GJNC Previews: HJV 17 Elite
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The most important moment of the season is just around the corner for teams from the 15s, 16s and 17s age group from around the country as the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship will take place at the Las…
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Continue ReadingThe most important moment of the season is just around the corner for teams from the 15s, 16s and 17s age group from around the country as the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center from June 26-July 5.
As many as 728 teams are expected to compete in the 15 divisions for these three age groups and the state of Texas will, of course, be well-represented in the tournament with more than 50 teams expected to make the trip to Nevada.
During the next few weeks, we’ll use this space to present the Lone Star state representatives in the tournament, recapping their performances during the club season and highlighting some of their top prospects.
HJV 17 Elite
Representing the Houston Juniors Volleyball Club, HJV 17 Elite will carry the Texan flag in the 17 American division. The team has had a prolific season, having finished in the top ten in all but one event this year and most notably winning the Adidas Windy City National Qualifier and ranking fourth at the Lone Star Regionals and sixth at the Adidas Lone Star Classic. Head coach Jeff Ham’s squad has posted a 39-17 win record so far.
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Players to Watch
Alexis Roberson Alexis Roberson 6'4" | MB Ridge Point | 2022 State #163 Nation TX – Middle Blocker – HS: Ridge Point – 2022
Alexis Roberson Alexis Roberson 6'4" | MB Ridge Point | 2022 State #163 Nation TX is an absolute beast at the net for HJV 17 Elite. Her 6’4” size is often unmatched for opposing teams but she’s got a lot more than that, including some impressive footwork and the ability to hit a handful of different sets. Roberson is also an exceptional blocker, having registered 157 stuffs over the course of the last two high school seasons with Ridge Point. Roberson is ranked 15th on our 2022 Prep Dig State Rankings and has committed to play for Louisiana State when she’s done at the high school level.
Fallon Thompson Fallon Thompson 6'0" | OH Grand Oaks | 2022 State #183 Nation TX – Outside Hitter – HS: Grand Oaks – 2022
Six-foot outside hitters are expected to make a difference and Fallon Thompson Fallon Thompson 6'0" | OH Grand Oaks | 2022 State #183 Nation TX doesn’t disappoint in that regard. A very physical player, Thompson gets to transfer her power to the ball every time she gets up to hit and her attacks are nearly unstoppable. That’s the reason why she registered more than 800 kills in two seasons of high school volleyball for Grand Oaks. She’s also very quick and her technique is quickly improving. Thompson is currently ranked 20th on our 2024 Prep Dig State Rankings and has committed with Gonzaga.
Oluwalademi Ogunlana Oluwalademi Ogunlana 6'0" | MB Elkins | 2022 State TX – Middle Blocker – HS: Elkins – 2022
Middle blocker is certainly a strength for HJV 17 Elite as Oluwalademi Ogunlana Oluwalademi Ogunlana 6'0" | MB Elkins | 2022 State TX forms a very strong duo at the position with Roberson. Ogunlana might not be as tall as her teammate but she makes up for that with a great deal of intensity and quick feet. She has great timing on offense and her superior leaping ability gives her a great reach to hit. The middle blocker has committed with Rice and ranks 23rd on our 2022 Prep Dig State Rankings.