Big Playmakers You Need to Know at Triple Crown NIT

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since Triple Crown is all about the big-time plays and high level of competition, and the fact that it's pretty exclusive to the highest-level teams, I have found 6 hitters that always seem to find a way to make the play. Whether it's a heavy arm, finesse, high volleyball IQ, or a combination of all three, these athletes below seem to be always involved in the biggest moments and come through for their teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3>[player_tooltip player_id='212725' first='Kennedi' last='Rogers'] - Outside - AVA 16 Adidas</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Possibly the heaviest arm in her age division, [player_tooltip player_id='212725' first='Kennedi' last='Rogers'] is a site to see from the left side. She has a huge transition to swing, but don't let that fool you, she's fast and has a huge vertical and puts her entire body behind her swing. She is an absolute force to be reconned with offensively, and she is a great blocker as well. Kennedi first got my attention at the Prep Dig Top 250 Showcase in Houston, and after I saw her hit that first ball, I have been keeping track of her since. Her highlight videos do not do her justice although you can definitely see the range and power. She is one to watch from the sideline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3>[player_tooltip player_id='318566' first='Gabriela' last='Santiago'] - Outside - [program_tooltip program_id='462263' first='TAV' last='Houston'] 15 Adidas</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='318566' first='Gabriela' last='Santiago'] may be undersized, she packs a punch. The 5'8 6 rotation outside hitter will surprise you at every facet of the game from serve receive to transition offense. She has some incredible power behind the ball given her size and height but her very well-rounded fundamentals attribute to that. She likes to run a fast offense and beat the block but she doesn't need to. She has a lot of range offensively and can tag any part of the court, even through a solid double block. Gaby will be fun to watch as she progresses this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3>[player_tooltip player_id='180175' first='Samara' last='Coleman'] - Outside - Houston Skyline 17 Royal</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing up on 17s, 2025 outside [player_tooltip player_id='180175' first='Samara' last='Coleman'] fits right in with the speed and agility of 17s. She is playing 6 rotations and playing with a whole new team this season. She is a high flyer and often bounces balls off the floor, even from the back row. Samara is a solid outside hitter no doubt, but I like her swing from the right side out of serve receive. She is almost unstoppable there, and her fast arm swing is unmatched. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3>Mora Mooney - Outside - Austin Juniors 17 Adidas</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Explosive outside hitter Mora Mooney is sure to turn heads this weekend from the left side. Not only can she put balls away, but she is a worker in transition. She wants the set, and she will work to transition to get the ball, even several in a row without error. Mora is a bit of an under-the-radar player for me, but this season she has really taken off and is more explosive this year than she has ever been. Her out-of-system swings are strong and aggressive and she doesn't give any easy balls. No doubt that Mora is definitely a playmaker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3>[player_tooltip player_id='124104' first='Mikala' last='Young'] - Outside - TAV 17 Black</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='124104' first='Mikala' last='Young'] has already established herself as a playmaker for TAV 17 Black. Her commitment to TCU has sealed the deal for her and boosted her confidence in playing and you can see it in her play this year. Mikala looked undersized at her position at first, but that is just because of the height of her TAV 17 Black teammates. Standing at 6'0 Mikala is THE playmaker for her team. Mikala has come through on must-have points numerous times, and her teammates trust her with the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3>[player_tooltip player_id='230657' first='Tionna' last='Owens'] - Middle - [program_tooltip program_id='431200' first='Madfrog' last=''] 17N Green</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='230657' first='Tionna' last='Owens'] is intense. Watching her on the court play with such intensity is fun to watch and her pure athleticism and ability to make plays are there as well. I really like her movement, she is always trying to get into the offense and she will ask for the ball aggressively. She runs a quick behind set in the middle that she likes to execute as well as the slide. Her 6'1 and reach make it really hard to defend and the fact that Tionna and her setter run it very fast. Tionna is an elite-level athlete that will grab your attention on the first play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->