Cross Court Classic – 15 & 16 Open – The Lightning-Fast Liberos
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 you can find some of the most impressive liberos of the tournament.
Joanna Guerrero – SA Magic 15 Elite – HS: Clark – 2025
The fact that Joanna ‘Joey’ Guerrero plays three different high school sports (volleyball, basketball and softball) helps understand where her never-ending energy on the court comes from. The 5’3” libero is in constant motion on the backcourt and is very active in the game. Guerrero has great positioning and is very quick on her reactions, a combination that helps her to get to nearly any tip or roll shot. Her ball control is also excellent and her passing abilities complete her excellent package as a libero.
Charlsie Atteberry – Katy United 16 Adidas – HS: East Bernard – 2024
The Newcomer of the Year in District 24-3A in the last high school season, Charlsie Atteberry was a stud in Katy United 16 Adidas’ backcourt. The 5’7” libero covered a lot of court in serve-receiving and delivered inch-perfect passes more often than not. Atteberry is very communicative on the court and seemed to be always coordinating her teammates on the backcourt. She can also play as an outside hitter.
Angela Garcia – Laredo Jrs 15-1 Navy – 2025
The diminutive floor general for her Laredo Jrs 15-1 Navy team, Angela Garcia did a great job in contributing with both passing and defense. Her excellent ball control played a factor when Garcia was working on serve receiving and her quickness and superior positioning made a positive impact when she was digging balls behind the team’s block.
Taylor Crain – Houston Stellar 16 Elite – HS: Lutheran South Academy – 2024
Taylor Crain was one of the most impressive liberos in the tournament with her very complete game. The 5’5” Houston Stellar 16 Elite libero has excellent positioning and reading of the game, a combination that often puts her at the right place at the right time. Teams typically avoid serving her, but when they do, she’s very precise and reliable with her passing. Crain also adds to the game in some little things not every libero does, such as always being in a position to cover her hitters and having an interesting ability to set in transition when needed. She has amassed 540 digs and 644 passes in two seasons of high school volleyball with Lutheran South Academy.
Pauline Gonzales – SA Juniors 16 National – HS: Brennan – 2024
Pauline Gonzales’ excellent ball control is certainly her main asset on the court as thanks to that ability she’s able to dig most balls that go her way and to precisely perform on serve-receive. Gonzales is also a very intelligent server, who always finds good spots and creates trouble to opponents even when she doesn’t serve that aggressively. She has produced 314 digs, 484 passes and 49 aces in two seasons of high school volleyball with Brennan.
Kieryn Adams – Texstar 16 – HS: Schulenburg – 2024
Kieryn Adams’ dynamism on the court is truly impressive. The 5’3” Texstar 16 defender has excellent reading of the game and anticipates plays to be in a position to make the first contact whenever possible. She’s a very consistent passer and defender and can fire a dangerous serve with her skilled left hand. Adams has also been highly productive for her high school team Schulenburg, registering 704 digs, 653 passes and 119 aces in two seasons.