APP Next Dallas Day 2: DeHeart, Schmidt & Duvally Lead
Allen, Texas — Some tournaments just feel different from the very first point. Day 2 of APP Next Dallas 2026 was exactly that — a day where the quality of play, the energy of the crowd, and the level of the competitors combined to remind everyone present why this tournament matters so much for the future of pickleball.
The Chicken N Pickle complex in Allen was once again the perfect setting for a Saturday that started early and never lost its intensity. The courts were packed throughout the afternoon, with families, coaches, fans, and newcomers who came to witness up close the best young talent in the country doing what they do best. The energy in the stands was relentless — applause, cheers, and that particular electricity you only feel when the crowd knows it's watching something special.
And it was.
Women's Open: Schmidt on Top, But Nothing Is Settled
In the Women's Open draw, Emilia Schmidt (@emiliaschmidt.pb) closed Day 2 at the top of the leaderboard with 600 points, delivering a solid and consistent performance that makes her the clear frontrunner heading into Sunday. Schmidt displayed smart, patient, and efficient pickleball — exactly the kind of game that wins tournaments when it matters most.
But the fight is far from over. Abigail O'Kelley (@abbyo_pickleball) holds firm in second place with 540 points, and her level of play on Saturday made it clear she didn't come to Allen to settle for anything less than the top. Avery Chew rounds out the provisional podium with 420 points, followed by Brooke Revuelta at 360, Thaila Rodrigues at 190, and Savannah Kotas closing the standings with 180.
Six players. Six stories. And a Sunday that promises to be intense.
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Men's Open: Duvally Leads a Draw With Zero Margin for Error
In the Men's Open draw, Connor Duvally (@connor.duvally) shares the top spot with 600 points alongside Jayden Broderick, who came into Saturday with the same energy and determination. Two players tied at the summit with identical scores — that's exactly the kind of tension that makes APP Next so compelling to follow.
Behind them, the men's draw is loaded with talent. Ben Slive sits third with 480 points, followed by Jake Rower and Jae Centonze (@jaecentonze) tied at 420. Tristan Dussault and Will Wimbish share sixth place with 360 points each, while Aiden Sipe has accumulated 300. MJ Greiner and Julian Slive close the leaderboard with 240 points each.
Ten players. Tight margins. A format that doesn't forgive mistakes. Sunday will be the final exam.
The Story of the Day: The DeHearts Take Over U14
If the Open had its moments, the U14 had its narrative. And that narrative has a last name: DeHeart.
In the U14 Male bracket, Jonathan DeHeart closed Day 2 at the top of the standings with 600 points — the highest score of the entire session in his division. A dominant performance that speaks to maturity, character, and a technical level that is genuinely remarkable for his age. Behind him, Alec Pisano and Brayden Cheung share second place with 420 points, followed by Lee Newcomb at 260, Benjamin Cardenas at 220, and Tommy Manzuri at 20.
But what made Day 2 truly special was what happened simultaneously in the U14 Female bracket — because while Jonathan was leading the boys, his sister Lilian DeHeart was doing exactly the same on the girls' side, closing Saturday alone at the top of the leaderboard with 480 points, with no other player able to challenge her position throughout the day.
Two siblings. Two draws. Two first places. Same tournament. Same day.
It's the kind of moment those who were present in Allen, Texas on Saturday will remember — and those who weren't will regret missing.
The Atmosphere: When the Stands Become Part of the Game
Beyond the numbers and the scoreboards, Day 2 of APP Next Dallas left something that can't be measured in points — a collective energy that turned every match into an event. The crowd that filled the Chicken N Pickle facility wasn't a passive spectator. It was part of the game itself.
Families who traveled from different states to support their kids. Coaches tracking every point with the intensity of someone who knows exactly what's at stake. Pickleball fans who simply showed up because they understand that here, in this tournament and at this stage, the future of the sport is being written.
That is the magic of APP Next. It isn't just a youth talent tournament. It's the place where tomorrow's pickleball is being built today — point by point, match by match, day by day.
What's Next: Sunday Decides Everything
Sunday closes APP Next Dallas with Gender Singles and finals across all categories. With margins this tight in both the Men's and Women's Open draws, anything can happen. And in the U14 brackets, the DeHearts will defend their leadership positions against players who proved on Saturday that they didn't come to Allen to give anything away easily.
At DINK Authority Magazine, we'll be following every point of the final session and bringing you the complete recap of champions, results, and the standout moments from the tournament's closing day.
Because if Day 2 was this good... Day 3 is going to be unforgettable.
"See you on the courts."
Allen, Texas — Some tournaments just feel different from the very first point. Day 2 of APP Next Dallas 2026 was exactly that — a day where the quality of play, the energy of the crowd, and the level of the competitors combined to remind everyone present why this tournament matters so much for the future of pickleball.
The Chicken N Pickle complex in Allen was once again the perfect setting for a Saturday that started early and never lost its intensity. The courts were packed throughout the afternoon, with families, coaches, fans, and newcomers who came to witness up close the best young talent in the country doing what they do best. The energy in the stands was relentless — applause, cheers, and that particular electricity you only feel when the crowd knows it's watching something special.
And it was.
Women's Open: Schmidt on Top, But Nothing Is Settled
In the Women's Open draw, Emilia Schmidt (@emiliaschmidt.pb) closed Day 2 at the top of the leaderboard with 600 points, delivering a solid and consistent performance that makes her the clear frontrunner heading into Sunday. Schmidt displayed smart, patient, and efficient pickleball — exactly the kind of game that wins tournaments when it matters most.
But the fight is far from over. Abigail O'Kelley (@abbyo_pickleball) holds firm in second place with 540 points, and her level of play on Saturday made it clear she didn't come to Allen to settle for anything less than the top. Avery Chew rounds out the provisional podium with 420 points, followed by Brooke Revuelta at 360, Thaila Rodrigues at 190, and Savannah Kotas closing the standings with 180.
Six players. Six stories. And a Sunday that promises to be intense.
LOVE PICKLEBALL?
Get Dink Authority Magazine updates, new editions, pro stories and event alerts.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
Men's Open: Duvally Leads a Draw With Zero Margin for Error
In the Men's Open draw, Connor Duvally (@connor.duvally) shares the top spot with 600 points alongside Jayden Broderick, who came into Saturday with the same energy and determination. Two players tied at the summit with identical scores — that's exactly the kind of tension that makes APP Next so compelling to follow.
Behind them, the men's draw is loaded with talent. Ben Slive sits third with 480 points, followed by Jake Rower and Jae Centonze (@jaecentonze) tied at 420. Tristan Dussault and Will Wimbish share sixth place with 360 points each, while Aiden Sipe has accumulated 300. MJ Greiner and Julian Slive close the leaderboard with 240 points each.
Ten players. Tight margins. A format that doesn't forgive mistakes. Sunday will be the final exam.
The Story of the Day: The DeHearts Take Over U14
If the Open had its moments, the U14 had its narrative. And that narrative has a last name: DeHeart.
In the U14 Male bracket, Jonathan DeHeart closed Day 2 at the top of the standings with 600 points — the highest score of the entire session in his division. A dominant performance that speaks to maturity, character, and a technical level that is genuinely remarkable for his age. Behind him, Alec Pisano and Brayden Cheung share second place with 420 points, followed by Lee Newcomb at 260, Benjamin Cardenas at 220, and Tommy Manzuri at 20.
But what made Day 2 truly special was what happened simultaneously in the U14 Female bracket — because while Jonathan was leading the boys, his sister Lilian DeHeart was doing exactly the same on the girls' side, closing Saturday alone at the top of the leaderboard with 480 points, with no other player able to challenge her position throughout the day.
Two siblings. Two draws. Two first places. Same tournament. Same day.
It's the kind of moment those who were present in Allen, Texas on Saturday will remember — and those who weren't will regret missing.
The Atmosphere: When the Stands Become Part of the Game
Beyond the numbers and the scoreboards, Day 2 of APP Next Dallas left something that can't be measured in points — a collective energy that turned every match into an event. The crowd that filled the Chicken N Pickle facility wasn't a passive spectator. It was part of the game itself.
Families who traveled from different states to support their kids. Coaches tracking every point with the intensity of someone who knows exactly what's at stake. Pickleball fans who simply showed up because they understand that here, in this tournament and at this stage, the future of the sport is being written.
That is the magic of APP Next. It isn't just a youth talent tournament. It's the place where tomorrow's pickleball is being built today — point by point, match by match, day by day.
What's Next: Sunday Decides Everything
Sunday closes APP Next Dallas with Gender Singles and finals across all categories. With margins this tight in both the Men's and Women's Open draws, anything can happen. And in the U14 brackets, the DeHearts will defend their leadership positions against players who proved on Saturday that they didn't come to Allen to give anything away easily.
At DINK Authority Magazine, we'll be following every point of the final session and bringing you the complete recap of champions, results, and the standout moments from the tournament's closing day.
Because if Day 2 was this good... Day 3 is going to be unforgettable.
"See you on the courts."
