Recapping the 2026 Nike Mideast Qualifier: 16 Open Division

This weekend in Indianapolis was a display of high-level talent from the 16 Open division. Here’s who secured (and, in some cases, double-secured) their ticket to GJNC nationals.

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Even without 2029 Diamond prospect Kari Knotts on the court, A5 16-Gabe went undefeated this weekend and only dropped two sets thanks to strong performances from opposite Azaria Ehima (a 2027 Florida A&M commit) and outside 2028 Gold prospect Leilani Lamar. The two pins enjoyed solid set placement and speed from Chelsea Torrence, an Elite Orange 2028 setter prospect, while 2028 middle blocker prospect Julia Clarke patrolled the net and racked up blocks. This marks the second 16 Open bid for 16-Gabe.

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With a 7-3 record, MN Select 16-1 took second place and earned their first 16 Open bid. Red -level 2028 prospect Avery Minor led her team in scoring, working hard at the net and taking big swings when needed. 2029 prospect Ayva Jennings also stood out on the left side as a nice complement to Minor’s scoring, while 2028 middle blocker Neysa Allen came up with big plays on both sides of the ball to earn key momentum points for her team.

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Like A5, Circle City 16 Purple joined the double bid club this weekend, with an 8-1 record and tying for third place. 2028 pin hitter Gabriella Gilliard looked excellent, taking incredibly athletic swings and finding success with multiple different types of shots. 2028 Orange-level libero Stella Hamood also played well, covering her hitters off the block and being a steady passer.

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Premier Nebraska 16 Gold also secured their 16 Open bid this weekend, going 8-1 and tying for third place. 2028 pin hitter Logann Dostal made a name for herself as one to watch, taking many smart swings to keep her team ahead. Libero Ava Nowling, an Elite Red prospect in the 2028 class, was an excellent asset for this squad as well, with solid passing and impressive defensive plays that she made look easy. 

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The award for biggest nailbiter of the weekend goes to Pineapple High Performance 16-1, who narrowly won their Open bid with a 25-23 set three (yes, 25-23 in set three!) victory over Tri-State Elite 16 Blue. It was a rough first set for Pineapple, going down 14-25, but big-time performances from 2028 outside hitters Lyla Tindall and Elyse Mead ultimately led to victory for the Indiana-based squad. Middle blocker Paityn Lauck, a 2028 Orange prospect, also made several great plays in crunch time to secure both the win and the bid.

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Finally, Stars 16 ZAmy earned a 16 Open bid with a victory over Pineapple 16-1. 2028 Elite Red outside Mallory Mizell was absolutely outstanding. A six-rotation player, she is lethal from the front and back areas of the court, and adds solid defense, passing, and serving to the equation. 2028 libero Lexi Cheek was also impressive in the back court, with good passing and vigilant defense. Polina Popov, a 2028 middle, also stood out for her quickness and efficient attacking.