5 Take-aways from the Pentagon Grand Prix
This past weekend over 100 teams gathered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for the Prentagon AAU Grand Prix. The stakes were high with winners claiming a free admission to AAU Nationals in Orlando or the option of West Coast…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend over 100 teams gathered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for the Prentagon AAU Grand Prix. The stakes were high with winners claiming a free admission to AAU Nationals in Orlando or the option of West Coast Championship in Vegas. Here are 5 great take-always in case you missed it.
1 – Focus on Sportsmanship
During the weekend players, teams and coaches were. Seen wearing a special bracelet. Turns out this special bracelet was given out to recognize positive sportsmanship. One example was Cassidy Hunt of Elite Alliance 18-1 Green. A official wanted to acknowledge her enthusiasm and focus during the final match in which she had to line judge by giving her a bracelet. Others that were recognized include: the Summit 16’s, Custer Wild 18’s coaches, and young Kokoro athletes.
2 – Heritage Court
All of the championship matches were played on the Heritage main court. The Pentagon facility is an interesting building in itself and located in the middle is the uniquely, large stage for club volleyball matches. The court is used for the Sioux Falls, NBA “G” league team: Skyforce. It has stadium-style seating, suites, and a charming style. This was a grand stage for the final matches of the tournament and added to the excitement for players and fans alike. They were also live streamed which let family relatives watch from home!
3- Photo Booth and Empowerment Wall
The Pentagon clubs and family put on a wonderful event with an emphasis on positive play and sportsmanship. They went out of their way to create a fun and inviting atmosphere. There was a photo booth for teams to help create silly memories equipped with props. Also, there was a new idea called the “Empowerment Wall.” Players, fans and coaches were encouraged to stop buy and write something positive on a post-it note. By the end of the weekend it was covered with quotes, sayings, and inspiring messages. We like where their head is at when it comes to adding engaging activities to tournaments.
4- Kandi Elite
The wall wasn’t the only thing inspiring. Several Kandi Elite teams had noteworthy performances. For example, the 17-1’s didn’t lose a match all weekend. This team has been well covered on PrepDig.com with several standout players: Makayla Snow, Halie Nichols, Sydney Sommers, Elizabeth Dille, Ashlyn Olson and more. Only SWMNVB 17-1 and Kokoro were able to steal a set from them. Their fast offense, solid defense, and limited mistakes made it hard for their opponents to rally. Kandi 16-1’s also took home the championship over Kokoro (in 2 sets.)
5- Kokoro
The ultimate match-up on the Heritage court was in the 18’s division between Kokoro 18-1 and KEVC 18-1. Both rosters boast of talented, college bound athletes. Kokoro held control for most of the first set and finished 25-22. Every point was earned against the strong KEVC defense: Avery Elfering, Riley Decker, and Danielle Burns. KEVC should a lot of heart challenging them with some well executed plays in the second set, but it wasn’t quite enough against the likes of Reece Koehler, Angela Denney, Katherine Cottrell and Kaityln Bakke. Kokoro’s talented bench outlasted Kandi even after a hard fought semi-final match against SWMNVB (25-17, 26-28, and 15-10.) Great effort from the SWMNVB athletes: Miah Kunkel, Lydia Sussner, and Kassie Tweet.