Kamali'i-7
Sophomore
I'm not ethnocentric.
Posts: 200
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Post by Kamali'i-7 on Aug 11, 2014 22:11:34 GMT -5
snpy.tv/147QqA8Nikki Taylor is a 2014 AVCA Sand Volleyball All-american. She is a six-three sophomore outside-hitter with the Hawaii Rainbow Wahine and chose UH over Nebraska and UC Los Angeles in 2011. She is a sibling to six-eight AVCA All-american Josh Taylor (2015 Pepperdine senior, Malibu, CA) who was, that same 2011 year, the Hawaii Boys State Player of the Year at Punahou High School. Nikki was the no.26 Prepvolleyball.com Senior Ace and was also a Volleyball Magazine Fab-50 selection while at Kaiser High School in the Sandwich Isles. Nikki’s virtuous leadership skills have yet to surface on a 2014 indoor Hawaii team, which finds itself in a not so secretive dungeon that’s accessed only through a trapdoor in its very lofty ceiling. EMOTE
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Post by johnbar on Aug 12, 2014 0:18:58 GMT -5
What does this ^^^ have to do with the future for Stanford, "Kamali'i-7"? I think you're in the wrong thread.
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Post by johnbar on Aug 12, 2014 0:21:05 GMT -5
Not sure, but I think her initials are "SB". ;-)
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Post by johnbar on Aug 12, 2014 11:42:48 GMT -5
Not sure, but I think her initials are "SB". ;-) I could also guess that her middle name is "Ann". But, yes, looking at photos from Wave, I believe that is Sidney Brown behind Merete, and Sarah Benjamin at the head of the table.
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Post by hammer on Aug 12, 2014 15:01:30 GMT -5
Not sure, but I think her initials are "SB". ;-) I could also guess that her middle name is "Ann". But, yes, looking at photos from Wave, I believe that is Sidney Brown behind Merete, and Sarah Benjamin at the head of the table. Yes, confirmed ... Sid Brown next to Merete, Benji at head of table. Practice is open tonight (Aug. 12) from 6-9pm in the Practice Gym according to Amy. Use the side door (as always) next to the Maples parking lot to gain entrance.
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Post by paloalto on Aug 12, 2014 21:41:28 GMT -5
The following is from the Stanford WVB website. Did anyone go to tonight's scrimmage.
Open Scrimmages Schedule: Tuesday, Aug. 12 – 6-9 p.m. (PG) Friday, Aug. 15 – 3-6 p.m. (PG) Tuesday, Aug. 19 – 3-6 p.m. (PG) Friday, Aug. 22 – 4:30-6:30 p.m. (PG); BBQ at 6:30 p.m. at Jimmy V’s Monday, Aug. 25 – 12-2:30 p.m. (Maples) Tuesday, Aug. 26 – 3-6 p.m. (Maples)
The first four open scrimmages will be held in the Arrillaga Practice Gym, located adjacent to Maples Pavilion. Fans are asked to enter through the south door accessible from the Maples Pavilion parking lot. The final two scrimmages will be in Maples Pavilion, and fans are asked to sit in the stands accessible via the main concourse.
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Post by beachbomb on Aug 12, 2014 23:54:32 GMT -5
Did anyone go to the practice? Any reports?
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Post by beaaaaast on Aug 13, 2014 1:28:14 GMT -5
I'm trying to not state the obvious b/c I know you are waiting to pounce on me. I also have a good feeling about the Huskers this season(they have seem snake-bitten the last two years) . The Rolfzen twins are really, really good. There isn't going to be a Kelsey Robinson on Nebraska's team this year so I'm curious to see how that will effect their offense.
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Post by johnbar on Aug 13, 2014 10:59:10 GMT -5
I went to the Stanford practice last night, but could only stay for the first 45 minutes. That was just warm-ups and drills, so nothing much to report. Everyone looked healthy.
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Post by hammer on Aug 13, 2014 14:28:18 GMT -5
I went to the Stanford practice last night, but could only stay for the first 45 minutes. That was just warm-ups and drills, so nothing much to report. Everyone looked healthy. I stopped in for about an hour and saw two sets of play. The first appeared to be what I would call Stanford's projected starting lineup for 2014 vs. the leftovers. That projected lineup is as follows: Inky, Burgess, Howard, Gilbert, Lutz, Boukather, Bugg. in the 2nd set Boukather switched sides and McGehee played at RS. Also, in the 2nd set, Benjamin switched over to the strong team and played as a DS. Grace Kennedy, playing for the weak team, had the libero jersey on for both sets. So I guess the question is: Does Benjamin play as a DS in 2014 (seems likely) or is she red-shirted with Kennedy playing the DS role? Some comments on Sidney Brown: She has a very good vertical, impressive quad mass, and can really pound the rock. On a first look I would say she could be an effective left side hitter in the Pac-12, but she'll need to learn when to uncork the hammer, dink, go high hands, or off-speed. I didn't see enough of her defense or passing to make any kind of decent evaluation. In the first set when playing the back row, she was not a primary passer. Her top-spin jump serve is very strong, so I could see JD using her as a serving specialist. Some comments on Sarah Benjamin: She is quite petite (for a volleyball player) and her lower body does not match up with your prototypical libero. On a first look I would say her passing was quite good and ability to dig rockets and tips as so-so. But again, I didn't see that many "handles" , so once I see more scrimmage/practice play I may have a more informed opinion. Overall play was somewhat ragged in the two sets I watched as the serving seemed to be ahead of the passing. Lutz had some nice tips and blocks, which one would expect given her size. At 6'8" she doesn't even need to jump to be an effective blocker. I'm guessing JD will have some special tip drills fashioned for her hoping to exploit her unique size in Pac-12 play.
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Post by bayarea on Aug 13, 2014 14:34:18 GMT -5
A little off topic, but the sand facility is more or less done. At least, it's not a construction zone any more. I think the net poles are still in boxes. And I'm not sure what the plan is for seating... Are they going to add bleachers? Or you just spread your blanket over the gravel? Here are some pics. I think that gravel is supposed to end up covered with artificial grass. You have the option of sitting on the grass or on the retaining wall.
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Post by johnbar on Aug 13, 2014 15:41:52 GMT -5
Some comments on Sidney Brown: ... Her top-spin jump serve is very strong, so I could see JD using her as a serving specialist. That serve is the one thing I noticed about her in the warm-ups.
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Post by WahineFan44 on Aug 13, 2014 16:11:49 GMT -5
I went to the Stanford practice last night, but could only stay for the first 45 minutes. That was just warm-ups and drills, so nothing much to report. Everyone looked healthy. I stopped in for about an hour and saw two sets of play. The first appeared to be what I would call Stanford's projected starting lineup for 2014 vs. the leftovers. That projected lineup is as follows: Inky, Burgess, Howard, Gilbert, Lutz, Boukather, Bugg. in the 2nd set Boukather switched sides and McGehee played at RS. Also, in the 2nd set, Benjamin switched over to the strong team and played as a DS. Grace Kennedy, playing for the weak team, had the libero jersey on for both sets. So I guess the question is: Does Benjamin play as a DS in 2014 (seems likely) or is she red-shirted with Kennedy playing the DS role? Some comments on Sidney Brown: She has a very good vertical, impressive quad mass, and can really pound the rock. On a first look I would say she could be an effective left side hitter in the Pac-12, but she'll need to learn when to uncork the hammer, dink, go high hands, or off-speed. I didn't see enough of her defense or passing to make any kind of decent evaluation. In the first set when playing the back row, she was not a primary passer. Her top-spin jump serve is very strong, so I could see JD using her as a serving specialist. Some comments on Sarah Benjamin: She is quite petite (for a volleyball player) and her lower body does not match up with your prototypical libero. On a first look I would say her passing was quite good and ability to dig rockets and tips as so-so. But again, I didn't see that many "handles" , so once I see more scrimmage/practice play I may have a more informed opinion. Overall play was somewhat ragged in the two sets I watched as the serving seemed to be ahead of the passing. Lutz had some nice tips and blocks, which one would expect given her size. At 6'8" she doesn't even need to jump to be an effective blocker. I'm guessing JD will have some special tip drills fashioned for her hoping to exploit her unique size in Pac-12 play. Do you think McGehee will still compete for a starting spot? People seemed to be high on her and it seems like lutz and boukather might get it
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Post by cardcounter on Aug 13, 2014 17:16:29 GMT -5
Nice report on the team, hammer. Your observations about Brown and Benjamin are similar to mine when I saw them playing club some months ago. I knew the first reaction to Benjamin would be she is young looking. Benjamin looks about 13 years old. Despite the youthful appearance, I think her serve receive is solid, at least on a par with Gilbert. I heard Benjamin has a personal instructor for weight training and I expect she will put on muscle mass as she matures.
It looks like Boukather and McGehee might be contesting for the right side position. Boukather had a good amount of playing time two years ago. Boukather has good technique and timing for swing blocking. If McGehee and Boukather are vying for the right side, whoever comes out on top should be a strength for the team.
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Post by hammer on Aug 13, 2014 17:17:59 GMT -5
I stopped in for about an hour and saw two sets of play. The first appeared to be what I would call Stanford's projected starting lineup for 2014 vs. the leftovers. That projected lineup is as follows: Inky, Burgess, Howard, Gilbert, Lutz, Boukather, Bugg. in the 2nd set Boukather switched sides and McGehee played at RS. Also, in the 2nd set, Benjamin switched over to the strong team and played as a DS. Grace Kennedy, playing for the weak team, had the libero jersey on for both sets. So I guess the question is: Does Benjamin play as a DS in 2014 (seems likely) or is she red-shirted with Kennedy playing the DS role? Some comments on Sidney Brown: She has a very good vertical, impressive quad mass, and can really pound the rock. On a first look I would say she could be an effective left side hitter in the Pac-12, but she'll need to learn when to uncork the hammer, dink, go high hands, or off-speed. I didn't see enough of her defense or passing to make any kind of decent evaluation. In the first set when playing the back row, she was not a primary passer. Her top-spin jump serve is very strong, so I could see JD using her as a serving specialist. Some comments on Sarah Benjamin: She is quite petite (for a volleyball player) and her lower body does not match up with your prototypical libero. On a first look I would say her passing was quite good and ability to dig rockets and tips as so-so. But again, I didn't see that many "handles" , so once I see more scrimmage/practice play I may have a more informed opinion. Overall play was somewhat ragged in the two sets I watched as the serving seemed to be ahead of the passing. Lutz had some nice tips and blocks, which one would expect given her size. At 6'8" she doesn't even need to jump to be an effective blocker. I'm guessing JD will have some special tip drills fashioned for her hoping to exploit her unique size in Pac-12 play. Do you think McGehee will still compete for a starting spot? People seemed to be high on her and it seems like lutz and boukather might get it If pressed right now I would say no. In a nutshell, at middle, McGehee is not a strong blocker (like Lutz) and she has trouble hitting front ones. And, at RS, she can't hit a range of shots like Boukather. With that said, I do envision her getting some playing time especially when Boukather is off her game. She'll probably start some sets during preseason because I'm sure JD wants to test and verify. One other thing worth mentioning probably bears some discussion. It is stamina as it relates to middle blocking. This topic is not discussed much on Volleytalk, but if we juxtapose (say) Carly Wopat vs. Merete Lutz this can and probably will be an issue for Stanford. That is, we might find out that Lutz runs out of gas in some of those long rallies that seem to happen all too frequently in Pac-12 play. Maybe McGehee ends up with more playing time at MB because of this weakness.
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