Nike Cross Court Classic – 15 Open – Right Sides
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One of the most traditional tournaments annually held in Houston, the Nike Cross Court Classic was played this past weekend at the George R. Brown Convention Center, in downtown, with as many as 675 teams getting on the court. The…
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Continue ReadingOne of the most traditional tournaments annually held in Houston, the Nike Cross Court Classic was played this past weekend at the George R. Brown Convention Center, in downtown, with as many as 675 teams getting on the court.
The gigantic tournament had 19 different divisions and Prep Dig was in attendance for the Saturday AM wave, paying special attention to the teams from the Lone Star State that were in action in the 15 Open and 16 Open divisions.
Several players stood out with strong performances for their teams and we’ve taken the week to recognize each of them. These right side hitters were reliable scoring options for their teams in the 15 Open division:
Crowley’s progress as a player was on full display as she played for division winners TAV Houston 15 Adidas. Her offensive potential couldn’t be more evident when I first watched her play in December, but it feels like she’s quickly learned the best ways to use her physical and technical tools to score over the last few months. Crowley’s firepower and her high contact point are still her main assets at the net, but she’s become more consistent with her offense and has significantly increased her efficiency when hitting out-of-system sets. She’s made great strides with her blocking too.
Highlights
Gabby Estringel
Gabby Estringel
Estringel carried the offense of her McAllen Fierce 15-1 team over the weekend. A lefty with a heavy arm, she was set a lot during the event and responded well, putting the ball down over and over again. Estringel has good reach in her offense and is capable of scoring from anywhere on the court – she consistently sided out from the back and even hit from the middle in one rotation. She also helped the team with her blocking and her potent serving and also displayed a solid all-around game, passing in several rotations.
A very athletic prospect, English was Houston Stellar 15 Elite’s first-choice right side hitter. A lot of her game is built upon her incredible athleticism, from her tremendous jumping ability to her outstanding body control when in the air. A lefty, she is pretty good at adjusting to whatever sets are sent her way and because of that her offense is somewhat unpredictable because she hit a quicker or a higher set on any play. English’s left arm is also very quick, which helps hit around the block. She’s improved her consistency over the last few months and is also a solid blocker.
Other Positional Breakdowns:
Kylie Green
Kylie Green
Originally a middle, Green is transitioning to the right with her Houston Stellar 15 Premier team and showed good signs of progress over the weekend. Her blocking is obviously her main weapon as she has the size and the reading to create problems for opposing hitters. Green also had some good moments offensively, as she seems to have adjusted well to hitting higher sets and has been able to make strong contact with the ball. She also displayed good mobility and ball control.
Mallie Mahoney
Mallie Mahoney
Louisiana’s NOLA 15 Halee/Drew built a lot of their game around their right side duo of Mahoney and Leila Washington. Both of them took setting and hitting duties and Mahoney stood out for her strong offense at the net. A lefty, she jumps really well, has a great deal of power and finds good angles. Mahoney was very productive and consistent throughout the day and also made some big plays on defense.