MLK Invitational: 15 Open – Top Right Sides
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states, with two of the three days of the event taking place at the NRG Center in Downtown. Texas was represented with multiple teams in every division and some of the most exciting prospects of the Lone Star State got…
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Continue Readingstates, with two of the three days of the event taking place at the NRG Center in Downtown.
Texas was represented with multiple teams in every division and some of the most exciting prospects of the Lone Star State got to go on the court and battle teams from other states over three days.
On Saturday, Prep Dig was at the British International School of Houston, where the 15 Open division was played, and got to watch seven Texas teams compete. Several players caught our attention and this week we’re featuring them. Last, but not least, are the productive right side hitters:
Talia Nelson
Talia Nelson
The runners-up of the division, TAV Houston 15 Adidas got great production from Nelson – they had seven wins and just one loss over the weekend. The athletic right side hitter was very effective at the net, getting off the floor well, making contact with the ball at a high point and using her skilled left arm to score points. Nelson was at her best on the right, but was also extremely efficient when she was set on the left. Because of her long arms and her impressive hang time, the right side hitter also made a impact at the net with her blocking.
Reina Jones Reina Jones 6'0" | S Sterling | 2027 State TX
Reina Jones Reina Jones 6'0" | S Sterling | 2027 State TX
Jones was a big part of the AVA TX 15 Adidas team that ranked seventh with two wins and five losses. Despite the team’s inconsistent campaign, she stood out as one of the most well-rounded players in the division, hitting and setting at a high level for them. A six-footer, Jones used her length to make contact with the ball at a high point and make things difficult for those trying to stop her across the net. She also displayed great quality with her blocking, reading the game well and playing aggressively above the net to get stops.
Ava Schweiger
Ava Schweiger
Texas Legacy 15 Elite had a campaign of ups and downs, getting three wins and four losses to rank seventh, but Schweiger was one of their top players. Very long and explosive, she was a strong presence on the right, especially on offense. She made contact with the ball at a very high point and hit with power no matter what, coming up big for the team in key moments of matches. Her leaping ability and long arms also made of her a difficult player to beat when she was blocking.
Hickl’s Houston Stellar 15 Elite team was the fifth-best in the division, completing their weekend schedule with five wins and three losses. She played a big role in their success, contributing from the right side of the net on both sides of the ball. Hickl used her length and athleticism to make contact with the ball at a very high point, but what stood out the most about her offense was her shot selection as she switched from hard-driven swings to tips very smoothly while also making very few errors. The right side also displayed good confidence and composure, playing well in critical moments of sets.
Highlights
Greta Urban
Greta Urban
Urban was one of the right sides of the CTX Juniors 15 Mizuno team that won one out of seven matches to finish 15th in the division. A lefty, she displayed good technical tools to put the ball down on the right, consistently hitting around the block. When blocking, despite not being very tall, she got several touches at the net because of her ability to read opponents and make moves with her arms.