Countdown City Classic Preview – 16 Open Division

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A huge tournament will be underway this weekend in San Antonio and it is bringing a ton of talent that we get to see under one roof.  The 16 Open division has some teams with top talent that will unleash some amazing firepower on each other as they look to see who will come out on top.  Let's meet a few of the individual players on these squads that will be competing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alamo 16 Premier</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off a third-place finish in the Open division at USA Volleyball Junior Nationals, this Texas 16's squad arrives in San Antonio with its core intact and ambitions set on taking the gold. Head Coach Stephanie Coates, along with assistants Brittany Dawson and Phillip Jackson, has molded a group that blends state-ranked talent with excellent cohesion, giving them a clear edge in both rotation and tempo management. Across the roster, athletes like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='892841' first='Grace' last='Connally']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='918835' first='Claire' last='Bolton']</strong> anchor key rotations, using disciplined footwork and strong ball control to stabilize both offense and serve-receive. Outstanding attackers all along the net such as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='519327' first='Brooke' last='Oney']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='821817' first='Charlie' last='George']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='765132' first='Senahla' last='Thomas']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='804372' first='Kya' last='Flores']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523942' first='Piper' last='Pease']</strong>, create pressure on opposing blockers through well-timed first-tempo attacks and disciplined closing angles at the net. This team's chemistry is evident in how seamlessly they balance tempo and distribution, a trait that often separates great 16's teams from good ones in early-season tournaments. Defensively, they rely on precise floor coverage and anticipatory reads to extend rallies and maintain control against fast-paced offenses. With 32 teams in the tournament, the path won't be easy, but with state-ranked talent across all of their positions and proven synergy, this squad is positioned to live up to their number one seed. Every high level coach knows that they true key to a championship run is solid play at the libero position and the setter position.  This squad has two of the best in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='482103' first='Sara' last='Gonzalez'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='482109' first='Sydney' last='Whisenton']</strong>.  They are both highly touted and full of confidence.  The big key for this squad will be maintaining focus and execution across the gauntlet of matches — a test that will show whether they can turn last season's bronze medal run into a gold medal run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAV <em>Houston</em> 16 Black Ready to Make Noise at Countdown City Classic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TAV <em>Houston</em> 16 Black arrives in San Antonio this weekend with a blend of continuity and rising talent, riding momentum from a strong club season last year.&nbsp; Coached by Ray Hedden — a leader with a track record of guiding teams to success — this group has the technical foundation and competitive experience to challenge at the top of the 32-team field. The roster boasts weapons across all rotations, from confident serves and ball control to multiple scoring options in transition and out of system. Setters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513946' first='JerMya' last='Dickerson']</strong> and <strong>Kynzie Keo</strong> will bring their athleticism and high volleyball IQ to run this offense.&nbsp; Athletes like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='822343' first='Chloe' last='Rinn'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='580656' first='Blaire' last='Sexton']</strong> provide offensive balance, offering varied attacking looks that can stress opposing blocks. Liberos such as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='575086' first='Morgan' last='Nesloney'] </strong>show disciplined platform control and quick reads — a foundation that will be critical against the higher tempo offenses in pool play. Pin attackers including <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827052' first='Cooper' last='Binderup']</strong> bring a mix of arm speed and smart shot selection, giving the offense flexibility to adapt when opponents try to slow them down. Middles like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='765127' first='Olivia' last='Kelley']</strong> and opposites like <strong>Victoria Marea</strong> work with timing and spacing that help open up quick attack lanes, particularly on first tempo. With a roster built on balance rather than reliance on a single scorer, this squad's ability to execute under pressure and sustain consistent ball control will be a defining factor in how deep they go this weekend. Expect them to lean on disciplined serve-receive patterns and a balanced offensive distribution as they navigate a competitive bracket that will test their execution from start to finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned for more articles on your favorite athletes.&nbsp; We will have some awesome articles covering as many matches as we can from this tournament.&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 -->