Friday Match to Watch: White Oak vs West Rusk
High school volleyball is entering its final month 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…
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Continue ReadingHigh school volleyball is entering its final month 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.
Twice a week, 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.
If you’re in the Tyler area on Friday, October 15, make sure you check on this match:
White Oak vs West Rusk – 4.30pm
The Roughnecks from the White Oak High School have been a force in the region, having won 32 matches and lost just once in their entire campaign. That setback has happened at the end of August and the team led by head coach Carolee Musick has rebounded well, winning 13 in a row, including their nine league matches to sit at the top of the Class 3A, Region II – District 15 standings.
The Raiders from the West Rusk High School out of New London are third in the Class 3A, Region II – District 16 standings with six wins and three losses. Their entire campaign has been a little more prolific as the team led by head coach Melissa Neal has won 24 of their 31 matches, including the last two.
Players to Watch – White Oak
Lexi Baker – Outside Hitter – Club: East Texas Juniors – 2022
Lexi Baker is a key piece in White Oak’s playing system as she’s equally capable of producing at the net and on the backcourt. Despite her 5’7” frame, Baker is the Roughnecks’ most effective offensive player, having tallied 329 kills (3.7 per set) already. One of the keys for her success at the net is the fact that she’s also a pole vault athlete and has an impressive leaping ability. Baker is also extremely well-versed on the defensive side of the game, being able to play as a defensive specialist too, and has registered 243 digs and 297 passes this season.
Anna Iske – Middle Blocker – 2023
Anna Iske is another player in the Roughnecks’ roster to excel in two sports – she also plays basketball for her school. In a volleyball court, Iske is well-known for her great work at the net and her ability to score points with her offense and her blocking. When hitting, the 5’10” Iske stands out for her efficiency as she’s tallied 187 kills in just 398 attempts, to a kill rate of 47%, the highest in the team. She also leads the squad in blocks with 67, averaging 0.8 per set.
Players to Watch – West Rusk
Piper Morton – Middle Blocker – 2023
Piper Morton manages to impact West Rusk’s game all across the board. The 5’10” middle blocker gets the job done at the net but is also effective at the backcourt and from the service line, being arguably the team’s most important player. Morton leads the Raiders in kills (190) and blocks (64) and ranks second in aces (62), digs (381) and passes (310).
Jamie Casey – Outside Hitter – 2022
Jamie Casey is another Raider capable of contributing to the team’s success in a variety of ways. She holds herself really well at the net, having produced 157 kills and 11 blocks in the season so far, but is at her best in the backcourt. Casey is an excellent defender, having registered 243 digs already, an important part of the team’s serve-receiving system with 328 passes and its leading server with 64 aces.