Houston Power League #3 – 15s – The Crafty Setters
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The Houston Power League returned for its third stop in 2022 this past weekend, with matches in each of the event’s five divisions taking place in seven different venues in the Houston area. We spent Sunday morning at the Houston…
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Continue ReadingThe Houston Power League returned for its third stop in 2022 this past weekend, with matches in each of the event’s five divisions taking place in seven different venues in the Houston area.
We spent Sunday morning at the Houston Skyline club, which had six courts running non-stop with matches of the 15s division. We watched each of the 24 club teams that competed at the venue and are now coming back to provide our positional reports featuring the players that caught our attention.
As usual, we start with the setters:
Kenedy Massie Kenedy Massie 5'11" | S Manvel | 2025 State TX – Houston Skyline 15 Royal – HS: Manvel – 2025
Kenedy Massie Kenedy Massie 5'11" | S Manvel | 2025 State TX had a remarkable high school season as a freshman with Manvel and she’s gotten even better for the club season. The 5’10” ballhandler runs a fast-paced offense that often gets her hitters to face single blocks or no block at all. Massie has good size and plays excellent defense, but the most interesting aspect of her game might be her calm approach on the court as the kid never seems to be under pressure.
Lauren LeRoux – TAV Houston 15 Adidas – HS: Bridgeland – 2025
When you think of an ideal setter, there isn’t a single box Lauren LeRoux’s game doesn’t check. Size is definitely not a problem at six feet, but LeRoux is also extremely talented and versatile on the court. She’s great when it comes to turning not-great passes in hittable sets and also adds a lot in serving and defense. She’s also very good when required to improvise and has earned some “wows” with her single-hand sets. LeRoux is also an excellent hitter from the right, offering good flexibility to her coaches.
Natalie Holloway – Katy United 15 Adidas – HS: Seven Lakes – 2025
Natalie Holloway is the textbook definition for a crafty setter. The 5’8” prospect is very smart and creative with her distribution and knows the very best moments to have her middle blockers involved on offense. Holloway is also very accurate and consistent with her locations, making her hitters’ lives easier. Her game also stands out for her ability to find creative solutions every time she’s put on a difficult situation because of a tough pass or in the middle of a rally.
Brooklynn Merrell – HJV 15 Elite – HS: Tompkins – 2025
Brooklynn Merrell typically comes off the bench in a loaded HJV 15 Elite team, but that doesn’t make of her role any less important. The 5’5” playmaker’s presence turns star setter Kirra Musgrove Kirra Musgrove 6'2" | S Lutheran South Academy | 2025 State #12 Nation TX into another hitter at the net and the team doesn’t miss a beat with the new formation. Merrell is very quick and intelligent but it’s her excellent technique that stands out. Capable of playing different roles on the court, she plays great defense and is even part of the team’s serve-receiving system in one rotation.
Madeline Tautfest – HOU Stars -15 Adidas – HS: The Village – 2025
Madeline Tautfest was one of the good players flying under-the-radar this past weekend. Her HOU Stars – 15 Adidas lost all of their three matches, but Tautfest did enough to leave a positive impression about her game. She has good size to play setter at 5’8” and has firm hands on the ball, which allows her to accurately set across the extension of the net. She’s also a very good defender.
Caelyn Dumas – HJV 15 Premier – HS: Paetow – 2025
Caelyn Dumas’ excellent all-around game makes of her a special player to watch. There isn’t a thing this 5’9” setter can’t do well on the court. She’s very aggressive with her game and keeps opponents guessing at the net because of her tendency to dump on two. A lefty, she’s very precise and intelligent with her distribution and also takes up hitting duties when at the net. Dumas is also very good on the backcourt with a dangerous floater and impressive defensive skills.