Skyline Classic #12 – The All-Tournament Team
The tail end of the club volleyball season represents an interesting scouting opportunity for us at Prep Dig. While most of the top teams and prospects avoid competing every week and set their eyes on the big prize – the…
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Continue ReadingThe tail end of the club volleyball season represents an interesting scouting opportunity for us at Prep Dig. While most of the top teams and prospects avoid competing every week and set their eyes on the big prize – the National Championship -, the others are still out there, trying to make the most of every opportunity they have to be on the court.
The few tournaments that are still taking place bring a unique opportunity for us to watch players we otherwise wouldn’t if the big dogs were still around and do our best to make the most out of it and give the emerging talents the exposure they deserve.
This past weekend I was at the Skyline Classic #12, a nine-team tournament reuniting 16s teams from the Houston area at the popular Houston Skyline Juniors club. I’ve been sharing my findings during the week and after concluding the positional breakdowns, it’s time to present my All-Tournament Team selections.
Alyssa Gatlin – Setter – Allegiance 16 Royal – HS: Providence Classical – 2023
Alyssa Gatlin’s physical tools and versatility made of her the most intriguing setter in my opinion. The 5’9” Allegiance 16 Royal prospect left nothing to be desired in her playmaker role and still managed to help the team in other ways with her athleticism. Gatlin became a hitter when at the net and even filled in as a middle blocker, also showing the ability to make her presence felt with her blocking too.
Abbie Bazinet – Right Side – Catalyst 16 Emerald – HS: Clements – 2024
Although she’s still a project and her game needs to develop in certain areas, Abbie Bazinet stood out as the most interesting right side hitter in the event. Her offense is still coming together, but Bazinet did a very good job in dominating the net with her 5’11” frame and long arms. Her blocking presence is excellent and she also showed good reading and reactions to score easy points at the net.
Madison Borgstedte – Outside Hitter – Asics Willowbrook 16 White – 2024
Long, athletic and very skilled, Madison Borgstedte stood out as a two-way player with her Asics Willowbrook 16 White team. She was a force at the pin offensively, using her technique and firepower to score points in a variety of ways. She was also very solid with passing and defense and has all the tools to develop into a very productive player.
Avery Ameen – Outside Hitter – Catalyst 16 Green – HS: George Ranch – 2024
With Avery Ameen, it was more about her production at the net. Despite standing at 5’8”, the Catalyst 16 Green outside hitter was hugely efficient at the net when hitting. She jumps well, can swing hard and is very good at finding gaps and empty spots on the court. Ameen is also a prolific blocker, reading opponents well and placing her hands where they need to be.
Brenna Casler – Middle Blocker – Catalyst 16 Emerald – HS: Fort Bend Kempner – 2024
Brenna Casler’s length made of her an imposing figure at the net for Catalyst 16 Emerald. It seemed like she was everywhere with her good mobility and long arms and opposing hitters had a hard time going against her. Very active, Casler is also a reliable and productive offensive player, having displayed good chemistry with her setter.
Atianna Davila – Middle Blocker – TAV Houston 15 Blue – 2025
Atianna Davila was one of a few TAV Houston 15 Blue players who impressed while playing against older opponents. Her game is obviously not a finished product yet, but Davila showed interesting skills, starting with her physical tools, most notably her length and mobility which made of her a good blocker. Offensively, she relies on her excellent reach to overcome blockers and score.
Anna Leland – Libero – TAV Houston 15 Blue – HS: College Park – 2025
Anna Leland’s passing ability was among the best in the entire event. The TAV Houston 15 Blue libero impressed with her ability to repeatedly deliver the ball accurately to her setter and was clearly a key piece in the team’s offensive system. Leland is very quick and technical and thrives for her ball control in any situation.