WSC Classic #9 – The Middle Blockers
The 2022 club season is starting to wind down in the state of Texas as most teams will see limited playing time in the next weeks as they finalize their preparations for next month’s 2022 USAV Girls Junior National Championship…
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Continue ReadingThe 2022 club season is starting to wind down in the state of Texas as most teams will see limited playing time in the next weeks as they finalize their preparations for next month’s 2022 USAV Girls Junior National Championship in Indianapolis.
A lot has been shown over the last six months as familiar names confirmed our positive impressions about them and new names were added to our rankings and watchlists in every corner of the Lone Star State.
Some tournaments are still going on, though, and we, at Prep Dig, are determined to not waste any opportunity of spotting a new prospect and giving visibility to those who stand out and deserve our recognition.
This past weekend I was at the WSC Classic #9, which was held at the popular Willowbrook Sports Complex in the Houston area, and reunited 12 teams in its hybrid 17s/18s division. We’ve identified some names that deserve to be in the spotlight and will use this week to do it. In today’s piece, you’ll know some of the most impressive middle blockers that were in action.
Sofia Grimm – TX Legacy 17 Elite – HS: Cypress Creek – 2023
A tall and athletic middle blocker with an excellent presence at the net, Sofia Grimm was a factor for her TX Legacy 17 Elite team. She’s an elite blocker as she has really quick feet and moves well at the net, while also using her 6’2” frame and long arms to put pressure on the hitters across the net. Grimm is also very solid on offense and is really difficult to deal with when she hits her preferred slide set behind the setter’s back.
Rachel Nordt – Catalyst 17 Green – HS: Fulshear – 2023
A six-footer with an excellent all-around game, Rachel Nordt was a foundational piece in her Catalyst 17 Green. She was placed in the middle, where her length gets to impact the game the most, and proved to be an excellent fit there with her tall blocking and reliable offense. A Hardin-Simmons commit, she went above and beyond what a player in her position typically offers as she remained on the court for the backcourt rotations and offered solid contributions with her passing and defense. Nordt is very calm and confident and makes very few mistakes during matches.
Shaela Mosby – Allegiance 18 Royal – HS: Nimitz – 2022
Shaela Mosby stands at 5’11” but her long arms and tremendous leaping ability make her play way taller than that. She has a lot of firepower in her right arm and excellent reach on offense. Mosby is very active at the net and will smash any ball that gets up in range straight down. She’s also a very solid blocker and wins most of the 50/50 plays she gets involved in.
Grace Ellis – TX Legacy 16 Elite – HS: Lake Creek – 2024
Grace Ellis’ mobility and length are probably her main assets as a player. A six-footer, she moves really well because of her quick feet and lean body and that adds an excellent level of dynamism to her game. Ellis uses her long arms really well when blocking and is a reliable hitter, who uses her reach and arm speed to be a valuable offensive piece for her TX Legacy 16 Elite team.
Lydia Karli – Texas Synergy 171 National – HS: Sterling Classical – 2023
Lydia Karli was one of the most effective players in her Texas Synergy 171 National team at the net. She has a good size and very good mobility. Karli has excellent timing with her block and always poses a threat to hitters trying to go around her. She’s well-versed on defense too and has stood out at the net with her good reach on offense.
Kaylee Cannatella – TX Hurricanes 17 CAT 5 – HS: Clear Lake – 2024
TX Hurricane 17 CAT 5 played a very unique system with several players taking up setting duties and Kaylee Cannatella, originally a middle blocker, was one of them. The 5’9” Cannatella is very well-rounded and could play anywhere for the team – she also spent time hitting from the left and the right. Cannatella jumps well and gets to impact the game at the net with her physical and technical tools.