Three Kansas Teams Set For 16 Open Play
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We are days away from 16s kicking off in Las Vegas. The 16 Open field will be arguably the most competitive across all age groups this week when you look at the talent coming from across the country. Let’s not…
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Continue ReadingWe are days away from 16s kicking off in Las Vegas. The 16 Open field will be arguably the most competitive across all age groups this week when you look at the talent coming from across the country. Let’s not forget one of the first major tournaments some of these athletes will compete in that features college coaches courtside, it should cause for some high-level play. Here are the three teams looking to end their season with a bang.
KC Power 16-1
How did they get here? Won MEQ
Other notes: Won HOA Power League, Won Show Me, 2nd at Northern Lights
One of the top teams in the nation this season has been KC Power 16-1. They had an amazing run to start the year winning a couple of qualifiers and a President’s Day tournament. They have continued to play strong but took on almost all of their losses in the last couple of tournaments, so we do know they are beatable. They are led by one of the top prospects in the country in setter Ella Swindle. She has tons of firepower to feed the ball to in hitters OH Reagan Fox, MB Ali Olson, Middle/Pin Sawyer Thomsen Sawyer Thomsen 6'2" | MB Free State | 2023 State #145 Nation KS , and recent Creighton commit Pin Ava TeStrake Ava TeStrake 6'4" | OH Olathe Northwest | 2023 State #65 Nation KS . Alayna Pearson and Caitlyn Cobb have secured the back row with great defense all season.
Mavs KC 16-1
How did they get here? 3rd Place finish at Windy City Qualifier
Other notes: 6th in Power League, Won HOA Regionals, 5th at Show Me, 5th at Northern Lights
It took Mavs a while to secure that open bid but they got it done after having earned an American bid through region play. They have been playing some of their better volleyball as of late and look to keep the momentum going heading into Vegas. The Class of 2023 is deep in the setter position for the state of Missouri and this includes Logan Jones. She is a premier player and does a tremendous job at putting her hitters in a position to make big kills. Pins Lily Dudley and Aubrey Duncan Aubrey Duncan 6'0" | MB Free State | 2023 State KS have shown their ability to score points all season. MB Ashlyn Reeves has been good all season with her offense and defense. RS Elizabeth Goodenow has been strong on the right pin this season. Libero Lauren Brown has been a rock defensively.
Dynasty 16-1
How did they get here? 3rd place at Northern Lights
Other notes: 4th in Power League, 8th in Show Me
The early season doesn’t quite speak to the potential of this Dynasty team. They suffered a bit of the injury bug early in the season that sidelined some key players for parts or even the whole season. Once they started getting pieces back, they started to show they are a team capable of making noise at the national championships. MB Calissa Minatee appears to be back at full strength. The bouncy middle can affect the game with her kill-making ability and blocking game. S Ashley Mullen is another of the top-tier setters in the region. Her ability to make plays for her hitters and score on 2nd ball keeps defenses on their toes. Pins Chapel Dobbs and Adelyn Bybee provide a threat on the outside. DS Abigail Christian and L Heidi Devers work hard in first ball touches and keeping balls off the floor defensively.