11 Players to Watch at Rock N Rumble: 17 Open
Club season is FINALLY underway for the 2022 season. Many teams in the midwest will open up their season this weekend in Cleveland, OH. Cleveland will see the return to play of several teams looking to build upon huge 2021…
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Continue ReadingClub season is FINALLY underway for the 2022 season. Many teams in the midwest will open up their season this weekend in Cleveland, OH. Cleveland will see the return to play of several teams looking to build upon huge 2021 seasons, including several teams that finished in the top of the AAU National Championships in Orlando, FL.
The 17 open will see the return of reigning 16 Open AAU National Champions in Legacy. With a target on their back, Legacy comes back looking even stronger than they were last season (Is that possible!?). Meanwhile other teams will look to make big impressions at this weekend’s JVA Rock N Rumble.
Let’s break down 11 players you need to know about attending Rock N Rumble.
Anna Hesse Anna Hesse 5'11" | OH Saline | 2023 State MI (2023) | 5’11 OH | Five:1
This Five:1 squad is one of their better ones in attendance this weekend. The team is led by six rotation outside hitter Anna Hesse Anna Hesse 5'11" | OH Saline | 2023 State MI . Hesse has been a steady force since last club season and led her high school team in kills this past fall. With a whip of an arm and a great shot selection, look for Hesse to take on the bulk of the offensive load.
Adriana Mileski (2022) | 6’1 MB | Five:1
A late bloomer, some may call her, Adriana Mileski has come along quite nicely and could really make some noise this weekend. Mileski is a very athletic middle for Five:1. She can hit just about any set along the net with great velocity. Her block is also very solid.
Zoey Dood Zoey Dood 6'2" | S Grandville | 2024 State #131 Nation MI (2024) | 6’2 S | MVA
Playing a level above her class, Zoey Dood Zoey Dood 6'2" | S Grandville | 2024 State #131 Nation MI is making herself quite the resume to be one of the best players in the entire 2024 class. She’s going to be one of the biggest setters you’ll see this weekend and she’s physical. Dood can set one of the smoothest offenses but it’s her offensive minded play that can be a showstopper. With a heavy south paw swing on second contact, opponents are going to have a field day defending this squad.
Makenzie Ritsema Makenzie Ritsema 6'0" | MB Grand Rapids Christian | 2023 State MI (2023) | 6’2 MB | MVA
I predict this block is going to be tough as nails this weekend and all season long. Makenzie Ritsema Makenzie Ritsema 6'0" | MB Grand Rapids Christian | 2023 State MI has been really making some noise lately with her blocking abilities. During the fall, Ritsema was one of the top blockers in the state, leading powerhouse Grand Rapids Christian with over a block per set. When paired next to Dood, this may be a wall you can’t get around.
Ava Sarafa Ava Sarafa 6'0" | S Marian | 2023 State #14 Nation MI (2023) | 6’0 S | Michigan Elite
Revered as one of the best setters in the country, this Kentucky commit is a must watch at whatever tournament she’s at. Ava Sarafa Ava Sarafa 6'0" | S Marian | 2023 State #14 Nation MI is one of the most fluid setters you’ll see. Her technique is impeccable and her IQ for the game really levels her above the competition. After leading Marian to their second straight state title in November, Sarafa has the championship experience to perform in the toughest of moments.
Remi Madison Remi Madison 5'9" | OH Grand Blanc | 2023 State MI (2023) | 5’10 OH | Michigan Elite
You really have to keep an eye on this attacker because if you blink, she’s already scored. Remi Madison Remi Madison 5'9" | OH Grand Blanc | 2023 State MI is one of the quickest attackers you’ll see all season. Not only is this swing fast, but its heavy. Madison can unload some heat on her swings and at the height that she reaches, her scoring opportunities come in an abundance.
Ella Schomer Ella Schomer 6'0" | RS Marian | 2023 State #142 Nation MI (2023) | 6’0 OPP | Michigan Elite
When you get to play with the same setter 12 months out of the year, you start to get a pretty good connection, right? The Ella Schomer Ella Schomer 6'0" | RS Marian | 2023 State #142 Nation MI and Sarafa, hitter to setter, connection is gorgeous to watch. Always in sync and can find one another on the court at any time. The Wofford commit’s overall game has really been booming lately, she’s not only a strong hitter, but she can hold it down defensively as well.
Kamryn Hunt Kamryn Hunt 6'2" | OH Northview | 2023 State OH (2023) | 6’1 OH | Legacy
Legacy may have one of the deepest bench of pins you’ll see all club season. Kamryn Hunt Kamryn Hunt 6'2" | OH Northview | 2023 State OH is an exciting addition for this team. Hunt has very solid serve and pass game. She can also jump out of the gym. Hunt’s attack on the ball is ferocious and relentless. Hunt has no problem slamming the ball any where the court.
Laurece Abraham Laurece Abraham 6'1" | MB Country Day | 2023 State #111 Nation MI (2023) | 6’1 MB | Legacy
Another high flier for the returning National Champions is Laurece Abraham Laurece Abraham 6'1" | MB Country Day | 2023 State #111 Nation MI . Committed to Yale University, Abraham is a lethal attacker throughout the middle. She can run a number of combinations along the net and swings quite comfortably from any pin. Abraham also spearheads one of the toughest blocks in the 17s division.
Abigail Reck Abigail Reck 6'2" | MB Northville | 2023 State #74 Nation MI (2023) | 6’3 MB/OPP | Legacy
Abigail Reck Abigail Reck 6'2" | MB Northville | 2023 State #74 Nation MI was a solid force in the middle for Legacy last season, but she really came out of the woodworks this past fall as an outside hitter for Northville. Reck has a powerful arm that can muscle through the toughest of defenses. Her proven versatility can be huge for this Legacy squad. Listed as both a middle blocker and an opposite, look out for Reck to cause some chaos in either spot.
Nina Horning Nina Horning 6'5" | OH Lake Orion | 2023 State #50 Nation MI (2023) | 6’4 OH | Legacy
Another tough pin attacker for this Legacy crew is Nina Horning Nina Horning 6'5" | OH Lake Orion | 2023 State #50 Nation MI . She’s a huge power out of the left side and plays a very physical game. Standing tall at 6’4, blockers have a tough time trying to slow her down as she towers over them. Like a lot of the girls in this group, Horning has saw a big boom in her level of play this past fall. No matter what left side Legacy has in the lineup, I wouldn’t want to mess with any of them.