Adidas Lone Star Classic 18s: The Heavy-Armed Opposites
The George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston was for the second week in a row the stage for a big and important volleyball tournament this past weekend as the facility hosted the 2021 Adidas Lone Star Classic 18s,…
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Continue ReadingThe George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston was for the second week in a row the stage for a big and important volleyball tournament this past weekend as the facility hosted the 2021 Adidas Lone Star Classic 18s, a national qualifier for USA Girl’s Junior National Championship.
Clubs from Texas and several other states were in action for three days at the venue with a total of 180 teams competing across three divisions. Prep Dig was at the event and followed closely the Texas teams competing at the 18 Open Division, the most competitive one, and brings to you this week the reports on the prospects that stood out at the Lone Star Classic.
From all of the duties opposites have in a volleyball team, hitting is arguably the most important one as they’re often the go-to scoring options for their teams and those who setter turn to in key moments of matches. These prospects showed they’re up for the task and held nothing back at the net.
Kingsley Wallace Kingsley Wallace 6'3" | RS Memorial | 2021 State TX – Houston Skyline 18 Black – HS: Memorial – 2021
Kingsley Wallace Kingsley Wallace 6'3" | RS Memorial | 2021 State TX looks a lot like those great European opposites we find in international volleyball. She’s super tall at 6’4” and has an incredible heavy arm, giving her a great chance to score anytime the ball goes her way. Wallace’s game goes well beyond size and power, though, as she has a good variation on offense and can hit a sharp angle that’s a joy to watch. She’s also a very capable blocker with her big block and great positioning to press and shut down opposing outside hitter. Ranked 50th on our 2021 Prep Dig State Rankings, she has committed to the United States Military Academy West Point.
@HoustonSkyline ‘s opposite Kingsley Wallace Kingsley Wallace 6'3" | RS Memorial | 2021 State TX has such a heavy arm. @PrepDigTX pic.twitter.com/VWqCGLyEiG
— grtorres (@grtorres) March 26, 2021
Makailyn Hill – Madfrog 18’s N Green – HS: Lone Star – 2021
Makailyn Hill’s athleticism makes of her a real threat on the right side of the net. The Madfrog 18’s N Green opposite is not as tall as most players in the position at 5’9”, but her leaping ability makes things even for her at the net. Hill manages to hit the ball at a very high point and has a quick and heavy right arm that can put defenders in trouble. She can also play outside hitter and likes to run combination plays so she can hit from the middle of the net every once in a while. Hill will play for St. Louis University at the collegiate level.
Trista Strasser – AJV 18 Adidas – HS: Jack C Hays – 2021
Trista Strasser was an important piece of a crafty, fast-paced AJV 18 Adidas offense ran by setter McKenzie Beckham. The 6’4” prospect plays middle-blocker for her high school and her versatility came in handy as it offered Beckham a lot of options to work with. What stands out the most about Strasser’s game is her ability to hit either quick or higher sets with the same level of efficiency. She’s also a very good blocker and will play for the University of Missouri at the collegiate level.
Only 2 more Club Tournaments left pic.twitter.com/XFVXIXmyKL
— Trista Strasser (@trista_strasser) March 30, 2021
Allie Sczech Allie Sczech 6'4" | RS George Ranch | 2022 State #41 Nation TX – Houston Skyline 18 Royal – HS: George Ranch – 2022
Alexandra ‘Allie’ Sczech is one of the most intriguing prospects of the 2022 class as she ranks ninth on our Prep Dig State Rankings. She checks all the boxes when you think about an elite opposite as she’s got the size (6’4”), a very diverse and efficient offense and is left-handed. One thing that makes Sczech’s offense so special is, more than her size or skills, her ability to read the game and frequently pick the right option. When sets are not ideal, she’s not going to force anything but will still find a way to create issues for the opponents with a well-placed shot. She’s poised for a great collegiate career at Baylor.