A Grand Finale at the 68th USHA National Junior Four-Wall Championships

HAZELWOOD, Mo. — The 68th USHA National Junior Four-Wall Championships concluded in style with a celebration at the newly opened St. Louis Hinder Club on Sunday night.

The day kicked off with intense singles finals and wrapped up with thrilling doubles matches in the afternoon. The first champion crowned was Izzy Klicker, who successfully defended her title in the Girl’s 19-Under Singles category, overcoming Elaina Schoene in Round Robin play to retain her 2023 crown.

In the Boy’s 19-under division, Eli Gutierrez defeated Ayden Brule for the first time in a well played match. Gutierrez and Brule are arguably the two brightest male junior players in the game right now, and their final did not dissapoint. Neither of them are 19 yet and they both play at an open level. 

The Boy’s 17-under division placed Canada’s Leo Day vs Kanas City’s Anthony Mendez. Day started slow in game one but mounted a big comeback to take the first game 21-15. Mendez responded in game two to force a tiebreaker. Mendez built an early lead in the tiebreaker and held on to win 11-8 despite a late run from Day. 

Ireland’s Eolann Kelly is the current World 13 and under champion, and now he’s the US 13 and under champion as well. Kelly took down Tucson’s Azriel Gomez in two straight games, overwhelming Gomez with his powerful serves. 

In the Boy’s 11 and under, St. Louis native Jack Feilner won his debut junior national tournament by overcoming Tucson’s Liam Schnaar. Feilner has incredible hand-eye coordination and surprised everyone in the tournament with his play and made the locals proud. 

After the competition, the juniors enjoyed a lively skills challenge and an entertaining “King of the Short Court” two-bounce tournament. Top performers were recognized with prizes and handball-themed swag during the evening’s awards banquet.

This year introduced a new format for the Junior Awards Banquet, which celebrated all finalists across divisions and presented annual Junior Awards to standout players. In a heartwarming addition, Junior Alumni—those who participated in at least four Junior Nationals and have graduated from junior competition—received special Junior Alumni gym bags. These gifts honored their dedication to the sport and encouraged them to continue their handball journey.

The following players were honored with the annual Junior Handball Awards: 

The Kate Conlon/Kurt Johansson Most Improved Award – Azriel Gomez

The Tom Lynch Newcomer Award – Eolann Kelly

The Vince Gabriele Jr. Sportsmanship Award – Riley Yost

USHA President Denis Hogan addressed the gathering, extending a warm welcome to players, coaches, and parents. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the St. Louis Hinder Club for their remarkable efforts in preparing the new courts and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.

A special thanks went to Jeff and Janaki Streibig, Eric Hillgren, and the entire St. Louis Hinder Club team for their unwavering support and hospitality. Additional appreciation was given to Jason Guilano of “That’sa Nice’a Pizza” for providing lunches and catering the tournament banquet, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone involved.

The 68th USHA National Junior Four-Wall Championships was not just a showcase of exceptional talent but also a celebration of the enduring handball community spirit.

See the final draws and results HERE. 

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HAZELWOOD, Mo. — Day two of the Junior Nationals featured the semifinals across all divisions and some great matches. 

The highlight of the day however was the pro clinic that took place after play concluded. Juniors were split into small groups of two or three and received individual work from the pro players at the tournament such as Luis Cordova, Ivan Burgos, Abe Montijo and Sam Esser. 

The juniors chose 2 or 3 things they wanted to improve about their game and the pro’s showed them ways they can do that. The individualized training made a difference for the players. 

Prior to the clinic, junior stars Ayden Brule and Eliseo Guttierez cruised in their 19 and under semifinal matches to setup a final between the budding stars tomorrow. 

Leo Day and Anthony Mendez continued their dominant play in the 17 and under and will square off in the finals tomorrow.

In the 13 and under, current World 13 and under champion from Ireland Eolann Kelly cruised in his matches to earn his spot in the final against the improving Azriel Gomez from Tucson.

The 11 and under is still up fro grabs as the four players have split matches in their round robin battles that have featured several incredible rallies. 

You can follow along with the draws HERE. 

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HAZELWOOD, Mo. — The brand new St. Louis Hinder Club saw it’s first action ever on Friday as many junior players took to the court. 

Players are represented from four countries: USA, Mexico, Canada and Ireland and range from 9-19 years old. 

Every junior got on the court today as small ball and big ball divisions kicked off. Tomorrow the juniors will be treated to a pro clinic with individual lessons for each junior. 

You can follow along with the draws HERE. 

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HAZELWOOD, Mo. — Draws and start times are live on the Bracket Ace app and tournament website for the 68th USHA Four-Wall Junior Nationals. Play begins Friday morning at 10 a.m. (Central). See the draws HERE.

The NEW St. Louis Hinder Club is at 8701 Dunn Road, Hazelwood, Mo. 63042.

2024 USHA Four-Wall Junior Nationals return to the St. Louis area for the first time in over 50 years! 

Some players may remember the last time Gateway to the West hosted the traditional year-end event in 1969. It took place at the St. Louis JCC, where Jeff Barnes won the Boys 19-Under Singles, Ted Yevelson took home the Boys 17-Under crown, and Steve Adelman captured the Boys 15-Under title. 

This year’s juniors will be a part of history by playing in the first major event on the new courts of the new St. Louis Hinder Club location. Only a 10-minute drive from the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, the club will have courts to accommodate play which takes place Dec. 27-30. Two nearby host hotels are available. You won’t want to miss it!

Tournament details and the host hotel link can be found on Bracket Ace HERE.

NOTE: Joe Ardito Travel Funds are available for all junior players traveling over 250 miles one-way. Contact the USHA for more information.