Texas High School Report Vol 5

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Texas High School volleyball season is now upon us.&nbsp; Last season there were some amazing teams and super competitive matches that took place.&nbsp; Everyone is practicing hard to solidify their lineups in order to chase the ultimate prize, a State Championship.&nbsp; There have been some big tournaments that have happened over the past few weeks and we are already starting to see some fireworks.&nbsp; Let's take a closer look at who is standing out for these teams on the rise.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McKinney North Bulldogs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sitting at 19-3 on the season, the Bulldogs from McKinney North have quietly burst onto the scene and made everyone stop and stare.&nbsp; They are led by a very well balanced offense and phenomenal defense that is frustrating to opponents.&nbsp; Two young studs are leading the offensive output from the pins.&nbsp; Super sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='765143' first='Anna' last='Sayman'], although slightly undersized at the position, is having a great year at the net.&nbsp; She currently leads all teammates in kills and is also scoring at a .261 clip.&nbsp; When you watch her swing, two things immediately catch your attention.&nbsp; Her timing on the attack is impeccable no matter where the set is and she contacts the ball at her highest reach point, which makes it difficult to block consistently for defenders.&nbsp; Anyone who has watched her attack the ball knows how hard it is to block her due to her immense power that she generates in her down swing.&nbsp; Freshman phenom Tinley Brubaker has let everyone in the volleyball community know that she is a force on the pins.&nbsp; Currently ranked second on the team in kills, she provides some much needed firepower opposite of Miss Sayman.&nbsp; Nicole Jacobsen, who is in her junior season, has really stepped up in both attacking and blocking on the right side.&nbsp; The six foot two opposite is balancing out the scoring so well that it makes it very difficult for any team to cheat to one side of the court.&nbsp; This will be key moving toward district play.&nbsp; Senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='826408' first='Chloe' last='Lewis'] is a six footer who plays the game with a lot of intensity at the net.&nbsp; Her pure power that she unleashes on the ball can be intimidating to opposing players.&nbsp; Two stars in the back row are keeping this team in rhythm with their ball control.&nbsp; Freshman phenom [player_tooltip player_id='534076' first='Brynli' last='Burgess'] and superstar senior [player_tooltip player_id='803541' first='Gabi' last='Rodriguez'] make a very impressive duo on the defensive side of the ball.&nbsp; They are lighting it up in the stat book and pick up everything near their zone.&nbsp; They are making life very easy for setters Malia McNeal and Jordan Kowallis to spread out the attack in system.&nbsp; This squad is not one to be messed with and we are eager to see if they can keep everything flowing well for the remainder of the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tompkins Falcons</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Katy area is known for their sports and volleyball is certainly one of them.  Currently sitting at an overall record of 21-5, the Falcons of Tompkins High School, should be taken very seriously when it comes to competition.  They have quality players at every position and it all starts with sensational sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='745042' first='Elsa' last='St Rose'].  Even though it is only her second year at the varsity level, she leads the team in kills by a long shot.  Her awesome vertical, hang-time, and thunderous attack have her at 270 kills in 71 sets played.  That means it is no fluke.  Opposing coaches definitely need to know where she is at all times and try their best to game-plan around her.  However, if you choose to only focus on her, you will be allowing some other players to torch you.  Senior [player_tooltip player_id='326514' first='Emma' last='Elsasser'], junior Ava Johnk, sernior [player_tooltip player_id='254092' first='Callie' last='Funk'], and junior [player_tooltip player_id='534310' first='Natalie' last='Kitts'] are just a few ballers who will make you pay if you do.  They are all part of a well-balanced attack that is like the ocean waves coming at you over and over again and never stopping.  The six-two offensive scheme is handled by the duo of Drew Merrell and [player_tooltip player_id='790680' first='Ava' last='Shepard'] who are looking almost like mirror-images of each other with the ball in their hands.  They play off of each other so well and the offense doesn't skip a beat when they switch roles.  The back row is in great hands with senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='482087' first='Lainey' last='Monroe'] who is leading the team in digs at the moment.  Her steady platform and eagerness to pursue the ball no matter what, has led to many saved opportunities.  If you haven't seen them play yet, I suggest you get some snacks and enjoy the show at your earliest convenience.  We will be enjoying it for the remainder of the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always stay tuned for more articles on your favorite teams and 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 retweeting on Twitter or sharing on Facebook.&nbsp; Thanks for following us, Prep Dig Texas Family!&nbsp; Don't be afraid to interact with us.&nbsp; We love the likes, shares, and quotes/comments.&nbsp; Keep them coming!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->