Star Sports Center #5 – Top Setters
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The club volleyball season continues to progress in the state of Texas, with several tournaments being held every weekend across the Lone Star State. Last Saturday, the British International School of Houston welcomed one of them, the Star Sports Center…
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Continue ReadingThe club volleyball season continues to progress in the state of Texas, with several tournaments being held every weekend across the Lone Star State.
Last Saturday, the British International School of Houston welcomed one of them, the Star Sports Center #5, hosted by the Houston Stars club. The tournament featured 22 teams from the 16s, 17s and 18s age groups, which competed in a single division.
It was a great opportunity to take a look at some players who don’t always take part in the major events we get to attend and there were some interesting findings made during the day. Here are the setters that made a strong impression:
A well-known face in the Houston area, James ran the offense of the Houston Skyline 17 Black team that secured the title with a perfect campaign of six wins and no sets lost. A very talented playmaker, she kept the team in a rhythm all day and used her all-around game to contribute in other areas. Besides doing a very good job with her ball distribution, James also worked hard on defense, generating several transition opportunities for her team. The setter also displayed a strong game at the net, making a major impact with her blocking and also taking up hitting duties.
Kylee Chevez
Kylee Chevez
Although her KVA 17 Nike team finished ninth after dropping its two matches in the event, Chevez did a good job with her play and caught our attention. Playing with shorter hitters, she had to be very precise with her locations and she managed to do that, even when she had to track passes off the net. Chevez also displayed good reflexes on defense, getting several touches on the backcourt. Always calm on the court, the setter also played an important leadership role with her team, communicating with her teammates before and after every play.
Samantha Kuehnle
Samantha Kuehnle
Kuehnle was a key piece in her The Woodlands Skyline 16 Black team that finished third in the event with four wins and just one loss. Her ball distribution was excellent and I loved the way she used her middles when she had a chance, but also displayed great feeling to give the ball to the most efficient hitters. Kuehnle also impressed with her mobility on the court as she moved incredibly well, getting to passes well off the net on time to set. She also contributed to the team’s success on the backcourt, serving well and playing good defense.
Natalie Holloway
Natalie Holloway
Holloway helped her team Katy United 17 Molten be the main surprise of the event, finishing second with five wins and one loss. The dynamic setter used her excellent ball control and her high volleyball IQ to create the conditions for the team to thrive against more physical opponents. Holloway was always precise with her playmaking and even got some swings herself. A very strong defensive player, she also got several touches on the backcourt.
Aniston Collins
Aniston Collins
Collins split the setting duties at Houston Skyline 16 Black with Ivy Maxwell and the two helped the team finish third with four wins and one loss. She ran a very creative offense, often moving hitters around and catching opponents off-guard, putting her teammates in a great position to score. Her setting technique is really good and Collins used her length and her body control to her favor, getting to tight passes up at the net with ease. She also played very good defense during the day.