Big-Time Playoff Performances - Part 2

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the standout individual performances that have helped these players propel their teams to postseason glory. In these articles we are highlighting players that had standout performances in the Regional playoffs last week in the DFW metroplex.   [player_tooltip player_id='202871' first='Sophie' last='Bridges'] - JR, Libero/Prosper High School/Uncommitted   Ms. Bridges is the defensive catalyst and rock-solid libero for the 6A powerhouse, Prosper Eagles. Sophie continued her consistent and impressive efforts through the round of Regionals as the Eagles had no trouble with their opponents, winning both matches in 3-set sweeps. Those dominant victories were due in large part to the back row play of the junior libero. In the Regional finals matchup vs. Flower Mound, Sophie was the anchor in serve receive and tallied 16 digs (5.3/set) for the match. Prosper's dominant block and the back row play of Ms. Bridges has been a combination that no opponent has found an answer for. Sophie uses her footwork and length to pick up powerful swings and tips with ease. She added 10 digs and 5 assists in the semifinal 3-set victory over Southlake Carroll. Her calm, confident demeanor fuels the consistent and relentless attack of the Eagles. Look for her to be a huge factor in the Eagles matchup with Grand Oaks in the State Semifinals.   [player_tooltip player_id='180167' first='Hannah' last='Beauford'] - JR,Setter/Prosper High School/Cal-Berkeley   Ms. Beauford does it all for the Eagles as setter, hitter and blocker. You won't find a statistical category for the Eagles that Hannah hasn't left her mark on. In the 3-set win over Flower Mound in the Regional Finals, Hannah had a team-high 30 assists. She did a fantastic job reading the defense and putting her hitters in positions to score. She is quick to the ball and uses her speed and strength to distribute the ball and keep the defense guessing. She is the type of player that makes big plays in big moments. I expect Prosper to utilize her in every way they can against a powerful and athletic Grand Oaks team in their first state semifinal matchup.   [player_tooltip player_id='478829' first='Kimora' last='Castleberry'] - JR, Setter/Melissa High School/Uncommitted   Every year the playoffs in Texas give rise to new programs and players on the path to greatness. Ms. Castleberry and the Melissa Cardinals are on that path. The Cardinals have wasted no time in moving to 5A and becoming a dominant force in a very competitive volleyball district and region. The Cardinals saw their season end in the 5A Regional Tournament but not before garnering some big playoff wins along the way. Junior setter, [player_tooltip player_id='478829' first='Kimora' last='Castleberry'] is a standout player for the young squad. She is a smart and savvy leader for the team, who finds ways to get all her weapons involved. She has beautiful ball-control and footwork as a setter, but shines just as brightly as a passer. In the Cardinals 4-set win over volleyball powerhouse, Mckinney North, Kimora had a double-double with 21 assists and 20 digs in the match. She finished her junior season with over 1,500 career assists. Expect [player_tooltip player_id='478829' first='Kimora' last='Castleberry'] and the Melissa Cardinals to be a force next season in 5A.   [player_tooltip player_id='180469' first='Suli' last='Davis'] - JR, OH-Setter/Colleyville Heritage HS/BYU   It is no surprise to see Suli's name on a standout performance list. Game in and game out, Ms. Davis puts up mind-blowing stats for 5A defending state champion, Colleyville Heritage. She has not only been an unstoppable force at the net, but has been consistent performer at setter as well. In the 3-set Regional Final matchup vs. Argyle, Suli had another impressive double-double with 17 kills and 17 assists. Her play helped the Panthers earn their 2nd straight appearance in the state tournament. Suli didn't just find ways to put the ball down, she did it with power and consistency, with 17 kills on only 26 swings, hitting .615% for the match.   Stayed tuned as we highlight more standout performances from the from the Texas Volleyball State Championships going on this week in Garland. Follow us and tag us on “X” @PDTexas and if you have a standout performance you want me to highlight, tag me @ttalbert33.

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the standout individual performances that have helped these players propel their teams to postseason glory. In these articles we are highlighting players that had standout performances in the Regional playoffs last week in the DFW metroplex.