Several 16U Teams Set for GJNC

<p>Several Ohio and northern Kentucky teams are set to challenge for national titles across various 16U divisions in Indianapolis. Here are some of those teams and key athletes to look for.</p> <p><em><strong>16 Open</strong></em></p> <p>NKYVC 16-1 Tsunami, seeded 10th among 36 teams in the highest division, look to improve upon last season's finish and capitalize on some great success across this club cycle. Given they are healthy and at full strength when their division begins play on July 1st, expect them to compete well to advance to the gold bracket in the latter stages of the event. When they are performing well in all areas they can produce an unbeatable product. As many of their athletes have been highlighted over the last several months it really will come down to a collective effort in which their ball control and defense can allow setter [player_tooltip player_id="139272" first="Abby" last="Yoder"] to create balance in their offense. They have the arms to get it done on the pins in the trio of [player_tooltip player_id="107423" first="Alivia" last="Skidmore"], [player_tooltip player_id="114565" first="Sydney" last="Barrett"], and [player_tooltip player_id="139273" first="Lilly" last="Gillespie"]. If middles [player_tooltip player_id="107399" first="Julia" last="Hunt"] and [player_tooltip player_id="107434" first="Lilly" last="Hamburg"] can score with regularity and efficiency, which they definitely have the potential to, then watch out. Libero [player_tooltip player_id="107422" first="Elizabeth" last="Tabeling"] is seemingly at her best defensively in the biggest moments. This is the area's only opportunity to compete for an open-level title as no Ohio-based teams qualified in this division. </p> <p><em><strong>16 National</strong></em></p> <p>As the #3 overall seed in this division, Mintonette m.61 enters the event as one of the favorites finish on the podium. At 6'1, setter [player_tooltip player_id="139283" first="Kaylee" last="Musick"] is one of the best in her class in Ohio. She runs a good offense and continues to improve the quality of her skills and decision making that includes increased precision and location through both pins. One of her biggest targets is [player_tooltip player_id="139286" first="Becca" last="Wright"]. She has length and reach on the right side that is a handful for opponents. [player_tooltip player_id="139282" first="Lily" last="Barron"] on the left side also brings size at 6'2 and great arm speed in the air to generate big pace. Role players that also make important contributions are libero <strong>Jessica Guttridge</strong> and middle <strong>Hattie Welker</strong>.</p> <p>The team that is Maverick 16 Elite has deservedly earned their #2 seed in their pool (14th overall) and could wreak some havoc if they have all their parts contributing well. Setter [player_tooltip player_id="169128" first="Hannah" last="Pattie"] (pictured) is a dynamic floor leader and will certainly bring her competitive fire to help elevate the level of play among her teammates. Middle [player_tooltip player_id="196509" first="Ava" last="Kanj"] is their best quick tempo option and has a good relationship with her setter to find the right opportunities for her to take big swings. The pin action has potential for balanced effort through Pattie's ability to distribute both directions on the move. On the left side is <strong>Kate Trzcinski</strong> and the athleticism and aggressive arm of [player_tooltip player_id="196505" first="Aubrey" last="Kirk"]. At opposite is the lefty [player_tooltip player_id="196508" first="Jessica" last="Neiman"] who benefits well from the space she gets when the ball is set against the flow. This team is fun to watch so it is encouraged that you stop by their court and take a look</p> <p>NKYVC 16-2 Tide will also compete in this division after earning their spot following their 16-1 counterparts claiming an open-level bid. Middle [player_tooltip player_id="158348" first="Peyton" last="Walker"] is one to keep an eye on as she has good physical tools, including a 9'11 touch point. She has a nice arm in the air and can generate good power while also putting up a big block on the defensive side. Getting her involved will be the key so their ball control and defense needs to produce quality in-system opportunities for their offense. On the pin is [player_tooltip player_id="139274" first="Melana" last="Bigelow"] who has steadily increased her productivity with increased power and ability to hit the full range of the floor. This team is scrappy and has had some high quality competitive moments and results throughout the season.</p> <p><strong>Additional Ohio and northern Kentucky teams competing in other 16U divisions include:</strong></p> <p><em>16 American</em><br /> - ECJ 16-1<br /> - [program_tooltip program_id='431827' first='Elevation' last=''] 16 Butcher<br /> - Mintonette m.62<br /> - MOVA 16-M<br /> - [program_tooltip program_id='431573' first='RockCity' last=''] 16-1</p> <p><em>16 USA</em><br /> - CVC 16 Black<br /> - Southwest 16N Joe<br /> - TVC 16 Black</p> <p><em>16 Liberty</em><br /> - Infinity 16 Green</p> <p><em>16 Freedom</em><br /> - AVC CLE Rox 16 Blue<br /> - [program_tooltip program_id='431827' first='Elevation' last=''] 16 Matt</p>