High School Previews: UIL 5A – The Setters to Watch
It will be a quick turnaround for young volleyball players in the state of Texas. Shortly after one month from the conclusion of the club season, these prospects will be back on the courts again representing their high schools. It…
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Continue ReadingIt will be a quick turnaround for young volleyball players in the state of Texas. Shortly after one month from the conclusion of the club season, these prospects will be back on the courts again representing their high schools.
It will be exciting to see some well-known names establishing themselves even more in the Lone Star state volleyball scene and some new faces breaking through and quickly emerging to earn the spaces.
Between now and the start of the high school season, at the beginning of August, we’ll highlight some players we believe are worth your attention when teams get back on the gym. In our first article addressing the University Interscholastic League (UIL) 5A Division, we’ll discuss some of the most talented setters of the division.
Averi Carlson Averi Carlson 6'0" | S Lovejoy | 2022 State #3 Nation TX – HS: Lucas Lovejoy – Club: Skyline Juniors – 2022
If you aren’t watching Averi Carlson Averi Carlson 6'0" | S Lovejoy | 2022 State #3 Nation TX yet, I don’t know what you’re doing. The top-ranked prospect in our 2022 Prep Dig State Rankings and considered by many as the best setter in her age group in the entire country, the six-foot Carlson plays a pivotal role in one of the best high school teams in the nation, Lucas Lovejoy. Her 679 assists, 165 digs and 39 aces were instrumental for the Leopards to win the State Championship with a perfect 26-0 win record and earned her a spot in the All-Tournament Team. Carlson got some international experience this summer representing the US in the U-20 World Championships in Europe and will return even better for her final season of high school volleyball before joining collegiate powerhouse Baylor next summer.
Mattie Gantt – HS: Aledo – Club: Texas Advantage – 2022
A talented six-foot setter who recently committed to the University of Texas – El Paso, Mattie Gantt has a tremendous performance with her high school team Aledo last season. The setter led her team with 681 assists, 276 digs and 40 aces, earning a spot in the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) All-State team as an honorable mention. Gantt is a very fluid setter, who runs her team’s offense with ease. She has outstanding body control, which allows her to put her body in the best possible position even when dealing with out-of-system passes. She’s also a dangerous server and a superior defender.
Libby Flores – HS: Lufkin – 2023
Libby Flores has been making a positive impact since she joined Lufkin as she was awarded as team MVP and the district’s Newcomer of the Year in her freshman season. Last year wasn’t any different as the 5’3” setter played bigger than her size to massively help the Lady Panthers with 336 assists, 182 digs, 75 kills and 49 aces, earning a sport in the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) All-State team as an honorable mention. Flores has reliable and firm hands and is capable of sending the ball wherever she wants from any location on the court.