Ball Control Stars at SLC Showdown Showcase
Let’s get a few more names on your radar as we recap the pre-Showdown Showcase from Salt Lake City. Yesterday, we highlighted a handful of outside hitters who dominated along the net. These athletes showed a variety of skills in…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingLet’s get a few more names on your radar as we recap the pre-Showdown Showcase from Salt Lake City.
Yesterday, we highlighted a handful of outside hitters who dominated along the net. These athletes showed a variety of skills in both offensive and defensive drills, and they’re surely ones to watch as we roll through the USAV Qualifier event this weekend. Before we get into all the qualifier coverage, though, let’s take a look back at some setters and defensive specialists who also stood out at our Prep Dig Showcase.
Once again, the players on this feature will cover a broad geographical footprint, as Salt Lake City is drawing some top teams from around the country this weekend. It’s an awesome opportunity to cover many elite athletes at the showcase while also kicking off a new partnership between Prep Dig and USA Volleyball!
Here we go.
Kahea Carvalho Kahea Carvalho 5'9" | S Palos Verdes | 2023 State CA – 5’9 S – Seal Beach – Class of 2023
Carvalho brought everything you’d hope to see from a setter at a showcase event. Her fast tempo to the opposite pin was particularly strong, and she was never afraid to set against the grain on a difficult pass.
Annelise Castillo – 5’1 DS/L – South Texas – Class of 2023
Castillo cemented her standing as one of the top defenders at the showcase. This South Texas athlete will build on that strong showing this weekend and beyond.
Giselle Groe – 5’6 DS/L – Seal Beach – Class of 2023
Playing for California powerhouse Mater Dei has helped Groe develop into a reliable defensive specialist who can generate steady first contacts for her team. Her positive momentum should continue with Seal Beach this weekend.
Rachel Resta – 5’10 S – 360 – Class of 2024
Resta is someone who could easily play setter or defensive specialist and would excel at either role. She also puts up a solid block at the right pin, so it’s hard to keep her off the floor under any circumstances.
Isabella Blackwell – 5’9 OH/DS – Aspire – Class of 2024
Blackwell has the ball-handling skills to be an excellent backcourt player, but don’t discount her ability to bring an absolute hammer to the outside hitter spot. This Arizona native is the kind of six-rotation player that can take over a match.
Kristen Kuehn Kristen Kuehn 5'7" | DS/L Brenham | 2024 State TX – 5’7 DS/L – Woodlands Revolution – Class of 2024
Here’s another Texas standout to keep an eye on this weekend. Kuehn can defend any zone along the back row with great efficiency and always knows how to get her feet to the ball. That’s the hallmark of an effective libero.
Sadie Brown – 5’7 DS/L – Club V – Class of 2025
Brown is the embodiment of the kind of stout ball control players that Club V is bringing to Salt Lake City. This libero locks down crosscourt angles with ease and is a clear leader in serve receive.
Jacy Carrejo Jacy Carrejo 5'11" | S Leander | 2025 State TX – 5’11 S – Austin Skyline – Class of 2025
Austin Skyline 15 Royal has plenty of athletes worth putting on your radar, and this setter is included in that conversation. Carrejo is even physical enough to play on the pin, so her aggression is always a bonus when she’s in the frontcourt.
Nora Waddoups – 5’8 S – MVA – Class of 2025
Waddoups is one of several talented Idaho players making the trip to Salt Lake City this weekend. She combines some good tempo at the setting position with some great right-back defense that keeps her team in some marathon rallies.