AAU Nationals Preview: VCNebraska 15 Elite
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Happy Nationals season! Indeed, it is an exciting time of year with AAU ongoing in Orlando, FL. All age groups are represented in the Florida tournament, and that’s sure to produce some intense competition between the country’s top teams. Before…
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Continue ReadingHappy Nationals season!
Indeed, it is an exciting time of year with AAU ongoing in Orlando, FL. All age groups are represented in the Florida tournament, and that’s sure to produce some intense competition between the country’s top teams.
Before starting on this feature, I want to give a quick shoutout to the 14s currently battling it out in Orlando. Our coverage of the Class of 2025 will start ramping up in a few short months, and I can’t wait to see some of these rising stars begin their high school careers.
With that said, the 15s are soon to take the stage at AAU. 17s will accompany them at the same time, too. We’ve got plenty of analysis coming.
Let’s start with VCNebraska 15 Elite.
Macy Roth Macy Roth 5'10" | OH Lincoln North Star | 2024 State NE is a player that I recall having a big day for Lincoln North Star when the Navigators hosted a high school tournament early last fall (see the photo above). For VCN, Roth is a reliable hitter who has experience on either pin. Look for her to continue the momentum she’s had since the beginning of her prep career.
2024 outside hitter Macy Roth Macy Roth 5'10" | OH Lincoln North Star | 2024 State NE drops it in for @lnsathletics. Another freshman to keep an eye on! pic.twitter.com/JACksgBDl5
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) September 5, 2020
The middle blocker spot, meanwhile, is anchored by Abbie Appleget, Emerson Lionberger, and Madison Rink. Each of these middles provides a major scoring threat in front of the setter, especially in transition. Lionberger has steadily worked some slides into her game, while Rink can play opposite when needed.
Now, I briefly mentioned the setter in that middle blocker breakdown, but let’s expand on that. Malayah Long Malayah Long 6'0" | S Lincoln Southwest | 2024 State #142 Nation NE is the kind of setter that glues a team together. Her hands just make things happen. Long sets against the grain so well that blockers have a hard time tracking who is going to take a particular swing. She’s a long setter, too (no pun intended), so she can easily hold her own in the blocking phase. Keep an eye out for this one.
Let’s talk about some more pin hitters for a moment. Megan Waters Megan Waters 5'10" | OH Lincoln East | 2024 State NE , like Roth, is a player who is comfortable on either pin. She varies her shots well, too, which tends to throw the opposing backcourt off balance. Haedyn Hoos Haedyn Hoos 5'9" | OH Grand Island Senior High | 2024 State NE presents a similar skillset on the left as well. This Grand Island product has found opportune times to put up big numbers this season. And, if we’re allowed to look ahead at 2025s for a moment, watch out for Tia Traudt. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing plenty of her in the years to come.
Mallorie Meyer and Lucy Cogan help anchor the back row. Meyer has such a mature feel for the libero position. She steps into the right gaps, makes clean contact, and is not afraid to set out of system. Speaking of setting, Cogan is a defensive specialist who has the hands to be a setter in her own right.
VCN 15 Elite finds itself in a pool with Munciana Indy and K2 Adidas. 15 Open competition begins Tuesday morning.