Skyline Classic #12 – Setters
The tail end of the club volleyball season represents an interesting scouting opportunity for us at Prep Dig. While most of the top teams and prospects avoid competing every week and set their eyes on the big prize – the…
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Continue ReadingThe tail end of the club volleyball season represents an interesting scouting opportunity for us at Prep Dig. While most of the top teams and prospects avoid competing every week and set their eyes on the big prize – the National Championship -, the others are still out there, trying to make the most of every opportunity they have to be on the court.
The few tournaments that are still taking place bring a unique opportunity for us to watch players we otherwise wouldn’t if the big dogs were still around and do our best to make the most out of it and give the emerging talents the exposure they deserve.
This past weekend I was at the Skyline Classic #12, a nine-team tournament reuniting 16s teams from the Houston area at the popular Houston Skyline Juniors club. I’ll share my findings during the week, starting now with the setters that impressed me the most.
Alyssa Gatlin – Allegiance 16 Royal – HS: Providence Classical – 2023
I had seen Alyssa Gatlin (and written about her) not long ago, in a tournament in which she was competing for the 18s team of her Allegiance club. The 5’9” setter looked even more impressive this weekend, competing against players of her age, where her physical tools stood out even more. A track student-athlete, she’s extremely athletic and vastly benefits from it, doubling up as a setter on the backcourt and a middle blocker while at the net. In her ballhandling duties, Gatlin thrives on her quick release and ability to play fast. Her athleticism comes into play when she needs to operate with a difficult pass, be it one that requires her to jump higher to reach or one in which she needs to sprint off the net.
Madison Herrera – Catalyst 16 Green – 2024
Madison Herrera did an excellent job in running the offense of her Catalyst 16 Green team that didn’t drop a single set in the tournament. She has a very clean touch on the ball and does an excellent job with her distribution, moving her hitters around and creating doubts across the net. Very accurate and intelligent with her decisions, Herrera is also an asset on the backcourt with her good defense and solid serving.
Sara Ostermiller – TAV Houston 15 Blue – HS: Concordia Lutheran – 2025
The setter of the only 15s teams competing in the event, Sara Ostermiller played many roles for TAV Houston 15 Blue. As a setter, she did a good job with a fairly simple, yet efficient ball distribution. The left-handed Ostermiller also proved to be a valuable asset with her dangerous serving and on certain occasions also helped with passing and even hitting.
Jade McLemore – Catalyst 16 Emerald – HS: Travis – 2024
Jade McLemore is one of those players who do some things others wouldn’t just because of her level of attention. She’s always one step ahead of plays and made several easy digs on defense just because of that. McLemore does a good job as a playmaker, using her main hitters at the right time and remaining consistent with her locations. She’s not tall, but is a very good leaper and can hit when at the net, adding some versatility to the team’s game.
Heather Dean – Asics Willowbrook 16 Black – 2024
Very calm on the court, Heather Dean is a player that thrives on being grounded the entire time and making good decisions. She’s intelligent with her ball distribution and is very precise with her locations. Dean, who’s also an excellent defender, is extremely efficient with her serving and had some long runs from the service line.