Texas Teams Take On Northern Lights: 17USA

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This weekend we have an early bid tournament in Minnesota where teams will compete to win a bid at the Northern Lights Qualifier. Texas has a lot of representation this weekend in different age groups and divisions, and most have a good chance of securing a bid. Below we will highlight players who are a must-see this weekend and which teams can bring back a gold ball. You can check out the schedule <a href="https://vbschedule.com/app/results/event/2/divisions/9/teams">here</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Must See Texas Players</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='142639' first='Peyton' last='Fadal'] (TAV Houston)</strong> - Lights out setter [player_tooltip player_id='142639' first='Peyton' last='Fadal'] will be leading the offense of number 1 overall seed TAV Houston 17 Adidas going into this weekend in 17 Open. This player has secured several accolades already this season with District MVP, Greater Houston Area setter of the year as well as 5A All-State Team, and many others. You will see right off the bat why this setter is top-notch. Her gritty defensive play, high volleyball IQ, and quick offense make her fun to watch. At only 5'9 you would think she is undersized at the net, but that is not the case. She is an excellent blocker with a high vertical and perfect timing, allowing her to be a threat in a 5-1. While she is not committed currently, I see that changing this year!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='254088' first='Brooklyn' last='Spikes'] (TAV Houston)</strong> - [player_tooltip player_id='254088' first='Brooklyn' last='Spikes'] brings a plethora of experiences this weekend to her TAV Houston team. Spikes played up last year on a 17 Adidas team who qualified in USA. She knows exactly the level of play they have to achieve to do it. Spikes is an excellent blocker and a great energy source for her team. While watching her play I noticed her positive interactions with her teammates and her sportsmanship. Spikes is a competitor. She likes grind-it-out games and high-intensity play. College coaches, if you are looking for that in your program, middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='254088' first='Brooklyn' last='Spikes'] can deliver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='179904' first='Kenedy' last='Massie'] (AVA of Texas)</strong> - Highly experienced setter Kennedy Massie will be in tow with her team AVA 17 Adidas. Massie has also racked up several All-District and Region accolades. After watching her compete in Prep Dig Top 250 Showcase Stop 1, I understood quickly her capabilities. Kenedy is actually playing up an age level, she is class of 2025, but her level of play easily allows her to play up. She is so smart with her setting decisions and the ball comes out so clean from her hands. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Auma Mbeche-Odhiambo (AVA of Texas)</strong> - A new name and face to me, Auma Mbeche-Odhiambo is an outside hitter from Bellair High School. She is a new face for AVA as well coming from [program_tooltip program_id='431166' first='Houston' last='Juniors']. The 5'8 outside has been getting some attention recently for her high-flying abilities. While she still may be rough around the edges offensively, there is no doubt about her potential. When she gets good contact she puts it away, flying over the opposing block. I haven't seen much of Auma in person, but she is definitely on my watch list for her pure athleticism and potential offensive threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='124147' first='Jaylynn' last='McNeill'] ([program_tooltip program_id='431166' first='Houston' last='Juniors'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='124147' first='Jaylynn' last='McNeill'] is an aggressive middle blocker who loves getting in on the offense. You will see her working hard to get available for the set on every play. She runs a very effective quick set out of the middle, and getting blocked doesn't phase her, she is right back in it the next play. She really does have a "next ball" attitude that coaches look for. Jaylynn has really progressed into a solid middle blocker after watching her over the last 2 years. College coaches would get an absolute steal in Jaylynn.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177531' first='Kinslee' last='Smith'] ([program_tooltip program_id='431166' first='Houston' last='Juniors'])</strong> - Setter [player_tooltip player_id='177531' first='Kinslee' last='Smith'] has been off the radar due to a knee injury last fall. A true utility player Kinslee is, but if you want to see her at her best, catch her setting. When Kinslee is running the floor as the setter you can see her athleticism and fast pace release. She is tough, strong, and mentally capable of handling pressure. She can perform anywhere on the court, passing, setting, or hitting front row, which is a site to see because of her heavy arm and smart placement. I am excited to see Kinslee get back into the swing of things this Spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Who Can Bring Home The Gold Ball?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think TAV Houston 17 Adidas stands a good chance of bringing home a bid. They grabbed their bid up north last year, and have a studded cast returning both offensively and defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->