Cross Court Classic – 15/16 Open –The Impressive Outside Hitters
Some of the best club volleyball teams in the state of Texas were elsewhere this past weekend, with several of them earning bids to the Nationals at either the Salt Lake City Showdown or the Northeast Qualifier in Philadelphia. The…
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Continue ReadingSome of the best club volleyball teams in the state of Texas were elsewhere this past weekend, with several of them earning bids to the Nationals at either the Salt Lake City Showdown or the Northeast Qualifier in Philadelphia.
The Lone Star State, however, has hosted an important tournament too with the George Brown Convention Center in Houston staging the 2022 Nike Cross Court Classic, a mammoth of an event with 645 teams, 88 courts and 19 divisions.
We were there on Saturday and focused our efforts on the 15 Open and 16 Open divisions, paying close attention to the 20 teams that competed across them. As usual, we’re featuring the most impressive prospects in their positions across the week and in today’s article we’ll present some of the most interesting outside hitters.
Ally Tribe – Texstar 16 – HS: Columbus – 2024
Ally Tribe was easily one of the most impressive players in action this past weekend. A 6’1” outside hitter with a game that seems no more than a few steps away from being ready for the next level, she did great with her Texstar 161 team. Tribe was a scoring machine all weekend, combining tremendous size and power with a well-polished offensive game which made her unpredictable at the net. She bounced quite a few balls in situations in which there was just one blocker standing in front of her. Also a very good server, Tribe has produced 879 kills, 568 digs, 98 aces and 81 blocks in just two seasons of high school volleyball with Columbus.
Tatum Busch Tatum Busch 5'11" | OH Deer Park | 2024 State TX – Houston Stellar 16 Elite – HS: Deer Park – 2024
There isn’t really anything Tatum Busch Tatum Busch 5'11" | OH Deer Park | 2024 State TX can’t do on a volleyball court. The 5’11” outside hitter is a great example of an all-around player as she’s equally important to her Houston Stellar 16 Elite team at the backcourt and the net. Busch is a reliable passer and a very good defender and is very explosive on offense, especially when hitting cross court – she is also very efficient when hitting from the back. Busch has amassed 427 kills, 387 digs, 696 passes and 33 aces in two high school seasons with Deer Park, but probably more appealing than her numbers is her ability to make good decisions on the court, showing a very high volleyball IQ and great understanding of the game.
Makenna Loo Makenna Loo 6'0" | OH Cinco Ranch | 2024 State TX – Katy United 16 Adidas – HS: Cinco Ranch – 2024
Another very complete player, Makenna Loo Makenna Loo 6'0" | OH Cinco Ranch | 2024 State TX earned a spot in the rotation of a strong Cinco Ranch team during the last high school season and delivered 142 kills, 110 digs and 326 passes. She provides a great balance to her team with her well-rounded game and had a pivotal role with Katy United 16 Adidas both at the net and on the backcourt. One of the most interesting aspects of Loo’s game is her ability to change rhythms on offense, going from hard-driven hits to roll shots or tips and keeping the opponents on their toes.
Giselle Orellana – SA Magic 15 Elite – HS: Thomas Clark – 2025
Giselle Orellana has a well-developed offensive game with an interesting combination of size at 5’10”, a heavy right arm and good variation on her hits and shots. Her offensive versatility is big enough to make of her a viable scoring option even when she’s at the backcourt. Orellana is also a solid passer and has an excellent floater that typically causes problems to opponents.
Alissa Gregory-Obiedo – Impact 161 – HS: Harlan – 2024
Alissa Gregory-Obiedo really impressed by her never-ending energy on the court. Be it when approaching to smash a ball at the net or encouraging a teammate, it’s very clear to anyone watching that she puts all her effort into whatever she’s doing. As a player, Gregory-Obiedo is always explosive and productive on offense. She stands at 5’10” but jumps well and has a very heavy right arm. She was Impact 161’s go-to scoring option during the tournament and had a very high efficiency rate, even when out-of-system. She’s also a very good blocker with her ability to read opposing hitters and adjust her positioning accordingly. Her last high school season with Harlan was also productive as she tallied 129 kills, 41 digs and 33 blocks.
Adison Ozuna – Texstar 16 – HS: St. Joseph – 2025
A six-foot outside hitter with a very high ceiling, Adison Ozuna formed a strong duo in the position with Tribe. She’s also a force at the net with her powerful offensive game and can also score from the backcourt. A very competent passer and defender, Ozuna also showed great efficiency with her serving, frequently going on long scoring runs during the tournament.