Countdown City Classic Coverage Vol 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2024-2025 club season is now underway and there are a few big tournaments that teams will be competing in to try different lineups and see how their season will shape up.&nbsp; A big tournament that happens in San Antonio in December and always draws a good lineup of squads is the Countdown City Classic.&nbsp; It is a two day event that brings in a lot of talented teams from the central and south Texas areas.&nbsp; Let's take a look at a few teams and players to watch in different age groups.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alamo 15 Premier</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The sure hands of setter [player_tooltip player_id='482109' first='Sydney' last='Whisenton'] keep this team's offense flowing well as she moves the ball around evenly to all her hitters.&nbsp; This kind of balance on offense will keep them in contention against any opponent.&nbsp; I love the way she is finding middle [player_tooltip player_id='722075' first='Charlie' last='George'] for quick attacks.&nbsp; It keeps the defense honest and not able to cheat toward a pin attacker, thus creating some one on one situations.&nbsp; Right side [player_tooltip player_id='482086' first='Kya' last='Flores'] is long and strong as she unloads bombs at the net.&nbsp; Her arm swing is super fast and that makes it difficult to guard against her attacks, but what makes her even more dangerous is her vertical and how long her arms are.&nbsp; She is a big load to handle.&nbsp; Having a big front line that consists of middle [player_tooltip player_id='765132' first='Senahla' last='Thomas'] and opposite [player_tooltip player_id='523942' first='Piper' last='Pease'] make it very easy to play defense at the net.&nbsp; The amazingly talented lefty [player_tooltip player_id='523942' first='Piper' last='Pease'] is one of the best right sides in her grad class.&nbsp; Speaking of offense, setter/right side [player_tooltip player_id='482109' first='Sydney' last='Whisenton'] is also a very skilled point scorer from any location around the court.&nbsp; One athlete who I am very excited to watch this season is libero [player_tooltip player_id='482103' first='Sara' last='Gonzalez'].&nbsp; This young lady is one of the next great liberos to come out of this awesome club.&nbsp; We are definitely going to be watching this squad compete this year and I know you will see them in the gold bracket on day two and three of every tournament they compete in.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>San Antonio Force 18 Darkside</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One player we are definitely familiar with is uber talented pin [player_tooltip player_id='197275' first='Isabella' last='Andrews'].&nbsp; This young lady has been a dominant point scorer for her entire junior volleyball career.&nbsp; But what was most impressive was how she was digging everything while being the offside blocker on defense.&nbsp; Nothing was falling when she was there to play defense in left front.&nbsp; Setter Liz Salinas played extremely well throughout the entire tournament and delivered the ball precisely to all of her hitters.&nbsp; I love how deliberate she was knowing exactly who to give the ball to in certain situations.&nbsp; This kind of confidence will keep this squad very competitive this year.&nbsp; Outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='209712' first='Chloe' last='Monson'] was a monster on defense in middle back.&nbsp; She was on fire and not going to let the ball drop anywhere near her zone all tournament long.&nbsp; Middle blocker Jada Williams stunned everyone with her awesome play at the net.&nbsp; She was very active and set the tone defensively for this talented squad.&nbsp; Libero [player_tooltip player_id='602340' first='Logan' last='Strong'] was super solid in the back row and especially from the service line.&nbsp; She rifled balls to the opposing receivers that were low to the net and difficult to pass.&nbsp; Opposite Tatum Mason really turned my head a few times with her long arms and how she used them to her advantage.&nbsp; College scouts really need to give her a look or two as she can definitely play at the next level with her vertical and speed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned for more articles on your favorite athletes.&nbsp; If you have anyone you think we should watch out for, please shoot me an email with some info at <a href="mailto:Michael@prepdig.com">Michael@prepdig.com</a>.&nbsp; Also don't forget to help these kids get more exposure by sharing our stories with your friends.&nbsp; Help us help them by simply reposting on X or Instagram or sharing on Facebook.&nbsp; Thanks for following Prep Dig Family!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->