Southeast TX Special: Nederland Bulldogs

Prep Dig has been featuring more of the Southeast Texas region, and next up is the Nederland Bulldogs. Led by Head Coach Allie McDaniel, the program plays in 5A Region III District 17 and has some tough competition including Barbers Hill, Sterling, and Crosby. The Bulldogs are currently overall 23-12 and 5-3 in district. Two of the three losses were to Sterling, however, the set count was competitive for Nederland. With several wins and losses between Nederland, Sterling, and Crosby, the heat has turned up for district finishes.   Let's meet some standout Bulldogs.    <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/10/IMG_1975-scaled-crop-1735x1139-1665173884.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-233302" /></figure>   Wiltz is a four-year starting libero for the program and a defensive standout in the district. Her athleticism is obvious; ready position is gritty and aggressive. Currently in 35 matches, she's averaging 2.6 in serve receive and 19 digs per match. Wiltz also leads in aces, proving to be a vital player in Nederland's success.    Whitehead is another senior and four-year starter as a middle. Leading the team offensively, she's averaging 11 kills per match. Whitehead is also averaging 3 blocks per match and a dependable, strong spot server. With her on the net and Wiltz on the back row, they should be a dynamic defensive duo.    <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/10/IMG_1987-scaled-crop-1374x902-1665175242.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-233314" /></figure>   Nelson is a senior setter and busy athlete playing multiple sports. Having strong hands, she's a significant contributor for Nederland's offense. Nelson has a powerful release, which especially shines during out-of-system moments. She's dependable feeding pins a solid ball and always giving her hitters opportunity to swing.    Johnson is a senior setter/RS that has earned six rotations. In past seasons, she mostly played only right back and focused on defense. This year, she's hit double digits in multiple stat categories in several matches.    <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/10/IMG_1997-scaled-crop-2048x1345-1665175871.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-233331" /></figure>   Smith is a junior with plenty of experience in multiple positions as a pin, middle and DS. This year, she's a six-rotation outside leading second in kills and digs per match. Although she's a smaller hitter, her vertical outweighs her height. Smith has been focused on shot selection and earning a kill strategically.    <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/10/IMG_2008-scaled-crop-1744x1146-1665177267.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-233339" /></figure>   Arnold is the youngest Bulldog getting a shoutout as a sophomore. Building her experience, she's a three-rotation outside, but will mostly likely stay on the court for future seasons. She has a strong arm and is working on being more aggressive and dynamic with her swing. Arnold is an upcoming big name for Nederland and an attacker to keep your eyes on.

Prep Dig has been featuring more of the Southeast Texas region, and next up is the Nederland Bulldogs. Led by Head Coach Allie McDaniel, the program plays in 5A Region III District 17 and has some tough competition including Barbers Hill, Sterling, and Crosby. The Bulldogs are currently overall 23-12 and 5-3 in district. Two of the three losses were to Sterling, however, the set count was competitive for Nederland. With several wins and losses between Nederland, Sterling, and Crosby, the heat has turned up for district finishes.