Tour of Texas Dallas Stop 16s Preview Vol 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> The Tour of Texas Dallas Stop Tournament is stacked with many of the top teams in the state, but Power Pool One stands alone. This is what I would confidently label a “pool of death” — four squads that are all capable of winning the entire tournament. This pool is a prime example of iron sharpening iron and exactly why events like Tour of Texas are critical in preparing teams for the grind of qualifier season. Every team in this group earned their spot with an impressive showing at Stop One in Austin, and there are no easy points to be found here. Let's break down the contenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dallas Skyline 16 Royal Paul</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dallas Skyline 16 Royal Paul silenced plenty of early-season skepticism after a roster retool from last year's 15 Open USA Volleyball National Championship squad. Questions about chemistry were answered when it mattered most, as they surged to a second-place finish at the Austin stop. This group is clearly finding its rhythm at the right time, and with a roster loaded with high-end talent, replicating early-season success is well within reach. Prep Dig Texas standouts [player_tooltip player_id='531615' first='Aleah' last='Edmond'] and [player_tooltip player_id='721043' first='Taylor' last='Johnson'] headline the offense from the pins. Both outsides bring elite athleticism, terminal arm swings, and the ability to score against set blocks. In the middle, [player_tooltip player_id='765103' first='Stella' last='Sanchez'] and [player_tooltip player_id='500890' first='Gracie' last='White'] present a formidable presence at the net. Their combination of length, disciplined footwork, and quick block-closing ability makes life difficult for opposing attackers. Running the offense, [player_tooltip player_id='847374' first='Abrielle' last='Johnson'] showcased a high volleyball IQ and consistent location in Austin, allowing her hitters to play fast, aggressive volleyball with confidence. This is a group that thrives when challenged, and historically, they've shown they play their best with their backs against the wall. With a target firmly on them, expect Skyline to embrace every battle in this loaded pool.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TAV 16 Black Yun</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second seed in this pool needs little introduction. Built with national aspirations in mind, this roster is packed with elite-level talent and depth at every position. Despite only dropping two matches in Austin, this group is still in the process of fully syncing — which should be a scary thought for the rest of the field. Pin attackers [player_tooltip player_id='586653' first='Maya' last='Ogbogu'], [player_tooltip player_id='580713' first='Trinity' last='Johnson'], [player_tooltip player_id='580697' first='Mary-Christine' last='Crutcher'], and [player_tooltip player_id='765096' first='Sarah' last='Floyd'] give this team relentless scoring options and matchup nightmares across the net. Their hunger was evident after a pivotal Day Three loss in Austin, and expect a motivated, locked-in performance in Dallas. [player_tooltip player_id='827011' first='Katie' last='Wawersich'] and [player_tooltip player_id='580657' first='Blake' last='Buljan'] will be key pieces as the team continues to establish identity and balance. Setters [player_tooltip player_id='579842' first='Sadie' last='Lovato'] and [player_tooltip player_id='743783' first='Evann' last='Beville'] have the tools to elevate this squad to another level. Both are capable of running a high-tempo offense while managing a roster full of weapons. Under the guidance of Head Coach Yun Sangyong, whose experience and tactical understanding are evident, this team remains one of the favorites to contend for the championship when the dust settles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alamo 16 Premier</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alamo 16 Premier enters this pool as a team no one wants to see across the net. Chemistry is one of their biggest strengths, and it shows in tight moments where composure and trust separate good teams from great ones. At the center of it all is [player_tooltip player_id='482109' first='Sydney' last='Whisenton'], a true six-rotation presence who impacts the match in every phase. Her topspin serve consistently disrupts opposing passers, and long service runs can swing momentum quickly in Alamo's favor. On the outside, [player_tooltip player_id='918835' first='Claire' last='Bolton'] is a dynamic scorer who thrives at finding seams and tooling blocks, while [player_tooltip player_id='519327' first='Brooke' last='Oney'] brings heavy arm power that can terminate points out of system. On the right side, [player_tooltip player_id='523942' first='Piper' last='Pease'] was a difference-maker in Austin. The lefty opposite showed elite blocking instincts, shutting down some of the most explosive attackers in the field. Her ability to control the right pin defensively will be pivotal as Alamo looks to make a deep run through an unforgiving bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='510661' first='Houston' last='Skyline'] 16 Royal</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rounding out this brutal pool is [program_tooltip program_id='510661' first='Houston' last='Skyline'] 16 Royal, a team that proved its mettle in Austin with a 6–2 record against high-level competition. They bring a physical, athletic style that can overwhelm opponents if given rhythm. Outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='694200' first='Jada' last='Skinner'] is among the most explosive athletes in the age group, capable of scoring above the block and changing matches with her presence. On the right side, Payton Barnes has been punishing the ball with authority, especially down the line, forcing defenses to respect every offensive option. At the controls is [player_tooltip player_id='731168' first='Addison' last='Musgrove'], who continues to establish herself as one of the premier setters in the 16s division. Her size, strength, and growing command of tempo allow [program_tooltip program_id='510661' first='Houston' last='Skyline'] to stay unpredictable and aggressive. This roster has the tools to challenge anyone in the tournament, and Power Pool One will test just how high their ceiling truly is.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Power Pool One is must-watch volleyball from the opening serve. Every match has championship implications, and no team will escape untested. This is the kind of environment that forges contenders — and by the end of the weekend, we'll have a much clearer picture of which of these elite squads is ready to separate itself as qualifier season approaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned as we will have some awesome articles covering as many awesome players and teams 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 -->