Southern Blast Coverage

<!-- 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; One two day event that was held this past weekend was the Southern Blast which had quite a few north Texas teams competing.&nbsp; Let's take a look at how some of the teams fared.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Excel 17 National Red</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Excel cruised in pool play to a first place finish and retained their top seed going in to bracket play.  They were an undefeated 6-0 in sets won and not one team got more than 16 points on them in any single set.  That is pure dominance on the court.  Once in bracket play, they were on fire in the first round as they demolished their first opponent.  In the semifinals, they met up with a very talented and fierce [program_tooltip program_id='475085' first='1United' last=''] 16 Blue team who challenged them to a very tight three set match that was decided by only two points (16-14).  That proved to be their toughest opponent all tournament as 17 Red went on to win the championship undefeated.  This squad has a very talented roster comprised of stud setters [player_tooltip player_id='318133' first='Jordan' last='Turner'] and Ai-Vy Ho.  They have two amazing liberos in [player_tooltip player_id='305666' first='Katelyn' last='Vo'] and Audrey St. Clair.  Both have been phenomenal over the last few years in both high school and club.  With pins like Evelyn [player_tooltip player_id='184302' first='Macie' last='Potter'], Kennedy Scott and [player_tooltip player_id='377998' first='Talia' last='Lardner'], they are in great hands.  Their offense will flow and be very balanced.  Add in [player_tooltip player_id='447041' first='Emerson' last='Jones'] and Abby Huddleston and you have some great weapons to keep the engine firing on all cylinders.  This team is just getting started on what should be a fabulous season.  We will keep our eyes on them and you should also. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='475085' first='1United' last=''] 16 Blue</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, this team showed that they had what it takes to battle against anyone and this season they are primed and ready for anyone.&nbsp; They chose to enter the 17/18 year old division as 16 year olds and were not afraid one bit.&nbsp; Although they were ousted in the semis by the eventual champions, they showed that the match could have easily been the real championship match up everyone was looking toward.&nbsp; They barely lost out in the three set match by only two points and proved that they belong.&nbsp; It all starts with awesome setters [player_tooltip player_id='534312' first='Lola' last='Peters'] and [player_tooltip player_id='432388' first='Karina' last='Crowder'].&nbsp; These two belong in every college coach's short list of athletes to watch in the 2027 grad class.&nbsp; Middle [player_tooltip player_id='534306' first='Lyla' last='Crowder'] is very athletic and can score in big time moments.&nbsp; She moves well laterally and is very fast in the air toward her setter in quick routes.&nbsp; Right side [player_tooltip player_id='512902' first='Jordan' last='Flodder'] is someone who is turning heads with her play also.&nbsp; One pin who I am very high on right now is Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='536897' first='Camryn' last='Corso'].&nbsp; This young lady plays like a seasoned senior already and has the attitude that any coach would love.&nbsp; She plays the game the way it is supposed to be played.&nbsp; We are also taking a very close look at liberos Maddie Chen and Ella Coltharp as they are a dynamic duo who can control the ball well.&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 -->