Heavy Hitting Hornet Prospects Solid In Win Over Derby

Valley Center’s Taylor McDonald pictured at a Prep Dig Showcase.

Jeremy Deckard September 21, 2024 @ 03:56 PM

The second match I scouted at the Maize Tournament on September 21, was a two-set victory by the Valley Center Hornets over the Derby Panthers in Pool A action.   I had seen some of Valley Center's prospects compete in club action and at a Prep Dig Showcase, but this was the first time I saw the Hornets play.   Here is a report on Valley Center and Derby prospects who impressed me during each team's first match of the tournament.   [player_tooltip player_id='395236' first='Teagan' last='Canady'], 5'10”, OH, Valley Center, ‘25   Canady is ranked No. 50 overall by Prep Dig Kansas. I have seen her play club ball a couple of times, but she stood out even more in prep action. She finished the match with three kills, seven digs, and three serve receptions in the Hornet's win. She is a versatile and quick athlete who brings multi-purpose skills to the table. She has four college offers, two from in-state programs, and two from out-of-state programs in the Midwest. She will be a solid catch for one lucky program.   Ava Jacquez, 5'8”, OH/DS, Valley Center, ‘25   Jacquez was a prospect I saw play for the first time. She has one offer from an NAIA program in Kansas. She is quick and is not intimidated by big hitters. Her stat line included eight digs, two kills, and 12 serve receptions. She has a calming influence on her teammates and plays well in high-pressure rallies.   [player_tooltip player_id='489650' first='Taylor' last='McDonald'], 6'1”, MB, Valley Center, ‘26 (Pictured Above)   McDonald had the best performance in this match. When she gets a well-timed set, she can punish the ball. McDonald is ranked No. 17 overall by Prep Dig Kansas. She attended the Prep Dig Showcase in August and it was a treat to get to see her play with her high school teammates. She exudes confidence and plays with a smirk on the court. She finished with a match-high 13 kills while adding two blocks, three digs, and four aces. She has a high ceiling and is a junior I look forward to watching more of.   [player_tooltip player_id='493402' first='Lily' last='Waters'], 5'10”, OH, Derby, ‘25   Derby has a couple of prospects I am familiar with and one, who was a big surprise. Waters is ranked No. 145 overall by Prep Dig. She finished the match with a team-high kills. She has a smooth swing and jumps with the best of them. Waters also added three digs and two serve receptions. She is a quiet assassin and a consummate team player. She helps her team win the tough rallies and is a second coach on the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='526202' first='Lilly' last='Like'], 5'8”, OH, Derby, ‘26   Like is ranked No. 143 overall in the Kansas Class of 2026. Like arguably is the strongest athlete on the team and has the most physical game. I was impressed with how she battled in the match. She finished with five kills and four serve receptions in the Panthers' loss.   Carsen Carpenter, 5'10”, OH, Derby, ‘25   The unknown prospect on this squad was Carpenter. I don't remember seeing her play before this match at any level. She is a grinder and serves as the vocal and emotional leader of the team. She has a quiet platform and made consistent fist passes. She has a heavy serve that I liked. Carpenter finished the match with four kills, four digs, and 11 serve receptions.

The second match I scouted at the Maize Tournament on September 21, was a two-set victory by the Valley Center Hornets over the Derby Panthers in Pool A action.