GJNC Previews: Alamo 16 Elite
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.
Alamo 16 Elite
Representing the storied Alamo Volleyball Association out of San Antonio, 16 Elite will compete in the 16 American division. Not many teams in the Lone Star State played in as many tournaments as they and even fewer lifted as many trophies as 16 Elite won the River City Championship, the FSC #7, the Nike Mideast Qualifier, the Tour of Texas Qualifier for the San Antonio-Austin area and the CTPL #11. The group led by head coach Amanda Rodriguez heads to Las Vegas with an impressive 50-15 win record in the season.
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Players to Watch
Genesis Casillas Genesis Casillas 5'11" | OH Cornerstone Christian | 2023 TX – Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist – HS: Brandeis – 2023
Genesis Casillas Genesis Casillas 5'11" | OH Cornerstone Christian | 2023 TX has all the skills to play as a defensive specialist, but she really thrives when used as an outside hitter, where she can also use her 5’11” frame and her play at the net. She’s a genuine all-around player, who’s great at passing and digging but is also a lethal hitter, helping her team in both avoiding and scoring points. Due to her offensive skill set, she can also play as a right sider. Casillas currently ranks 53rd on our 2023 Prep Dig State Rankings.
Kinley Graf Kinley Graf 5'7" | S Cornerstone Christian | 2023 TX – Setter – HS: Cornerstone Christian – 2023
Kinley Graf Kinley Graf 5'7" | S Cornerstone Christian | 2023 TX ‘s accuracy on the ball is her trademark as a setter. No matter where the pass pushed her to, Alamo 16 Elite hitters know exactly where they should expect to be set from her. Graf’s technique is superb and that’s what makes her sets so consistent and reliable. She’s also a fiery player who infects her teammates with her positive energy and that translates into her own game as well. The 5’7” Graf has registered 428 assists and 159 digs in two high school seasons with Cornerstone Christian and ranks 67th on our 2023 Prep Dig State Rankings.
Rylee Busse Rylee Busse 5'10" | OH Cornerstone Christian | 2023 State TX – Outside Hitter – HS: Cornerstone Christian – 2023
Rylee Busse Rylee Busse 5'10" | OH Cornerstone Christian | 2023 State TX is one of Alamo 16 Elite’s hitters that have the greatest connection with Graf and that’s because they also play together on their high school team Cornerstone Christian. Busse is a typical outside hitter who helps her team in both sides of the game. Her backcourt game is above-average with reliable passing and an impressive digging ability. At the net, she uses her 5’11” frame, but most importantly her great technique and her superior volleyball IQ, to score points in a variety of ways.