MLK January Classic Preview Vol 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2024-2025 club season is now underway and there are a few big tournaments that teams will be competing in to try different lineups and see how their season will shape up.&nbsp; One huge tourney for the North Texas Region is the MLK January Classic, which will be held at quite a few volleyball facilities around the Dallas metroplex area.&nbsp; Let's take a look at some teams and players to watch this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16 Open Division</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAV 16 Black Paul</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top seed is one who is used to the limelight as they have been one of the best teams in the entire nation in this age group for the past few years.&nbsp; I am not sure that there are two better setters than [player_tooltip player_id='534299' first='Brynn' last='Stephens'] and [player_tooltip player_id='518965' first='Sophee' last='Peterson'].&nbsp; This duo is one of the most dangerous duos with the ball in their hands.&nbsp; The fact that they are both capable of playing all the way around as 5-1 setters or stay in to hit on a 6-2 offense is astounding.&nbsp; It doesn't matter which offense you choose to run with these young ladies as they will both be lethal.&nbsp; The back row is solid with [player_tooltip player_id='534316' first='Ansley' last='Shafer'] and newly added [player_tooltip player_id='443042' first='Siena' last='Ebert'].&nbsp; The offense will flow very well with their passes and digs.&nbsp; With middles like [player_tooltip player_id='534300' first='Nyla' last='Livings'], [player_tooltip player_id='845834' first='Onita' last='Davis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='534402' first='Mariah' last='Akinsola'] at the helm, this team is poised to be a wall on the defensive end.&nbsp; All three are fast laterally and take up a lot of space from would be point scorers.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='534308' first='Lexi' last='Martin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='534373' first='Naomi' last='Livings'] can bang the ball on the left and right side pin.&nbsp; One huge addition to this team is [player_tooltip player_id='694108' first='Allie' last='Hudgins'] from Austin Westlake.&nbsp; Yes you read that right.&nbsp; She will be traveling the 370ish mile round trip to join this squad this year.&nbsp; The six foot four left side will be a very great addition to this roster and we are eager to see how she fits in with them.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='431200' first='Madfrog' last=''] 16 National Green</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is one gigantic reason why we are very excited for this team this season and that is the addition of the top recruit in our state ranking list, [player_tooltip player_id='534291' first='Gentry' last='Barker'].&nbsp; The left side phenom comes over to this squad as one of the most electric pins we have seen in a while.&nbsp; This young lady has some serious bounce to her game and makes them an instant contender for any crown they strive for.&nbsp; Libero [player_tooltip player_id='433561' first='Karsyn' last='Evans'] also joins her making the switch to this elite squad.&nbsp; Dakota Richard and [player_tooltip player_id='433654' first='Maia' last='Raleigh'] are the two setters who get to move the ball around in this offense.&nbsp; They will be feeding middles [player_tooltip player_id='534752' first='Gabbie' last='Skopljak'] and Bella Howard on quick attacks.&nbsp; They also have [player_tooltip player_id='805731' first='Gabriella' last='Mchenry'], [player_tooltip player_id='433624' first='Audree' last='Hughes'], [player_tooltip player_id='826395' first='Aubrey' last='Degrate'] and [player_tooltip player_id='534328' first='Vanessa' last='Glenn'] to put the ball away from the pins.&nbsp; One intriguing player is [player_tooltip player_id='511065' first='Abby' last='Lemp'] who can fly.&nbsp; We will be keeping an eye on her to see how she fares at this level.&nbsp; As it stands right now, she has the height and super high vertical to wow any spectator.&nbsp; Recently she touched ten foot seven inches, which is absolutely insane to us as scouts.&nbsp; This team will be very fun to watch and we cannot wait to see if they can gel together quickly and be a team to beat.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned for more articles on your favorite athletes.&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 -->