Countdown City Classic Teams to Watch Vol 1

<!-- 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>17 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>[program_tooltip program_id='462263' first='TAV' last='Houston'] 17 Adidas</u></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 17 Open division looks to have some solid teams that will compete for the championship on day two.&nbsp; We start with a perennial powerhouse [program_tooltip program_id='462263' first='TAV' last='Houston'] 17 Adidas.&nbsp; They have had two stellar seasons for the past few years and look to solidify themselves as one of the top teams in the state once again.&nbsp; With talented players like outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='269780' first='Arianna' last='Muoneke'] and [player_tooltip player_id='318566' first='Gabriela' last='Santiago'] on the left side, they have a lot of firepower to keep teams on their toes.&nbsp; Both are lethal in their own way as Arianna is taller and skies over opposing blockers.&nbsp; Gaby, while shorter, has crazy hops and can fly.&nbsp; Her foot speed and explosiveness is very difficult to stop.&nbsp; More offensive weapons like [player_tooltip player_id='254288' first='Peytyn' last='Pyle'], [player_tooltip player_id='224309' first='Mia' last='Crowley'], and [player_tooltip player_id='390310' first='Laci' last='Schoen'] in the middle and on the pins make this arsenal looks dangerous.&nbsp; In order to keep this offense flowing, the ball control must be exceptional and you can't get any better than back row floor general [player_tooltip player_id='235997' first='Cali' last='Reece'] who can slow down any offensive attack that her team faces.&nbsp; She has a nose for the ball and a relentless pursuit of the ball that will frustrate any opposing team.&nbsp; Stellar setter [player_tooltip player_id='218999' first='Simone' last='Robinson'] comes over to this squad to dish out the ball to all of the talented hitters.&nbsp; They are seeded first overall in the Open division and I think they are a lock to be in the running for the title come Sunday.&nbsp; Their stellar coaching staff will for sure have them ready for any opponent.&nbsp; Keep your eyes on them throughout the tourney as they are one of the teams to beat.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>[program_tooltip program_id='431254' first='San' last='Antonio Juniors'] 16 Adidas</u></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 16 Open division is stacked with explosive players who will put on a show for all of the spectators in attendance.&nbsp; A team that is loaded with talent and look to establish their names in the teams to watch category is [program_tooltip program_id='431254' first='San' last='Antonio Juniors'] 16 Adidas.&nbsp; They have some stars on their roster that college coaches need to check out.&nbsp; It all starts with the blistering right arm of super phenom [player_tooltip player_id='411591' first='Nailah' last='Randle'].&nbsp; This young lady is a true threat from any location on the court.&nbsp; We have gotten to know her over the past few years from her attendance at our showcases and through watching her play at tournaments and she is one of the best in the business in her grad class.&nbsp; One libero I am excited to watch this season is standout [player_tooltip player_id='443012' first='Breanna' last='Benavides'].&nbsp; We just saw her at our San Antonio Top 250 Expo and she was playing lights out.&nbsp; Her coaches speak very highly about her and every word is warranted.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='693896' first='Corina' last='Barrera'] can thunder away from any position on the front row.&nbsp; If they need her to play on the pins or in the middle, she is fully capable.&nbsp; This is a coach's dream as it gives their team a lot of options to play with in regards to their lineup and matchups.&nbsp; Another scary weapon is middle [player_tooltip player_id='482112' first='Zoe' last='Fuqua'] who has a ton of length in her frame and in her arms.&nbsp; She can really stop on a dime and turn to attack quick tempos with power.&nbsp; Her long reach will give opposing middles a lot of headaches trying to match up with her.&nbsp; This squad can light it up and we will cover more of their wonderful players as the tourney gets underway.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned for more articles on your favorite athletes that will be attending the showcase.&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 -->