16s Players to Watch at Spring Smackdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spring Smackdown will be this weekend at the Titan Sports Complex. There will 140 teams in attendance and plenty of talent to watch. This tournament is sandwiched right in the middle of qualifier season. If a team isn't at a qualifier this weekend, they are likely sharpening their skills here in Tulsa. Lets take a look at a few of the older aged athletes that you should find their court and take a look at. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Players:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212435' first='Chesnie' last='Caudill']</strong>, Outside Hitter #1 for Rise 16-1. They are coming in as the overall #2 seed in the 16s division and looking to rack up a plethora of regional wins and help in the rankings. Chesnie was someone I got to watch come on to the scene in a big way last season. She made life rough when coaching against her. She does a great job of not doing too much when she doesn't have to. Her out of system decision making and control help make her a threat no matter how the set gets to her. She was a huge part of the success Piedmont had this past school season. Keep an eye out for her the next couple years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brooklyn Kuster</strong>, Libero #8 for Virago 16-1. They are the overall #3 seed for the tournament. She has returned from injury and is starting to shine. Her relentless pursuit of bettering herself and tracking down balls, has allowed her to become a solid back row presence for Virago. She plays for Sapulpa high school and has a chance to make a splash on the scene of 5A. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sara Miller-Laquerre</strong>, Outside Hitter #10 for OK Redline 16-1. They come in as the top seed in pool 4. She has been a solid rock for this team all season long. She continues to hammer the ball hard cross and high hands with potency. Her and this team have continued to grow and get better as the season has progressed. They were a good team early in the season and they are turning a potential giant killer. When regionals roll around, keep an eye on this team to shock someone. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Raegan Essex</strong>, Outside Hitter #12 for TPV 16-2. She is a starter at Muskogee High School. She has been quality touches and time on the court and it is paying off. She isn't scared to take a big swing in a big moment. Throw in the power she can put behind each swing and this makes for a big problem if she gets in a groove. Keep an eye on TPV 16-2 to finish higher than their seed this weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Wrap Up</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This has been a highly entertaining season thus far and we have plenty of teams representing Oklahoma well and earning bids. Good luck to those out there traveling and we cant wait to see how the season finishes up. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't forget that the 2026 rankings are on the horizon, as well as, the 2023 high school season. Make sure and renew your subscription soon to stay up to date on all that happening in the volleyball word here in Oklahoma. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->