Must-See 17s at the Pacific Northwest Qualifier
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The Pacific Northwest Qualifier starts tomorrow in Spokane, Washington. There are a lot of Texas teams making the long haul this weekend, and we have highlighted four teams among 3 divisions as a part of our must-see list. Austin Juniors…
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Continue ReadingThe Pacific Northwest Qualifier starts tomorrow in Spokane, Washington. There are a lot of Texas teams making the long haul this weekend, and we have highlighted four teams among 3 divisions as a part of our must-see list.
Austin Juniors 17 Adidas
Austin Juniors 17 Adidas will be trying to grab an open bid at the PNQ this weekend. With pool play starting Saturday, it is imperative that these athletes make your viewing list. The first thing you need to know about this AJV team is that they are massive across the front row. Setter Livia Niu standing at 6’2 and playing 6 rotations gives this team a lot of height. Currently uncommitted, Livia Niu doubles as a setter and right-side hitter for AJV. Arizona State commit Jadyn Wilgus Jadyn Wilgus 6'2" | MB Rouse | 2024 State TX is having a phenomenal junior season, and has been very reliable on the outside. Her size and strength overtake a lot of blockers. Another big playmaker at the net is uncommitted middle-right side Naara Tanco Naara Tanco 6'1" | MB Rouse | 2024 TX , who has been a blocking machine so far this season. At 6’1, she is very formidable at the net. Uncommitted outside/DS Kayla Patel Kayla Patel 5'7" | OH St. Stephen's | 2024 TX might not have the height of her other teammates but she more than makes up for it in vertical and arm swing. Austin Juniors 17 Adidas has been looking very good since Triple Crown. We could see them pick up a bid here.
Houston Juniors 17 Elite
This Houston Juniors 17 Elite team is packed with D1 talent in every position. They will be playing in 17 Open against some of the best. While most of their roster is committed, we will be focusing on the big playmakers and uncommitted superstars of this team. First is OH/DS Lauren Battle Lauren Battle 5'8" | OH Ridge Point | 2024 State TX . Lauren has really come into her own in the outside position this year. At 5’8 she has no problem taking on the big block of opposing teams and her fast and aggressive arm swing paired with her volleyball IQ make her super successful offensively. Defensive specialist Cameron McDaniel is actually a 2025 playing up on 17s. Cameron is a bulldog in middle back defense and has been in numerous highlight reels showing off her playmaking abilities. East Carolina commit setter/RS Taryn Gilreath Taryn Gilreath 6'0" | S Cy Ranch | 2024 State TX is one of my favorite setters in the Houston area. She can do it all, set and run the offense and then jump in and be a part of the offense as well. A big playmaker at the net is uncommitted OH/RS Mariana Buchanan Mariana Buchanan 5'10" | RS Cy Falls | 2024 State TX . Her vertical and length make her an excellent blocker. She is quick on her feet and plays with a lot of passion and energy while on the court.
Arete 17 Navy Telos
Hoping to qualify in the 17 USA division, Arete 17 Navy Telos is one of those scrappy intense teams that just doesn’t go away. They are led by strong middle-blocker Alyssa Boyte. Tons of energy and grittiness with Alyssa, and that energy bleeds into her teammates. She does not need a lot of time to prepare, she reads the pass well and gets available quickly. Everyone should have their eyes on 6’2 outside Brianna Hamilton. Brianna is one of the up-and-coming outsides in her class. She has a great vertical and explodes over the top of opposing blocks. Right side Kealakai Bandy is another stud at the net for Arete 17 Navy Telos. She brings a lot of power with her swing and has a variety of shots she likes to use. Libero Anika Malapati has been digging double digits for Arete lately and is gritty on defense. She has quick feet and a fast reaction time as well as a solid platform in serve receive.
Madfrog ‘ last=”]’ last=”] 17 National White
Playing in 17 Liberty, this very solid Madfrog ‘ last=”]’ last=”] 17N White team has a very good chance of being successful this weekend. As a freshman playing up, Jayden Fitzgerald Jayden Fitzgerald 5'9" | OH Red Oak | 2026 State TX has taken on a lot of responsibility as a 6 rotation player in some instances, and she hasn’t backed down from a challenge yet. She is explosive and aggressive and is improving fast. Libero Camryn Bertoglio has got the soft touch on this team. Everything she passes seems to be so smooth and effortless. Her out-of-system sets are beautiful as well. A beast blocking at the net, outside Cherish Okpara seems to be involved in every blocking play. She has a lot of power to pack a punch on her swing as well. Laila Harrell Laila Harrell 5'11" | MB Desoto | 2024 TX rounds out this very good blocking team in the middle position. She has insane vertical and has made massive improvements since the start of the season.