What Teams Are a Dangerous Matchup At AAU Nationals?

With nationals for AAU just a couple weeks away, we need to take a look at a few teams who are going into their session with their eyes on the prize.  After seeing these squads multiple times throughout the season, they have the tools to succeed at a high level.  In order for teams to find success at a national tournament it takes depth.  With four days of competition, everyone on the roster becomes a vital part.  Having balance where multiple athletes can contribute to save and score points.  Here are a few squads to have on the radar in Orlando and could be playing in some huge matches come day three and four of the tournament.  Capital Volleyball Academy 17 Adidas - Madison WI This team is always going to be competitive, they know how to compete at a high level.  They have plenty of balance, some big time commits, as well as some 2023s who would still be a solid pick up at the next level (along with a 2024).  This team has two big time middles in Addison Schmotzer Addison Schmotzer 6'2" | MB Edgewood | 2023 State WI (St. Thomas) and Sierra Pertzborn Sierra Pertzborn 6'3" | MB Middleton | 2023 State WI (Toledo).  They are long, athletic, extremely dynamic offensively, and a major presence with their block.  Two 2023s to watch on this squad would be outside Jordan LaScala Jordan LaScala 6'0" | OH Middleton | 2023 State WI and setter Evinae Jordee Evinae Jordee 5'9" | S Middleton | 2023 State WI , a crafty lefty who can do a lot of positive things for her team.  A 2024 playing up on this team is Andi Spies Andi Spies 5'10" | S Fort Atkinson | 2024 State WI .  She does it all where she sets, swings, and is a solid defender.  A definite swiss army knife type player that should be getting some attention come June 15.    Really impressed with @IEVBC Libero Sydnie Hernandez from 16 Cardinal. She moves really well and can take a lot of pace off a hard swing….and very consistent. #PDGauntlet — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) May 30, 2022 Illini Elite 16 Cardinal - Bloomington, IL  This is an established program where these athletes from Illini Elite are well trained, fundamentally sound, and can compete at a high level.  They recently finished in the gold bracket of the Prep Dig Gauntlet with the likes of 1st Alliance 16 Gold and MKE Sting 16 Gold.  Their ball control really paces their game, starting with libero, Sydnie Hernandez who moves extremely well and always keeps a quiet platform - so efficient.  A really dynamic athlete who has a high ceiling out of the middle is Rachel Ogunleye who can hit over the block, as well as set a strong block all across the net.    .@TheAcademyVB 16 Yeti had a great weekend at the @PrepDig Gauntlet! Check out the top performers! ​​ ​​⭐️ Ella Guilfoy Ella Guilfoy 5'9" | DS/L Roncalli | 2024 State IN ​​ ​​⭐️ Sophie Ledbetter Sophie Ledbetter 5'9" | OH Hamilton Southeastern | 2024 State IN ​​ ​​⭐️ Leah Richmond Leah Richmond 5'8" | S Lawrence North | 2024 State IN ​​ ​​⭐️ Alaleh Tolliver Alaleh Tolliver 5'11" | OH North Central | 2024 State IN ​​ ​​#academyuncommitted #academyfamily #academyproud pic.twitter.com/b9hejZwVcb — The Academy Volleyball Club Recruiting (@TAVCRecruiting) June 5, 2022 Academy 16E Yeti - Indianapolis, IN This team is a dangerous matchup.  Each time I saw them play, they were right there with some of the top teams and when they head to Orlando, they will be an open division threat.  Alaleh Tolliver Alaleh Tolliver 5'11" | OH North Central | 2024 State IN and Sophie Ledbetter Sophie Ledbetter 5'9" | OH Hamilton Southeastern | 2024 State IN are in the conversation for one of the top 1-2 combos on the pin.  Tolliver is absolutely electric with an explosive approach and big time scoring abilities.  Ledbetter can score, and is so solid with her ball control, practically automatic in sere receive.  A setter who is rising on the radar is Leah Richmond Leah Richmond 5'8" | S Lawrence North | 2024 State IN who has fast hands and plenty of athleticism to get to the ball.  Another quietly effective libero who makes a big impact is Ella Guilfoy Ella Guilfoy 5'9" | DS/L Roncalli | 2024 State IN .    Northern Lights 16-1 - Minneapolis Metro - MN This team is extremely gritty.  They are also very dynamic with how many of their athletes can play multiple positions.  Audrey Kocon is able to set, but at the Prep Dig Gauntlet, with Northern Lights being down a couple players she was hitting out of the middle, the right side, and played in the backrow.  A complete package.  They also have two really solid options for libero with Luca Bredenberg Luca Bredenberg 5'9" | DS/L Southwest Christian | 2024 State #98 Nation MN (who can also play outside) as well as Meghan Roggenkamp.  Paige Wagner Paige Wagner 6'3" | MB Lakeville South | 2024 State MN is a 6’3 dominant middle blocker and outside Avery Jesewitz Avery Jesewitz 6'3" | OH Wayzata | 2024 State #61 Nation MN is one of the top 2024 outsides in Minnesota.  With their ability to ball control along with their depth, they are built for a long run in 16 Open.    VC United 171 Elite - Rockford, IL  This is an explosive team who has some big time point scoring pin along with steady and consistent contacts at every position.  Lucy Arndt Lucy Arndt 5'11" | OH Aquin Catholic | 2023 IL (Southeast Missouri) and Cordelia Kearns Cordelia Kearns 6'1" | OH Oconomowoc | 2023 State WI are two big arms on the pin where they can each play six rotations, making themselves a threat to score from everywhere.  Setter Kylie Schulze Kylie Schulze S Woodstock North | 2023 IL is a Loyola commit where she is a true quarterback for her squad. She has such a feel for the game where she knows how to get her attackers in a position to score points.  Middle blocker, Gwen Crull Gwen Crull 6'2" | MB McFarland | 2023 State WI , a Bowling Green commit has a scary upside where she continues to get better each time she’s on the court.  She’s long, athletic, and is becoming a major offensive threat and defensive stopper.