18s GJNC Preview: Houston Skyline 18 Black

<p>The most important tournament of the year for the class of 2021 players is just in front of us as the 2021 USAV Girls 18s Junior National Championship is set to happen from April 23-25 in Columbus, Ohio, and as many as 280 teams from the entire country are expected to compete in the five divisions.</p> <p>Texas will, of course, be represented in the event and we will take the time between now and the start of the tournament in Ohio to present the teams that will carry the Lone Star State flag in Ohio, analyzing their campaigns in the club season so far and highlighting their most important players.</p> <p>As we continue to look into the 18 USA Division, here's our <strong>Houston Skyline 18 Black</strong> preview:</p> <p><em>Located in the Spring Branch neighborhood, Houston Skyline Volleyball Club sends its 18 Black team to compete at the division. This team has had limited playing time so far in the season, having played in only 23 matches and having won 13 of them. The group that works under head coach Jonathan Robles has a fourth-place finish at the AVC's National Qualifier in February as its best result at this point. </em></p> <p>Here are their key players:</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87420" first="Kingsley" last="Wallace"] – Opposite – HS: Memorial – 2021</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="87420" first="Kingsley" last="Wallace"] is the prototypical international volleyball opposite as she's got the size, power, and skills to score points at the right side of the net. Her offensive game is very strong and her heavy arm gives her an opportunity to score every time she gets on the ball. Watch out for her sharp angle hit too. Her 6'4” frame also comes in handy when Wallace blocks as she adds it to a good reading and great reflexes to become a solid wall between opposing hitters and her side of the court. Ranked 50th on our 2021 Prep Dig State Rankings, she has committed to the United States Military Academy West Point.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NStnFWEGQfU" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Emily Adams – Outside Hitter – HS: Bridgeland – 2021 </strong></p> <p>Emily Adams' game has everything an elite outside hitter should. At 5'10”, she's big enough to perform well at the net and she does just that with a smart and efficient game. Her great technique is also very useful when she's at the backcourt as Adams can really win matches with her stellar defense. A very solid passer, she can also create trouble for opponents from the service line. Her career will continue at the University of Louisiana Monroe.</p> <p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/7038508/5fb83300f31e3811c8454e17" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Kailey Friedrich – Setter – HS: Cypress Ranch – 2021</strong></p> <p>Kailey Friedrich runs Houston Skyline 18 Black's offensive show with a very consistent and creative game. The 5'9” setter has a very smooth game and prioritizes having as many hitters involved as possible. She also checks the box in other categories with her very effective defense and above-average serving ability. Friedrich is set to play at the collegiate level for the University of Louisiana Monroe.</p> <p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11315475/600a3b28b023b007c01e6ab7" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>