2022 Houston Area Standouts – Liberos
The club volleyball season is pretty much over for the class of 2022 players. There are still some tournaments scheduled for the 18s, but most of the top club teams around the country have already shut down as several players…
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Continue ReadingThe club volleyball season is pretty much over for the class of 2022 players. There are still some tournaments scheduled for the 18s, but most of the top club teams around the country have already shut down as several players are ready to start the next step of their careers at the collegiate level.
It’s been a fantastic season, which culminated with the 2022 USA Volleyball Girls 18s Junior National Championship in Phoenix, Arizona, at the end of April. I’ve been fortunate to watch most of the top 18s teams of the Houston area in person and am taking the week to highlight some of the prospects that impressed me the most in each position. This time we’ll highlight the most talented liberos in the area.
Izzy Denton Izzy Denton 5'3" | DS/L Katy | 2022 State TX – Katy United 18 Adidas – HS: Katy
A defensive dynamo throughout her high school and club career, Izzy Denton Izzy Denton 5'3" | DS/L Katy | 2022 State TX was one of the bright spots of her Katy United team this season. The Stephen F. Austin commit was as solid and productive as usual, impressing with her excellent technique and superior positioning every time she was on the court. The 5’3″ Denton is the kind of player that delivers much more to her team than just her technical and tactical skills as her competitive mindset and supportive and positive attitude strongly benefit her teammates.
Nylah Raspberry – HJV 18 Elite – HS: Ridge Point
One of the most talented defensive players in the region, Nylah Raspberry had a solid season with her Houston Juniors team. The 5’8” Raspberry is very quick and dynamic on the backcourt and one of the keys to her efficiency is her ability to create a platform with her arms to make contact with the ball every single time. Also a solid passer, Raspberry does a great job in setting in transition too when needed. She’s headed to Florida Gulf Coast at the collegiate level.
Kailee Gims – Houston Skyline 18 Royal – HS: Cypress Ranch
Houston Skyline 18 Royal’s libero jersey was worn by three different players during the season and Kailee Gims was the one that did it at the end. The 5’7” defensive standout did a great job in helping the team with her excellent backcourt skills. Gims is an exceptional defender and has such tremendous ball control that she gets to deliver the ball exactly where she wants even when it lands about a foot away from where she originally anticipated. A player that also thrives on always being there to cover her hitters, Gims is headed to the University of New Mexico for her collegiate career.
Laura Weatherford – Asics Willowbrook 18 Gold – HS: John Cooper
Consistency is probably the best word to describe Laura Weatherford’s game. Coaches need stability at the libero position and they get exactly that with the 5’5” Weatherford, who has excellent technical skills, but above anything is very strong mentally, which allows her to perform at a very high level regardless of the circumstances. She does all little things right and makes very few mistakes when on the court. Weatherford has committed to Northwestern State, where she’ll play at the collegiate level.
Keira Herron Keira Herron 5'9" | DS/L College Station | 2022 State TX – Woodlands Revolution 18 Premier – HS: College Station
Talent alone can take players far, but when they’re combined with discipline, the sky is the limit. That could very well be Keira Herron Keira Herron 5'9" | DS/L College Station | 2022 State TX ‘s volleyball mantra as although she’s tremendously talented, the Woodlands Revolution 5’8” libero also thrives for her ability to remain committed to her game and her coach’s game plan. Herron is the kind of player that will always be where she’s supposed to be and will not be to blame for easy mistakes. Another reason why the Oregon State commit does so well on the court is her love for the sport and her eagerness to always learn more.
Alana Torres – AVA TX 18 Adidas – HS: Dawson
Alana Torres did the heavy lifting on AVA TX 18 Adidas’ backcourt tremendously well as her hard work allowed the team’s tall hitters to thrive at the net. The 5’5” Torres was an important part of the team’s offensive system with her pinpoint passing and also generated a lot of transition opportunities with her excellent defense, which enormously benefits from her great ball control. She’s headed to the University of Houston.