High School Report – Teams to Watch Vol 7
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The Texas High School season is well underway and there have been some teams that are separating themselves from the rest of the pack this season. This series will be highlighting a few of them as everyone marches through their…
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Continue ReadingThe Texas High School season is well underway and there have been some teams that are separating themselves from the rest of the pack this season. This series will be highlighting a few of them as everyone marches through their district schedule. Let’s take a closer look at who is standing out for these teams on the rise.
Lovejoy Leopards
There are a few things you can always count on in Texas. One is that summer lasts for 362 days and the other is that Lucas Lovejoy Leopards will be in the running for a state title. For the past decade, they have been one of the top volleyball programs in their division. It doesn’t matter who graduates each year, they always have the “Next Woman Up” mentality. This year they are currently 20-9 overall and a perfect 5-0 in district play. Phenomenal freshman outside hitter Gentry Barker Gentry Barker 5'10" | OH Lovejoy | 2027 State TX has told everyone with her play that she is the real deal. She leads the team in kills and you can tell she is hungry for more. Super sophomore Skylar Jackson Skylar Jackson 5'11" | OH Lovejoy | 2026 State TX is well known by us at Prep Dig for her stellar play on the pins. She is the total package and has ball control for days in the position. Junior middle Shelby Burriss Shelby Burriss 6'1" | MB Lovejoy | 2025 State TX is super fast patrolling the net and is a match up nightmare for opposing coaches. She can block well by pressing over the net and gets up fast off of the floor. Anna Barr Anna Barr 6'2" | OH Lovejoy | 2025 State TX and Sadie Jane Hand are big for the Leopards. Setter Bethanie Wu Bethanie Wu 5'10" | S Lovejoy | 2024 State TX is running a phenomenal 5-1 offense. She has the experience needed to lead this team to a deep run in the playoffs. We have seen her for the past three years come into her own and become one of the best setters in the state. Senior libero McKenna Brand McKenna Brand 5'6" | DS/L Lovejoy | 2024 State TX is one of the best hardnosed defenders that you definitely want in the back row. She knows what it takes to win and has the ball control to back it up. We will never count out this wonderful school and awesome community who backs them up well.
Rockwall Yellowjackets
The Yellowjackets are 22-9 overall and undefeated at 5-0 in District 10-6A. Senior pin Harley Krause Harley Krause 6'0" | OH Rockwall | 2024 State TX has been unstoppable this season. She is scoring points on both pins for Rockwall, but this is nothing new as she has been stellar for her entire career. All this young lady knows how to do is score points on a volleyball court. Junior outside Halle Jameson Halle Jameson 6'2" | OH Marcus | 2025 State TX is another tall and strong pin who everyone needs to watch out for. Senior middle Sydney Lafferty is putting up some big numbers in her final year. The tall 6 foot two stopper has been hitting the corners very well with her quick sets and is hard to slow down. Senior Kayla Bullard and Junior Melanie Guevara Melanie Guevara 5'9" | OH Rockwall | 2025 State TX provide some serious firepower for this well-balanced squad. Senior setter Gabi Ashcraft has been one of the best setters in her grad class since she stepped foot on the hardwood court as a sophomore. Senior libero Sophia Armstrong Sophia Armstrong 5'8" | DS/L Rockwall | 2024 State TX is a stud and leads the team in overall ball control. She passes extremely well out of serve receive and digs everything in the back row. Super sophomore defensive specialist Audrey St. Clair is another ball control expert who keeps this team in system. We will be watching this team very closely as they play well together and have the balanced attack to be competitive against anyone who stands in front of them.
Allen Eagles
The Allen Eagles are currently 22-10 overall and are 4-1 in one of the toughest districts in the state. A few things about this team are that they are not afraid of anyone and will be battle tested once the playoffs start. Senior outside hitter Alyssa Boyte leads the team in kills and has power for days. Stud phenom sophomore Kennedy Crayton Kennedy Crayton 5'8" | OH Allen | 2026 State TX can flat out fly! She does this on the pins and it is very difficult for anyone to jump with her. She is second on the team with kills and plays excellent in the back row to help the team stay in system. Senior setter Sophia Wilson Sophia Wilson 5'6" | S Allen | 2024 State TX is no stranger to high-level volleyball and she is leading this team by dishing the rock to all of her awesome attackers. I love how athletic she is digging balls out of the right back zone and tracking the pass from serve receive. The abll is coming out of her hadns very fast to all of her hitters. Junior libero Avery Penrod is doing exactly what is needed on the defensive side of the ball to keep this team super competitive. Junior Katelyn Bowman Katelyn Bowman 6'0" | MB Allen | 2025 State TX has been very versatile playing middle and right side for the lady Eagles. She has a dynamic right arm that is very explosive attacking the ball. Do not count this squad out as they will be a load for any opponent who gets matched up with them later on in the playoffs.
As always stay tuned for more articles on your favorite athletes. If you have anyone you think we should watch out for, please shoot me an email with some info at Michael@prepdig.com. Also don’t forget to help these kids get more exposure by sharing our stories with your friends. Help us help them by simply retweeting on Twitter or sharing on Facebook. Thanks for following us, Prep Dig Texas Family! Don’t be afraid to interact with us. We love the likes, shares, and quotes/comments. Keep them coming!