Katy United Classic #7 – The All-Tournament Team
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 will report on some of the most promising players we saw on the court during the week. After we completed our positional breakdowns, it’s time we reveal which players made the cut in our Prep Dig All-Tournament Team.
Anna Blaine Anna Blaine 6'1" | S Concordia Lutheran | 2024 State TX – Setter – Texas Legacy 16 Elite – HS: Klein Collins – 2024
A setter with a rare mix of size, technique and a high volleyball IQ, Anna Blaine Anna Blaine 6'1" | S Concordia Lutheran | 2024 State TX guided her Texas Legacy 16 Elite team to victory in the tournament. The 6’1” playmaker is very smooth with her game and likes to play fast, but without losing her accuracy and consistency. Blaine is a factor at the net with the long frame but also a solid player on defense. Her strong mindset is another key to her efficiency on the court.
Carolina Solis – Right Side – Texas Boom 16 Elite – 2024
While most right sides stand out for their ability of scoring points, Carolina Solis showcased her importance to her Texas Boom 16 Elite team in more ways. Despite her limited size, she was extremely prolific on offense because of her tremendous jumping ability, explosiveness and ability to make good decisions. She responded well to the challenge of being her team’s go-to player in clutch moments and also helped with her passing and defensive ability on the backcourt.
Kaitlyn Davis Kaitlyn Davis 5'9" | OH Tomball | 2024 TX – Outside Hitter – Texas Legacy 16 Elite – HS: Tomball – 2024
Potentially the most well-rounded player in the entire tournament, Kaitlyn Davis Kaitlyn Davis 5'9" | OH Tomball | 2024 TX was a key piece for Texas Legacy 16 Elite. Very solid on the backcourt, the 5’9” Davis proved to be even better at the net, where she truly made a difference. She displayed a lot of power on her right arm and consistently score out of it, but was also smart enough to change rhythms and use tips or roll shots to put the ball on the floor. Davis was also impressively consistent and error-free for a player of such high usage.
Caroline Babb – Outside Hitter – Texas Legacy 16 National – HS: Klein Cain – 2024
Very long and athletic, Caroline Babb was a force to Texas Legacy 16 National at the net. She used her length extremely well at the net, being the team’s top scoring option and also a solid blocker. The 5’8” Babb is also extremely technical and not only plays all six rotations but actually contributes with contributes to passing and defense.
Oyinkansola Ajimotokan – Middle Blocker – Katy United 16 Molten – HS: Fort Bend Christian Academy – 2024
An impressively athletic undersized middle blocker, Oyinkansola Ajimotokan was very active and efficient at the net for Katy United 16 Molten. A TAPPS state champion for her high school team Fort Bend Christian Academy, the 5’7” Ajimotokan stood out against taller opposition thanks to her outstanding physical tools, which include impressive leaping ability and quick feet and helped her on offense and when blocking.
Skylar Christopher – Middle Blocker – Texas Legacy 16 Elite – HS: Tomball Memorial – 2024
A more traditional middle blocker who relies on her size and physicality to thrive, Skylar Christopher made her presence felt at the net for Texas Legacy 16 Elite. A six-footer, she complemented her size and length well with excellent mobility and was a factor on both sides of the ball with her ability to hit multiple sets and solid blocking skills.
Clara Belcher – Libero – Katy United 16 Molten – HS: Seven Lakes – 2024
A libero that goes well beyond playing great defense and passing well, Clara Belcher had a central role in Katy United 16 Molten’s playing system. The 5’6”, left-handed libero was a stud on the backcourt and shone with multiple one-handed digs. Belcher is also an excellent server and had long runs from the service line.