November 5, 2008 9:32 PM

Volleyball chat transcript, Nov. 5

Alan I see we already have two people on, so let's get started. The state volleyball tournament gets started Friday, so if you have thoughts or questions go ahead. One thing I'll throw out for discussion is if anyone likes or dislikes the new seeding system in 5A or the changes in 3A.

Alan I believe one of the pre-submitted questions concerned how good Colo Springs Christian is this season. I have to confess that I didn't get to see them yet this year, but I do think that Morgan Broekhuis and Brianne VandeGriend are two of the very best players in 3A. Also, they have another fourth-ye

mingo who is better than these tow in Colo springs?
mingo two
Alan I'd say they are the top two in 3A. In 5A, I happen to like Nikki Kinzer and Lauren Yoder of Rampart, Katie Schimpf , Vanessa Gemignani and Taylor Simpson of Doherty
VBYearRound So Can Creek stay undeafeated and win it all?
Alan In 4A, there's Holly Hutchinson and Laura Brodie of Cheyenne, along with Kendall Gaffney.
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mingo did you se any of the scrimmages when these teams met?
volleyball-dad Thoughts on 5A? Top 3-4 teams going in? Who should we be watching on these teams that are attempting to knock Creek out?
Alan YearRound, Creek doesn't have any easy pool play opponents, but I think they can win out and be an undefeated champion.
Alan Mingo, I didn't see any scrimmages. If you did, I'd like to know what you saw.
volleyball-dad I did have the chance to see CSCS play at the Eaglecrest tournament and must say they are one of the best teams I've seen play this year.
volleyball-dad Although they did lose the final to Grandview.
Alan VBDad, I do think the seeds reflect the top four teams accurately. Remmber, if a team loses the regional final, it won't be seeded in the top four. But I think Lakewood and Vista are particularly strong for being the bottom two seeds
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VBYearRound I saw some last week and they were real "close" according to the parents they were close. It is haed to tell but everyone beat Lakewood.
vball4real It can be a curse to enter the state tournament undefeated and the pressure can cripple a team. Hopefully they can play their best
Alan VBDad, I went to the Eaglecrest tournament, but was splitting time with the Creek tourney and didn't get to see CSCS, so it's good to know the Lions get your thumbs-up against top-flight competition.
VBYearRound Vista had an injury last week to a starting left side so they will even be weaker without Aireal in the front row.
Alan Year-round, I think part of the problem is that Lakewood can have problems scoring when Shayne Brown is back row. But I can tell you that Katie Rosa looked really good at regionals.
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Alan 4real, I agree with you. There have been numerous teams that go into state undefeated and never break pool. I have a story tomorrow about Berthoud that talks about the difference between last year and this year. 2007 they were undefeated and this year they have only one loss.
VBYearRound I agree Lakewood is solid and they can put on a blocking clinic. We just always wonder about a Jeffco team at state.
volleyball-dad The pressure on the CC girls is immense, and having known girls on the Eaglecrest and Grandview undefeated teams the last two years, they will have a tough time keeping their emotions in check if things aren't going their way.
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VBYearRound The funny thing about Creek is they could lose in pool play and still win the tournament. They were pushed by Eaglcrest last week.
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Alan sorry, I got logged off without doing anything wrong. You'll have to repeat your questions of the last minute or so.
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vball4real What 5A team do you think has the best defense
VBYearRound I was just saying Creek could lose a match in pool play and still win state. The format is forgiving.
volleyball-dad Yeh, the funny thing is that none of the stronger teams pushed Creek during the season except Eaglecrest, who has been up and down all season. This weekend will be interest for Creek.
Alan Creek, Highlands Ranch and Rampart. I think Rampart has the potential to be the best but can be uneven at times. So, I go with the Bruins. Elise Sage is far better than I expected.
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Alan VB dad, Arapahoe did take Creek to five earlier this season, but didn't make it to state. I do think the Warriors were state tourney-caliber, though
VBYearRound I think what sets Creek apart is they can turn their defense into offense way more than Highlands Ranch and Rampart.
mingo handling pressure is a huge deal at state, have seen good teams fold
vball4real Did you get a chance to watch Cheyenne Mountain this year. The coach said this is the best team to date...do you agree?
volleyball-dad Alan -Arapahoe was like Eaglecrest, up and down and not very consistent. But I must say that is a common theme across many of the teams this year.
VBYearRound mingo that is how come I think playing in a tough league is important don't you?
Alan Mingo, state also has a completely different, circus-type atmosphere. You have to be disciplined and focused about rest and eating.
volleyball-dad Agreed
Alan Didn't see Cheyenne. I used to see them at the Overland tournament, but they switched to LP this season. Unfortunately Creek, Eaglecrest and LP all have tourneys on the same day.
mingo cheynne is solid in all positions, they just don't have that real go to player
vball4real Cheyenne beat Rampart twice, Columbine beat Cheyenne, and Rampart swept Columbine. At State it just depends what team handles the pressure and keeps unforced errors down
mingo many of these kids play club and are used to the environment, it is more the pressure placed on them by parents and coaches
VBYearRound Alan any early thoughts on all-colorado?
Alan Also, I think almost all state tourney teams block way better at state because the players are so pumped up. And club has a higher level of play, but crowds are less of a factor unless they get in the finals of a tournament.
philly How does Mullen compare to Cheyenne, having played in that tough 5A league?
vball4real Club is completely different because you don't have the huge fan base and friends. The pressure is higher at state than club JO's
Alan Philly, I'll take on your question first. Mullen is truly for real. I think they can win it all.
volleyball-dad Mingo -Sorry I have to disagree. The Club atmoshpere cannot be compared to the stress of the State championships.
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Alan YearRound, you ask a question I kind of dread, since the season isn't over. I haven't seen enough top players to make a clear judgment, but I will say that I've been highly impressed by Gaby Dewberry and Carrie Baird of Creek.
Alan I think at state, you also are playing in front of many of your friends and schoolmates. You play for the school, the team and not just the club.
mingo yes but being used to playing in one room with multiple courts and noise level is helpful
VBYearRound Fair enough. Sorry to put you on the spot so early.
Alan YearRound, not a problem, but I knew someone would ask that. The big question early is who's NO. 1 and after that, a lot is about All-Colorado
volleyball-dad I'd agree with Gaby, not sure about Carrie though. There are several girls on the final teams that are her caliber.
VBYearRound Wow I am surprised people think State is more pressure than JO's. Playing in front of friends is tougher than your future college coach eh.
vball4real Do you still not choose anyone that does not play back row even though they serve and come out for the libero?
Alan Well, Carrie does many things defensively that make her a standout in my mind. She passes very well and still makes some clutch kills in front row.
mingo do you guys know many club kids? for many the club season is bigger for them than high school season don't you think?
Alan Almost every top HS player is a club kid. To most, yes, I would say club is bigger. But playing for your school has an impact that club can't match.
volleyball-dad Those who are level headed are able to distinguish between the two. Each has it's own rewards.
volleyball-dad ditto alan
VBYearRound I know a ton, but it is different for each kid and they are two different animals.
vball4real Mingo-ten years of straight JO's with one national championship and the two losses at state still hurts more..talking from experience
VBYearRound vball4real I feel for you man!
Alan 4real, yes that is the standard, playing a full rotation. That means, for example, that Erica Denney of Grandview and Nikki Kinzer of Rampart won't be All-Colorado. I expect some criticism for that, but, hey, the Post can still pick them!
mingo I am not so sure "playing for School" is that big of deal anymore, not many kids attend volleyball games at high school level. what do u think?
Alan Mingo, maybe some unimportant matches don't draw crowds. But Roosevelt in 4A has great student support and the Rampart-Doherty match to decided the CSML championship also had a big crowd.
mingo most top kids are playing for shcolarships
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VBYearRound You are right Mingo and and that leads to a lot of pressure, but I think its different.
mingo i have heard club coaches tell kids just have fun and enjoy high school season, don't get hurt and be ready for real season, club
Alan Well, I talked with Shayne Brown the other day and she said Lakewood's appearance in the state tounament has unified the school.
volleyball-dad Mingo - I think you would be surprised at how many kids play club for the reps only, love playing for their school and have no desire to play college.
vball4real there definately is pressure to earn the scholarship and kids want to do their best especially when coaches are watching, but playing for your school brings a level of pride that you don't get playing club...just my opinion
volleyball-dad And actually, I see way more recruiting at the schools than at the club tournaments.
mingo i agree school ball has a unique element
mingo more recruiting at schools? when is the last time you saw a D1 coach at a high school game?
VBYearRound Ok I have to disagree that there are more coaches at HS matches than club. Lets see around 200 at Crossroads vs mostly local schools at HS matches
Alan I really don't see that much recruiting during high school, but I do see the local college coaches quite a bit. It's tough for college coaches to fit out-of-state HS matches into their schedule. One exception is Auburn being at Creek's regional last week. He was there to see Elise Sage.
volleyball-dad At the regionals on Saturday. 2 D1 coaches were there.
Alan Crossroads also has a huge advantage in that it's a national qualifier and all under one roof, so that kind of compacts all the coaches into one area.
Alan VBDad, which regional were you at?
vball4real Some DI coaches do come to the high school matches...few years back Wa State coach flew in and watched a high school match....not as common but does happen. Club has coaches everywhere
mingo i heard that a few out of state D1 coaches have been in springs watching a certain 6'5" player
volleyball-dad Grandview.
VBYearRound Mongo I think there will be many more in the Springs in the future, but only for her.
vball4real Coaches will go watch top players especially if they are left handed and tall
Alan If I were a college coach, I'd also go watch Taylor Simpson of Doherty. 6-2 sophomore
vball4real she is already on the radar...she was at the CU/Nebraska match and was wearing a Nebraska shirt
mingo most of the crowd had red on
VBYearRound Alan who has the coaching advantage this weekend. Pick from any class.
Alan Well, we have a lot of people signed in, so I want to ask everyone who is the best player and best team they've seen this season.
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vball4real Mingo--that made the CU win even sweeter
VBYearRound Creek 5A, Mullen 4A, CSCS 3A. I can't speak below that.
mingo yes would have been fun to be a cu fan that night
vball4real What team do you think will be the cinderella team and upset a top ranked team
Alan YearRound, I'm not sure what you mean by coaching advantage. I'd want to be Mike Broekhuis of CSCS. Yes, they have a target on their backs, but they have a national-caliber player who sets and hits and they've won the last four. So, I'd say the target factor is nullified by the intimidation factor.
VBYearRound Who can make adjustments on the fly, who will have their team mentally prepared. Things like that.
vball4real Nikki Kinzer is playing the most consistent with a very high hitting percentage and makes very few errors
Mashene HI Alan..the answer to tyour last question would be Creek & Grandview, with the best player possibly the Arnold girl out of Berthoud
mingo nikki is having a great year, do you think a midle can carry a team?
volleyball-dad 5A Creek, Possible upset - Vista or Grandvie; 4A Cheyenne Mtn or Berthoud period. Mullen will not make it past pool. 3A - CSCS although I give Faith or Classical a good shot as well.
Alan Mashene, I have a story coming out tomorrow wtih some things on Kelley and Berthoud. Mingo, I do think a middle can carry a team, especially Kinzer, because she can dominate hitting and blocking. I've also seen her have some very good serving games.
vball4real Nikki is good but the outsides have to be on as well
Mashene the 3A schools top teams are all private schools. the patriot league could bring in some surprise teams to challenge and catch csc off guard. not likely, but they are tough
Alan VB Dad, I'm interested in TCA, which I think graduated its best player last year. They have another top hitter, though, and their setter is back. I think Platte Valley also might have a shot at making the semis in 3A.
Alan VBDad, we differ on Mullen, but I agree with your other observations.
mingo many times when competition gets abit tougher passing not quite as good and tough to get ball to middle as much
VBYearRound volleyball-dad so you think one player (turner for MV or Dennehey from Grandview) can beat them by themsleves? You have to admit those 2 kids are their whole team.
Alan YearRound, I'd say Sarah VanGoethem of Grandview is an underrated player. Yes, Denney is great, but Paynter and VanGoethem aren't chopped liver.
vball4real Mingo-you are so right--the reason Nikki has dominated is because Rampart uses 3 defensive specialists and a libero and the passing is excellent
volleyball-dad There are many under-rated players on Grandview, just like last year. And while I am Lauren VanOrden's biggest fan, she didn't win State by herself.
VBYearRound Alan I think you are correct to a point, but I actually think VanGoethem may get to many sets in the backrow and they both have to be on. Of course no other team this year has had 6 players on all the time other than Creek.
vball4real I agree it takes more than one player but it sures helps to have a terminator on your team
Alan I think a lot of teams use the backrow hit too much.
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volleyball-dad No doubt. She's doing well at San Diego though!
VBYearRound Well said vball4real.
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VBYearRound Alan it does seem like we are seeing a lot more backrow hitting. I guess everyone is out of system more. Maybe it has trickled down from college and club.
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volleyball-dad I think the back row sets are less intentional than they are lack of organized play on the court. There is a slightly lower "intensity" level on all the teams this year, and much of the play looks very disorganized.
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Alan 4Real, to me, the most interesting 5A match on Friday is Rampart and Vista. Alex Tanner sure has great hands, but if the rotation has her going up against Ariel Turner (if she's playing) then Rampart will have a hard time. Also Rampart runs the slide to both middles, which brings Turner into play as
Mashene i agree to a point about the back row sets, but another pooint is several setters are unable to take a bad pass and make a set to the net
volleyball-dad Mashene - very true
VBYearRound Good point Mashene.
Alan Mashene, I'm with you. I think too many setters are taking the easy way out on passes off the net. They go to a back row player instead of trying the outside hitter.
vball4real I think volleyball dad is correct however I sometimes wonder if it has trickled down from college. It is frustrating watching 6'5" BYU opposite play all the way for the back row attack and miss easy digs
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Mashene setting is becoming a lost art and technical part part of the game
Mashene many teams focus too much on the big hit and less on defense & true setting skills
vball4real Alan---Alex rarely has to move because the passing is great---give some of the credit for getting the ball in Nikki's hands to the 4 defensive players please
Alan I have also noticed the more experienced middles -- Denney and Kinzer come to mind -- can read the back row hit easily and stuff it by themselves, no wall.
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VBYearRound Mashene I think it is tough for HS coaches because of the short season in CO. I guess that is why I asked about the coaching. It should make a difference this time of year.
Alan 4real, the Rampart coach gives credit to all his DSs all the time. But yes, we all know that a team really doesn't function offensively unless the passes are good.
volleyball-dad Actually, many of the teams are lacking depth across the court. You can pretty much read everything by game 2. That is where Creek has the advantage in 5A. They do have the talent and move the ball around.
Alan Yes, I don't see any coaches going ballistic after backrow sets, so they must have it as part of the game plan.
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Alan I think Ranch also does a good job of distribution, but only when the passes are right on.
VBYearRound Ranch doesn't really have major guns so I think they have to move it around to survive.
Alan Guess I like Erica Winkler more than you, but your point is good.
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Alan Well, it's after 9 so time to close down. Thanks to everyone for such a strong turnout. Sorry to those who submitted questions in advance, but I couldn't access them. I'll try to get that cleared up. Maybe we can have a wrapup after state. Good night to all.

Posted by at 9:32 PM | Comments (6)