8-28-2007
Tonight I visited Kennesaw State University to see the Owls take on Georgia Southern. The title of this post comes from the number of over passes in this match. I didn't keep count and if I did I would have lost count due to the sheer number of constant over passing. Why must coaches have their teams pass so tight to the net? You can get the same results at 2 to 3 feet off the net and help limit your over passing. Between the two teams I estimate (low end) that over 20 points were lost in a 4 game match due to the over passing. As for the match it was competitive although I think Georgia Southern took them a little lighter than they should have. KSU will still struggle, but is much improved from last season.
The main reason for my trip was to see a former player Lindsey O'Connor. She is a true freshman and received a good bit of playing time in tonight's match. Lindsey is a hard worker and the best thing about the night other than watching her play was that after the match she wasted no time in telling me that she wants to work hard next summer so she can start in 2008. High School players please take note as Lindsey was seen late in the recruiting period (April) and was asked to walk - on for this season. She accepted the invitation, worked hard all summer with me and on her own, and she now receives playing time as a freshmen walk on. That is impressive and I commend and respect Lindsey for her work ethic.
As for GSU, setter Mae Chabra was stellar. She is a work horse and runs a good offense for Coach Nicole McCray. The one thing I noticed about Chabra was that she understands how and when to feed the hot hitter. She understands match-ups and keeps the opposing defense off balance.
An unexpected but wonderful surprise was running into George Walton Academy's Ashley Weinbarg. A junior libero for George Walton was in attendance just for the sheer purpose of watching some volleyball. This is a great lesson for young volleyball players. I love to see young players at matches watching volleyball. She definitely has a passion and love for the game. She will make some college coach very happy as she is obviously a student of the game.
By the way GSU took the match in 4. Have a great week.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Deeper Yes! Better I'm Not Sure.
8-26-2007
On a rainy Sunday afternoon with the family napping and myself having no life I thought about volleyball in Georgia, what I saw yesterday, and what I have seen over the past few years. There is no doubt as I spoke to Weslyans skipper Ted Russell that the volleyball pool in Georgia is definitely getting deeper. No longer is it just Wesleyan, Woodward, Marist, Westminster, and the token 5A team that are good. We now have programs like McIntosh, St. Pius, Sandy Creek, Star's Mill, Blessed Trinity, Lovett, Northview, and quite a few more that have great coaches, great athletes (young and old), and are proving to be solid year in and year out.
As for the second part of the title I am not so sure that we are better. Georgia teams have held there own in out of state matches with teams from Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida. However holding our own and consistently winning are two different things. I have noticed that the ball control in Georgia is still pretty discouraging and the players are not advancing to the skills possessed by the best in the country. My estimated maybe educated guess is that less than 10% of the players in Georgia are jump serving or even know how. Most of our hitters cannot tool a block or understand shot making and our setters send up flares with where they are setting the ball and it is usually to tight and inconsistent.
This post is not to discourage or be critical, but hopefully challenge our coaches, players, and clubs to seek out the best ways to execute skills and learn how to teach or perform it. To challenge our volleyball community to work together, share ideas, and help the inexperienced get better. We need more coaches that are willing to learn their craft and when they think they have learned it all continue to learn some more. It is about helping the kids improve their ability on the court and accomplish their goals, to develop character, and create a love and passion for a game that can be played for a lifetime.
I thank everyone who has helped volleyball to advance in Georgia and I am excited about the future of our state in this sport. I love to talk volleyball and find ways to get better so feel free to comment, send me an email, give me a call, or talk to me when you see me out and about. I leave our state with these two quotes:
"Its not enough to be good if you have the ability to be better."
- Marv Dunphy
"I was born with an ability, with music in me, that is all. No special credit was due me. The only credit we claim is for the use we make of the talent we are given. That is why I urge young musicians: Don't be vain because you happen to have talent. You are not responsible for that; it was not of your doing. What you do with your talent is what matters. You must cherish this gift. Do not demean or waste what you have been given. Work, work constantly, and nourish it."
- Pablo Casals
Thanks for reading. Have a blessed day.
On a rainy Sunday afternoon with the family napping and myself having no life I thought about volleyball in Georgia, what I saw yesterday, and what I have seen over the past few years. There is no doubt as I spoke to Weslyans skipper Ted Russell that the volleyball pool in Georgia is definitely getting deeper. No longer is it just Wesleyan, Woodward, Marist, Westminster, and the token 5A team that are good. We now have programs like McIntosh, St. Pius, Sandy Creek, Star's Mill, Blessed Trinity, Lovett, Northview, and quite a few more that have great coaches, great athletes (young and old), and are proving to be solid year in and year out.
As for the second part of the title I am not so sure that we are better. Georgia teams have held there own in out of state matches with teams from Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida. However holding our own and consistently winning are two different things. I have noticed that the ball control in Georgia is still pretty discouraging and the players are not advancing to the skills possessed by the best in the country. My estimated maybe educated guess is that less than 10% of the players in Georgia are jump serving or even know how. Most of our hitters cannot tool a block or understand shot making and our setters send up flares with where they are setting the ball and it is usually to tight and inconsistent.
This post is not to discourage or be critical, but hopefully challenge our coaches, players, and clubs to seek out the best ways to execute skills and learn how to teach or perform it. To challenge our volleyball community to work together, share ideas, and help the inexperienced get better. We need more coaches that are willing to learn their craft and when they think they have learned it all continue to learn some more. It is about helping the kids improve their ability on the court and accomplish their goals, to develop character, and create a love and passion for a game that can be played for a lifetime.
I thank everyone who has helped volleyball to advance in Georgia and I am excited about the future of our state in this sport. I love to talk volleyball and find ways to get better so feel free to comment, send me an email, give me a call, or talk to me when you see me out and about. I leave our state with these two quotes:
"Its not enough to be good if you have the ability to be better."
- Marv Dunphy
"I was born with an ability, with music in me, that is all. No special credit was due me. The only credit we claim is for the use we make of the talent we are given. That is why I urge young musicians: Don't be vain because you happen to have talent. You are not responsible for that; it was not of your doing. What you do with your talent is what matters. You must cherish this gift. Do not demean or waste what you have been given. Work, work constantly, and nourish it."
- Pablo Casals
Thanks for reading. Have a blessed day.
The Saturday Wrap Up
8-25-2007
My volleyball travels this fine Saturday took me to a middle school play day at St. Pius and a Varsity play day at Marist. The one thing I noticed is that the talent pool in Georgia is getting deeper with each passing year.
At St. Pius I had the privilege of viewing the host St. Pius as well as Marist, Walker, Blessed Trinity, and Landmark Christians middle school teams. Marist played well showing there program wide trademark ball control game. St Pius is loaded with tall, athletic, and talented players. Landmark has several good raw athletes. Walker will definitely re-load as theses young ladies rise to the varsity level in the next couple of years. Blessed Trinity is also poised to continue its dominance with some very good play out of its middle school team.
As I traveled to Marist I was excited to see the level of some of this years top teams. I was with out a doubt not disappointed. One of the best matches all day was Marist and Lovett. This one was a barn burner, no literally it felt like the gym was on fire as it had no air condition!! All that money and no air condition, am I the only one confused? I guess if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. The match went back and forth with Marist edging out Lovett in 3. Stellar play from both sides including a hitting battle between Marists Junior Middle Whitney Weiland and Lovets Sophomore Outside Kelsey Melito. Both were dropping bombs but Whitney and Marist won out with great ball control and superior placement of shots.
Top Performers in Saturday's play day were Wesleyan middles Senior Betsy Smith and Junior Ann Marie Armstrong. Nobody had an answer for those two all day. The scary part is Ann Marie is probably only about 50 to 60% as good as she could be (I'm begging you come see me please)!!! The list for me also includes sophomore outside Kelsey Melito who's conditioning was the only thing that slowed her down and Mary Grace Gallagher was stellar on the back row. Senior Standout Mary Chaudoin was phenomenal in her role as setter and right side hitter as well as her running mates senior middle Alexis Shaffer and senior setter/opp Chrissy Culp. Marist who should be in down year with what they lost has the slack being picked up by senior and Georgia Tech bound Lisa Carlson serving tough and passing great along with help from senior Rachel Truxillo making nice decisions from the setters position. Taking full advantage for Marist was middles Whitney Weiland (Junior) and Jennifer Niedzwiecki (senior). Rounding out the list was Blessed Trinity's senior outside hitter Jessica McAlvany who had a phenomenal day attacking all areas of the court. Notable performances by BT's Jonni Mahr who held her own in the middle all day, junior outside Hannah Reinke had a nice day filling the former Hannah (Lawings) shoes for Lassiter as well as solid ball control out of sophomore libero Melissa Woodall. Finishing the list was junior setter Meg Buker who executed well for Westminster.
My volleyball travels this fine Saturday took me to a middle school play day at St. Pius and a Varsity play day at Marist. The one thing I noticed is that the talent pool in Georgia is getting deeper with each passing year.
At St. Pius I had the privilege of viewing the host St. Pius as well as Marist, Walker, Blessed Trinity, and Landmark Christians middle school teams. Marist played well showing there program wide trademark ball control game. St Pius is loaded with tall, athletic, and talented players. Landmark has several good raw athletes. Walker will definitely re-load as theses young ladies rise to the varsity level in the next couple of years. Blessed Trinity is also poised to continue its dominance with some very good play out of its middle school team.
As I traveled to Marist I was excited to see the level of some of this years top teams. I was with out a doubt not disappointed. One of the best matches all day was Marist and Lovett. This one was a barn burner, no literally it felt like the gym was on fire as it had no air condition!! All that money and no air condition, am I the only one confused? I guess if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. The match went back and forth with Marist edging out Lovett in 3. Stellar play from both sides including a hitting battle between Marists Junior Middle Whitney Weiland and Lovets Sophomore Outside Kelsey Melito. Both were dropping bombs but Whitney and Marist won out with great ball control and superior placement of shots.
Top Performers in Saturday's play day were Wesleyan middles Senior Betsy Smith and Junior Ann Marie Armstrong. Nobody had an answer for those two all day. The scary part is Ann Marie is probably only about 50 to 60% as good as she could be (I'm begging you come see me please)!!! The list for me also includes sophomore outside Kelsey Melito who's conditioning was the only thing that slowed her down and Mary Grace Gallagher was stellar on the back row. Senior Standout Mary Chaudoin was phenomenal in her role as setter and right side hitter as well as her running mates senior middle Alexis Shaffer and senior setter/opp Chrissy Culp. Marist who should be in down year with what they lost has the slack being picked up by senior and Georgia Tech bound Lisa Carlson serving tough and passing great along with help from senior Rachel Truxillo making nice decisions from the setters position. Taking full advantage for Marist was middles Whitney Weiland (Junior) and Jennifer Niedzwiecki (senior). Rounding out the list was Blessed Trinity's senior outside hitter Jessica McAlvany who had a phenomenal day attacking all areas of the court. Notable performances by BT's Jonni Mahr who held her own in the middle all day, junior outside Hannah Reinke had a nice day filling the former Hannah (Lawings) shoes for Lassiter as well as solid ball control out of sophomore libero Melissa Woodall. Finishing the list was junior setter Meg Buker who executed well for Westminster.
Friday, August 24, 2007
You Got Served!!
8-23-2007
My volleyball travels took me to Peachtree Ridge High School last night to watch a region 6-AAAAA matchup between Northview and Chattahoochee. In past years of watching some of the best high school teams in the southeast Georgia volleyball has never done much jump serving. Last night is a sign that times are changing as both Northview and Chattahoochee were consistently jump float serving in every rotation. If you are in the path of one of these teams I would be ready as Northview has four girls in middle blockers Lauren Busing and Courtney Fletcher as well as outside hitter Ashley Veach and setter Allie Schliesman who are more than capable of putting up long streaks from the back line. On the flip side you are not gonna get off very easy with Chattahoochee either as both outside hitters Virginia Hogan and Lindsey Craft as well as right side Erinn Manby and middle blocker Ellie Mentonelli are also equally as lethal from the serving stripe.
On the other hand not to forget the host team in Peachtree Ridge received a strong performance from senior middle blocker Molly Wolfe. She held her own against two of the top middle blockers in the Southeast in Northview's Lauren Busing and Courtney Fletcher. She came up with several big blocks and had a few nice kills on the front line.
One of the biggest pleasures of the night was seeing the work of two phenomenal setters in Northviews Allie Schliesman and Chattahoochee's Emily Reiser. Schliesman dazzled as her speed and agility allowed her to turn bad passes into almost perfect sets. She set from her knees, from the side, from tight to the net and each ball came out beautifully. I can safely say Allie Schliesman is the best setter in our state this year. On the opposite side of the setters dual is Emily Reiser who held her own and had a nice night of turning bad passes into solid sets for her hitters. Emily also had a nice mix of setting her hitters and dumping to keep Northview guessing. She had an incredible push to Northviews back corner to terminate a long rally.
Other top performers included sophomore Outside hitter Lindsey Craft. She may be short in stature but the girl has lots of pop and is very explosive. She can make all the shots and can use the whole court. As she gains more experience she could be one of the state's top performers from the outside. Junior Right Side Erinn Manby and Freshmen Outside Hitter Eileen Hogan both had good performances getting several kills against PTR. From the Northview side of the ball all the usual suspects were up for the challenge with solid performances from the middle in Senior Courtney Fletcher and Junior Lauren Busing. Junior outside hitter Ashley Veach also had a nice night from the outside and serving stripe.
Stay tuned for this weekend as I travel to Marist Playday, Woodward Playday, and a middle school playday at St. Pius.
My volleyball travels took me to Peachtree Ridge High School last night to watch a region 6-AAAAA matchup between Northview and Chattahoochee. In past years of watching some of the best high school teams in the southeast Georgia volleyball has never done much jump serving. Last night is a sign that times are changing as both Northview and Chattahoochee were consistently jump float serving in every rotation. If you are in the path of one of these teams I would be ready as Northview has four girls in middle blockers Lauren Busing and Courtney Fletcher as well as outside hitter Ashley Veach and setter Allie Schliesman who are more than capable of putting up long streaks from the back line. On the flip side you are not gonna get off very easy with Chattahoochee either as both outside hitters Virginia Hogan and Lindsey Craft as well as right side Erinn Manby and middle blocker Ellie Mentonelli are also equally as lethal from the serving stripe.
On the other hand not to forget the host team in Peachtree Ridge received a strong performance from senior middle blocker Molly Wolfe. She held her own against two of the top middle blockers in the Southeast in Northview's Lauren Busing and Courtney Fletcher. She came up with several big blocks and had a few nice kills on the front line.
One of the biggest pleasures of the night was seeing the work of two phenomenal setters in Northviews Allie Schliesman and Chattahoochee's Emily Reiser. Schliesman dazzled as her speed and agility allowed her to turn bad passes into almost perfect sets. She set from her knees, from the side, from tight to the net and each ball came out beautifully. I can safely say Allie Schliesman is the best setter in our state this year. On the opposite side of the setters dual is Emily Reiser who held her own and had a nice night of turning bad passes into solid sets for her hitters. Emily also had a nice mix of setting her hitters and dumping to keep Northview guessing. She had an incredible push to Northviews back corner to terminate a long rally.
Other top performers included sophomore Outside hitter Lindsey Craft. She may be short in stature but the girl has lots of pop and is very explosive. She can make all the shots and can use the whole court. As she gains more experience she could be one of the state's top performers from the outside. Junior Right Side Erinn Manby and Freshmen Outside Hitter Eileen Hogan both had good performances getting several kills against PTR. From the Northview side of the ball all the usual suspects were up for the challenge with solid performances from the middle in Senior Courtney Fletcher and Junior Lauren Busing. Junior outside hitter Ashley Veach also had a nice night from the outside and serving stripe.
Stay tuned for this weekend as I travel to Marist Playday, Woodward Playday, and a middle school playday at St. Pius.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Good Raw Talent
8-21-2007
My week began tonight at the Lovett School where I watched a tri-match between McEachern, Fellowship Christian, and the host team Lovett.
Lovett is very well coached, very talented, and has good senior leadership. That combination makes for a tough outting for any team in the state. Precision was the word of the night for Lovett as libero Mary Grace Gallagher passed nails to setter Mary Allen Langford who set perfect peaches for Outside Hitter Kelsey Melito who terminated everything brought her way.
McEachern has a ton of raw talent. I look for them to get better each night out and be very competitive by seasons end. Led by Senior OH - Makeda Moore who had several great swings during the night and Senior S/Opp - Katherine Schilling who is playing out of position but is holding her own doing a little bit of everything for this McEachern team. Schilling had a solid all around performance with several kills, assists when setting, a couple of blocks, and passed well in serve receive.
Fellowship Christian is young and scrappy. While still adjusting to GHSA they played hard and forced both McEachern and Lovett to play several long rallies. They have solid ball control which is key in building a good program.
All in all the night belonged to Lovett winning easily in both matches. I was very impressed with the ball control and discipline of Lovett. They will go far in A/AA this year and have the makings to push Wesleyan to the limit.
My week began tonight at the Lovett School where I watched a tri-match between McEachern, Fellowship Christian, and the host team Lovett.
Lovett is very well coached, very talented, and has good senior leadership. That combination makes for a tough outting for any team in the state. Precision was the word of the night for Lovett as libero Mary Grace Gallagher passed nails to setter Mary Allen Langford who set perfect peaches for Outside Hitter Kelsey Melito who terminated everything brought her way.
McEachern has a ton of raw talent. I look for them to get better each night out and be very competitive by seasons end. Led by Senior OH - Makeda Moore who had several great swings during the night and Senior S/Opp - Katherine Schilling who is playing out of position but is holding her own doing a little bit of everything for this McEachern team. Schilling had a solid all around performance with several kills, assists when setting, a couple of blocks, and passed well in serve receive.
Fellowship Christian is young and scrappy. While still adjusting to GHSA they played hard and forced both McEachern and Lovett to play several long rallies. They have solid ball control which is key in building a good program.
All in all the night belonged to Lovett winning easily in both matches. I was very impressed with the ball control and discipline of Lovett. They will go far in A/AA this year and have the makings to push Wesleyan to the limit.
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