My original comment was an impact at the top of the Region. Regardless, I'd still argue Tobergte over Metzger head to head. Metzger might have better overall stats this seasonb because she's the focus at Dixie. Tobergte will be one of many good to great players at St Henry.

My original comment was an impact at the top of the Region. Regardless, I'd still argue Tobergte over Metzger head to head. Metzger might have better overall stats this seasonb because she's the focus at Dixie. Tobergte will be one of many good to great players at St Henry.

 

What do you base this on other than feelings? Have they competed against one another in the past?

 

Metzger was selected as one of the Top 42 Players in the Select Division for Team USA as an OH the past two years? That division comprises kids from all over the US who are currently in 8th and 9th grades. She's the only kid in KY, or the Tri-state for that matter to be selected. She earned NKGVCA 2nd Team All Opponent Team Division 1 as an eighth grader playing for Dixie (of all places) in a division laden with talent from Notre Dame, Ryle, Cooper, Simon Kenton, Scott, Boone Co., Campbell Co., and Conner. (You do realize that two of those teams were in the state finals right?) She was named Team Captain at Dixie last year by her teammates, and is playing club right now at the 16-Open/National level.

Is she staying at Dixie?

 

I know that she took the placement test at St. Henry. I don't think they've committed to one or the other though. It would be interesting to see her and Tobertge on the same team though.

It's my opinion based on seeing them both play in their club enviornments over the past few years. In my opinion, Maria plays higher and is a much more pyhsical attacker at this point in their development. In my opinion, Leah does have better serve receive skills. Both are very skilled and accomplished players. It's certainly not the truth (haha).

 

The USAV HP program isn't for everyone so its hard to use that as a bar. Not everyone goes to tryouts or prioritzes it from a time and finanical committment. Look at the top of NCAA volleyball, not a ton of them participated in USAV HP program. The individual high school awards are great but coaches rank their own players and most schools end up getting represented. If you're option 1 on a roster, you are going to make a post-season team.

 

We are really comparing 1 and 1A here...my initial statement was stating I think Maria Tobergte can have an impact on the outcome of top of Region 9 matches.

It's my opinion based on seeing them both play in their club enviornments over the past few years. In my opinion, Maria plays higher and is a much more pyhsical attacker at this point in their development. In my opinion, Leah does have better serve receive skills. Both are very skilled and accomplished players. It's certainly not the truth (haha).

 

The USAV HP program isn't for everyone so its hard to use that as a bar. Not everyone goes to tryouts or prioritzes it from a time and finanical committment. Look at the top of NCAA volleyball, not a ton of them participated in USAV HP program. The individual high school awards are great but coaches rank their own players and most schools end up getting represented. If you're option 1 on a roster, you are going to make a post-season team.

 

We are really comparing 1 and 1A here...my initial statement was stating I think Maria Tobergte can have an impact on the outcome of top of Region 9 matches.

 

 

Leah has never played at the same club level as Maria. There is a huge difference between 14's and 16's in club, and even if you discount her being invited to the Top 42 camp based on all tryouts, camps, and competitions that Team USA has across the United States, I totally disagree with your assessment about how the All-Opponent team is created. First, the players are put forward by the players coaches for consideration, that is true, but it does not guarantee you a spot on a team. There are many kids who show up to the event that do not make a team or honorable mention. And coaches are NOT allowed to vote for their own players. She earned second team Division 1, which means was picked as one of the top 12, in a division with Notre Dame, Ryle, Cooper, Simon Kenton, Scott, Boone Co., Campbell Co., and Conner. All great volleyball teams with loads of Sr's Jr's So's and Fr's.

 

If you're not impressed, go to the banquet and see how many girls show up and how many girls don't receive the honor of being placed on a team or honorable mention. It's not as easy as you think. Ashley Bush who we all believe is an excellent volleyball player and one of the best in NKY didn't make a team or honorable mention this year because she was hurt most of the season. We all know she deserved to be on it based on her skill level, but that fact she wasn't tells me that the coaches actually vote based on how kids play.

We will see how it all plays out over the next couple years. How much have you seen Maria Tobergte play? Do you know the level of competitive differences between high school and club programs? There is a tremendous difference between Open, Premier & Club. For example, NKJV does not compete at the Open Level at Nationals. That's not to say there aren't great players at all levels but to say Leah is on a 16s team does not mean that she's playing at a higher level or is better than others playing at younger ages in different situations. The best recruit in the last 10 years to come out of the Cincy/NKY area never played out of their own age group. Same player also did not play varsity until her sophomore year because she played at a great high school program. My only point is every situation is not the same and there are great players everywhere.

 

I'm not saying I will be 100% correct or know I will be, I stated an educated opinion and apparently hit a nerve.

 

My point is we are comparing apples to oranges and it will all play out and is pure opinion at this point.

 

Best opinion would come from Matt Long as he has worked with both of them at some level over the last 6 months. I'm sure he'll be jumping right on here to put his opinion out there.

We will see how it all plays out over the next couple years. How much have you seen Maria Tobergte play? Do you know the level of competitive differences between high school and club programs? There is a tremendous difference between Open, Premier & Club. For example, NKJV does not compete at the Open Level at Nationals. That's not to say there aren't great players at all levels but to say Leah is on a 16s team does not mean that she's playing at a higher level or is better than others playing at younger ages in different situations. The best recruit in the last 10 years to come out of the Cincy/NKY area never played out of their own age group. Same player also did not play varsity until her sophomore year because she played at a great high school program. My only point is every situation is not the same and there are great players everywhere.

 

I'm not saying I will be 100% correct or know I will be, I stated an educated opinion and apparently hit a nerve.

 

My point is we are comparing apples to oranges and it will all play out and is pure opinion at this point.

 

Best opinion would come from Matt Long as he has worked with both of them at some level over the last 6 months. I'm sure he'll be jumping right on here to put his opinion out there.

 

No nerve struck, and I'll say again Leah plays on a 16-National/Open team. NKJV has teams at all levels and plays their teams accordingly. So does Tri-State Elite. They do not force teams into open that obviously aren't like some clubs. Leah has played up on the same team for the last 6 years. She has competed against Notre Dame, Ryle, Cooper, St. Henry, Simon Kenton, Scott, Conner, Boone Co and anyone else you can name. That's her level.

 

Very curious who the #1 player you're thinking of is. I know of several and wouldn't necessarily say one is better then the next.

You're correct! Leah Metzger plays 16s in club vball and varsity in high school already against good competition that makes her the best player in that class. Come on, (sand)man!

 

Rachael Adams was the best "recruit" to come out of the NKY/Cincy area in the last 10 years. She wasn't even the best volleyball player on her club team. There is a major difference.

You're correct! Leah Metzger plays 16s in club vball and varsity in high school already against good competition that makes her the best player in that class. Come on, (sand)man!

 

Rachael Adams was the best "recruit" to come out of the NKY/Cincy area in the last 10 years. She wasn't even the best volleyball player on her club team. There is a major difference.

We will agree to disagree it seems, and thats ok. I don't expect you to waiver on your choice of who's better. I just figured you'd say why after you posted the head to head comment. If it's a feeling that's ok with me. I looked up both girls National records and didn't see anything to change my thought that Leah has played up two years above Maria, so therefore is mentally farther ahead in her understanding of the game, and the overall level of play that she faces on the other side of the net. Plus she has played at the varsity level in HS and succeeded. Maria may well be able to outplay her all day long head to head, but at the moment that is unproven and unfounded. Hence I asked for you to explain why you thought so. I expected something like an analysis of their positions, strengths and weaknesses, etc., seeing how you said you were familiar with both. At the very least I expected more about Maria and what makes her great.

 

In the last ten years you have Liz McMahon- Illinois, Korey Moster - Michigan State, Lauren O'Conner - Kentucky, and Lexi Dannemiller - Michigan just to name a few at the D1 level. Moster is on the USA A2 Womens National Team, and is slated to be on the next olympic team if things keep progressing. There are many more who are at the top of D-III and NAIA too. Rachel did well at Georgetown, no question about it, but I wouldn't say she's a hands down pick.

Rachael Adams played at Texas and won a National Championship and went to multiple Final Fours. Shes is one of 4 middles in competition for a 2016 Olympic roster spot and has competed at the highest of international levels with USA Volleyball. She was the #2 rated recruit in the country her senior year and has a 36' vertical and approach jump of 10'10. We are talking about two different athletes.

 

Kori Moster (not Korey) is not slated to be on the next olympic team. She has a shot and is training within a group of 48-56 players but she would need a lot of breaks as there are 4 liberos currently ahead of her and they will only take 2 on the roster. Great player and we are talking about a ridiculously high level to even be considered, but just the facts.

 

With Leah and Maria, it is apples and oranges until they compete on the same level consistently. I would actually argue that being the best player on a top of the open division team within your own age division is more challenging than playing at a lower level at an older age group. Again, that's an opinion but I've been around both and it's not even close from a competition standpoint. This is my last post on Leah and Maria. Both are great players in totally different situations in high school and club. It will play out over the years. Neither of us are incorrect and that's what I've been trying to say.

Sorry, I stand corrected about Rachel, I was confusing her with someone else in my head. And I agree Korey has a bit to go yet, but we will see.

 

Let's just hope they live up to the hype we've created. lol

Metzger was selected as one of the Top 42 Players in the Select Division for Team USA as an OH the past two years? That division comprises kids from all over the US who are currently in 8th and 9th grades. She's the only kid in KY, or the Tri-state for that matter to be selected.

 

This was for the Holiday Camp over Christmas, not the main one in the summer. Still an honor, but the fact is most of the top players in the country sit this one out and the participation in this from across the country is a fraction of what it is during the summer. And even then, many, many top players in the country don't do HP for a variety of reasons.

 

She earned NKGVCA 2nd Team All Opponent Team Division 1 as an eighth grader playing for Dixie (of all places) in a division laden with talent from Notre Dame, Ryle, Cooper, Simon Kenton, Scott, Boone Co., Campbell Co., and Conner. (You do realize that two of those teams were in the state finals right?)

 

Not a huge fan of these coaches' selections because they have to include someone from every school, which I think discounts the list some. There's also no taking into account positions played when selecting these teams either.

 

There is a tremendous difference between Open, Premier & Club. For example, NKJV does not compete at the Open Level at Nationals. That's not to say there aren't great players at all levels but to say Leah is on a 16s team does not mean that she's playing at a higher level or is better than others playing at younger ages in different situations.

 

This is all true. She would be better served being on an Open level team in her own age group, than playing up on a team that isn't at the top level, nor facing top competition. NKJV just isn't one of the top local clubs.

This was for the Holiday Camp over Christmas, not the main one in the summer. Still an honor, but the fact is most of the top players in the country sit this one out and the participation in this from across the country is a fraction of what it is during the summer. And even then, many, many top players in the country don't do HP for a variety of reasons.

 

 

 

Not a huge fan of these coaches' selections because they have to include someone from every school, which I think discounts the list some. There's also no taking into account positions played when selecting these teams either.

 

 

This is all true. She would be better served being on an Open level team in her own age group, than playing up on a team that isn't at the top level, nor facing top competition. NKJV just isn't one of the top local clubs.

 

Please get your facts right. She was on the A1 National Team during the summer, and competed in a Team USA Jersey in the HP Championships in Tulsa. She has been on the A1 National Team the past two years. Also, all of the top kids in the country do go to the Holiday Camp. There may be some phenom's who aren't in the HP program but all the kids in the top of the program are there for a reason. At the recent AVCA convention almost all the top freshman in the country were HP Kids.

 

Her NKJV team is very good. You know not what you speak of.

 

As far as the NKGVCA is concerned, typically these types of awards go to seniors or juniors, not eight graders. (Abby Thelen won player of the year over Morgan Hentz who is a Junior. ) How good does an eight grader have to be to make 2nd team over all those girls who made honorable mention or no team whatsoever.

 

And nearly all the "TOP" NCAA Players are in, or have been at one time as "juniors", members of the USAV HP Program.

Regarding USAV HP, "all of the top kids in the country" don't do anything, especially at 13 and 14 years of age. Regardless, it is still an honor to make the top roster at the camps. Generally speaking, this area of the country is not all that well represented on the rosters because many kids decide not to participate. The older they get, the more they start to participate.

 

Define a "very good" club team? On a local scale, they are 5th in 16s and that's if you don't think some clubs 2nd teams are better. Regionally and nationally is a whole different story. At Central Zones, they played 16 Open and finished 1-5 in matches and 2-11 in sets. They're registered 16 Premier for Bluegrass this coming weekend and are seeded 33rd. 4 local clubs 2nd teams are seeded ahead of them and 2 other local clubs top teams are seeded higher.

Regarding USAV HP, "all of the top kids in the country" don't do anything, especially at 13 and 14 years of age. Regardless, it is still an honor to make the top roster at the camps. Generally speaking, this area of the country is not all that well represented on the rosters because many kids decide not to participate. The older they get, the more they start to participate.

 

Define a "very good" club team? On a local scale, they are 5th in 16s and that's if you don't think some clubs 2nd teams are better. Regionally and nationally is a whole different story. At Central Zones, they played 16 Open and finished 1-5 in matches and 2-11 in sets. They're registered 16 Premier for Bluegrass this coming weekend and are seeded 33rd. 4 local clubs 2nd teams are seeded ahead of them and 2 other local clubs top teams are seeded higher.

 

OK, This will be my last post on the subject.

 

First it was said that she didn't play tough enough competition, but then you just proved that she did by admitting her club team played "Open" at the Central Zone Invitational, yet now it seems you are saying that they didn't win enough matches to qualify as a "good team". lol Look at the set scores and where the teams they lost to finished. They competed and could have won quite a few matches that they dropped in an open tourney in January. I could possibly see your point if they lost 25-5, but that is not the case. They finished 12th in Open, well ahead of the last place finish in premier that one of the 2's teams seeded ahead of them in the Bluegrass tourney recorded. The seeding at the Bluegrass or any early tourney is suspect and anyone in club volleyball knows it. Where you finish is the only thing that's important. Also there is a limited number of spots in Open, and at large tournaments Premier generally has quite a few Open caliber teams in it due to the two day format. Try posting how they finish next week when its completed and you might have a leg to stand on. Your implication that a 2's team should be ahead of them is funny. There are 9 kids on that team, and 8 of them started for their HS teams last season.

 

Yes, even at 13 and 14 years old the elite volleyball players around the country are encourages to try out for the HP Program. And Yes, not all elite players in the United States try out, but her division had the largest turnout in 2014 of all the divisions in the HP Program. Over 6500 if I remember correctly. Regardless, thousands upon thousands of kids attend tryouts each year, and she was selected top 55 for the Summer, and played on the USA Select A1 White Team, which was the top team in that division. Then was invited to the Top 42 Holiday Camp after all camps, clinics, and competitions were completed for the year.

 

The may be 42 kids better in the Kenton County, there may be 142, I don't know. But I do know that of all the thousands of kids in the United States who competed for a spot on Team USA she was named to the Top 42 of her age.