiero'] </strong>patrolling the back row MVSA should be tough to get out of system. Kennedy shows quick movements and solid passing skills. I have her on my watch list for the class of 2026 and color me impressed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riley Forehand </strong>left side (Club 540/Caroline) - She made the second team in the Battlefield District representing Caroline High. A left side hitter who hits the ball hard and high off the block. Club 540 has some impressive talent with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221415' first='Lindsey' last='Canty']</strong> hitting the other left side and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='435745' first='Alyssa' last='Kumah']</strong> providing offense at the middle position. Riley also shows an ability to terminate balls from the back row as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536717' first='London' last='Jones']</strong> left side (Richmond Volleyball/class of 2028) - A player to put on your radar. Richmond has her playing up on their 15 team with [player_tooltip player_id='464573' first='Blake' last='Crawford']. She brings a good vertical but only plays three rotations for now. Still a bit raw but with more experience could develop into a monster offensive player. Next year will be her frosh season in high school.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='528727' first='Avery' last='Hurley']<strong> </strong>setter ([program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club']/Colonial Heights) - Avery sets a very clean ball and at 5'11 brings height to the position. She put up a nice block against [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']. [program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club'] started out strong winning their first four games but a loss to [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] dropped them to the silver division where they also lost to MVSA Charge and 540 Volleyball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Volley by the James Results</strong></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":["455102"],"_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-65a720488a61e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was all [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] (pictured above). They did not lose a set as they swept through the competition. In the finals to determine the gold bracket winner they swept through Maryland Juniors 26-24 and 25-16 then beat a strong [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] team by almost the same scores 26-24 and 25-18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They are led by<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='296486' first='Taylor' last='Harrington']</strong> in the middle, who sits as the top prospect in our class of 2027. She plays taller than her 6'1" height with the athleticism to reach over 10 feet with her approach jump. At this age she was pounding it over most blocks. At the pins [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] added <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333650' first='Louise' last='Neuhart']</strong> to a roster already crowded with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='279856' first='Kayla' last='Luther']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437448' first='Eva' last='Collingham']</strong> at the left sides and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455102' first='Erin' last='Green']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238595' first='Sofia' last='Delarosa'] </strong>on the right. With that kind of fire power the coach can go with the hot hand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455102' first='Erin' last='Green']</strong> played a strong right side against [program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club']. She swings hard and produced kills from the right and left side, though the right side is her main position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The setting combo of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438046' first='Anna' last='Dierks']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='298857' first='Ingrid' last='Smith']</strong> may be the best in this class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16 Open </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181280"],"_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-65a720488a65d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] was playing without their top hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid']</strong>, who was playing in a beach tournament in Florida. She planned on joining the team on Monday, the third day of the tournament. That did not prevent [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] from going undefeated the first two days. They had a secret weapon in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309028' first='Gracelyn' last='Brown']</strong> who took over for Kennedy on the left side and played just awesome. Gracelyn plays both basketball and softball for Hedgesville so her volleyball this year will be limited. But against [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] her defense scooped a number of balls from hitting the floor and she was adept at using the [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] block to achieve kills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='520349' first='Lauren' last='Hobbs']</strong> ran the offense well. She has a nice touch to the ball and the hitters fed off her sets. One of those hitters was middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320815' first='Tenley' last='Mattison']</strong>, who [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] found difficult to stop. Tenley also put up a number of monster blocks against [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] in their biggest victory of the tournament. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='525324' first='Olivia' last='Smith']</strong> also provided an offensive presence from the left side and brought a bullet serve that produced shank after shank for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320814' first='Alycia' last='Miller']</strong> smothered the back row. They provide hustle and grit to the [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] winning mentality. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] topped a tough 540 team 25-20, 16-25, 16-14 in the final bracket. After that they beat Jersey Jrs 26-24, 25-11 to win the championship. Quite a good start to their season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>17 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181242"],"_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-65a720488a69c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> Virginia Elite took first place based on a tie breaker. Three teams went into the gold undefeated, Virginia Elite, [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] and [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']. Virginia Elite first lost to [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] 23-25, 25-23, 15-13. That had to be one fun game to watch. Then they were able to sweep past a strong [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] team 27-25, 25-16. When [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] roasted [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] 25-11, 25-12 all three teams finished 7-1. Virginia Elite finished on top at 15-2, [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] took second at 14-2 and [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] settled for third at 14-3. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Virginia Elite is loaded at the pins with left sides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='475116' first='Jocelyn' last='Pye']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181298' first='Ana' last='Toumazatos'] </strong>and right sides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181243' first='Evelyn' last='Jurden']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464589' first='Julia' last='Kelly']</strong>. All of these girls stand over 6 feet with approach jumps close to 10 feet. The player with the highest approach jump though is setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181242' first='Shylah' last='Swope'],</strong> who reaches 9'9". Even though she stands just 5'10" she has the ability to out leap her pin hitters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181279' first='Kadi' last='Pynchon']</strong> covers the back row. Virginia Elite will be a team to contend this year. Looking forward to watching them play in their next tournament. They are coached by <strong>Heather Stout</strong>, who ran the first ever Prep Dig 250 Expo Showcase. She also coaches at Catholic University.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>18 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jersey Juniors beat back the locals Valley Juniors and [program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club'] to win the highest age group. Valley Jrs is led by<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='464583' first='Natalie' last='Rocco']</strong> while [program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club'] is led by right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='232998' first='Campbell' last='Woods']</strong> and middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464566' first='Taylor' last='Meredith']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chesapeake Chirps: Metro 16 and 17 finished first in the JVA Rock and Rumble in Cleveland. A good start to their season... Metro 18 played well at their first qualifier. They earned their way to the gold bracket but losses to 1st Alliance and Team Pineapple prevented them from winning a bid. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->