Early Season Club Standouts!

February is almost here, and most club teams have had a solid month or more of practice to improve and dial in their play. The first significant tournament weekend has passed, and several athletes have posted big-time performances early in the season. Here are six prospects that have caught our eye already this season.    Gilroy was a massive piece of the puzzle for CPA 16 Benson as they won the Matt Hartner Memorial in Eugene. The Mead High School 2027 played as a six-rotation outside and delivered blistering kills in and out of system and rock-solid defense. Gilroy is a multi-sport athlete; she is an excellent beach player and one of the top javelin throwers in 3A. Her strong overall game and willingness to rip a big swing in crunch time helped push her squad to their championship match victory over Athena 16 Gold.     Nguyen is an absolute technician; she delivers precision passes in serve receive and controls her digs to give Sudden Impact chances to score in transition. She was tough from the service line at the MHM in Eugene, floating deep serves into the seams and forcing opposing teams out of system. Nguyen is a calm, cool, and collected libero- she never seems rushed or overwhelmed when she has to make a play.     Andrus comes out of the terrific Colfax program and brings solid athleticism and a smooth arm swing to her RVC 15 Trent team. At 5'8", Andrus has the height to compete on the pin and a developing overall skill set to be a difference-maker on the court. Andrus can mix up her swings and has a sharp angle shot that is hard to handle. She was at her best attacking the block and swinging hard and flat at the MLK Fiesta Classic in Arizona; look for Andrus to make significant gains during the club season.     Li is a tall, mobile lefty who plays the right side for WVBA 17 Molten. The 2027 prospect from Lakeside High School has a high contact point and moves the ball around to find holes in the defense. Li has a good snap on her swing and works hard to see the block; she will turn a ball down the line or thumb down a sharp angle if the defense gives her an opening. Defensively, Li plays with solid awareness and a good block press; she has handled herself well when called on to play the back row and off-block defense. Li is just a sophomore, and playing up against 17U and 18U teams should accelerate her development.     Baker has continued her outstanding play for Dakine after a terrific school season for Curtis. The 2027 prospect handles the right side for Dakine 16 Surf, and she has helped her squad get out to a tremendous start, including a 9-0 record at the NW Juniors MLK Tournament. Baker cleans up anything tight at the net with excellent timing and power. She has terrific length, and attackers are forced to adjust due to her block.     One of the top prospects on the 2028 Watchlist, Moog and her Excel NW 15 Lux battled hard against fierce competition at the Colorado Challenge. The 6'5" Moog was a problem when Lux was in system offensively, scoring around and above opposing middles. Her timing and power are developing quickly, and she works hard to be available in transition. Any ball that is 50/50 at the net is a surefire throwdown for Moog, and attackers who are set tight are in trouble with her intimidating block.

February is almost here, and most club teams have had a solid month or more of practice to improve and dial in their play. The first significant tournament weekend has passed, and several athletes have posted big-time performances early in the season. Here are six prospects that have caught our eye already this season.