15 Open predictions for JOs now posted

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JTawa	15 Open predictions for JOs now posted	Lead	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 14063 (06/10/08 7:55 PM) Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Tags : None http://www.prepvolleyball.com/content/view/1809/381/
expertidiot		#1	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 348 (06/10/08 8:40 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	JTawa wrote: Why Power? They have great balance, play faster than most teams and don't know what it's like to lose. Well, they lost to A5 15-Heidi at the Northern Lights Qualifier. So Power does know how to lose. (Okay, then Power beat A5 in a close finals match.) A5 15-Heidi is very good. As is Rockwood Thunder, Mad Frog, Cajunland, Texas Tornados... and I'm sure all the others. Good luck to all in Dallas. Too bad the midwest teams won't be there.
olddblueeyes	Hmmm...	#2	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 92 (06/10/08 9:27 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	expertidiot wrote: JTawa wrote: Why Power? They have great balance, play faster than most teams and don't know what it's like to lose. Well, they lost to A5 15-Heidi at the Northern Lights Qualifier. So Power does know how to lose. (Okay, then Power beat A5 in a close finals match.) A5 15-Heidi is very good. As is Rockwood Thunder, Mad Frog, Cajunland, Texas Tornados... and I'm sure all the others. Good luck to all in Dallas. Too bad the midwest teams won't be there. ....the ummm, KC in KCPower stands for Kansas City. Kansas City is part of the Heart of Amercia Region, the sixth largest region in USAV, and will be sending 39 teams to JR Nationals....the midwest will be very well represented by the HOA teams. The Northeast is all the states northeast of the Potomac River: Me., N.H., Vt., Mass., Conn., R.I., N.Y., N.J., Penn,. Del., and Md. - with perhaps D.C. thrown in for good measure. The South is all the states that are south of the Potomac and Ohio Rivers - W. Va., Ky., Va., N.C., S.C., Ga., Fla., Ala., Miss., and Tenn., plus the southern parts of the Mississippi Valley and Great Plains - Okla., La., Tex., and Ark. The Midwest is the states north of the Ohio River, also the central and northern Great Plains - Oh., Ind., Ill., Mich,. Wis., Minn., Iowa, Mo., N.D., S.D., Neb., Kan. The West is all the remaining states - Mont., Wyo., Colo., N.M., Utah, Ariz., Idaho, Wash., Ore., Nev., Calif., Alaska and Hawaii. Last Edited By: olddblueeyes 06/10/08 9:41 PM. Edited 1 times.
expertidiot		#3	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 348 (06/11/08 6:42 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I should have more accurately said, "Too bad not all of the best teams from the midwest will be there." But since we're onto geography lessons now, what about the Southwest?
olddblueeyes	Ummm....	#4	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 92 (06/11/08 7:09 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	expertidiot wrote: I should have more accurately said, "Too bad not all of the best teams from the midwest will be there." But since we're onto geography lessons now, what about the Southwest? ...no such area except in movie westerns and vacation flyers. The four areas stated are the recognized and applied areas by governing and information agencies such as the U.S. Census...
TheyPlayICheer	Thanks for your Predictions	#5	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 100 (06/11/08 1:45 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Dear Mr. Tawa, Thank you very much for your predictions, and in particular for setting the bar so low for our team. It must be so tough for those teams that you predict to win to go in and meet expectations. But thankfully you have not done that for our team. Now our team can have a simple focused goal, Beat the Tawa line (The Tawa line being defined as the team's predicted finish at JOs by yourself.) So if you happen to hear the girls from our team, or any other, chanting "Beat Tawa! Beat Tawa!" please take it as a sign of respect that we consider exceeding your expectations to be a lofty goal in itself.
JTawa		#6	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 14063 (06/11/08 2:14 PM) Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	My first year doing this, I predicted a Delta Valley team to finish near the bottom. They finished tied for third I believe. Afterwards, the coach started pointing at me and telling parents to take my picture because I was the scallywag who didn't believe in them. I felt bad. On the one hand, I was thrilled at how well they'd done not disappointed that they'd exceeded my prediction. On the other, the team was treating me like the enemy. I've grown a thicker skin since then, and most now understand that the predictions are intended to generate discussion.
ashellbythesea		#7	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 5 (06/11/08 2:42 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Great article! However Club West, although they have managed to defeat every Open team from California (except Long Beach and Encinitas), have also been unable to pull wins off either Santa Barbara 15-Elite (who I don't believe they have played) or San Gabriel 15-Roshambo. Club West has seen San Gabriel multiple times such as Farwesterns and SoCal mandatories. I have seen most of these games and both teams have been very competitive but Club West has fallen in two. These teams can be very competitive so I would not count them out for placing in the top at Dallas.
VBREPORTER	Hmmm...	#8	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 109 (06/11/08 8:08 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	...data and analysis continues to come in but based on previous JT predictions of NQs and other major tournaments during the season, and the resulting parental posts, early returns continue to support that fact that the 15s parents are by far the biggest whiners on the PREP board. We, the parents of the 18s and 17s apologize JT for the youthful exuberance and associated slamming of you by the parents who's grade school players have yet to earn their stripes in JRVB.... Are there a lot of dad's named "Todd" at the 15 level? Last Edited By: VBREPORTER 06/11/08 8:12 PM. Edited 1 times.
vbx10	Nice little swipe!	#9	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 26 (06/12/08 8:43 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	C'mon VBREPORTER, "the 15s parents are by far the biggest whiners on the PREP board." That might be a little heavy handed (there I go again w/ that term!) don't you think? TheyPlayICheer is simply using the age old tactic of "bulletin board material." While the JOs predictions article is entertainment, it can get the competitive juices flowing. Wait 'till Coach Billy gets to the computer and sees his team is picked to finish 23! That's all he needs to feed the beast! However, I do like the "Todd" reference. The names a little random but I think we get it So a few a few teams get their noses bent out of shape? Nicely done JTawa. Tell the Sheriff that Luci (shortened)/YumYum will be in Dallas shortly.
TheyPlayICheer	Youthful Exuberance	#10	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 100 (06/12/08 9:26 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Oh great VB Reporter. I have read many of your posts in the past and admired your expreience and sagacity. However, I really must complain that you have passed over from doyen (or doyenne) to scrooge. Why would you complain about the youthful and their energy? Indeed it is only that energy that can keep threads like this alive and the board worth attending. If the 17s and 18s threads have gone stale, you should be challenging them to get out their virtual pens and contribute. Where would all of us be if Mr. Tawa himself got bored of the action as the girls turned 12? As for the parents and friends of 15s teams, please jump in with any facts, opinions, outlandish hopes... whatever. Anything that promotes one team without denigrating another is great. It always amazes me that a thread such as this can have 8 posts and over 1000 views. Someone is looking, so jump in. As for the prediction about pools, and the possibility that the JO Seeding committee reads this website, can you please put Mad Frogs, Club West and San Gabriel in our pool. We have some unfinished business with them. Well that leads to an interesting question? Do you go to JOs hoping to revenge matches against teams you have already seen or play brand new teams for the first time? I guess that for my part I like to know something about the other team. I don't want to meet teams from NorCal that we see all the time, but I anticipate a match against Encinitas, who we seem to see 2 times a year, vs a match against someone I know nothing about. Mr. Tawa, can you please put KC into our pool instead of Tornadoes (I know you really have the "Power") . Since you have touted KC #1, I would like to see how we play against them. Is there anyone out there from Cleveland? Or Woodland? It would be nice to learn more about those clubs. Where is Nostradamus? I think you have got to be pleased with a predicted 5th place. Although our girls can tell you it is bittersweet. Happy to make gold bracket but needed one more win for the medal.
VBREPORTER	Ummm...	#11	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 109 (06/12/08 9:58 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	vbx10 wrote: However, I do like the "Todd" reference. The names a little random but I think we get it ...the name "Todd" is in no way random much like all other poignant and fact based posting from the VBReporter. The "Todd" was the consummate board psycho that lived and breathed each prediction and ranking as Gospel and the ultimate determining factor in how every event would play out; he could never accept that the predictions only purpose was entertainment. So wrapped up was he that after one JT predcition or ranking he felt it necessary to call JT at home and demand his subscription money be refunded along with some very direct thoughts. In regard to the quality of posts, first we never attack JT both out of respect and fear. Actually fell victim to this my self coincidentally when my daughter was 15. Had just joined PREP and was outraged by JT's first Club ranking. Sent him a very direct e-mail about the stupidity of the rank thinking that I was connected to some large, multi-staffed, resource heavy WEBSITE dedicated to JRVB. Found out later it was just JT working his tail off to provide a service. Hey JT, did I ever apologize for that stupidity on my part? If not, I do. Now completing our last year of JRVB, know the guy works himself to death and sacrifices much, especially family, to run this board. And you really don't want to get on his bad side either team or player-wise. He wields a huge sword of influence among college coaches and really many facets of volleyball. You want him covering your team, considering your player, etc. as attested by my daughter's recent committing to a full D1 scholarship at a Top-20 school...believe me when I say that JT's coverage and ranking of her was one of the key elements in getting her recruited. Look at some of the college websites and note that new recruits have awards like "PREP Top-50"; "PREP-RANKED Something" in their profile. Also, postings that support a position with facts, not rantings, are more informative. Bulletin Board stuff? LOL...that's for rabid parents that have yet to figure out that the "mine is bigger/better than yours" is lost on the athlete. 1000 hits? I'm thinking Cheer has half of them.... Last Edited By: VBREPORTER 06/12/08 12:18 PM. Edited 4 times.
Jsetme1	Interesting contrasts in styles	#12	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 131 (06/12/08 11:12 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	So who do you pick? A team with a fast offense like KC Power? A team that has pretty much rolled through its three Q's like TAV? A team that has a player who could carry you to the finish line like Encinitas? I think TAV makes it to the finals, as they are very solid and very athletic. They have an OH who is capable of taking over games should it become a high-ball war. I also think City Beach challenges for the gold bracket. They have two outstanding pin hitters who can pick them up if their ball control breaks down. Same with Laguna Wiz. At the 15s level, you can go a long, long way with good ball control, poise and a pair of OHs that can terminate. Middles are fun to have at this age, but their offense is usually the cherry on the sundae. If you get two that can close the block and take away court space, you get a huge edge. So I pick against KC Power in the Open field, largely out of bias against quick offenses at this age. The ball control absolutely has to be there, and I'm betting with the house (the other 27 teams) that someone can get them out of it during the march to the gold bracket. Problem is, I'm having trouble picking a finalist with TAV. An all-Texas final with Tornadoes? I can't predict that. I'm a CA guy. So we'll slip Encinitas in there with an all-world performance from their OH.
Nebraska Nostradamus	15s	#13	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 350 (06/12/08 11:49 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I am here just been crazy busy with actual "work" so haven't had much time to analyze these predictions. Its always nice to be picked to finish near the top. It does put a target on your back which can be a daunting task to deal with especially with such a quality field. I have not seen any 1 player all year that will dominate and "win" a match for a team. Bottom line is: the TEAM that plays together will have great success and go along way at JO's. Those relying on 1 person will be pretenders, not contenders in the end.
Strayfromherd	My take...for what its worth.	#14	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 64 (06/12/08 3:02 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Being a preseason #5 ranked team in John's rankings was quite a shocker. Like Nebraska said, the target on your back is a daunting task to deal with. So I am happy with the 10th place finish John threw out there for us. We have played 14 of the 28 teams in Open this year including , 6 of the top 9 predicted finishers, in a total of 22 matches against the Open field (13-9). I am not sure of that in comparison to everyone else, but I imagine it is up there in total matches played. This looks to be a very deep field and there are a handful of teams capable of winning the gold. If I did not believe my team was capable of winning this thing, I shouldn't be coaching. So, leaving us out, TAV seems to be the most complete team we have seen all year (23-25, 18-25). KC POWER is a quick team, very disciplined and maybe the most fun we have had playing a volleyball match this season (25-11, 23-25, 13-15). Wave played up in the 16s division all year, and had great success. Lauren Birks in my opinion is the best player in the 15s division I have seen, but this team is way deeper than just her. Gigi Cresto can do some damage on the right, and Katie is a great coach. They will be in the mix. The team we have seen the mot has been Mizuno Long Beach, a team we are 2-2 against this season. They have been a buzzsaw of late and look to be healthy and ready to go deep in Dallas. Jsetme, a bias against quick offenses??? Did you not watch SCVC last year win a 15-Open gold medal. I did, and they were FAST. Whoever wins the gold, will have to beat some very good teams to get it done, and it will be well deserved. Best of luck to everyone. See ya in Dallas. Aaron Mavericks 15-Aaron
Jsetme1	Not so much bias, as you run one too!	#15	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 131 (06/12/08 5:31 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Maybe bias is the wrong word. I love to run a fast offense, but I liken it to walking a tightrope in the 15s age group. If you commit to it, and your ball control is rock solid and your setter makes good choices, it works, as evidenced by your own crew this year, KC Power this year and SCVC last year. Just lots of variables for all that to work for a medal run at 15 open, kind of like my golf swing at much older than that. So I bet the odds against. After what might be termed a slow start (see committing to the offense above) SCVC put it all together and had a great run, no doubt about it.
Volley Flower		#16	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 22 (06/13/08 8:14 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Jsetme1 had it right at the begining. What he said was that, typically, the team with the best ball control and the best outside hitters is the team to watch out for. This is spot on and not just in the 15s (I would argue that is the key to success at most levels of volleyball). Not sure this has to do with running a "fast" offense or a "slow" offense, but whether you've got two terminating outsides and enough passing, defense and setting to deliver it to those outside hitters on a consistent basis. (In fact, SCVC was a team last year with excellent ball control and terminating outside hitters). On this criteria, I like TAV or a So. Cal team this year (either Encinitas or Long Beach).
VolleyballFan13	AAUs	#17	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 695 (06/15/08 8:35 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Is it TAVs second team playing in AAUs?
TheyPlayICheer	Thank you JT and everyone else, and good luck	#18	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 100 (06/25/08 11:41 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	JO play for the 18s starts tomorrow. We have to wait a few days for our turn, but it is coming. Good luck everyone. Thank you all who contributed to interesting discussions over the course of the year. Thank you JT for all of your work during the year and especially for putting KC Power in our pool so that we get a chance to see how good they are.
Nebraska Nostradamus	Power	#19	[-]
Registered Member Posts: 350 (06/26/08 2:06 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	We have played them several times this year, they are the real deal. Great players and coaches. Its fun to play matches against such a high caliber team! Looking forward to 4 days of high level competion! Dont bee too thankful they are in your pool! HA HA HA See you in Texas! NN