Tour of Texas Stop 1 Top Performers Vol 4

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who stood out at the Tour of Texas this weekend?  The Lone Star State and six other states battled it out early in the club season and put their lineups to the test.  Almost every one of these teams in the invitational divisions will most certainly earn a coveted bid to USA Volleyball Junior Nationals later on this summer.  Let's take a look at who earned our Top Performer award for this tourney?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["731135"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696ea89c15d90"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Now competing with her true age group after playing up last season, [player_tooltip player_id='731135' first='Hana' last='Penberthy'] looks well beyond her years and immediately stands out as a frontrunner among setters in the 2029 class. Her movement patterns and overall command of the offense clearly reflect the valuable experience she gained competing at the 15 Open level as an eighth grader. Penberthy plays with a calm confidence, navigating the court smoothly while executing her team's offensive system with precision. She excels in her dual role as both a setter and right-side hitter, using a high volleyball IQ and advanced skill set to impact the game in multiple phases. As a setter, the ball comes out of her hands clean and effortless, consistently finding targets with outstanding accuracy and tempo. That technical polish allows her hitters to stay aggressive and in rhythm throughout matches. Beyond the physical tools, she serves as an extension of her coaching staff on the court, directing traffic and making smart adjustments in real time. Her teammates clearly trust her leadership, and that trust elevates the entire group when the match tightens.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["580657"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696ea89c15e11"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='580657' first='Blake' last='Buljan'] showed exactly why she is ranked as the 41st middle blocker in the Prep Dig Texas Class of 2028 state rankings with a confident and assertive performance at the net. What stood out most was her complete lack of hesitation when matched up against taller opponents, as she consistently trusted her speed and instincts to win those battles. Buljan's game is built on quickness, and her ability to beat blockers to the spot allows her to create advantageous attacking angles. By running true zero-tempo quick sets, she attacks in the seams of the block with aggression and purpose, putting defenders under immediate pressure. Her fast arm swing adds another layer of difficulty, often ending rallies before the defense has time to establish position. Offensively, that aggressiveness makes her a threat against any matchup she faces. On the defensive side, her high-octane motor separates her from others at the position, as she pursues every block and transition with urgency. If Buljan continues to play with this level of confidence and pace, she will be a major asset for her team and a player who consistently tilts momentum in their favor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["524281"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696ea89c15e65"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='524281' first='Bella' last='Turcios'] continues to show why she is ranked 11th overall in the Prep Dig California Class of 2028 state rankings. The trust her coaches and teammates place in her serve receive is unmistakable, as she is routinely asked to take nearly half the court by herself in passing formations. That level of responsibility speaks volumes, and Turcios handles it with poise and confidence. Her quick footwork and advanced ability to read the server well before contact allow her to cover ground effortlessly and stay balanced through every pass. From her base position in left back, she remains disciplined and patient, never cheating early before the setter releases the ball, which eliminates easy points off setter dumps. Defensively, she plays with a calm confidence, digging balls cleanly and consistently funneling them to target. The game appears to slow down for her, giving her the time and clarity to read, react, and execute at a high level. Her soft, natural platform touch creates beautiful angles to the setter and keeps her team in system, making her an invaluable anchor in the back court against elite competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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.  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>.  Also don't forget to help these kids get more exposure by sharing our stories with your friends.  Help us help them by simply reposting on X or Instagram or sharing on Facebook.  Thanks for following Prep Dig Family!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->