First Look: Class of 2029 Shines at Top250 Expo (Pt. 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was quite the afternoon at the Courts in Beaverton on Sunday, December 22nd. With over 100 athletes from Oregon and Washington gathering to compete, it was a fast-paced and high-energy-filled gym.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next in our event coverage, we'll spotlight standout athletes from the class of 2029 who attended the event. These middle school athletes were invited because they compete at a high level on top club teams, and we were confident their skills would allow them to hold their own among the impressive group of players already in attendance. The class of 2029 is brimming with young, exciting talent, and their participation in the expo provided our scouts with a valuable opportunity to evaluate their abilities and potential early on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["733906"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":741763,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67858d862efe0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith, a bouncy outside hitter, showed off her impressive skills at the Top 250. Her quick arm swing allowed her to generate remarkable power on her attacks, making her a constant offensive threat. In addition to her attacking abilities, her ball control was exceptional, particularly on serve receive, where she demonstrated strong tracking skills and the ability to adjust smoothly to aggressive serves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">See her in action this club season with NPJ Portland 14 National.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["733916"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":741762,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67858d862f054"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brenes' setting skills were on full display at the Top 250. She has a soft yet strong touch on the ball, allowing her to deliver smooth, consistent sets that put her hitters in ideal positions to score. Her precision in locating the ball consistently stood out, as did her ability to effectively utilize the middles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">See her in action this club season with Aspire NW 14 Empire.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":741761,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='740386' first='Ava' last='Castillo']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Jesuit High School ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67858d862f0f4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Castillo showcased her athleticism and dynamic skill set at the Top 250. She hustles to get her hands on every ball, displaying impressive determination. Her soft touch when setting allows her to deliver precise and well-placed sets, consistently creating scoring opportunities for her attackers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">See her in action this club season with OJVA 14-1 Gold.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734183"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":741764,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67858d862f14e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Soles was an impressive attacker to watch at the Top 250, displaying her explosive jumping ability. Her skill in adjusting to inside sets to get her feet to the ball was noted. With a fast arm swing, she was a powerful force during gameplay. During scrimmages, she stepped outside of her comfort zone, volunteering to play in the middle, a nod to her confidence as an 8th grader playing up with high schoolers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">See her in action this club season with Athena 14-1 Gold.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734185"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":741767,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67858d862f1a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Campbell possesses impressive natural setting skills that make her a standout on the court, which was evident at the Top 250. Her strong hand strength allowed her to push the ball to the pin, while her precise placement ensured her hitters were consistently in optimal positions to score. In addition to her setting abilities, she brought an aggressive jump float serve to the service line, which added to her overall impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">See her in action this club season with OJVA 14-1 Gold.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["735270"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":746763,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679ac73e90bce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brandt, a standout attacker from the class of 2029, was an electrifying presence at the Top 250. Her power from the outside was remarkable, driven by an aggressive approach and a heavy arm that made her a dominant offensive force. Already developing a diverse attacking range, she strategically mixed her powerful swings with smart shot placement. Beyond her offensive skills, Brandt also demonstrated strong defensive skills and solid ball control, making her a well-rounded and impactful player on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>See her in action this club season with Aspire NW 14 Empire.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["733977"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":741765,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67858d862f1f4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rolling, a rising talent from the class of 2029, was an exciting athlete to have in attendance at the Top 250. She is athletic and dynamic on the court. Her aggressive and explosive approach, impressive hops, and ability to get off the ground quickly made her a lethal offensive weapon. She exhibited excellent hip and shoulder separation, complemented by a powerful elbow pull, resulting in booming hits when she connected with the ball. Her defensive skills and quick reaction time were equally noteworthy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">See her in action this club season with OJVA 14-1 Gold.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>—</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We can support these amazing athletes by sharing articles with family, friends, fans, and coaches. 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