Every Nationals, unsung heroes define the tournament. Think back to even last year, when Ty Keller made an incredible catch in the latest moments of the championship game to push the Redhawks to their first title. This year’s field is wide-open, meaning new faces are sure to emerge.
Here are a few players who could step into that spotlight this year for our top 10 teams:
#1: Ohio State: Jake Puritz
Puritz flies under the radar for this star-studded squad, but challengers to the #1 team in the country shouldn’t overlook him. The junior brings leadership and composure to the middle of the floor, not to mention his cannon for an arm and the solid catching that we’ve come to expect from the Buckeyes. Michigan State’s core might cause Ohio State problems overall, but Puritz could be the difference-maker if they can’t contain him in the middle in a game where other top talents draw so much attention.
#2: Michigan State: Zach Van Fleet
Matt Barriball might be the reigning Player of the Year, but Van Fleet is really the engine that makes Michigan State’s 16-0 locomotive go. He controls the middle of the floor better than maybe anyone else in college dodgeball, and at his best can even outshine his fellow All-Americans and dictate the pace of play. He’ll be tested against the top competition MSU will face all weekend, and the Spartans’ bid for another championship could rest on his shoulders.
#3: Kent State: Mitch Lathwell
Lathwell’s been consistent all year and is a huge reason the Golden Flashes are sitting at the #3 spot. The lefty seems to generate so much power out of thin air with his lightning-quick windup, constantly catching opponents off guard. He’s also got the endurance to lead Kent through the bracket on Sunday, and they’ll need that consistency to meet their championship expectations.
#4: Grand Valley: Matt Budai
Grand Valley’s supporting cast this year isn’t what it’s been in years past, but you can’t count them out as long as Budai is on the court–and he’s so difficult to get out. If he can play to his full potential and take over points as we’ve seen in the past, taking pressure off of Aidan Jacobs and his brother Michael, GV might be back in the winners’ circle.
#5: Miami: Max Boon
Boon was a great player in his rookie season last year and made great plays on the way to Miami’s national championship run, and he’s only improved in his second campaign, looking like a veteran. Taller players usually provide more area for their opponents to throw at, but Boon uses that frame to create more catch opportunities instead of suffering from that disadvantage.
#6: Nebraska: Jesse Stebbing
Sophomore Jesse Stebbing has been a standout for the Huskers this year. Building off of a strong rookie season, he had a 35-kill, 9-catch performance at the Cornhusker Clash in Nebraska’s opening home tournament. Nebraska relies heavily on Stebbing as part of their corner-focused attack, and will need him to get hot if they want to stay undefeated.
#7: Cincinnati: Mike Obert
Cincinnati might have the best rookie class in the country, and it’s headlined by Obert, a young fireballer for Cincinnati who’s been consistent for the Bearcats all season. Obert was a breakout player in the fall semester –even wearing eyeblack at the beginning of the year– and he’s only gotten better for the Bearcats as the season has progressed.
#8: Virginia: Luke Cutelis
Cutelis has been a stalwart on both ends of the floor for the Cavaliers all season. He’s as good of a thrower as anyone else in Virginia’s starting 12, and can play defensively too, leading the team in catches at Southern Standoff II just two weeks ago with 21, including 6 in one point against North Georgia. Maybe UVA’s most improved player this season, Cutelis provides both a safety net for the Hoos’ corners and an extra throwing threat from the middle of the court.
#9: Ohio: Ryan Theiss
When teams lose points to the Bobcats, it often feels like there are a lot of guys who just disappear off the court. Ryan Theiss causes those disappearances. He’s not the flashiest player on the team, but when his accuracy is on, he can singlehandedly tip the scales for Ohio. His ability to step up and provide a backbone for his team to lean on could propel them deep into Sunday’s bracket.
#10: James Madison: JW Harrington
Harrington has made incredible strides this season, stepping into a new, larger role and making the absolute most of it. Harrington might be the most reliable of an entire team of catchers, and while he can’t match the arm speed of Jaxson Hannie, he’s consistent, accurate, and intelligent with his throwing. That steadiness gives his team a trustworthy anchor and makes him the kind of player every championship contender needs.