Texas Freeze and Heated Competition at 18s Lone Star Classic

<p>As 18s teams across the state of Texas gear up to travel to Round Rock for their first qualifier of the season, they'll be facing more than just high-level competition. With a rare Texas freeze expected to sweep through the state January 23-25, the 2026 Lone Star Classic sets the stage for a cold, challenging weekend that will demand focus, resilience, and mental toughness from athletes and coaches alike.</p>   <p>The Lone Star Classic makes the first qualifier of the season for some of the 18s teams in Texas, and with bids, rankings, and early momentum on the line, the intensity will be high from the first whistle. Weather conditions may slow travel, but once teams step on the court, the pace, pressure, and physicality will be anything but cold.</p>   <p>From Open to Liberty, this weekend offers an early look at which programs are ready to separate themselves in a highly competitive Texas field.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Open Division Spotlight</h2>   <p>Alamo 18 Premier enters the Lone Star Classic looking to make nearly statement in one of the deepest divisions of the tournament. Slotted into a challenging pool with EXCEL 18 National Red, MadFrog 18 National Green, and Cangrejeras Santurce 18, Alamo will be tested immediately. Known for their disciplined systems and physical presence at the net, they have the tools to compete deep into bracket play. The 18s age group often rewards composure and experience, and this team brings both in abundance. With the added challenge of winter weather and a long competitive weekend, their ability to stay locked in will be tested immediately. A strong showing here could position them as an early favorite in the Open bracket.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Bryant is a fast, physical setter who does an excellent job controlling the tempo of the offense. She shows strong body control and balance, allowing her to consistently deliver hittable balls even when pushed off the net. One of her biggest strengths and range, as she can set effectively from deep in the backcourt all the way to the pin without sacrificing location or pace. Bryant remains composed in transition and handles imperfect passes well, which is critical in high-pressure Open division play. Her ability to keep attackers involved makes her a steady presence running the offense.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Shepler brings valuable versatility to the lineup with the ability to contribute as an outside hitter, middle blocker, or right side. At 5'11", she provides side and physicality across the front row and can be utilized strategically depending on matchups. Shepler shows comfort attacking from multiple positions and gives Alamo flexibility in both system adjustments and rotation management. Her postional range allows the team to stay balanced presence. In a demanding division, her adaptability will be a key asset.</p>    <p> If Alamo can establish tempo early and handle the pressure of a tough pool, they have the pieces to position themselves well heading into bracket play.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">USA Division Spotlight</h2>   <p>[program_tooltip program_id='745880' first='Houston' last='Stellar'] 18 Elite enters the Lone Star Classic aiming to establish themselves early in a competitive USA division. Drawn into a division the rewards consistency and execution, Stellar brings a balanced roster capable of handling long rallies and physical play. Known for their defensive discipline and ability to stay organized under pressure, they are well-sited for the grind of a qualifier weekend. The 18s level often exposes teams that struggle with composure, but [program_tooltip program_id='745880' first='Houston' last='Stellar']'s experience and structure give them a steady foundation. A strong start in Round Rock could set the tone as they chase their first bid of the season.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Hyde is a true six-rotation outside hitter who has continued to elevate her game, particularly in the back row. She shows noticeable growth as a defender and passer, giving her team stability in serve receive and transition. As an attacker, Hyde plays with control and intent, balancing aggression with smart ball placement to score efficiently against the block. Her ability to manage rallies and contribute in all phases makes her a reliable presence on the court. She brings consistency and poise in high-level competition.</p>    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">American Division Spotlight</h2>   <p>Austin Performance (AP) 18 Baden staying close to home looks to make an early impact in the American division. With a reputation for competitive fire and strong fundamentals, Austin Performance consistently plays with pace and purpose. Their ability to apply pressure from the service line and stay aggressive in transition makes them a tough match throughout pool play. The American division is often decided by teams that can manage momentum swings, and this group has shown the ability to respond quickly in tight situations. A solid performance this weekend would position them well moving forward.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Smelley is a steady defensive presence who combines calmness with competitive edge. She delivers a tough, effective serve and follows it up with strong serve-receive positioning and discipline. In the backcourt, she reads hitters well and plays with controlled aggression, allowing her to make clean defensive plays under pressure. Smelley remains composed in extended rallies and helps anchor the team defensively. Her reliability makes a noticeable impact over the course of a long tournament weekend.</p>    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Liberty Division Spotlight</h2>   <p>AVA TX 18 Adidas enters the Lone Star Classic with an opportunity to set themselves apart in the Liberty division. Known for their energy and cohesive team play, AVA thrives when they dictate tempo and stay confident in system. The Liberty division demands discipline and focus, especially during long tournament days, and this team's ability to stay engaged will be key. With the added challenge of winter travel and an early-season qualifier, composure will matter as much as execution as an important confidence boost heading into the rest of the season.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Kareem brings a quick, powerful arm swing that allows her to score efficiently at the net. She does a strong job using the block to her advantage, tooling high hands and finding space to terminate points. Her versatility as an OH/MB gives her team flexibility across rotations and matchups. Kareem plays with confidence and physicality, particularly in transition situations. Her ability to finish plays makes her a consistent offensive threat.</p>    <p>As Texas braces for freezing temperatures, the 18s division will be heating up inside the Round Rock Sports Complex. The Lone Star Classic is more than just the first qualifier of the season. It's an early measuring stick. Team that manage the moment, the pressure, and the conditions will leave this weekend with momentum and confidence heading into the heart of qualifying season.</p>   <p></p>

As 18s teams across the state of Texas gear up to travel to Round Rock for their first qualifier of the season, they'll be facing more than just high-level competition. With a rare Texas freeze expected to sweep through the state January 23-25, the 2026 Lone Star Classic sets the stage for a cold, challenging weekend that will demand focus, resilience, and mental toughness from athletes and coaches alike.