High School Previews: UIL 5A – The Outside Hitters Who Can Score
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. We’re currently giving a good look at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) 5A Division and these are some of the most prolific outside hitters to compete in it.
Maya Duckworth Maya Duckworth 5'9" | OH Birdville | 2022 State #49 Nation TX – HS: Birdville – Club: Madfrog – 2022
Maya Duckworth Maya Duckworth 5'9" | OH Birdville | 2022 State #49 Nation TX is one of top outside hitters in the division and the second highest-ranked prospect in our 2022 Prep Dig State Rankings thanks to her rare combination of athleticism and technique. She might not be the tallest outside hitter out there at 5’9”, but her unreal leaping ability puts her right up there with anyone in the state. Her high school team Birdville and her club Madfrog, one of the best in the state, have been strongly benefiting from her game as she registered 360 kills, 303 digs, 298 passes and 45 aces last season for the Lady Hawks. Duckworth has made it to the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) All-State second team and has committed to Iowa State.
Kenna Buchanan – HS: Midlothian – Club: Texas Advantage – 2023
Kenna Buchanan is an extremely talented and well-rounded outside hitter who makes an impact for her teams in several different aspects of the game. A two-time national champion with Texas Advantage , she was the heart and soul of her high school team Midlothian last season, putting out 339 kills, 320 digs, 523 passes and 24 aces. At 5’9”, Buchanan is a strong player at the net, but she’s even better on the backcourt, where her ability to keep the ball in the air proves time and time again extremely valuable, making her be uses as a defensive specialist occasionally. She was nominated to the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) All-State team as an honorable mention.
Makenna Miller – HS: Northwest – Club: Muscle Volleyball – 2022
Makenna Miller is an attacking-minded outside hitter and one of the best in the business in the Lone Star State. A six-footer, she utilizes every inch of her long body to cause damage on offense and is a more than viable option when she’s at the backrow too. A key player for her club team Muscle Volleyball, she’s also a centerpiece in high school for Northwest, as she made clear last season with a 317-kill, 129-dig and 176-pass performance that took her to the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) All-State team as an honorable mention. Miller has committed to the University of Texas and will continue playing at the collegiate level.