Six Prospects on the Rise for Legends 15U Travel
By Michael Selecky Contributing Writer Having competed at the MLK Challenge Jan. 18-19 in Fort Wayne, IN., in between sessions in the Michiana Open Power League Jan. 11-12 and Feb. 8-9, the Legends 15U Travel Team is only getting stronger…
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Continue ReadingBy Michael Selecky
Contributing Writer
Having competed at the MLK Challenge Jan. 18-19 in Fort Wayne, IN., in between sessions in the Michiana Open Power League Jan. 11-12 and Feb. 8-9, the Legends 15U Travel Team is only getting stronger as it advances towards the American Athletic Union State Championships. Until that event in Grand Rapids May 30-31 Head Coach Aaricka McCracken and squad have several stops to make. This includes the Can-Am Classic May 16-17 in Detroit, the Freedom Classic in Brighton at the Legacy Center May 9-10 and Volleyfest April 25-26 in Grand Rapids.
As this team goes about that schedule it’ll be fine tuning its efforts at every turn, a cause taken up with true intensely by Director of Volleyball Kristen Althouse and a roster for the Legends 15U Travel girls that includes…
TARA CREEKMORE
Legends 15U Travel practices at the Legacy Dome on Wednesday’s from 7-9 p.m. and at Shepherd of the Lakes on Monday’s from 7:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. For Creekmore what that’s equated to is an ever-growing defensive dominance at the net. Definitely one to dive for a loose ball and see every play through to the end, number 11’s long arms serve her well, especially in the frontcourt.
MADDY DAVIS
Since practices commenced for this squad on Dec. 16 Davis has shown an ability to cover some serious ground. Considering she’s also a force to be reckoned with both while serving and with her exceptionally sensitive touch at the net, now that her lateral and forward speed are also growing with regularity make number six an athlete to watch in the years to come.
ANNA KLEABIR
Fear may be a factor for some, but not Kleabir. She’s got what it takes to stand in and field even the most blistering of serves. One reason that style works for this athlete is because she does such a good job of knowing what side of the line close balls are going to land on. The fact she can also handle backcourt responsibilities and has a serve that continues to get better only add to number 15’s already well-rounded talent base.
AVERY WALKER
Perhaps it’s because she’s a Libero, but number 16 is definitely a take-charge type of player. That means, as opposed to barking out orders, Walker is one to lead by example. That takes positivity and a strong state of mind. Because of that her ability to make plays on offense is sometimes overshadowed by the defensive nature of so much of what she does.
TESLA MERCHANT
It was Feb. 29 and March 1 when the Legends 15U Girls Travel team last played in the Michiana Open Power League in Warren, Grand Rapids and Canton/Wixom, and for Merchant that was just one more opportunity to show how her game comes from a place of strength. A true frontcourt talent, number three is aggressive at the net and spikes the ball with authority. Her serve is much the same in that it also comes from a place of power.
MAKAYLA BARAN
Good vision and the ability to flow in and out of the lineup as needed are trademarks of Baran’s abilities, which, at times, appear seamless. She also does an excellent job placing balls from the backcourt and that really allows her to present herself in a somewhat refined manner.
Upcoming action for Legends 15U Travel includes Motor City Madness in Detroit April 18-19 according to www.legacycentermichigan.com.