May Madness – Outsides to Watch
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The club season is starting to wind down around the country with all qualifiers completed and teams now starting their preparations for the 2023 USAV Girls Junior National Championship, which will take place in Chicago, from June 28-July 6. There…
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Continue ReadingThe club season is starting to wind down around the country with all qualifiers completed and teams now starting their preparations for the 2023 USAV Girls Junior National Championship, which will take place in Chicago, from June 28-July 6.
There are, however, still some good tournaments going on around the state of Texas and one of them will take place this weekend, when TAV hosts the May Madness in Lewisville. Besides the top teams from the popular home club, other strong clubs from the region, such as Drive Nation, Madfrog and Dallas Premier will also be represented in the 15s, 16s and 17s divisions of the two-day event.
We’re taking a look at some of the most promising names that will be in action during the weekend in Lewisville and these are some pin hitters that could have a big weekend:
The high-flying Crayton will be on the end of several sets with her Madfrog 15’s N Green team. If you think an undersized player cannot carry the offense of a team of this caliber, that’s because you haven’t seen her in action. Crayton is as explosive as it gets and can go up really, really high when she swings. Besides her vertical, she also has a very heavy right arm that she uses to bounce balls and tool blocks. Although her offense is really impressive, Crayton is truly a complete player, who has excellent ball control and is extremely quick with her movement, making a huge impact on the backcourt too.
Highlights
Sophia Davila
Sophia Davila
A very powerful offensive player, Davila will be one of the pin hitters for TAV 15 Black. A six-footer, she’s very physical and knows how to transfer the energy generated by her body to the ball when she swings like not many others. Perhaps most impressively, she’s extremely effective in out-of-system plays, timing her approach well and using all of her reach to beat opposing blockers. Davila is a solid passer too and has some excellent reflexes when playing defense.
Emma Sorensen Emma Sorensen 6'0" | OH Ursuline Academy | 2025 State TX
Emma Sorensen Emma Sorensen 6'0" | OH Ursuline Academy | 2025 State TX
A very technical and intelligent offensive player, Sorensen will play a big role with her Premier 16 Black team. She’s very calm and confident on the ball and often makes very good decisions when she’s up at the net to swing. Sorensen is not necessarily a hitter that will beat blockers and defenders with her power, but she’s very difficult to stop because of her shot selection. She uses her very long arms extremely well, sees the game with great clarity and had a very precise wrist, which allows her to send the ball anywhere on the court. That combination allows her to score with consistency from the middle back too.
Davis was recently training with the U19 US national team, but is back at it with Drive Nation 16 Red. One of the most formidable hitters in the entire state, she’s capable of bouncing balls left and right but more important than the flashy plays is her ability to score consistently, bringing what her teams need at each moment. Davis is big, athletic and very powerful and anyone trying to match up with her at the net is typically set for a difficult day at the office. She’s very dynamic on the court and a true all-around player, who also delivers on defense and serve-receive.
The top prospect in Texas according to our Class of 2025 Prep Dig State Rankings, Spears is playing one age group up this season with TAV 17 Black. Only an athletic freak like her could do it and not only play among older players, but actually dominate them. Spears is very athletic and that shows in every aspect of her game with how quickly, strongly and efficiently she performs every action on the court. Besides the physical tools, she’s also very technical and has an extremely high volleyball IQ, having truly the whole package when it comes to being an elite pin hitter.