Countdown City Classic Teams to Watch 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>17 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>[program_tooltip program_id='510823' first='South' last='Texas Volleyball Academy'] 17 Mizuno</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; Another team that is poised for a great run in the tourney is STVA 17 Mizuno who has added a lot of solid talent to an already gifted squad.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='318204' first='Alexis' last='Dahl'] is quietly becoming one of the best setters in the central Texas area and should get a ton of looks this year.&nbsp; While many may be overlooking her ability to lead a team and distribute the ball, we certainly are not counting her out and will likely move her up in the rankings in a month.&nbsp; Her counterpart in the six two offense is [player_tooltip player_id='318196' first='Danielle' last='McAllister'] who can dish the rock with the best of them and also is able to stay in front row and adds a lot of &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; firepower on the right side.&nbsp; With hitters like [player_tooltip player_id='271366' first='Avery' last='Keck'], Addison Park, and [player_tooltip player_id='519633' first='Cassidy' last='Breuer'] on the pins, the two setters can really get everyone involved in the offense.&nbsp; The true killer on this deadly squad is [player_tooltip player_id='318131' first='Paisley' last='Pavliska'].&nbsp; The sheer power that she generates in both her approach and swing are phenomenal.&nbsp; This young lady is a threat to score from anywhere on the court at anytime.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='318193' first='Jillian' last='Hanson'] in the middle is a real stopper on the defensive side.&nbsp; The addition of [player_tooltip player_id='447026' first='Kaylie' last='Bourn'] who can dominate as a blocker out of the middle or on the right side will be a huge boost to their defense.&nbsp; One offensive weapon that I am very intrigued to see with this squad is [player_tooltip player_id='318145' first='Jaylyn' last='Tuiasosopo'].&nbsp; She is a very tough out on the pins as she can absolutely fly above the net.&nbsp; Her and Paisley were a deadly combination when they were younger as teammates and this year will be even more explosive.&nbsp; The back row is held down by [player_tooltip player_id='318146' first='Shayne' last='Zammiello'] and she has exceptional ball control.&nbsp; While this team might not be seeded as high as some, they will definitely be a team to contend with for the title on Sunday.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>Austin Performance 16 Adidas</u></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The squad is back!&nbsp; This talented team is locked and loaded with players to regain their footing as one of the teams to beat in the age group.&nbsp; With the addition of super phenom [player_tooltip player_id='289655' first='Lauren' last='Garcia'], who can play six rotations both as a setter and an opposite, they are easily thrust into the conversation of dark horse teams in the running.&nbsp; Lauren is a very savvy distributor of the ball who is silky smooth with her footwork and delivery.&nbsp; Any team that has a top-notch setter and libero can hang with anyone.&nbsp; Those two positions are cornerstones of championship caliber squads.&nbsp; The libero that is going to take them over the top is super tough [player_tooltip player_id='580679' first='Jenna' last='Tello'].&nbsp; She has always played up an age group and proven herself to be one of the best in her grad class.&nbsp; The moment we release her grad class rankings, she will for sure be listed very high.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='534371' first='Jazzlyn' last='Hepburn'] and [player_tooltip player_id='534325' first='Camille' last='Presley'] bring some solid height and extreme athleticism on the front row and they can bring the heat.&nbsp; Their frames and vertical ability will propel this squad to the top of every tournament's seeding.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='443028' first='Kennedy' last='Crider'] and [player_tooltip player_id='480386' first='Logan' last='Sanders'] are two other neames to know as this team embarks toward a championship.&nbsp; We will be watching this team very closely and think you should as well.&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 -->