18s GJNC Preview: TIV 18 Asics Black
The most important tournament of the year for the class of 2021 players is just in front of us as the 2021 USAV Girls 18s Junior National Championship is set to happen from April 23-25 in Columbus, Ohio, and as…
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Continue ReadingThe most important tournament of the year for the class of 2021 players is just in front of us as the 2021 USAV Girls 18s Junior National Championship is set to happen from April 23-25 in Columbus, Ohio, and as many as 280 teams from the entire country are expected to compete in the five divisions.
Texas will, of course, be represented in the event and we will take the time between now and the start of the tournament in Ohio to present the team what will carry the Lone Star State flag in Ohio, analyzing their campaigns in the club season so far and highlighting their most important players.
Today we’ll meet the fifth and last Texan team in the 18 USA Division and that is HIV 18 Asics Black:
The only representative of the Texas Image Volleyball Club in the tournament, HIV 18 Asics Black is having a solid season so far with 23 wins and only nine losses. Coached by head coach Andy Sullivan, the team based out of the Arlington area was third in the Adidas Lone Star Classic last month.
Here are their key players:
Audrey Pierce – Middle-Blocker – HS: Aledo – 2021
It’s hard to match Audrey Pierce’s physicality at the net. She’s not only 6’3” but is also very athletic and poses a threat for anyone trying to challenge her up in the air. Her physical tools include quick footwork, great leaping ability and a heavy arm. Her offense is very diversified as she can hit a number of sets either in front of or behind the setter. Pierce is also uncommonly active for a middle-blocker and takes part of the game also on defense and when covering her hitters. She will play for Houston Baptist at the collegiate level.
Avery Long – Libero/Defensive Specialist – HS: Waxahachie – 2021
A 5’7” libero, Avery Long is an outstanding libero and passer for HIV 18 Asics Black. She can defend in any of the three back row spots and is really good at it due to her outstanding ball control and quickness to move. Passing is her specialty, though, as she covers a huge area of the court and always delivers it, keeping her team in-system offensively. Long committed to the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Tessa Henry – Outside Hitter – HS: Ovilla Christian – 2021
A three-time state champion with Ovilla Christian, Tessar Henry adds a lot of firepower to HIV 18 Black’s offense. The outside hitter is a very versatile player and can impact the game in a lot of different ways. Her high school career is a great example of her well-rounded game as Henry departed from Ovilla Christian to play at the collegiate level for Southern Nazare University with 1,225 kills, 268 blocks, 287 aces, 676 digs and 602 passes after four years.