Tour of Texas Finals – 17s – The Multitasking Outsides
One of the most anticipated and competitive tournaments annually held in the Lone Star State, the Tour of Texas brought its Finals for the 15s, 16s and 17s divisions to the city of Houston this past weekend. It was exciting…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOne of the most anticipated and competitive tournaments annually held in the Lone Star State, the Tour of Texas brought its Finals for the 15s, 16s and 17s divisions to the city of Houston this past weekend.
It was exciting to see some of the most talented volleyball prospects from several different regions of the state competing across four different venues in H-Town under the watchful view of several college coaches.
We paid close attention to the 17s, who played at the FAST Complex, and will feature the ones that stood out the most in a series of positional articles during the week. Now it’s time we celebrate the talented outside hitters who wore a lot of hats for their teams.
Sydney Jordan Sydney Jordan 6'3" | OH Ridge Point | 2023 State #44 Nation TX – HJV 17 Elite – HS: Ridge Point – 2023
There aren’t really many areas of Sydney Jordan Sydney Jordan 6'3" | OH Ridge Point | 2023 State #44 Nation TX ‘s game that shouldn’t be highlighted. Starting from her 6’3” frame, the HJV 17 Elite outside hitter has all the tools to have a long and successful career playing professional volleyball. As expected, Jordan is an offensive force at the pin, a player who can single-handedly carry her team’s scoring load if needed. That’s certainly not the case with her club team and that allows her to help in other areas as well with her big and intelligent blocking, her excellent defense and her dangerous serving. A University of Colorado commit, Jordan tallied 380 kills, 33 aces, 497 passes and 485 digs in the last high school season with Ridge Point.
Bailey Miller – Drive Nation 17 Red – HS: Boles – 2022
Bailey Miller‘s offensive firepower is truly impressive. Standing at 6’2”, she typically has some size advantage against opposing blockers, but even if that wasn’t the case, she would probably still score points the way she does. Miller has an excellent offensive reach and is able to put a lot of power on the ball. That puts her in position even when operating with sets off the net. She’s also a tall blocker and can play solid defense and passing. Miller is set to leave her high school Boles to West Virginia with 1,652 kills registered over four seasons.
Lauren Murphy – AJV 17 Adidas – HS: Round Rock – 2023
A towering 6’4” prospect who can play anywhere at the net, Lauren Murphy has been a stud for her Austin Juniors teams for years. She plays outside hitter for them and is a reliable point-scorer and an outstanding blocker at the pin. Murphy uses her excellent reach really well, often hitting over the top of opposing blockers and targeting the very last inches of the court. Many would expect a player of her size to offer good production just at the net but Murphy has a very well-rounded game which allows her to play all six rotations and significantly contributes on the backcourt too. An Ohio State commit, she registered 533 kills, 59 blocks and 56 aces in the last high school season with Round Rock.
Sydney Breon Sydney Breon 5'11" | OH Highland Park | 2023 State TX – TAV 17 Black – HS: Highland Park – 2023
Sydney Breon Sydney Breon 5'11" | OH Highland Park | 2023 State TX was among the most complete and well-rounded players in action in the entire tournament. A 5’11” outside hitter who can also play as a defensive specialist, she’s a special player on the backcourt, where her quickness and excellent ball are truly game-changing. She’s also an impressive player as the net with great leaping skills and an extremely quick right arm – we even saw her bounce balls on combination plays a few times. Breon is also a very technical blocker, who holds her position well at the net. Her excellent play is no secret in the state as she recently committed to UCLA.
Emma Wegleitner Emma Wegleitner 6'0" | OH Champion | 2023 State TX – SA Magic 17 Elite – HS: Champion – 2023
Emma Wegleitner Emma Wegleitner 6'0" | OH Champion | 2023 State TX was a fantastic addition to SA Magic joining the club this season from Alamo. A six-footer who can do-it-all on a volleyball court, she gives the team a lot of stability and consistency, especially in the most difficult moments of matches. Wegleitner has a great all-around game and is one of the team’s key pieces when it comes to passing and defense. She has the power and size to go against any blocker across the net, but also does a great job in hitting around them. Also a very good server, Wegleitner will play for Grand Canyon at the collegiate level.
Victoria Urbanczyk – Alamo 17 Elite – HS: Pleasanton – 2023
A versatile 5’11” prospect, Victoria Urbanczyk has spent the last few years splitting time between the setter and outside hitter positions. That experience has certainly helped her to greatly develop her technique and that’s now probably her main asset as a player. Urbanczyk is a very good passer and defender and also has firepower at the net, although she often prefers to score points in an easier way with intelligent and well-placed tips. She has nearly 600 kills and digs in three seasons of high school volleyball with Pleasanton.