Tuesday Match to Watch: Lake Travis vs Vandegrift
High school volleyball is underway in the state of Texas. Since the first week of August, teams from across the Lone Star State have been back on the court, battling each other in some fantastic matches, which are bringing the…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingHigh school volleyball is underway in the state of Texas. Since the first week of August, teams from across the Lone Star State have been back on the court, battling each other in some fantastic matches, which are bringing the best of the sport in the state.
Every once in a while, we’ll use this space to recommend some matches to keep and eye on and, most importantly, some of the most interesting prospects you’ll want to watch if you have an opportunity.
Here’s the match you don’t want to miss on Tuesday, September 7:
Lake Travis vs Vandegrift – 6.30pm
The Lake Travis Cavaliers from Austin are up to a strong season so far, having won 25 and lost nine matches so far. The team coached by Brandace Boren, who is set compete in the Class 6A, Region IV, District 26, has been particularly efficient at home, emerging victorious in 11 of the 12 matches they hosted so far. They have already defeated Vandegrift once this season, in a close 2-1 tournament match at the end of August.
That, by the way, was one of just five losses suffered by the Vandegrift Vipers so far in the season – nothing compared to their 22 victories. The team coached by Melissa Southall is set to start competition in the Class 6A, Region IV, District 25, and will use the match against Lake Travis to fine tune its playing system ahead of their first league match.
Players to Watch – Lake Travis
Arden Besecker Arden Besecker 5'10" | OH Lake Travis | 2022 State TX – Outside Hitter – Club: Austin Skyline – 2022
A terrific all-around prospect, Arden Besecker Arden Besecker 5'10" | OH Lake Travis | 2022 State TX will soon take her complete game to the sand as she committed to play beach volleyball for Florida State. In her final season of high school volleyball, the 5’10” outside hitter is producing in different areas of the game, as usual, ranking first in passes (353), second in kills (196) and third in digs (249) for the Cavaliers.
Avery Hamlin – Right Sider/Outside Hitter – Club: Austin Juniors – 2024
A very powerful player at the net, Avery Hamlin leads the Cavaliers in kills (196) and ranks second in blocks (38). A 6’1” prospect, Hamlin can play on the right or as an outside hitter, offering the same production and reliability to the teams she plays for. A superior defender, with 166 digs registered already, she can also take on setting duties, which she’s been doing since the end of August, registering 172 assists in just 11 matches.
Avery Hamlin ◾ #14 ◾ OH/OPP
Lake Travis High School Varsity (2024)https://t.co/GOeyfIDA5D
Twitter: @averyhamlin2024
Instagram: @averyhamlinvolleyball
USAV A1 Training Team 2019 & 2020
Under Armour All American Nominee pic.twitter.com/gwakBSg5ys— Austin Junior Volleyball Recruiting (@RecruitAJV) June 24, 2021
Players to Watch – Vandegrift
Samantha Wunsch Samantha Wunsch 6'1" | RS Vandergrift | 2022 State TX – Opposite – Club: Roots – 2022
A powerful left-handed opposite, Samantha Wunsch Samantha Wunsch 6'1" | RS Vandergrift | 2022 State TX is a key piece in Vandegrift’s offensive system as she currently ranks second in kills with 230, averaging a team-high 4.3 per set. Wunsch, who plays for the Roots club in Austin, takes full advantage of her 6’1” frame and her athletic skills at the net, but what makes her special is her ability to decide where to hit at the very last moment. Because of that, she punishes opposing teams over and over again when she can find gaps on their blocks. A Texas State commit, Wunsch has what it takes to succeed at the next level.
Ellie Mattox Ellie Mattox 5'11" | S Vandegrift | 2023 State TX – Setter – Club: Austin Juniors – 2023
A good setter is pivotal in a strong offensive system and Vandegrift has one of the best in the entire state in Ellie Mattox Ellie Mattox 5'11" | S Vandegrift | 2023 State TX . Recently named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Phenom Watch List, Mattox has not only the technical skills needed to thrive in the position, but also offers great size at the net at 5’11”. That makes of her not only a reliable blocker but also a constant threat for setter dumps. Mattox is really good with the ball at her hands and has already distributed 595 assists (10.4 per set) in the current season.
NATIONAL CHAMPION Highlight Video:
-228 assists (10.4 assists/set)
-26 aces
-29 digs
-.533 kill %@AustinJuniors @RecruitAJV @LadyViperVB @PrepDigTX @PrepVolleyball @SetterU @FlxAtx pic.twitter.com/6LxP4f24gF— Ellie Mattox (@MattoxEllie) July 22, 2021