Team Focus: NOVA Juniors 16 Navy

Heading to MEQ this coming weekend to compete in the 16 USA division, NOVA 16 Navy opened their season with a 16 Open gold at the Rock and Rumble event. They followed that up with a 4-1 tournament record and top-five finish at the OVR President's Cup. They have a complete team with skills and experience in all positions that can help sustain their effort and competitiveness. As some of these prospects are currently ranked, expect some upward movement, along with others entering the rankings in our next cycle. This team is fun to watch.   POINT SCORERS   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/12/53-Eva-Arnold.jpg?w=359" alt="" class="wp-image-925148" style="aspect-ratio:0.7638848782365965;width:188px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='899029' first='Eva' last='Arnold'] The 5'6 Arnold is a spark plug in her ability to elevate and bring big arm speed at the top of her jump. She drives herself off the floor well with good balance, which allows her to swing with good speed and force on the ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='539419' first='Pyper' last='Hamilton'] Hamilton is a key threat offensively for this team. From multiple attack points at the net and from the back row, she can bring some of the best heat with her high elbow swing that helps max her touch point and get on the ball to drive it onto the opposing defense quickly.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/12/96-Pyper-Hamilton-e1769200202431.jpg?w=333" alt="" class="wp-image-925114" style="aspect-ratio:1.06390838566679;width:265px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='845534' first='Grace' last='Lattavo'] At 5'7, Lattavo is another aggressive attacker. Her approach work features a big runway with good action to step-close to the ball and lift with her shoulders open and a bow and arrow frame that she uses to challenge the block or swing to the deep zones of the court. She's also can contribute effectively in the first-touch phase with good footwork and quickness.   [player_tooltip player_id='955807' first='Ellesyn' last='Ketcham'] As a middle, Ketcham can create some good highlights, especially with her defense. She is patient in her blocking preparation that can lead to quick elevation and fast hands across the net. Offensively, her approach range is developing to be able to run quick options with good adjustments and impact around her setter.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/12/49-Jillian-McCloud.jpg?w=353" alt="" class="wp-image-925152" style="aspect-ratio:0.8059392914199793;width:233px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='707635' first='Jillian' last='McCloud'] McCloud brings some of the best length for this team at 6'1. Her offensive presence at the net includes a quick and physical arm that can generate a lot of terminal force, especially as a middle when she can find space to swing through. Her versatility to swing and defend on the right side is a huge asset and different dimension for this group.   [player_tooltip player_id='955808' first='Hope' last='Sherman'] Sherman is an athletic middle with explosive qualities in her jump and arm swing. At 5'10, her early work in the transition phase is quick and dynamic to help get her on time to be up and available through a variety of options. She is certain to land in the next rankings update for the 2028 Ohio class.   DISTRIBUTORS   [player_tooltip player_id='955806' first='Emma' last='Butler'] Butler may be the key catalyst for this team with her athleticism and setting tools. As their ball control and defense gets things in motion, Butler does a great job of getting herself prepared to react and pursue the ball coming off the platform of her teammates. She moves effectively with great adjustments in her hand work to locate her hitters with balance and efficiency in the offense she runs.   BALL CONTROL   [player_tooltip player_id='807762' first='Presley' last='Courtad'] As this team's primary libero, Courtad commands the court well through both serve receive and her defense. Her base is simple and balanced, which leads to efficiency in her first step to pursue the ball. Her range increases with her quickness and ability to extend her platform away from her body with good angle production.   [player_tooltip player_id='955809' first='Maren' last='Evanto'] Evanto has libero experience that helps create some great depth in the back row for this team. She helps to stabilize the first-touch phase for this team. Her quickness in pursuit of the ball includes big effort in her reaction to dig or chase down the ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='955810' first='Eliana' last='Wolf'] Wolf has good tools to earn her the libero jersey. She does a good job to keep her body position low and dynamic to face the ball with her feet stopped and on balance. This can help her identify the speed of the ball and adjust her angles and force of her platform control and play at contact.

Heading to MEQ this coming weekend to compete in the 16 USA division, NOVA 16 Navy opened their season with a 16 Open gold at the Rock and Rumble event. They followed that up with a 4-1 tournament record and top-five finish at the OVR President's Cup. They have a complete team with skills and experience in all positions that can help sustain their effort and competitiveness. As some of these prospects are currently ranked, expect some upward movement, along with others entering the rankings in our next cycle. This team is fun to watch.