MLK January Classic Preview 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.  One huge tourney for the North Texas Region is the MLK January Classic, which will be held at quite a few volleyball facilities around the Dallas metroplex area this weekend.  Let's take a look at some teams and players to watch this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>17 Open Division</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAV 17 Black Jon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The number one seed in the 17 Open division is TAV 17 Black Jon which has some amazing players on its roster.&nbsp; The two setters who steer the ship are two of the best in the business.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='300846' first='Danielle' last='Whitmire'] and [player_tooltip player_id='253969' first='Anna' last='Flores'] are two very highly respected players who can flat out dish the rock!&nbsp; Both are battle tested and rise to the occasion when the going gets tough.&nbsp; This team has what it takes to run offense with passers like [player_tooltip player_id='235445' first='Julianna' last='Hernandez'] and [player_tooltip player_id='756614' first='Georgia' last='Whann'] at the helm of the back row.&nbsp; Both are extremely stellar at keeping the ball off of the floor.&nbsp; Middles like [player_tooltip player_id='295124' first='Kinsley' last='Young'], [player_tooltip player_id='254160' first='Hannah' last='Lee'], and [player_tooltip player_id='254084' first='Brooklyn' last='Bailey'] should scare any opponent.&nbsp; All three are very capable of shutting you down on the defensive end and running any offensive route with both speed and precision. &nbsp;On the pins they have something special also in [player_tooltip player_id='318202' first='Layla' last='Austin'], [player_tooltip player_id='320954' first='Kylie' last='Kleckner'], [player_tooltip player_id='318135' first='Armie' last='Hall'], and [player_tooltip player_id='756617' first='Aylin' last='Ravell Iglesias'].&nbsp; Layla and Kylie are assassins who are super explosive off of the ground.&nbsp; The fact that the majority of this squad has been together for a long time tells us that their chemistry is at an all-time high.&nbsp; That chemistry is going to carry them in big time matches as they know where each other is supposed to be and can play their positions without worry.&nbsp; This team is poised for another solid run in the national open division and it all starts with this first tournament.&nbsp; If I was a betting man, I would say that they have what it takes to be in the championship match on the final day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dallas Skyline 17 Royal Ping</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team really needs no introduction as they have been one of the top teams in this age group every year.&nbsp; They are led by setters [player_tooltip player_id='241932' first='Madison' last='Victoriano'] and [player_tooltip player_id='318143' first='Maleah' last='Evans'] who can both thread the needle with pinpoint accuracy.&nbsp; One amazing factor that this entire roster has is its versatility.&nbsp; There are many players who are more than capable of playing multiple positions at any given time.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='254082' first='Brooke' last='Lacewell'] is a stellar pin who can also share some time in the middle if need be.&nbsp; Her ability to run every route and battle at the net proved to be key in certain matches last year.&nbsp; Super middle [player_tooltip player_id='318137' first='Keoni' last='Williams'] can play very high above the net with her natural athleticism and long extremities.&nbsp; Right side [player_tooltip player_id='452239' first='Taylor' last='Clarke'] brings some major explosiveness in every aspect of the game.&nbsp; Middle Levariya Pinder might only be listed at five foot ten but she plays as high above the net as anyone else in this age group.&nbsp; Stellar pins [player_tooltip player_id='254300' first='Simone' last='Heard'], [player_tooltip player_id='254302' first='Skylar' last='Jackson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='253981' first='Ashlyn' last='Seay'] can all put the ball away from any location on the court.&nbsp; Garrah Prox played up last year on an 18's team and brings her high vertical and raw power to this already lethal squad.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='327912' first='Kiley' last='Brooks'] heads the back row and trust her ball control and defense without question.&nbsp; They won the Open National championship a few years ago and are ready for another shot at it.&nbsp; Stay tuned for some fireworks from this team.&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 -->