MEQ Watchlist: 18 USA
With MEQ weekend underway and hundreds of teams have started their fight to the final of the championship, there are a few familiar faces and dominating talent that is returning to the court for the last time. The 18 USA…
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Continue ReadingWith MEQ weekend underway and hundreds of teams have started their fight to the final of the championship, there are a few familiar faces and dominating talent that is returning to the court for the last time. The 18 USA division is filled with a variety of strong willed athletes with out of this world fundamental training and a solid foundation that has led them to becoming stock rising athletes and breakout athletes to land their name on a collegiate roster.
Mia Shields– 1st Alliance 18 Silver
The 5’9, outside hitter, is clocking in all the time she can get before she waves goodbye to club volleyball and says hello to her time at Saint Mary’s College. Shields is a very prominent and strong hitter, upon her approach from the right side. From her defense to attacking, Shields will always give you a reason to watch her while she is present on the court. Shields has managed to be one of the top contributing players when it comes to securing the wins of her teams and has a hefty swing and approach on her. Shields works well with her team on the court and is a dangerous attacker on the outside and should be considered a threat for her opposing teams this weekend.
Leah Rizzo– 1st Alliance 18 Silver
Rizzo has a long rap sheet of being a stellar and breakout athlete on the court and her athleticism definitely shows it. The setter has set the way for leading her team to many wins and will be a contributing factor to the successes her teams have seen. With managing to win All Conference to being athlete of the week on various occasions, Rizzo has an eye for the ball and making sure that she sets up the opportunity for her hitters. With the performances that they have seen this weekend, it is without a doubt that Rizzo is the peferfect match up for her components and her hitters in making sure she plays her part as a team player. Rizzo is a commit to Augustana College and will continue making her break through performances on the various courts she touches.
Caroline Macander Caroline Macander 5'9" | S Mother McAuley | 2022 State IL – Michio Chicago Volleyball
Macander is another athlete that won’t fail to catch your eye when she step foot out onto the court with her ability to set and as an overall defensive specialist. Let me get right into it, Macander is a very reliable athlete when she is out on the court, as she gets straight to business. Coming out of a high school season with nearly 400 digs, 1,375 assists, and 52 aces, it is safe for me to say that she shows up and it is strictly business. She gets low and sets up perfect sets with her hitters and is in the right place at the right time. Her sets are at a reasonable height and she is an effective setter when out on the court. Macander is what I would call a break through athlete as though she was not a starter for the first few years of her volleyball career, she managed to break through and out perform herself each time. Caroline has been a huge contributing factor for her team this far and continues to be during this weekend’s performance.
Amayah Jones Amayah Jones 5'7" | MB De La Salle Institute | 2022 IL – Michio Chicago Volleyball
Jones is a stand out hitter and recent commit to Alabama A&M. Jones has a strong swing and approach to the net and has a strong and solid follow through. Jones is not only a strong hitter but when it comes to her defensive skills, her ability to block is impressive, because not only can she play on the outer sides but when she is rotating through the middle, she works the front end of the net well. The biggest stand out about Jones is her ability to get both good height off the ground and consistent swings off a solid set. Jones would be a valuable addition to the AAMU program with the power and agility she currently holds and I am excited to see her progress throughout the remainder of the season and her new journey afterwards.
Alana Lucas Alana Lucas 5'7" | OH Kenosha Christian Life | 2022 WI – Sky High Adidas 18 Black
Let me just start off with saying, Lucas is definitely one of those athletes whose overall athletic skills are going to blow you away the moment they step out onto the court. The outside hitter is one to have playing for your team, as her ability to get off the ground and have consistent swings with aid from her setters. Lucas is consistent and has a strong foundation and fundamental training, which shows through her performance. Lucas has had over 800 kills in the career, in addition to over 600 digs and 200 aces. Lucas is athletic, determined and works well as a team player, which makes her able to outshine one the court.