18s GJNC Preview: Roots 18 UA Green
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 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.
Roots 18 UA Green is one of Texas’ three representatives at the 18 Patriot Division and here’s what you need to know about them:
The team that represents Austin’s Volleyball Club will compete at the 18 Patriot Division. Roots 18 UA Green has a 14-22 win record until this point of the season. With head coach Korinne Stinson at the helm, the team secured a top-ten finish at the CTPL #3 at the beginning of March.
Here are their key players:
Ayisha Adekanmbi – Outside Hitter – HS: Stony Point -2021
Ayisha Adekanmbi provides some much-needed firepower to Roots 18 UA Green at the left side of the net. The 5’9” outside hitter is a very physical athlete and uses her athleticism to score points at the net. Her good jumping skills and heavy arm come in handy when sets are off the net as she still has enough power to make life difficult for defenders across the net. She’ll continue further refining her game at the collegiate level with Nyack College.
Ryan Drake – Setter – HS: University of Texas Online – 2021
Ryan Drake is the one tasked with running the show on Roots 18 UA Green’s offense. The 5’7” setter has a nice touch on the ball and one interesting and positive thing about her setting technique is that she extends her arms as much as possible to touch the ball, giving her a higher contact point, which is helpful for quick sets. She’s also a very good defender and contributes to the team on the backcourt too, also being able to play as a defensive specialist.
Joscelyn Avila – Libero – HS: Glenn – 2021
Joscelyn Avila gives Roots 18 UA Green the defensive stability every volleyball team needs. The 5’2” libero plays bigger than her size and does everything in her power to keep the ball away from her team’s court. Avila is a very reliable passer and has great reactions and a solid digging technique, a combination that makes her backcourt game stand out.