Business Bowl Review

Author: Brandon Borges

Introduction:

The Appalachia-5 continues to be the Mid-Atlantic’s crucible, where shared reps, film and familiar rivals harden young cores into real contenders. The Business Bowl, which took place October 4, set the tone: tighter strategies, explosive offensive plays and a first look as to the improvements that the University of Virginia, James Madison University and Triangle United made in the pre-season.

Full Results:

UVA 240–95 JMU — Set Score 240 (28:29)
UVA 245–30 Triangle United — Set Score 240 (21:55)
JMU 185–50 Triangle United — Set Score 180 (25:14)
UVA 245–20 JMU — Set Score 240 (20:37)
UVA 210–65 Triangle United — Set Score 210 (31:38)
JMU 175–50 Triangle United — Set Score 170 (23:39)

University of Virginia

UVA looks like a team on a mission. Last spring’s USQ national runner-up now carries itself with the urgency of a group intent on finishing the job, and Fast Break News’ preseason No. 1 has already backed up the billing. The identity is sharp and familiar: beater-led pressure that strangles offenses before they can develop, instant fast-breaks after stops and chasers who can find opportunities to score from every position in their halfcourt sets. Even with Zan Siddiqui gone, the Cavaliers returned a core that’s a year older, tougher and cleaner; at this event they didn’t just sweep the field, they checked every box you want from an evolving contender evolving.

For one, the stars haven’t missed a beat. Nathan Jun was electric again, with surgical timing on drives, improved on-ball defense and the poise you expect from a primary creator who logged serious minutes with the Washington Admirals. Emma Rollins patrolled the hoops with veteran calm, erasing looks and jump-starting transitions, while Rhett Krovitz’s set defense remained oppressive and disciplined, constantly testing and threatening presses while never forcing what isn’t available. Joey Beh, also sharpened by an Admirals summer, looked as composed as he’s ever been: smarter exchanges, timely throwbacks to preserve control and even productive utility chaser reps. And while Chantal Siodlarz wasn’t at this tournament, her national-stage performance stands on its own, another top-end gear the roster can still access. Next, the depth has ascended. John Evans’s work with the Admirals showed in his smart reads, snappy finishing and steadfast hoop defense; Rylan Moraes flashed and dazzled with explosive bursts on offense that are paired with growing field vision; Anne Marie Pritchett brought steadiness to the beater carousel that controlled the hoops when Krovitz would go hunt at the half-line; and Christian Walsh kept popping up in the right lanes at the right times, and looked quite at home as the UVA seeker.

Lastly, the rookie class looks world-class. Khamari Parker adds a power profile UVA simply hasn’t had: control through contact, physical finishes at the hoop and instant chemistry with the group. Tristan Schneider is the definition of plug-and-play, with connective passing, press defense and zero glaring gaps when given reps with any chaser package UVA throws out. Similarly, Elizabeth Reinhardt already feels like a UVA veteran, with fearless hoop defense and clean finishes on set plays, and Ava Foulk brings the right instincts as a point defender who will only get crisper with reps. Put it together and you get the same ruthless UVA template, only deeper, faster and more polished. They look like the cream of college Quadball: a unit that plays with earned swagger, stacks edges across every phase and projects, plainly, as the team to beat.

James Madison University

JMU’s steady climb is starting to show real shape. This group looks more strategy-oriented than in years past, unsurprising given how many Dukes played with or practiced alongside the Admirals over the summer. The result is a clearer plan in the set offense: make headway in the beater game by doing what is needed to clear space, then let Levan Tsiskarishvili threaten drives and create high-percentage finishes for Caitlyn Breslow and rookie Chris Khazmo. Tsiskarishvili did a bit of everything at this event, as an offensive engine, scorer and a rangy seeker who can catch with the best of them, while Breslow paired elite shot-blocking at the hoops with bruising, reliable finishing. Khazmo read rotations quite well, with smart back-post timing, quick offensive rebounds near the hoops for second-chance goals and even creativity through contact, giving Tsiskarishvili a second dependable release besides Breslow. Up top at keeper for JMU, Jerrell Simoneaux flashed real on-ball growth, contributing both as a stopper and a downhill threat when space opened.

The beater unit felt experienced and purpose-built. Declan McAlevy and Summer Solis prioritized control and created clean fronts without chasing hero plays, while Charlie Bodenstein added disruptive press beats and Mary Washko cleaned up defensive sequences behind hoops. With two convincing wins over Triangle United, the blueprint is clear: keep sharpening exits and second passes, and translate this more disciplined identity to bigger stages. The talent has been there; the plan is starting to catch up.

Triangle United (UNC + NC State)

Triangle United is a program on the rebuild, this tournament’s roster featuring four rookies and eight with one year or less of experience. The team showed flashes of good play, especially when Matthew Jones sparked sequences with timely exchange wins and the chaser unit surged downhill through Josh Peck in the follow-up. Rookies Michael Smith and Riku Hyodo brought some punch, shooting and dunking on the move and battling at the hoops, while Bonnie Hernandez steadied possessions with veteran reads and Jack Weinard showed off some crisp shooting and passing. 

The beater corps showed real upside in live fire. Jones’ tempo shifts paired with rookie Jayson Snoddy’s aggressive instincts and Gene Ackerman’s cleanup work produced stretches where Triangle United flipped control and flowed straight into transition. Even in chaotic passages, the group’s athleticism kept creating chances, Smith and Weinard running in tandem forced honest coverage at the hoops, opening lanes for cutters to slip in behind. It’s a youthful team that plays with pace and conviction; as those bright moments stack, Triangle United’s punch will land more often, and the scoreboard will start to mirror the energy they possessed at the tournament.

Conclusion

The App-5 returns on November 8 with a full-conference tournament featuring every team in the league. With another month of practice and tape in hand, expect sharper schemes, louder rookie breakthroughs and a few statement wins that will shape the Mid-Atlantic pecking order heading into winter.