Red Rock Rave National Qualifier – Top Performers Vol 2
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The Red Rock Rave National Qualifier is in full effect in Las Vegas, Nevada and many of our scouts are in the house to view and analyze players to help with exposure for the next level. I love this event…
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Continue ReadingThe Red Rock Rave National Qualifier is in full effect in Las Vegas, Nevada and many of our scouts are in the house to view and analyze players to help with exposure for the next level. I love this event because of all of the special talent that comes from all over the nation to win that elusive bid to USAV Junior Nationals. Day one was off to a great start with some intriguing match ups. I spent a majority of the day in the Open level courts and here are some players who stood out to me due to their individual performances.
Leila Ballard Leila Ballard 5'10" | OH Saugus | 2025 State CA [2025] 5-10 Outside (HS: Saugus/Club: Legacy Girls Elite/Verbal: Uncommitted)
There are players who just have that “It Factor” and that is exactly who Miss Ballard is on the volleyball court. During warm ups, her approach draws you in with wonder because of how fluid it looks. It makes you want to watch the match to see if she is just a drill player or a gamer. Once the game is underway, you see that she is both. This young lady can flat out score the volleyball with ease from any location on the court. As an attacker, she is a true point scoring left side who can fill up the stat book in a hurry with a variety of shots that she possesses in her arsenal. Her team definitely has some players who can play at the next level, but she is the star that shined the brightest when I watched. If you are looking for a terminating outside for your college program, I suggest you give her a few looks and you will not be disappointed in what you see. Her power is immense and she is not afraid of the big stage.
Frankie Jones Frankie Jones 6'1" | MB State CA [2026] 6-1 Middle (HS: Marymount/Club: Sunshine/Verbal: Uncommitted)
There is not a doubt in my mind that Miss Jones will be able to play volleyball at the next level. She wowed me in many different ways while watching her team compete at the highest level in the tourney. There was not a set that she could not run with absolute precision. Her footwork was what stole the show for me as her feet did not stick on the ground for very long and she was always on time for zero tempo quicks. The slide set was my favorite as she kept the ball on her right side shoulder as she chased it, so that she had multiple options when attacking the ball. The defense had no idea how to stop her slide and she scored many times with it. The raw natural power that Frankie possesses is phenomenal and should be given a chance by many college scouts. She is currently listed as our 24th best overall player in the 2026 class for a reason and I think she will be moving up when I update them in a few weeks. Stay tuned to see more on Miss Jones. We will be watching her very closely.
Lauren Scheiden [2026] 5-2 Libero (HS: Keller/Club: 1United /Verbal: Uncommitted)
Miss Scheiden was spectacular in the back row for her 1United volleyball squad on day one. I loved watching how strong her posture was during serve receive. The one aspect that truly stood out to me was how disciplined her posture was while moving backward. While most passers will stand up slightly and lift their shoulders when moving back because the ball is coming at them high, Lauren kept her shoulders over her knees while shuffling backward. It was very refreshing to watch as a volleyball purist who loves old school techniques. As a defender, her footwork was balanced while moving to the ball and during contact. She is extremely quick all over the court and deserves a few looks by college coaches who want a dynamic and skilled libero for their program to solidify their ball control. I urge coaches to give her a chance and you will see what I saw.
There are many more amazing players that will be written about. 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. You can also shoot me a DM on Instagram or X by searching @CoachMikeDZ. Also don’t forget to help these kids get more exposure by sharing our stories with your friends. Help us help them by simply reposting on X, Instagram or sharing on Facebook. Thanks for following Prep Dig Family!