10 Rising Stars from the Prep Dig x USAV Showcase Session 2
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The second session of the Prep Dig x USAV Showcase did not disappoint. About 200 athletes played hard for two hours at the showcase, and the level of play was seriously impressive. These athletes bring energy, discipline, and power to…
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Continue ReadingThe second session of the Prep Dig x USAV Showcase did not disappoint. About 200 athletes played hard for two hours at the showcase, and the level of play was seriously impressive. These athletes bring energy, discipline, and power to the court. Here are ten rising stars that caught my eye from Session 2 of the showcase.
When Mike asked for volunteers to demonstrate the first drill of the showcase, Kaila was the first one on the court, literally. And she picked up everything. Whether it was a finger or her platform, she found a way to get a touch on every ball. And she never slowed down. Her effort and discipline on defense were crazy impressive. Kaila is as scrappy as they come, and you can never count a ball down when she is on defense.
Highlights
She may be listed as a DS/L, but Adriana was swinging on the pin at the showcase, and she was turning heads. Her massive vertical, lightning-fast arm swing and precise ball placement were fun to watch. She was an impact player on every contact and was dynamic on offense and defense.
Mariyana was bouncing balls at the showcase. In some instances, she was hitting over opposing blockers. Her aggressive choices and powerhouse swings set her apart. Mariyana is a very talented lefty pin that was impactful on offense and defense. She read well as a blocker, was very fast in transition, and always made herself available for her setter.
Highlights
Lauren Gonzales
Lauren Gonzales
Lauren first caught my eye in warm-ups when she was dominating middle back defense. In a chaotic and scramble-type drill, Lauren brought control and clean contacts. She read corner to corner so well and picked up some very tough-to-get balls. I then saw her compete in transition drills and 6v6 competitive play. She was an energizer that was always working with her teammates. Lauren has a powerful swing and is a naturally talented blocker as well. She is the whole package as a pin and a leader.
What can’t Mikayla do on the court? As a setter, she is quick, clean, and aggressive. She always gets her feet to the ball and has great form. Mikayla also showed grit on defense and was fearless when running down balls. She is a lefty with a big vert and great court awareness – making her an impact player on offense as well.
Highlights
Rubi is an explosive athlete. She takes aggressive swings and can play on both pins. Despite her power, her shots are well-placed and smart. She can find holes in the block and defense to earn points. She was dominant at the showcase and caught the eye of several scouts.
Highlights
Delaney is one of the top-ranked athletes in her class in Iowa, and she proved why tonight. She can play anywhere, across the front and back rows. Every time she swings, she takes a huge transition and looks like she is trying to earn match point to win a national championship. She is aggressive yet consistent and plays with a very competitive mindset.
Alexandra was electric tonight at the showcase. You could feel her energy on the court. She played lights-out defense from out of left and middle back and was great in coverage. She had clean angles and quick movement. Her serve receive was also very high level, and she was always communicating on the court. Alexandra stepped up as a leader no matter where she was or who she was playing next to.
Madisyn is a defensive dynamo. She got her feet to the ball every time and was fearless in protecting the backcourt. Her grittiness on defense kept even the toughest balls alive. Madisyn has great court awareness and rarely lets a ball get past her. She is dynamic on offense as well.
Highlights
Savy is an incredibly talented setter. She moves the ball efficiently from pin to pin with precise placement every time. Her tempo is fast-paced, but she adjusts it to her hitters. She built connections on the court with those around her and helped elevate their game as well. Savy can also swing on the right side and put up powerhouse swings.