GJNC Previews: AJV 16 Adidas
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 70 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.
AJV 16 Adidas
Part of the Austin Junior Volleyball Club, AJV 16 Adidas is set to represent the state of Texas in the 16 American division in Las Vegas. The squad managed by head coach Miguel Saenz had some good moments in the season, winning the Tour of Texas Qualifier, finishing second in the second stop of the tournament, ranking sixth at the Lone Star Regionals and seventh at the Countdown City Classic. AJV 16 Adidas has achieved a 27-21 win record so far in the club season.
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Players to Watch
Lauren Murphy – Outside Hitter/Right Sider – HS: Round Rock – 2023
Lauren Murphy is a scoring machine regardless of where coaches put her at the net. AJV 16 Adidas typically uses this 6’4” stud as an outside hitter and she plays a pivotal role for the team there. Murphy is not only long but she also extends her arm as much as possible in order to make contact with the ball at the highest possible point. When she hits line, she hammers the ball straight down and makes it touch the floor within ten feet from the net. She’s also a very good blocker and ranks 26th on our 2023 Prep Dig State Rankings.
Kelli Northup Kelli Northup 5'8" | S Round Rock Christian | 2023 State TX – Setter – HS: Round Rock Christian – 2023
Kelli Northup Kelli Northup 5'8" | S Round Rock Christian | 2023 State TX is a versatile prospect who plays setter for AJV 16 Adidas but also takes on hitting duties with her high school team Round Rock Christian. This 5’8” player has an extremely well-rounded game and will deliver no matter what she’s asked to do – a quick look at her 1,029 assists, 480 digs, 464 kills and 185 aces in three years of high school volleyball can confirm that. Northup is really quick to think and act and that’s something that really stands out on her game as a setter. She makes quick decisions and delivers the ball fast to her hitters, putting them in a great position to score often. Northup ranks 78th on our 2023 Prep Dig State Rankings.
Ellie Mattox Ellie Mattox 5'11" | S Vandegrift | 2023 State TX – Setter – HS: Vandergrift – 2023
AJV 16 Adidas certainly doesn’t have any problems in the setting department as they have two of the best in the business in Northup and Ellie Mattox Ellie Mattox 5'11" | S Vandegrift | 2023 State TX . She’s taller at 5’11” and that paired with her great jump-setting skills gives her the ability to run a really fast-paced offense if she wants to. Mattox is also very accurate on her sets due to her fabulous technique – her technical gestures look always the same no matter the situation. She had 352 assists for her high school team Vandergrift last season and is also capable of helping with blocking and defense, which made of her the 99th-best prospect in Texas according to our Prep Dig State Rankings.