Lone Star Classic NQ Recap Vol 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the hardest National Qualifiers of the year is in full swing in Dallas, TX this weekend.&nbsp; Being held at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in downtown Dallas, this qualifier brings the best teams from all over the nation under one roof toward the end of the season.&nbsp; I was able to cover the tourney in person and here are a few individual performances that stood out to me.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On two super teams that have some explosive offensive stars that get a lot of the credit, [player_tooltip player_id='743783' first='Evann' last='Beville'], [player_tooltip player_id='548605' first='Norah' last='Hicks'], [player_tooltip player_id='765128' first='Aleyna' last='Bramschreiber']&nbsp;and [player_tooltip player_id='765125' first='Elizabeth' last='Kowalchyk']&nbsp;are the captains that drive the ship.&nbsp; TAV 15 Black Jason and MadFrog 15 National Green are two foes who know each other very well.&nbsp; They have faced off in a lot of slugfest matches with meaning over the last two years.&nbsp; In order for players like [player_tooltip player_id='586653' first='Maya' last='Ogbogu'], [player_tooltip player_id='540460' first='Kate' last='Clegg'], [player_tooltip player_id='500890' first='Gracie' last='White'], [player_tooltip player_id='765096' first='Sarah' last='Floyd'], [player_tooltip player_id='580713' first='Trinity' last='Johnson'], and Nicole Jacobson to attack with immense power, these four setters have to put them in a great position to score and boy do they.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Being a setter is not for the weak, as they must remain both physically and mentally tough no matter the circumstances.&nbsp; TAV's [player_tooltip player_id='548605' first='Norah' last='Hicks'] is strong and accurate with her placement.&nbsp; She has impeccable form when she contacts the ball.&nbsp; MadFrog's [player_tooltip player_id='765128' first='Aleyna' last='Bramschreiber'] is super athletic and seems super poised, even during tough and tight battles.&nbsp; This kind of leadership is crucial to championship level squads. Their counterparts who help run their respective squads six-two offense keep the engine running smooth when they come in to the game.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='743783' first='Evann' last='Beville'] is superb at moving the ball around evenly for TAV.&nbsp; I love how she looks like an upperclassman already at this young age.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='765125' first='Elizabeth' last='Kowalchyk'] is a very technical and savvy setter who can really thread the needle for her attackers.&nbsp; All four of these young ladies are exceptional at their role and will be one of the big reasons why they will be in the running for a national championship this summer.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='443017' first='Delaney' last='Wright'] and [player_tooltip player_id='534291' first='Gentry' last='Barker'] are two extremely powerful attackers on the left side who can decimate the ball with every swing.&nbsp; But one aspect really stood out to me when I watched them this weekend.&nbsp; Both are not six-footers, but they can both rise up well above the net and rip. &nbsp;Their shot making ability kept my mouth on the floor in amazement.&nbsp; They both have a very unique ability to approach to attack with a look of force and then at the very last second, while high up in the air, roll shot the ball and catch the defense off-guard.&nbsp; In volleyball coaching terms, it is called a “campfire defense”.&nbsp; When everyone on the defensive side of the court gathers around the campfire and lets the ball drop right in the middle of them.&nbsp; This is exactly what occurs when these magicians fool the defense with their deceptive off-speed shots.&nbsp; Similar to a change-up pitch, defenders are caught on their heels and have no chance to make a play on it.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='224309' first='Mia' last='Crowley'] was on fire this weekend, not only at the net scoring for her [program_tooltip program_id='462263' first='TAV' last='Houston'] 17 Adidas squad, but also on the defensive side of the ball.&nbsp; Numerous times I witnessed her come out of nowhere as a weak side blocker and dig the ball or pick up a deflection that came off of a block to keep the ball from falling to the floor.&nbsp; While a lot of these plays may not end a rally, they are absolutely crucial for a squad to stay competitive.&nbsp; They also give tons of energy and momentum to the team as teammates feed off of it.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are many more amazing teams and players that will be written about.&nbsp; 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; You can also DM me on Instagram or X by searching @CoachMikeDZ.&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, Instagram or sharing on Facebook.&nbsp; Thanks for following Prep Dig Family!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->