That is “Dots,” VolleyballMag.com’s weekly have a look at 10 issues in membership volleyball, previous or current, that curiosity me and hopefully will curiosity you. Search for Dots each Tuesday by means of Junior Nationals this summer season.
• The 18s nationwide qualifiers rolled into Salt Lake Metropolis this previous weekend for the SLC Showdown, the seventh such qualifier on this age group for 2024.
Within the 24-team Open division, two from California and one hometown squad certified. Texas and Kansas golf equipment confirmed out within the club-level divisions.
• WAVE 18-Brennan, from San Diego, gained the 18 Open division, however with out overcoming vital adversity on Day 2. The squad was 1-1 after two pool play matches, together with a loss to two-time qualifier champion KC Energy 18 Black and wanted a win over AZ Revolution 18 Premier to clinch development. WAVE gained Recreation 1 handily however misplaced Recreation 2 and went into extra time in Recreation 3 earlier than prevailing, 17-15. Phew!
WAVE regrouped in its Gold Pool with two sweeps to clinch a bid, then outlasted SCVA foes SCVC 18 Roxy, 15-12 within the third, to take residence prime prize.
Head coach Brennan Dean stated that MB Jenna Hanes, who led the group in kills, was unstoppable for the weekend. He added that the group’s different two middles additionally have been glorious as was his total group, in actual fact.
“Everybody performed a job in getting us to the rostrum,” he burdened.
• SCVC, the reigning 17 Open Junior Nationwide Champion, punched its ticket in its first qualifying effort. The group, from the South Bay of Southern California, misplaced to NORCO 18 Black on Day 1, however not earlier than clinching first in its pool. Melissa Boice’s group adopted up with 5 straight sweeps to achieve the ultimate, and gained Recreation 1 of the championship match earlier than being swallowed by WAVE in Video games 2 and three.
“Our focus the weeks main up was in our preparation,” Boice stated. “How we put together will predict how we are going to play, together with one level, one recreation, one match at a time.”
The group excelled after the stunning loss by getting strong serving and passing led by libero Taylor Deckert and outsides Sarah Hom and Kendall Beshear. On Day 3, middles Rachel Moglia and Jade Dudley-Epps have been environment friendly, and setter Thea Morris and proper facet Chloe Hynes have been on level.
“Falling brief to a robust Wave group within the finals, we walked away with our ticket punched, however extra work to be finished!” Boice stated.
• Membership V 18 Ren Reed, a Utah membership, grabbed the ultimate qualifying spot. The group opened with 5 straight wins, then dropped two of its subsequent three to search out itself within the third-place match for the ultimate bid reverse Mizuno Lengthy Seaside 18 Rockstar. Membership V gained in two shut units to seize the bid.
“We now have been working arduous at our out of system offense,” stated coach Reed Carlson. “We knew that we’d be taking part in some nice ball management groups that serve powerful and play nice protection so we needed to have solutions after we handed the ball off the online. Our pins, Ava Nakai and Elli Mortenson, performed nice all weekend. [Middle blocker] Taylor Harvey, true to type, stepped up in moments after we wanted her and drew loads of consideration, which opened up our assault on each pins.”
• Within the membership divisions, TX Efficiency 18 Black, Roots 18-1 Inexperienced and Vegas Aces 18 UnderArmour captured bids in 18 USA, TX Legacy 18 Elite, San Clemente 18-Mike and WAVE 18 Bobbie Joe shined in 18 Liberty and Dynasty 18 Blue took residence gold in 18 American.
TX Efficiency gained 18 USA regardless of two losses, together with a Day 2 loss to Roots that it avenged within the championship match. Six of the group’s 9 matches went the space, together with the semifinals and finals.
TX Efficiency performed in Open at Florida Fest, however determined to strive for a bid in USA at Salt Lake Metropolis. Mission completed regardless of taking part in with out two key gamers who have been injured in Fort Lauderdale. Ashlee Macias and Danielle Varela performed exceptionally nicely for Efficiency, stated Al Rosen, a legendary New Mexico highschool coach.
Vegas Aces gained the ultimate bid by avenging an earlier loss to NorCal 18-1 Black within the third-place match. The bid was particularly gratifying, contemplating that accidents pushed gamers into positions they’d by no means performed earlier than.
“It labored out due to their devotion at apply and their psychological fortitude,” famous coach Charles Park. “They labored on not simply their very own place however labored on each volleyball talent throughout practices to turn into extra well-rounded as gamers.”
Park had particular phrases for a number of of his gamers:
Hannah Pemberton — Workforce’s setter took a clumsy fall and was gradual to rise up, however persevered by means of the remainder of the match and bought the ultimate help to clinch the bid.
Tatum Thompson — Workforce’s libero by no means let a ball drop and is growing into a real defensive chief on the court docket.
Bianca Richardson — DS was thrust into setter position whereas Pemberton was out and put up hittable units and stayed as constant as potential.
Leilia Toailoa — OH overcame main bruising to steer the group offensively.
Daniella Planeta – New to the group, his DS performed extremely nicely. Her serve-receive and protection have been on level always.
Kiana Badgette — A center who made unbelievable blocks and was constant as a hitter.
“I can say every individual contributed for this bid and it really was a group effort,” Park stated. “I felt that when every athlete was taking part in the ball, it was not solely to do what they’re purported to do, but in addition it felt like they have been making an attempt to move nicely for one another. They have been attacking the ball to assist rating for one another. They have been genuinely glad and supportive of one another. This was a implausible win for us however I’m extra proud on how a lot nearer we bought as a group.”
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We didn’t hear from anybody from the 18 Liberty qualifiers earlier than the deadline, however did obtain this uplifting report from Dynasty Blue head coach Joe Vanderbeek about his group’s 9-0 romp by means of 18 American:
“This was our third qualifier of the yr and we had completed fifth in each of our different two makes an attempt. We performed nicely however simply stored falling in need of our aim of a Nationwide Bid. We possessed an excessive amount of expertise in any respect of our positions and felt technically prepared however we weren’t but an entire group.
“Earlier than our final apply we held a group assembly to debate what was lacking and how one can repair it. As a group we determined we would have liked to keep in mind that volleyball is enjoyable. We took that point to work on our celebrations and communication. We made a acutely aware choice to be essentially the most optimistic and supportive group we may very well be. It was by far our greatest apply of the yr! The women actually purchased into this concept and had an excessive amount of enjoyable placing collectively totally different celebrations for an Ace, Kill, Timeouts, and so forth.
“All weekend lengthy they introduced such optimistic power that we by no means actually bought down in our matches. When our opponents had the momentum our women would get it again by coming collectively and supporting one another. In reality, I solely referred to as 4 timeouts all weekend in our 9 matches. I had a number of different coaches, gamers and fogeys inform me how supportive and enjoyable my group was performing all weekend. We even had another groups come and cheer for us on the championship recreation!”
• In Texas, the climate held in Houston, permitting the second cease within the Tour of Texas to be accomplished with no hitch, in contrast to the Dallas cease, the place the ultimate day was canceled resulting from climate.
Houston Skyline 17 Royal, Dallas Skyline 16 Royal and TAV 15 Black have been the large winners, capturing the 17 Invitational, 16 Invitational and 15 Invitational titles, respectively. Houston Skyline tied for fifth in 16 Open at Junior Nationals final summer season and gained the one 17 Open qualifier to this point, Northern Lights, in late January. Dallas Skyline and TAV are reigning nationwide champs in 15 Open and 14 Open, respectively.
Houston Skyline went 7-0 over the weekend.
“The group was excited to compete in our hometown and towards a few of the greatest in Texas,” stated coach Alex Edwards. “We knew we must begin off sturdy as all eyes have been on us after our first qualifier. Day 1 we have been examined resulting from our opponents’ scouting and keying on sure gamers. Nonetheless, we’ve got been focusing our offensive potential to attain towards a extra strong block/protection and persevering with to search out methods to attain. Day 2 unfolded with some new match ups. We performed a robust Excel group within the semifinals and our anticipated closing match towards Dallas Skyline. Each matches have been excessive degree as some huge swings, stuff blocks and unbelievable defensive performs occurred. Ultimately, our strain from the service line allowed us to remain in system and run our offense. In abstract, I used to be extraordinarily pleased with our potential to execute a recreation plan and proceed to push our offensive system. Triple Crown is subsequent on the schedule and we’re prepared for one more sturdy match!”
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Dallas Skyline 16 Royal additionally went 7-0 in Houston.
“Our group labored on constructing chemistry and efficiently tackled each opponent,” stated assistant coach Jon Rye. “Within the final match towards TAV 16 Black, overcoming the problem of beating a group 3 times showcased our exceptional resilience. Definitely, the courts echoed with TikTok recordings, snacks have been shared, and, most significantly, a gold medal proudly stands as a testomony to our group’s unwavering arduous work.”
Standouts for 16 Royal included dominating 6-4 center Keoni Williams, sparkplug libero Kiley Brooks, who had 71 digs; RS Taylor Clarke, a lefty who was the point of interest when the group was out of system; and 6-1 Brooke Lacewell, who performed primarily on the suitable and got here up with large blocks and key kills within the championship match.
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TAV 15 Black misplaced a detailed one on Day 1 to Madfrog 15s Nationwide Inexperienced, however gained out to take 15 Invitational.
“I’m very enthusiastic about how the group carried out this previous weekend,” stated coach Jason Nicholson. “We had a loopy week of preparation after studying we’d be with out our setter. Sophee Peterson. This compelled us to place Brynn Stephens in a 5-1 place versus our regular 6-2 system. Placing her there wasn’t a problem from a setter state of affairs however took away her as a major passer and attacker. However everybody stepped up and stuffed roles. One of many distinctive issues about this group is we’ve got loads of youngsters which are very nicely rounded permitting me to fill potential holes with phenomenal gamers. Naomi Livings stepped it up on the suitable along with her first full match again from harm. Lexi Martin and Gentry Barker have been strong six-row pins. Nyla Livings, Mariah Akinsola and Onita Davis have been large on the web all weekend. Libero Ansley Shafer and DS Karsyn Evans have been strong within the again row, permitting Brynn to run the offensive system at a excessive degree and be a menace as a attacker from the setter place. Sophee, although out, contributed with management from the sideline.
“We have been slightly sloppy at instances on Day 1 however discovered our grove and performed nice on Sunday to tug off the win. It is a group of high-level youngsters which are wanting to enhance day by day.”
• Dallas Skyline 17 Royal completed second within the Invitational Division of the Tour. The group is taking part in with out venerable head coach Ping Cao, who was anticipated to steer this group in his first yr after profitable stints at Sports activities Efficiency, TAV and Drive Nation. Ping discovered in August that he had lymphoma and used the autumn for chemotherapy infusions. He has been in Houston since present process Automotive T cell remedy at MD Anderson. The group was capable of go to him whereas on the Tour.
Whitney Pattern, a extremely profitable coach in her personal proper, has taken over for Ping.
“We’re hopeful Ping will rejoin his group in late February,” stated Skyline director Jon Rye.
• President’s Day Weekend is arising and meaning volleyball coast to coast, highlighted by the Triple Crown NIT in Kansas Metropolis. Triple Crown has turn into THE premier membership occasion within the nation the previous a number of years, much more so than Junior Nationals and AAU Nationals, as a result of [almost] all the nation’s greatest golf equipment are represented. The notable exceptions this yr are Circle Metropolis, which runs a President’s Day Event of its personal in St. Louis; and Metro VB, which is the anchor membership on the Capitol Hill Basic. Notably, that is the primary yr that conventional powerhouse membership Sports activities Efficiency will probably be in Kansas Metropolis. SPVB will probably be represented by its 18 Elite, 18 Kahl, 16 Elite and 15 Elite groups.
Now, the format at Triple Crown is slightly wonky, with each group in every division lumped collectively at first. The important thing factor to know is that the divisions we cowl (15s-18s) have 4 energy swimming pools of eight groups. They play completely of their energy pool on Day 1 (although not each time within the pool) and all 32 energy pooled groups stay in rivalry no matter final result on Saturday. They then will probably be joined by pool winners from non-power pooled groups and a few second-place finishers to create a 64-team championship bracket.
From there the highest groups play it out till there’s a winner. Sure there are sub brackets for individuals who lose early and swimming pools for these not within the championship bracket, so a number of play available by all, however the “king of the hill,” so to talk, would be the group that survives to the tip with out dropping after Day 1.
There will probably be 104 groups within the 18s and 15s divisions and 120 groups within the 17s and 16s division. It truly is a Who’s Who of the perfect the game has to supply, with dozens of future collegiate All-People and definitely an Olympian or two (or extra) taking the court docket.
• Scott Mattera is a membership coach, head ladies’s coach at Our Girl of the Lake College in San Antonio and a beautiful coach. I used to observe him as lead coach for a few of PrepVolleyball.com’s Unsigned Showcases again once I was affiliated with Prep. He and his boundless power have been major causes to return to a Showcase!
Scott has additionally constructed a profitable web page on TikTok referred to as Greater than wins vb (@morethanwinsvb) and on Saturday launched a video with two sound recruiting ideas:
1. Don’t lie about your measurements (top; strategy contact); and
2. Don’t velocity up your video to make your arm swing seem sooner.
Mattera says these are crimson flags that may have him transferring on instantly no matter how a lot potential you present. Backside line: have integrity within the recruiting course of in order that coaches can consider what they see. Thanks, Scott!
• Lastly, if you’re a volleyball dad or mum, avoid the Volleyball Mothers web page on Fb that’s greater than 73,000 sturdy. It fairly merely is poisonous, with nameless members complaining incessantly about their membership coaches, taking part in time, retaining rating at tournaments, the price of membership, favoritism, seat saving at tournaments and so many different cringe-worthy issues. Save your sanity and don’t be part of. I’ve been part of this for just a few weeks and mine is already gone!