Emerging Prospect ’24s: Preseason insight

<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p>As Illinois is finally moving into the 2021-2022 Volleyball Season, we departed our class of 2021 and are welcoming the classes that are bringing the competition this season. We have the focus point between our class of 2022-2025. I have three athletes from the class of 2024 who are not entirely new to the volleyball scene, but are athlete who have proved their athletic abilities and determination to get better and show that out on the court. </p> <p><strong>Zaria Keys</strong>- Setter/Kenwood Academy</p> <p>Keys is one familiar name that I have had the ability to watch more and more, and she is definitely transforming into a dynamic player. I have had the ability to cover Keys and watch her progression on the court, and what stands out about the setter is her desire to want to become better and the steps that she is taking to do so. Keys is quick and efficient on her feet and has sharpened her setting skills and consistency on the court. Keys is definitely going to be a developing elite player coming int the new season.</p> <p><br /> <strong>Chloe Jackson</strong>- RS/Walter Payton High School</p> <p>Jackson stands at 5’9" and currently plays in the right side and OPP side position on the court. I have only been able to watch Jackson’s performance during 6 on 6’s and during skills and drills and Jackson is a solid athlete who has her head in the game when she steps on the court. Jackson is definitely a developing player, however, her continuous develop both fundamentally and her foundation continues to strengthen and I am excited to see what Jackson brings to the table this season. </p> <p><br /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="136627" first="Alexis" last="Byas"]</strong>- Libero/DS/Lincoln Way East High School</p> <p>Byas is without a doubt a very athletic and strong athlete that is fun to watch. Byas stands only eat 5’1", however, her ability to get off the ground will surprise you. Byas is a very fast reacting athlete and is quick on her feet. I had the opportunity to watch Byas at the Asics Nationals Championship, and her skills have sharpened and her defense has only gotten better. Byas is an emerging defensive player and is definitely a threat when she is on the court. I am interested in what Byas has to bring to the table this season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->