4 Must See 16s Teams at the Battle in the Valley
I cannot wait to get back on the court at a Prep Dig tournament, and it is finally here! Just a few days before I head up to Appleton for the Battle in the Valley. My camera is already charged,…
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Continue ReadingI cannot wait to get back on the court at a Prep Dig tournament, and it is finally here! Just a few days before I head up to Appleton for the Battle in the Valley. My camera is already charged, and I am ready to soak in all of the awesome competition and scout to my heart’s content.
Here is a look at some of the MUST SEE teams that will be competing this weekend at the Battle in the Valley.
Midwest Penguins 16 Black
This is a powerful team with talent in all positions. Middle hitter Myla Glaser Myla Glaser 5'11" | MB Kettle Moraine | 2023 State WI has an insane arm and, without a block, can rip the ball within the 10-foot line. On defense, libero Olivia Clinton-Ragonese Olivia Clinton-Ragonese DS/L Oconomowoc | 2023 WI and defensive specialist Ava Johnson are both fast, consistent, and competitive. They control serve receive incredibly well and make fast movements on defense to keep the ball alive. Pin hitters Aubrey Berlowski Aubrey Berlowski OH Kettle Moraine | 2023 State WI and Mya Trafficante Mya Trafficante 5'7" | OH Sussex-Hamilton | 2023 State WI are unique and effective. Aubrey has a lot of power behind her swing whereas Mya has control and great shots. This team will do well over the course of the weekend and is going in ranked #1 in the 16s division.
I AM VBC 16 Red
This is a team that competes at the highest level. They are gritty and keep even the most chaotic balls in play. Lillian Bandle is a powerhouse middle who brings huge energy to her team. She is smart, dynamic, and fast in the front row and is a key weapon for this talented team. Setters Sydney Hoeft and Emily Dickmann are both fast and smart on the court. They feed their hot hitters and have a lot of hustle. Libero Meredith Bock is scrappy in the back row and not afraid to throw herself around the court in pursuit of the ball.
Impact 16 National
This team defines grit and is so fun to watch. They have pulled out some massive wins over the course of this season and should do the same at the Battle in the Valley. Alivia Jeanquart Alivia Jeanquart 5'7" | S Notre Dame Academy | 2023 State WI is a gritty setter who gives her all on every point. Outside hitter Isabella Grace Isabella Grace 5'10" | OH Bay Port | 2023 State WI impresses on every point. She has an arsenal of shots that she uses to earn kills and is also consistent on serve receive. Ashton Birr Ashton Birr 5'4" | DS/L Pulaski | 2023 State WI is an under-the-radar libero/ds who brings an incredible amount of value to this talented team.
Madison United 16 Red
Madison United put together a great team at this age level. This is an energetic team that has fun on the court while competing at a high level. Carizma Muth Carizma Muth 5'10" | OH Randolph | 2023 State WI is an energizer of an outside that has great control in the back row and a fast swing out of the front. Middles Taia Hodgkinson Taia Hodgkinson 5'10" | MB Janesville | 2023 State WI and Magdalene Hartwig put up a solid block from pin to pin. Each is a great tool for this team who brings in points. Libero Morgan Meyer puts up huge plays on defense and protects the backcourt!
There are so many other teams I cannot wait to watch. COVID protocols have prevented me from seeing as much as I usually do by this point in the season; however, this weekend will be a huge opportunity for some great scouting!