Skyline Classic #1: The Outside Hitters – 17s
The club volleyball season had few, but quite exciting tournaments in the few weeks between the end of the high school calendar and the Holidays. The level of play displayed in those events has certainly set the field for great…
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Continue ReadingThe club volleyball season had few, but quite exciting tournaments in the few weeks between the end of the high school calendar and the Holidays. The level of play displayed in those events has certainly set the field for great competition during the next several months across the state of Texas.
One of the top tournaments held in the Houston area in the period was the Skyline Classic #1, which reunited 12 17s and eights 18s teams in the courts of the traditional Houston Skyline club on December 18.
PrepDig.com was closely following the action and will, over the next couple of weeks, provide reports on the most promising players competing in the event.
These outside hitters proved how valuable they are for their teams in the 17s Division:
Ariana Brown Ariana Brown 5'11" | OH Conroe | 2023 State TX – Asics Willowbrook 17 Gold – HS: Klein – 2023
Ariana Brown Ariana Brown 5'11" | OH Conroe | 2023 State TX has long been known by her enormous power at the net and it’s impressive how much she’s been able to add to her game over the last year. The physicality remains a big part of the game of the six-foot outside hitter, but Brown has become an even more lethal offensive player as she matured and understood when and how to use finesse to score and how to take advantage of combination plays. Her backcourt game has also had significant progress and she’s one of the players teammates (and anyone watching) know they can rely on in clutch time. She recently made it to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Phenom List and ranks 39th in our 2023 Prep Dig State Rankings.
Michaela Hess – LSE 17U – HS: Heights – 2023
Michaela Hess is part on an interesting Liberty Stars Elite Volleyball Club team that features multiple players from the Heights high school. A 5’10” outside hitter, Hess is one of the team’s most explosive hitters and receives a fair share of sets during matches. A very potent hitter, she excels offensively at the pin due to her impressive leaping and her ability to find interesting angles. She’s also a decent passer.
HelenRose Kahler – TAV Houston 17 Molten – HS: Kingwood – 2023
While the two first players on this list are far more valuable to their teams for the offensive contributions, HelenRose Kahler proves her importance with hard work on the backcourt. Also capable of playing as a defensive specialist, the 5’7” Kahler is extremely solid on passing and defense and plays an important role for the team with her superior ball control and positioning. She’s also a very efficient server, who can get runs going forever from the service line.
Mallory Lamport – Texas Twisters 17 Royal – HS: Morton Ranch – 2022
An extremely complete and versatile player, Mallory Lamport was Texas Twisters 17 Royal’s engine during the tournament. She has a very high usage rate due to her ability to impact the game on both ends of the ball and keep her team in rhythm. The 5’7” Lamport is a solid defensive player and also knows her way around the net with good leaping ability and a high volleyball IQ, which allows her to make good decisions and make the most of any situation.