High School Previews: UIL 4A – The Middles Who Dominate The Net
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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 analysis of the University Interscholastic League (UIL) 4A Division, let’s take a look at the middle blockers who make a difference for their teams.
Jentry Lamirand Jentry Lamirand 5'11" | OH Decatur | 2022 State TX – HS: Decatur – Club: Muscle Volleyball – 2022
No player stood out in the division last season as much as Jentry Lamirand Jentry Lamirand 5'11" | OH Decatur | 2022 State TX did. The 5’11” prospect is what used to be called a universal player as she can be placed (and perform really well) anywhere on the court as she has the size and the skills to do so. Last season she was a middle blocker for state champions Decatur. Lamirand was the best player of the final match against Wimberley scoring a match-high 14 points and cementing her name as the championship game MVP and the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) Player of the Year. A SMU commit, She ranks 59th on our 2022 Prep Dig State Rankings.
Jalynn Knight – HS: Splendora – Club: TAV Houston – 2022
A 6’2” middle blocker, Jalynn Knight brings a lot of physicality to the game with her high school team Splendora. Part of one of the strongest teams in the state in the famed TAV Houston, Knight was lights out during the last high school season, when she registered 247kills and 60 blocks for the Wildcats. Playing at the net is certainly her area of strength and that’s because of her quick feet, her ability to hit in any direction and her tendency to make right split-second decisions.
Bailee Radney – HS: Ford High – 2023
If kills and blocks are a good way to evaluate the efficiency of a middle blocker, Bailee Radney is one to stand out in the position after she registered 192 points at the net with her offense and impressive 89 stuffs. Despite relatively undersized at 5’8”, Randey plays big at the net and also brings a very interesting level of defensive skills to the table, having tallied 139 digs for the Lady Panthers last season. Her all-around game is very strong and allows her to play as an outside hitter as well.