Texas 17’s Teams to Watch This Season Vol 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The club season is well under way now that we are one full month into it.&nbsp; There have been some great tests and the following teams have proven to pass the tests so far like the Tour of Texas Stop 1 and some big early season tourneys.&nbsp; Let's take a look at who we need to watch for the rest of the season in this age group in the Lone Star State.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>San Antonio Elite 17 Navy punched well above its weight at the Tour of Texas Austin tournament, finishing with five wins and three losses in a deep field of competition and showing the type of balance and grit that can pay dividends throughout the season. As part of the [program_tooltip program_id='431250' first='San' last='Antonio Elite Volleyball'] program, this roster represents one of the stronger age-group teams the club has put on the floor, blending athleticism with adaptable skill sets that translated well in both serve-receive and transition play. While comprehensive national or Prep Dig rankings specific to this group have yet to be released, the team's results against top regional opponents already speak volumes about its potential. On the perimeter, attackers such as [player_tooltip player_id='793954' first='Arianna' last='Sanchez'] and [player_tooltip player_id='521672' first='Chloe' last='Hawkins'] were heavily involved in scoring runs, displaying the ability to swing with confidence and keep opposing defenses under constant pressure. In the middle, Anja Stamenov and [player_tooltip player_id='809934' first='Olivia' last='Theis'] provided a steady presence at the net, closing blocks effectively and creating quick offensive opportunities that shifted momentum in tight sets. The back-row unit, anchored by Emma Feomaia and Aviana Contreras, delivered reliable serve-receive and extended rallies with disciplined positioning and strong anticipation. Additional contributors including [player_tooltip player_id='443030' first='Leena' last='Gonzales'], [player_tooltip player_id='693887' first='Mia' last='Nunez'], [player_tooltip player_id='784140' first='Vanessa' last='Perez'], [player_tooltip player_id='482093' first='Lucy' last='Rote'], and [player_tooltip player_id='785785' first='Keragan' last='Zdeb'] added valuable depth, versatility, and energy throughout the lineup. What stood out most was the team's composure in pressure situations and its willingness to compete on every ball, regardless of the score. If this trajectory continues, San Antonio Elite 17 Navy looks poised to be a tough out at major qualifiers and should remain firmly in the mix as the season moves forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='462263' first='TAV' last='Houston'] 17 Black Branden announced themselves as one of the premier teams in the 17s age group after posting an impressive 7–1 record at the Tour of Texas Austin Stop against a loaded field. Playing with poise, physicality, and precision, this group consistently imposed its style of play and looked comfortable in both fast-paced matches and pressure moments. The offense is expertly orchestrated by Adrienne DeLeon, a high-level setter who brings control, rhythm, and a calm presence to the floor. Her ability to locate every hitter, vary tempo, and make smart decisions in system and out of system allowed TAV to stay unpredictable and difficult to defend throughout the weekend.&nbsp; On the pins, attackers such as Sloane Berklund and [player_tooltip player_id='501893' first='Chandler' last='Carter'] provided consistent point-scoring, using a mix of power and shot selection to challenge blocks and stretch defenses. The middle presence of [player_tooltip player_id='749537' first='Tianna' last='Muckelroy'] and [player_tooltip player_id='559589' first='Payton' last='Maloney'] was impactful on both sides of the ball, as they established a strong blocking presence while staying active offensively with quick tempo attacks. The strong offense of pin [player_tooltip player_id='443017' first='Delaney' last='Wright'] keeps this team very dangerous against anyone.&nbsp; She can really light up a stat book in a hurry.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='502107' first='Camille' last='Csernik'] contributed valuable ball control and versatility at the net, helping stabilize serve receive and extend rallies when matches tightened. Additional depth from [player_tooltip player_id='817024' first='Neala' last='Harrell'], [player_tooltip player_id='501890' first='Georgia' last='Hornes'], [player_tooltip player_id='827055' first='Talia' last='Nelson'], [player_tooltip player_id='534414' first='Mia' last='Owens'], and [player_tooltip player_id='819903' first='Micah' last='Rusher'] gave this roster balance and flexibility across rotations.&nbsp; What separates [program_tooltip program_id='462263' first='TAV' last='Houston'] 17 Black Branden is their ability to function as a true unit — hitters trust their setter, defenders trust the block, and the team rarely beats itself. Their execution, discipline, and confidence reflect a group that understands how to win at a high level. If this early performance is any indication, [program_tooltip program_id='462263' first='TAV' last='Houston'] 17 Black Branden has all the tools to remain a serious contender deep into the club season and beyond.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned as we will have some awesome articles covering as many awesome players and teams from all over Texas.&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 -->