Windy City Spotlight: HJV 16 Elite
The Windy City National Qualifier starts this weekend in Chicago, Illinois. For Houston Junior’s 16 Elite this could prove as a big weekend for the team. Their last qualifier was Sunshine Classic in Orlando, where they took 14th place. In…
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Continue ReadingThe Windy City National Qualifier starts this weekend in Chicago, Illinois. For Houston Junior’s 16 Elite this could prove as a big weekend for the team. Their last qualifier was Sunshine Classic in Orlando, where they took 14th place. In the same month, the participated in the Nike Mid East where they played in 16 open and finished 9th place. Coming into this tournament, HJV 16 Elite is ranked 5th overall, and is hanging on to the top spot in pool 5. They will compete against Mintonette Sports, Spiral, and Adversity volleyball clubs on day one.
This team has seen success this year with middle blocker Jackie Onyechi. She has great vision from the middle position and is effective with a wide array of tips. Her athleticism allows her to still run her routes efficiently as a hitter, even on bad passes. She is able to better the ball, and transition quick enough in defense to be a part of the play.
If we are talking about heavy hitting, Aspen Maxwell Aspen Maxwell 6'1" | MB Summer Creek | 2024 State TX fits right into the conversation. With one of the heaviest arm swings in her age group, she puts power behind the ball. She is a true effective pin hitter that can put the ball away from either side. She does not shy away from a opposing block, and often creates tools for herself. She loves a powerful line shot from the outside, and is very accurate with her swing.
Dominique Phills Dominique Phills 5'10" | OH Dawson | 2024 State TX has been working hard this season for HJV on the outside. Often posting double digit kills for 16 Elite, Dominique hits a great in system ball and does a great job attacking the split in the block. Her out of system hitting has gotten better this year, and she is able to create offense for her team.
We can’t talk about HJV 16 Elite with out bringing up libero Alice Volpe Alice Volpe 5'5" | DS/L Bridgeland | 2024 State #83 Nation TX . Alice has been consistent all season in defense and in serve receive. She is constantly improving her serve receive game, and you can see the improvement she’s made throughout the club season. She is able to turn really tough serves around for a decent pass. Watching her footwork in defense is also spectacular. She is very disciplined in left back, and does’t let a whole lot get by her.
Houston Juniors 16 Elite is stacked with talent top to bottom. They have multiple players who can play a variety of positions, and help to make this an athletically rounded team. Hopefully HJV finds their success this weekend and secures the open bid in Chicago.