JVA World Challenge: Washington Prospects to Watch
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The first day of the JVA World Challenge starts tomorrow in Louisville, Kentucky, and Washington prospects will be competing for WVBA and Athena teams. Several of the very best prospects in the state will be there, showcasing their talent at…
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Continue ReadingThe first day of the JVA World Challenge starts tomorrow in Louisville, Kentucky, and Washington prospects will be competing for WVBA and Athena teams. Several of the very best prospects in the state will be there, showcasing their talent at the Midwest heavy tournament. Storied club teams are in the field every year, providing an excellent opportunity for the Pacific Northwest teams to match up against some of top teams in the nation. Here are several Washington players who should stand out over the weekend in Kentucky.
Andrew was a 2022 JVA All-National Team selection for the class of 2024, and heads to the JVA World Challenge to lock up that honor again in 2023. The Ridgefield star is a high major prospect and was recently selected as one of 20 athletes training for the chance to represent USA Volleyball at the 2023 Girls U19 NORCECA Pan American Cup. Andrew will train with the team from April 30-May 6 at the Anaheim National Team Training Center. The imposing 6’5 middle is a smooth athlete who can attack all across the frontline, she has excellent overall skills for a young player with her length. Andrew is one of the top middles nationwide in the class of 2024 bar none.
DeJong is a terminal pin, her fast arm creates kills through, around, and off the block. She has the physical makeup to push through a grueling tournament like the World Challenge without losing any power due to fatigue. She was a difference maker during the Northwest Power League and the go-to when WVBA needed a crucial point. A Cal Baptist commit, DeJong will lead her WVBA 18 Adidas against a stacked 18 Open field.
https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/emery_dejong?video=1654662
Kelly is currently ranked by Prep Dig as the top libero in Washington for the class of 2024. She has backed up that high ranking from December with a recent commitment to Kansas State in the Big 12. The future Wildcat is a precision passer and second ball setter from her platform. She will dig out a wicked angle swing on the run and drop it right on the setter to keep her team in the flow. Kelly can frustrate opposing attackers with her ability to get to and save sure kills and deflections, just what you want in a high-level libero.
Highlights
Hunt is the Prep Dig Oregon top-setter prospect for the 2025 class. Her play is athletic and effortless, she moves around the court easily, beating the pass to the spot so she can deliver a set in rhythm to her very good attackers. An outside hitter and setter for Central Catholic in school ball, Hunt is a dynamic defender and knows how to win. She has been running a 6-2 at times for Athena, Hunt has the dynamic skills to run a 5-1 or make a difference as an attacker.
Ross has strong hands as a blocker, whether playing in the middle or at the opposite for her Athena team. The La Center sophomore gives the team the versatility to play her at both spots, she hits a heavy topspin ball from the right that gives defenders problems. Her experience in the middle pays off on jousts and balls that are messy at the net, she makes good decisions and goes up strong to make plays with both hands.
Billie Ross Billie Ross 6’0″ | MB La Center | 2025 State WA Highlights
WVBA 16 Adidas comes into the World Challenge as the #2 seed in the Open. They have multiple weapons and Georgia Terrell Georgia Terrell 5’11” | OH Lake Washington | 2025 State WA helps provide punch and solid defense and passing as a six-rotation outside. She is developing as a pipe attacker, giving her team another option from the middle back, and is willing to rip the ball down the line and tool the block. Her defense and serve-receive game is key for her squad, she keeps the offense moving with her solid passing.