Teams To Be On the Lookout For This Season - Rural Edition

An incoming 8th Grader who is returning from the Varsity Squad last year and stands to make another strong showing this season.  She swings both OH and RS and has a deep arsenal of moves that make her an all-around threat on both sides of the ball.  Laylyn is very confident on the net and doesn't shy away from tight balls that would cause hesitation.  She is intentional with her shots, swings from anywhere on the court, and uses the block to her advantage.  She is a dime on serve receive, providing 3 option passes, and doesn't shy away from using her hands to help stimulate a faster offense.  Laylyn is a reliable player who is only going to continue to grow.       Another rising senior and transfer who brings power and excitement to the Middle position. Combs is very strong in her lateral movements, quick and constantly on the ball, with full extension and containing even the most crafty of hitters. She is a workhorse of a middle, proving to be an essential asset on the offense, with the capabilities of running different combinations and gaining side outs in crucial situations. A bonus, Combs is perfectly capable of playing OH and RS if needed.     A transfer senior with height, athleticism, and intelligence.  Fernandez is very smart with her decision-making. Against different teams, she reads and reacts quickly, and transitions to play her defense, so she is rarely caught off guard.  Constantly communicating with her teammates, she creates options and finds her hitters for quick attacks. A calm general on the floor, she moves her offense around accordingly.  Mylie provides a great block and has great closing connection with her middles.  She is also very offensive, taking opportunities to expose the defense with well-placed attacks.      Another young returner who contributed to Branford's Varsity squad as a sophomore. Annabella provided key points in Branford's state run as a blocker and offensive threat.  Bella has great vision and placement on the RS, able to push deep tips and swing on slides that keep the offense guessing.  She provides a strong block due to good timing and has solid footwork, helping her to consistently contribute on both sides when needed.       A transfer that is going to help round off the OH position for the Buccaneers this season.  Tucker has a strong swing and enough explosion in her legs to get around the taller blocks she faces.  Defensively, she is quick on her feet and doesn't shy away from the ball, recovering fast to get out and swing.  Not a one-dimensional outside, she can also provide a block due to her jumping ability.        As the summer concludes and we get ready to roll into the high school season, I was fortunate enough to see some young ladies who will lead their high school to dominance this fall. Today's spotlight features key players from Branford HS, located in Branford, FL. This team has been the Rural FHSAA Girls Volleyball State Runners-Up the last two seasons. The program, led by longtime coach Mendy Sikes, has consistently sent players to play collegiately at the JUCO and NAIA levels. I am looking forward to seeing how these ladies and their team will compete this year with the new additions and tougher schedule.