Viva Las Vegas: GJNC 15 American Preview Part 2
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The Girls Junior National Championships are less than a week away in Las Vegas, Nevada. After the 2020 championships were wiped out, teams are excited and eager to venture out west to stake their claim as one of the top…
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Continue ReadingThe Girls Junior National Championships are less than a week away in Las Vegas, Nevada. After the 2020 championships were wiped out, teams are excited and eager to venture out west to stake their claim as one of the top teams in America. The 15’s age division will be the first of the age groups we cover to kick things off June 27th-June 30th. Today we will take a look at some of the Missouri teams looking to leave their mark in the American division.
Missouri Juniors 15-1
How did they get here? Winning Northern Lights Qualifier
Other notes: 5th in Gateway League, 5th at Windy City Qualifier, 7th at HOA Regionals, 19th at Show Me Qualifier
Missouri Juniors 15-1 caught our attention pretty quick this winter when they opted to play in the Gateway League over the HOA Power League. The fairly new club has found success in their second “full season” and this 15-1 squad has played a large part in building their regional and national recognition. They won the lone American division bid at Northern Lights. As we’ve discussed on numerous occasions, this is no easy task and you typically have to run the table to get it done. Hannah Vogt is a player who caught our eyes at Show Me back in April. She is a precise setter with great hands and ball placement. RS Autumn Bax Autumn Bax 5'11" | RS Blair Oaks | 2024 State #188 Nation MO has been steady along the net. Behind the block, Izzy Herrbold Izzy Herrbold 5'5" | DS/L Helias | 2024 State MO is a solid defender.
HPSTL 15 Orange
How did they get here? Won the American Division at the Windy City Qualifier
Other notes: 5th at Gateway League, 9th at Sunshine Qualifier, 9th at Show Me, 33rd at MEQ
Like the above-mentioned Missouri Juniors team, HPSTL 15 Orange went and earned their bid winning a qualifier. Outside of a tough showing at MEQ, this team has been consistent with 9th place tallies at both the Sunshine and Show Me national qualifiers. We watched them earlier this season and were impressed with their play but had difficulty identifying players. Their net play defensively was something that impressed us, as they were able to get touches and blocks at high rates. Claire Fulton has had a strong year from the setter position after a stellar freshman campaign at Visitation. MB Tatyana Pirtle is an athletic middle who can disturb the offense with her netplay. Libero Addie Normille is a key piece to the backcourt efficiency. Rylie Cepicky has looked good playing six rotations and can contribute offensively from behind the 10-foot line.
HPSTL South 15 Premier
How did they get here? Earned a bid from the Gateway League after a 3rd place finish
Other notes: 3rd Windy City, 9th at Sunshine, MEQ, and Show Me.
South 15 Premier has had a tremendous year. They didn’t finish any lower than 9th, in any event, they played in this spring. Top 3 at Windy City and three other top 9 tournaments to their impressive resume. They are a team more than capable of making some noise in Las Vegas. Samantha Hoelscher is a treat to watch from the libero position. She has a quick first step and gets to a lot of short balls and is fantastic in block coverage. RS Reese Douglas can score and puts up a strong block defensively. Setter Allison Benjamin is a good decision maker and delivers a strong serve from behind the service line. OH Brooke Hemmen is a true six rotation pin who mixes up her shots well. We also like the play of middle Grace Walkenbach. She is quick off the floor and another solid blocker for this team.