Junior Division Champion Enzo Reci was one of many players that used a team featuring Smeargle, Groudon, Xerneas, Salamence, and Kangaskhan. Unlike many of the Masters Division players using similar teams, Enzo completed his team with the classic Talonflame we saw more often earlier this season.

Cory chose to pair Xerneas with Kyogre instead of with the Groudon most other players used. He also taught his Pokémon many moves that were a little different from what other players were using: his Xerneas was taught Hidden Power instead of Moonblast, his Smeargle knew Feint, his Thundurus used Grass Knot, and his Kangaskhan was taught Hammer Arm, all uncommon choices.

The gem of Adyson Meyer’s team is an Altaria holding Altarianite. The combination of Xerneas’ Fairy Aura and Mega Altaria’s Pixilate Ability allows Altaria to do massive damage with Hyper Voice. Adyson also used Ferrothorn, a great choice against the many Kyogre and Xerneas found in the Junior Division.

Tiara Yeung’s team was one of the first we saw using Lapras this season, a Pokémon that was sure to give her a big advantage against other Trainers using Kyogre. She also used some tricky movesets on her team, teaching her Kangaskhan Thunder Punch and her Groudon Rock Slide with Eruption and Earth Power.

In a year where we’ve seen a lot of similar teams, Jackson’s team really stands out. He was one of the few players to use Venusaur as his Mega-Evolved Pokémon, and he made some innovative choices with his other Pokémon, too. Wash Rotom, Scizor, and even Whimsicott haven’t been used by many Trainers this year, but they proved strong enough to help Jackson make it all the way to the top-8.

The Groudon and Xerneas team used by Kendahl Burk featured a couple of unconventional Pokémon to help him against specific opponents. Espeon’s Magic Bounce Ability can turn status moves targeted at Espeon back at their user, causing opposing Smeargle to reconsider using Dark Void against Kendahl’s team. Kendahl’s Ferrothorn was especially effective against Kyogre and Xerneas, and it could even support its team with the rarely seen Bulldoze.

The Weavile used by Sebastian Cortecero was popular at Spring Regionals for its ability to take down many of the common supportive Pokémon, and it proved effective for Sebastian at Nationals, as well. He also used some interesting tricks, such as having his Landorus hold Choice Scarf and a having Groudon that knew Thunder Punch.

Last year’s Junior Division National Champion brought the trusty Ludicolo from his 2015 team back for the 2016 National Championships, but this time the pair were only able to make it to the top-8. The rest of Aiden McKinney’s team also included two Steel-type Pokémon in Dialga and Mawile, a combination we haven’t seen used by many other Trainers.