USAV Nationals Spotlight: Iowa Rockets 16R
You may recall when I took a look at Iowa Rockets 17R’s run at AAUs in Orlando. Well, it turns out Rockets was not done making some noise on the national stage. 16R did a brilliant job of carrying the…
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Continue ReadingYou may recall when I took a look at Iowa Rockets 17R’s run at AAUs in Orlando. Well, it turns out Rockets was not done making some noise on the national stage.
16R did a brilliant job of carrying the torch for all the young, rising talent that Iowa has to offer. They also helped prove that Iowa Rockets is a force to be reckoned with across multiple age groups. I think we’ll be seeing much more from this talented club in the years to come.
Let’s recap how this year’s club season wrapped up for Iowa Rockets 16R.
Nationals Journey
Rockets began their 16 USA slate in a pool full of worthy competition. However, 16R encountered very few problems. The team from Iowa opened with a comfortable sweep over HJV and followed that up with a three-set win over OT.
Saturday arrived, and Rockets was not going to slow down. 16R steamrolled through the second day of competition without dropping a single set in wins over Premier Nebraska, NPJ Seattle, and Sunshine. This team was primed to make a big run upon being placed in a new pool.
Indeed, the team’s momentum continued to soar. Rockets picked up wins over OPU and MKE Sting Sunday morning and entered the crossover match undefeated. After a convincing win against New Wave, the gold bracket awaited.
The first round of bracket play resulted in another two-set win for Rockets, this time over TAV. The semifinal match against Livewire was hotly contested, but again, 16R triumphed.
16 USA’s championship match was a battle as Iowa Rockets faced off against A5. After claiming an intense 31-29 victory in set one, Rockets ultimately fell in the succeeding two sets to earn a second-place finish. With the title match being 16R’s only defeat on the week, there is no shame in the runner-up placing.
Key Players
Avery Van Hook has a knack for making out-of-system plays look like they’re in system. This is a setter who can push the ball to either pin on any pass. Van Hook has a great feel for the tempo needed to get her hitters in a rhythm, and that kept this Rockets offense clicking throughout the tournament.
One of the team’s top options on offense is Shelby Kimm Shelby Kimm 6'0" | OH Iowa City Liberty | 2023 State IA . She is comfortable hitting on either pin and plays some scrappy backcourt defense. A talented all-around pin hitter like Kimm can undoubtedly be a difference-maker in a high-stakes environment like Nationals.
I also want to give a shoutout to Gabby Deery Gabby Deery 6'2" | MB Burlington Notre Dame | 2023 State IA at the middle blocker spot. She’s a great outlet on offense in 16R’s two-hitter rotations, and her length helps provide a formidable block in the front row. Deery produces a lot of those positive touches that give her team chances to score in transition.
Lastly, Meg Berkland delivers perfect passes with great consistency at the libero position. Rockets can rally around her when they need a good first contact and a sideout. That’s just the value that a great backcourt player brings.
16R is part of a broader youth movement in Iowa prep volleyball. The future is in good hands.