Playoff Match to Watch: Gregory-Portland vs McAllen Memorial
It’s time! The high school volleyball season enters a pivotal moment in the state of Texas with the playoffs going at full pace and the State Championship quickly approaching and us, at Prep Dig, will be following all the action…
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Continue ReadingIt’s time! The high school volleyball season enters a pivotal moment in the state of Texas with the playoffs going at full pace and the State Championship quickly approaching and us, at Prep Dig, will be following all the action just like you.
After nearly three months of regular season, only the best teams of each district remain in contention and from now on, there’s no more room for errors as a setback will mean the end of the season and, for the many seniors, spread across the Lone Star state, the ending point of their high school careers.
This week starts with the regional quarterfinals and later on we’ll have the regional semifinals. As we’ve done the entire season, we’ll use this space to recommend a match to watch every day of action.
This Class 5A match between the Gregory-Portland Wildcats and the McAllen Memorial Mustangs is our suggestion for Monday, November 8:
Gregory-Portland vs McAllen Memorial – 6.30pm
The Wildcats from the Gregory-Portland High School reach the regional quarterfinals on an 11-match winning streak. The team had a perfect record on Region IV, District 29, winning all their 16 matches, and have a 39-8 win record so far. The Mustangs from the McAllen Memorial High School were second on the Region IV, District 31, with 11 wins and three losses. After winning their last three matches, they are now at 32-14 for the season.
Players to Watch – Gregory-Portland
Sydney Kuzma – Outside Hitter – Club: Corpus Christi Force – 2022
A versatile prospect who’s capable of playing anywhere at the net, Sydney Kuzma has been a force for Gregory-Portland this season. The 5’9” explosive outside hitter is efficient when hitting quicker or up and down sets and has produced a whopping 540 kills already this season. Her defensive production is up to the same levels as she’s currently at 574 digs and 441 passes.
Taylor Borden – Libero/Outside Hitter – Club: Corpus Christi Force – 2022
An outside hitter for her club team Corpus Christi Force, Taylor Borden is typically used as a libero with the Wildcats, where she can make the most of her superior backcourt game. The 5’7” prospect is excellent with her ball control and has been a stud behind the ten-foot line, having tallied 829 digs (6.2 per set) and 648 passes.
Players to Watch – McAllen Memorial
Amare Hernandez – Opposite – Club: McAllen Premier – 2024
A powerful hitter from the right side of the net, Amare Hernandez does exactly what one would expect from a player in her position – she scores points for McAllen Memorial. In just her second year of high school volleyball, the opposite has become a key player for the Lady Mustangs and leads the team’s offense with impressive 340 kills. She’s also produced 111 passes, 79 digs, 28 blocks and ten aces.
Madison Amaya – Setter – 2023
Madison Amaya is one of those setters who find ways to help their teams in more than one way. She has a key role with McAllen Memorial running the team’s offense, an area in which she registered 503 assists (5.4 per set), but is also a productive player from the service line, having tallied a team-high 82 aces, and on defense, where she generated 171 digs.