Katy United Classic #7 – Outside Hitters Who Stole the Show
Last weekend was a big one in the current club season and all eyes (or actually, most of them) were justifiably turned to the 2022 USA Volleyball Girls 18s Junior National Championship in Phoenix, Arizona. There were, however, tournaments happening…
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Continue ReadingLast weekend was a big one in the current club season and all eyes (or actually, most of them) were justifiably turned to the 2022 USA Volleyball Girls 18s Junior National Championship in Phoenix, Arizona.
There were, however, tournaments happening elsewhere and one of them was the Katy United Classic #7, held at the club of the same name in the Katy area, which reunited 17 teams from the Houston region in the 16s age groups for a day of competition.
We were there, closely following the action and are reporting on some of the most promising players we saw on the court during the week. This time, our focus is on the dynamic outside hitters who did great work for their teams.
Kaitlyn Davis Kaitlyn Davis 5'9" | OH Tomball | 2024 TX – Texas Legacy 16 Elite – HS: Tomball – 2024
A very complete player, Kaitlyn Davis Kaitlyn Davis 5'9" | OH Tomball | 2024 TX made a positive impact in Texas Legacy 16 Elite’s game in multiple ways. The 5’9” pin hitter showed a solid backcourt game, significantly contributing to her team’s passing and defensive efforts, but proved to be a difference-maker at the net. Very explosive, Davis showed a well-diversified and potent game, consistently scoring for her team. He also proved to be an intelligent player as she did a great job in switching rhythms on offense when needed and made very few mistakes considering the numerous times she was set. Davis is coming off a high school season in which she tallied 369 kills, 398 digs, 616 passes and 35 aces for Tomball.
Kayla Byrd – Katy United 16 Navy – HS: Cinco Ranch – 2024
Kayla Byrd was one of the most productive and consistent outside hitters in the tournament when it came to scoring points. Her game might still need some improvement on the backcourt, but at the net, the 5’10” Byrd is as good as it gets. She’s long and athletic, makes contact with the ball at a very high point and hits it hard. Byrd is extremely efficient from the left and the right and impressed with her consistency.
Caroline Babb – Texas Legacy 16 National – HS: Klein Cain – 2024
Caroline Babb is listed at 5’8”, but she plays taller than that because of her long arms and her jumping ability. She uses her length extremely well to make contact with the ball at the highest possible point and is very intelligent and efficient with her shot selection. Babb’s reach makes of her also a threat from the backcourt, where she also contributes with solid serving and good defense, passing and covering.
Brianna Masino – Spike Sport 16 Black – 2024
Brianna Masino was one of the most physical players who competed last weekend. She’s not the tallest outside hitter out there, but can jump out of the gym and has a cannon of a right arm. Masino tools blocks at ease with the amount of power she can unleash and when was able to hit around them, the poor defenders across the net had a hard time controlling the ball. She’s also got a nasty topspin jump serve, which generated some points for her team.
Janae Johns – Space City 161 Rockets – HS: Hightower – 2024
Janae Johns is the unusual case of a player that spends the high school season as a libero and takes on hitting duties during the club season. With her ability to jump, it’s easy to see why succeeded on the move. Despite being 5’5”, Johns was her team’s go-to scoring option and her setter would come to her even when she was on the backcourt. Needless to say, she’s also very solid defensively.
Hannah Fan – Katy United 16 Molten – HS: Katy Taylor – 2024
One of the most technical players in the tournament, Hannah Fan is the true definition of a two-way prospect. The 5’6” outside hitter is extremely skilled on the backcourt and could easily play as a libero, but also knows her way around the net. What makes of Fan such a complete and versatile player is her high volleyball IQ and she rarely makes bad decisions or mistakes. She had 113 kills, 83 digs and 215 passes in the last high school season with Katy Taylor.