Clarksville VBC 17 Smack: Music City Winners
Taking a break from the stat it up series, I had the privilege to watch Clarksville VBC 17 Smack at Franklin’s annual Music City Block Party. They ended up winning the 17s division in a great two set win against…
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Continue ReadingTaking a break from the stat it up series, I had the privilege to watch Clarksville VBC 17 Smack at Franklin’s annual Music City Block Party. They ended up winning the 17s division in a great two set win against ESCV 17-1 where they won 26-24 and 25-23. This Clarksville team is coached by Ginny Busse, previous D1 indoor and beach volleyball player at Austin Peay, and she clearly knows how to make a stud team from a small city in Tennessee. Here are four girls that stood out in Nashville!
Keira Garinger- I had to lead with all-around outside hitter, Keira Garinger, because she’s the glue to the team. She’s undersized for an outside, but I’d want Garinger in the lineup every day. Making the least unforced errors as possible is the key to success on the outside, and she does exactly that and more. Not only is she smart about keeping the ball in play, but Garinger is great about moving the ball around whether it’s tipping short line, swinging to the deep corner, or busting it sharp cross. Then, in the back row, her ball control is unmatched. Every ball she handles with a purpose, and that’s what I love about her. She is always doing her job on the court and being a leader vocally and by example.
Torri James- This kid is an interesting one. Torri James has always been known for extraordinary basketball skills, but she’s recently been in volleyball training as a middle hitter. Touching 10’6, James FLYS when she is in the air and makes jumping look so effortless. She’s recently been visiting division one schools for basketball, but I think she could also have a future in volleyball. James has a natural blocking ability to go get the ball wherever it is and exerts strong dominance at the net. Being a competitor, James is fearless from the front row and only yearning to get better.
Madison Douglass- Defensive specialist for Clarksville, Madison Douglass flies around in the back row and makes plays defensively. I had the opportunity to coach Douglass back at WKU Elite Camp, and I really loved how coachable she was. Not only did she listen intently to what you were saying, but she went out and did it. Douglass has a solid platform in serve receive and really gets low, so she can be still and pass that ball to target. I love her mental awareness, coachability, and attitude on the court.
Averi Hawtin- Class of 2024 setter, Averi Hawtin is a setter for this special Clarksville team. Most coaches have this predisposition that setters struggle with playing defense, but that’s the opposite with Hawtin. She takes defense personally and makes sure to cover as much court as possible from her position. Plus, she knows how to simultaneously run a fast offense. Hawtin has some hot hitters, but she also knows where to set the ball when the game is on the line. She’s great about communicating with her hitters and leading the charge.