GJNC Previews: HOU Stellar 17 Premier
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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.
HOU Stellar 17 Premier
One of the two 17s teams from the Houston Stellar volleyball club to compete in Las Vegas, 17 Premier is part of the American division. Coached by John Perez, they’ve had a solid season so far with 38 wins and just 18 losses. The team’s highlights in 2021 certainly were their victory at the Tour of Texas Qualifier in January and their third-place finish at the Lone Star Classic in April.
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Players to Watch
Jordan Maeker Jordan Maeker 5'10" | OH Pearland | 2022 State TX – Outside Hitter – HS: Pearland – 2022
Jordan Maeker Jordan Maeker 5'10" | OH Pearland | 2022 State TX is one of the stronger hitters in his age group in the Houston area. Ranked 74th on our 2022 Prep Dig State Rankings, she has the size at 5’10” but also the technique and the understanding of the game to consistently score no matter the conditions. That great offensive power gives her coach the option to use her on the right side, which he typically does, and she’s a handful to deal with from there too, being able to put the ball on the floor even when the ball is set off the net.
Patience Lewis – Libero – HS: Glenda Dawson – 2022
If Maeker is HOU Stellar 17 Premier’s most important offensive player, when it comes to defense this title probably belongs to Patience Lewis. The 5’3” libero is very dynamic and her intensity is oftentimes a much-needed source of energy for the entire team. When it comes to digging, she’s got the entire package with great positioning and reading of the game, impressive quickness of movement, superior technique and, perhaps most importantly, the willingness to do what it takes to keep the ball off the floor.
Sydney Hicks – Right Sider – HS: Kingwood – 2022
Sydney Hicks wears more than one hat for HOU Stellar 17 Premier as she doubles up as the team’s setter and opposite. She stands at 5’8” but has long arms and is very athletic, giving the impression she’s taller than that. When setting, Hicks likes to play fast but doesn’t really compromise her accuracy because of that. When asked to hit, she can show she’s got a heavy left arm, which she uses to place the ball in empty spots or to tool the block.