Lone Star Regionals: 16s – Standout Outside Hitters
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The George R. Brown Convention Center, in downtown Houston, was packed last weekend as it hosted one of the most anticipated tournaments in the club volleyball season for Texas players, the Lone Star Regionals. With almost 600 teams entered to…
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Continue ReadingThe George R. Brown Convention Center, in downtown Houston, was packed last weekend as it hosted one of the most anticipated tournaments in the club volleyball season for Texas players, the Lone Star Regionals.
With almost 600 teams entered to compete in the 12 divisions, the tournament offered another opportunity for clubs to qualify for the upcoming Girls Junior National Championship and attracted competitors from all over the Lone Star State.
Prep Dig was in attendance on Saturday, when we got to watch 12 of the 54 teams that competed in the 16 Bid division. We’ll now use the week to highlight the ones that stood out with their play, now looking at the outside hitters.
Santiago was a key piece in the TAV Houston 16 Adidas team that went undefeated with seven victories and earned a bid to the Nationals. Her all-around game proved to be of great value for the team as she offered big contributions on both sides of the ball. Santiago was extremely reliable with her passing and also got several touches on defense, but was at her best offensively. She got off the floor very well, was excellent with her shot selection and scored with great efficiency from the left and the right. The outside hitter also showed great vision and resources to score when facing heavy blockers on in out-of-system plays.
A new face with STVA 16 Mizuno this season, Pavliska strongly contributed to the team’s successful campaign of six wins and a loss that made them earn a bid over the weekend. A very technical player, she was extremely important with her ability to cover ground in serve-receive, at times handling half of the court efficiently. Pavliska was also a viable scoring option for the team, putting the ball down consistently from the left. Although she had the power to beat blockers, she also displayed excellent vision, sending the ball into open spots and tipping with precision.
Highlights
Belle Seibert
Belle Seibert
Seibert and her team Houston Stellar 16 Elite earned a bid to the 16 USA division, with six wins and a loss. She formed a very strong outside hitter duo with Avery Koonsen Avery Koonsen 5’11” | OH Pearland | 2026 State TX as the two complemented each other extremely well. Because of her excellent ball control, Seibert handled most of the passing duties, delivering the ball with tremendous precision to the team’s setter. She also did a good job offensively, using her range and vision to beat blockers and defenders and put the ball down from the left and the right.
Planchet and her SA Juniors 16 Adidas teammates completed their schedule in Houston with three wins and two losses. The outside hitter was their main offensive weapon, using her power and explosiveness to put the ball down – she punished blockers who left the line open with powerful swings. Planchet also did well in difficult situations, using her heavy arm to tool the block and mixing things up with off-pace swings. She was also very stable with her passing, keeping the team in system.
Highlights
Claire Montgomery
Claire Montgomery
Montgomery was a key piece in her Austin Skyline 16 Black team that got two wins and three losses in Houston. An extremely well-rounded player, she was the team’s main offensive option while also handling her backcourt duties efficiently. Although not the tallest hitter, Montgomery was lethal at the net, getting off the floor well, swinging with power and displaying an extremely well-developed offensive game. She managed to swing in every direction, was very efficient at tooling the block and also with her tips – she also did a good job hitting from the middle back position.