18s GJNC Preview: HJV 18 Elite
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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…
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Continue ReadingThe 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.
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 team what will carry the Lone Star State flag in Ohio, analyzing their campaigns in the club season so far and highlighting their most important players.
HJV 18 Elite is one of the six teams from Texas to feature in the very competitive 18 Open Division and here’s our preview:
HJV 18 Elite will be representing the Houston Juniors Volleyball Club, which is based at the FAST Complex just outside downtown Houston. With head coach Kara Pratt at the helm and four-time Olympian Tara Cross-Battle as an assistant, the team has finished in the top-five in each of the six tournaments they appeared at this season, securing 27 victories in 37 matches and lifting the trophy at the Lone Star Regional Championship.
Here are their key players:
Annie Antar Annie Antar 5'11" | S Klein | 2021 State TX – Setter – HS: Klein – 2021
HJV 18 Elite has one of the best setters in the entire state in Annie Antar Annie Antar 5'11" | S Klein | 2021 State TX . Ranked 22nd on our Prep Dig class of 2021 State Rankings and second among the setters, she brings a lot to the table and makes her team a lot better. At 5’11”, she’s dangerous on offense and a capable blocker who often shuts opponents down at the right side of the net. Her distribution is very good and she’s very aggressive and is always looking to score points on her own. On top of all that, she’s also a superior defender. That combination attracted North Florida, which will have Antar on their squad this coming summer.
Eliana Posada Eliana Posada 6'1" | RS Tompkins | 2021 State TX – Right Sider – HS: Tompkins – 2021
Eliana Posada Eliana Posada 6'1" | RS Tompkins | 2021 State TX is one of the options Antar uses the most when running HJV 18 Elite’s offense. That’s because the 6’2” right sider is not only a force at the net but also very reliable on her offense. A left-handed hitter, Posada has an interesting ability to adjust to sets however they come her way. Her big frame and well-coordinated approach make it easier for her to find the ideal spot to make contact with the ball. Ranked 41st on our 2021 Prep Dig State Rankings, the powerful Posada will play for the University of Pittsburgh at the collegiate level.
Jessica Frannea Jessica Frannea 5'11" | S Bridgeland | 2021 State TX – Setter – HS: Bridgeland – 2021
This team has not one, but two elite setters in their roster in Jessica Frannea Jessica Frannea 5'11" | S Bridgeland | 2021 State TX . She’s also extremely tall at 5’11” and that great size comes in handy when she needs to get to overpasses at the net. Frannea ranks 29th on our 2021 Prep Dig State Rankings because she runs a dynamic and fast-paced offense for both her club and high school teams. After graduating from Bridgeland, she will continue her career at Northeastern.