Tuesday Match to Watch: Lovejoy vs McKinney North
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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…
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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.
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.
This is an absolutely can’t-miss match if you’re around the talent-rich Dallas area on Tuesday, October 19th:
Lovejoy vs McKinney North – 6pm
The back-to-back defending state champions Lady Leopards from the Lucas High School continue among the best in the state in their first year under the guidance of head coach Natalie Puckett. Entering this match in the middle of a six-match winning streak, the team has a 31-6 overall win record in the season and sits second at the Class 5A, Region II – District 10 with ten wins and just one loss.
The Lady Bulldogs from the McKinney North High School were the only to maculate Lovejoy’s perfect district record when the teams met about three weeks ago. That was one of their 11-straight district wins, in a run in which the Lady Bulldogs dropped just one set. Head coach Libby Rodriguez and her squad have won 22 and lost just six times this season.
Players to Watch – Lovejoy
Averi Carlson Averi Carlson 6'0" | S Lovejoy | 2022 State #3 Nation TX – Setter – Club: Skyline – 2022
The top-ranked prospect in our 2022 Prep Dig State Rankings and a Baylor commit, Averi Carlson Averi Carlson 6'0" | S Lovejoy | 2022 State #3 Nation TX is, of course, a big part of what Lovejoy does on a volleyball court. After guiding the Lady Leopards to the state title in each of the last two seasons, she seems determined to end her high school career on a high and is producing to the level of the player she is. A six-footer setter with outstanding technical skills and a very thorough understanding of the game, Carlson has generated 656 assists (7.1 per set), 279 digs, 149 kills and 48 aces for her team already this season.
Ava Camacho Ava Camacho 5'8" | DS/L Lovejoy | 2022 State TX – Libero – Club: Skyline – 2022
Ava Camacho Ava Camacho 5'8" | DS/L Lovejoy | 2022 State TX is another senior playing a pivotal role in Lovejoy’s chase for a third-straight State Championship victory this season. The 5’8” libero has stepped up to an even more prominent role with the Lady Leopards and is leading the team’s backcourt efforts in tremendous fashion. Ranked 48th in our 2022 Prep Dig State Rankings, she’s an extremely technical player, who excels with her passing and her ability to control hard-driven hits. She’s been extremely productive in both areas this season, with 555 digs (5.7 per set) and 501 passes to go with her 48 aces. She’s committed to the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Players to Watch – McKinney North
Sydney Huck – Outside Hitter – Club: Dallas Arsenal – 2022
A powerful, six-foot outside hitter, Sydney Huck is McKinney North’s go-to scoring option. An extremely aggressive player at the net, she uses her size and power to score at will at the pin. Huck is already at 343 kills (4.6 per set) this season, 19 of which in their recent victory against Lovejoy, and boasts an impressive 45.8% kill rate. She’s very well-versed in other areas of the game as well and also leads the Lady Bulldogs in aces (48) and passes (516), besides ranking second in digs (276).
Lily Nicholson Lily Nicholson 5'10" | S McKinney North | 2023 State TX – Setter – Club: Drive Nation – 2023
If you thought Lovejoy would have a considerable advantage in this match for having arguably the state’s best setter, well, think again. Lily Nicholson Lily Nicholson 5'10" | S McKinney North | 2023 State TX is right up there with tonight’s opponent as she’s established herself as one of the best in the business. The 5’10” Nicholson has been in spectacular form this season, one in which she’s averaging jaw-dropping 11.9 assists per set, to a total of 855 so far. She’s also helping McKinney North in other areas of the game as she ranks third in the roster for both aces (31) and digs (247). Nicholson ranks 103rd in our 2023 Prep Dig State Rankings.