High School Previews: UIL 2A – The Middles Who Dominate The Net
It will be a quick turnaround for young volleyball players in the state of Texas. Shortly after one month from the conclusion of the club season, these prospects will be back on the courts again representing their high schools. It…
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Continue ReadingIt will be a quick turnaround for young volleyball players in the state of Texas. Shortly after one month from the conclusion of the club season, these prospects will be back on the courts again representing their high schools.
It will be exciting to see some well-known names establishing themselves even more in the Lone Star state volleyball scene and some new faces breaking through and quickly emerging to earn the spaces.
Between now and the start of the high school season, at the beginning of August, we’ll highlight some players we believe are worth your attention when teams get back on the gym. As we end our articles about the University Interscholastic League (UIL) 2A Division, let’s give some love to a few middle blockers who work hard at the net.
Sarah Beth Cotter – HS: Albany – 2022
Sarah Beth Cotter was a key piece of an Albany team that had an extremely positive record last season, winning 23 and losing just five matches. Cotter’s work at the net was extremely important to the team’s success as the six-footer impacted both sides of the game. She was the team’s go-to scoring option, being heavily used even in transition, and did a great job at blocking too, both scoring points and putting opponents in difficult situations. Her game was recognized by the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA), which picked her to the All-State first team.
Talli Millican – HS: Harper – 2023
Talli Millican is one of those middle blockers who delivers more than one would expect them to. The 5’10” Harper standout is very active and efficient at the net, being the team’s top blocker and one of its focal points on offense, but also adds a lot to her team at the backcourt, be it with her strong defensive/passing game or from the service line. After a second-straight solid season with the Longhorns, she made it to the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) All-State second team.
Kylie Ray – HS: Crawford – 2022
Kylie Ray’s offensive firepower took Crawford a long way last season as the offensive-minded middle blocker was one of the reasons the Lady Pirates made it to the State Championship final. The 5’11” Ray, who also plays basketball for her high school, was as reliable as it gets offensively, registering as many as 161 kills (2.4 per set). She did well on defense too, avoiding 99 points at the backcourt, and produced 41 aces to her team. That combination took her to the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) All-State team as a second-team selection.