High School Previews: UIL 6A – 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. Today we’ll present some outside hitters who play pivotal roles for their high school teams in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) 6A Division.
Jalyn Gibson Jalyn Gibson 6'0" | OH Brandeis | 2022 State #181 Nation TX – HS: Brandeis – Club: Alamo Volleyball – 2022
A 6’2” outside hitter from the San Antonio area, Jalyn Gibson Jalyn Gibson 6'0" | OH Brandeis | 2022 State #181 Nation TX is a handful to deal with at the net. She not only has great size but is also very physical, making of her a kill waiting to happen on either the left or the right sides of the net. One of the most interesting things about her offense is how she uses her wrist well to send the ball wherever she wants. More often than not, location is more important than power and Gibson knows it really well. She made it to the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) All-State third team last season after registering 366 kills, 336 digs, 218 passes and 49 blocks for Brandeis and has committed to the Texas Christian University. She ranks 16th on our 2022 Prep Dig State Rankings.
Ariana Brown Ariana Brown 5'11" | OH Conroe | 2023 State TX – HS: Klein – Club: Willowbrook – 2023
Ranked 36th on our 2023 Prep Dig State Rankings, Ariana Brown Ariana Brown 5'11" | OH Conroe | 2023 State TX had a tremendous sophomore season with Klein and was one of the reasons why the Bearkats made it to the State Championship final. A six-footer, Brown is one of the strongest offensive players in the division and ended the season with 336 kills to go with 220 digs and 226 passes. What makes her offensive game so special is her power. Brown is not only tall and makes contact with the ball at a very high point, but can also hit in any direction, from anywhere on the court, and puts a lot of spin on the ball each and every time she does it.
D’Nari Mills – HS: Cypress Woods – Club: Texas Legacy – 2022
D’Nari Mills’ impressive leaping ability is the key for her tremendous success as an outside hitter for both her high school Cypress Woods and her club team Texas Legacy. The 5’8” prospect can literally jump out of the gym and is extremely difficult to be stopped at the net. The same strength her lower body has to make her get so high up at the net, her upper body shows as well when she smashes the ball. That powerful combination and her great technique has led her to tally 365 kills, 249 digs and 44 aces for the Wildcats last season.