August 18, 2023

If you want some non-stop, action-packed volleyball, look no further than the high school scene! It’s a well-known fact that the volleyball world operates in cycles – teams go through highs and lows, programs rise and fall. But let me tell you at the NorthWest ISD Volleyball Classic this year is on a whole new level of fun! It’s like a whirlwind of talent, passion and sheer determination hitting the courts. Get ready for some mind-blowing plays, breathtaking digs and epic comebacks this weekend.  Talk about an international volleyball extravaganza in North Texas this weekend! Picture this: four Texans, fresh from their adventures at the U19 World Championships in Croatia, now back on their high school squads ready to ball out with their teammates. It was so awesome to see them all back on the high school court. From the ferocity of USC Commit Favor Anyanwu at Sachse HS, to the finesse of LMU commit Bella Ocampo at Highland Park HS, not forgetting the sheer grit of Ayden Ames at Prosper HS and the dynamic energy of Florida Commit Jaela Auguste at Grand Oaks HS. They walked back onto that court and brought an undeniable spark to their respective teams. It was an absolute blast witnessing their seamless transition from the world stage to the local brilliance of high school volleyball.  It’s the year of the freshman, in my opinion, and mark my words, they are here to make a statement. Now, don’t misunderstand me, we have some jaw-dropping talent across all grade levels, but let me tell you, these young rookies are something special. It’s so fun to be witnessing a new crop of superstars emerge and set the bar higher than ever before.  There’s nothing quite like the bond of sisterhood, especially when it comes to the volleyball court! And guess what? North Texas is brimming with incredibly talented sister duos that are taking the varsity squads by storm. Take a look at Flower Mound, where the Tredwell sisters (UTSA commit middle blocker Caroline Tredwell and setter Allison Tredwell) bring their synchronicity to create an unstoppable force. Another dynamic duo is the Davis sisters (setter/right side Suli Davis and middle blocker Onita Davis) representing Colleyville Heritage, who bring athleticism and passion to the court. And let’s not forget about the Peterson sisters (outside hitter Sydnee Peterson and setter Sophee Peterson) at Byron Nelson, showcasing their teamwork and determination with every play. This is just the beginning, as there are even more phenomenal sister duos throughout the country, ready to leave their mark on this season.  *** TEAM SPOTLIGHT Grand Oaks HS out of the Houston metro boasts an incredibly powerful lineup. With middle blocker Jayla Auguste (Florida commit), sophomore outside hitter Halle Thompson, junior outside hitter Samara Coleman (Pitt commit) and senior outside hitter Caelyn Emmerling (Texas State commit) firing away at the pins, their offensive firepower is impressive to say the least. Additionally, sophomore libero Cali Reece anchors the defense and serves as a vital component in their ball control. Their cohesion and skill make them a force to be reckoned with, and it’s going to be thrilling to watch them grow throughout the season.  *** DAY 1 SHOW STOPPERS Sydnee Peterson, JR OH, Byron Nelson- Peterson, a 4-star recruit, is a valuable six-rotation outside for her squad who takes a lot of big swings. She did well tooling and scoring consistently. Kylie Kleckner, SO OH, Byron Nelson- Kleckner, a 4-star recruit, is fearless with a hard, aggressive swing challenging blockers. She’s also really solid in the back row defensively. Vivian Parker, SR OH, Aledo- Parker, a 3-star recruit committed to Missouri, just gets the job done being steady, consistent, and powerful. She has good ball skills and uses her smarts to be a reliable scorer. Alyssa Todd, SO OH, Aledo- Todd can get up and get after it. She has a smooth swing and generates pace. Brennan Ramirez, SR L, Waxahachie- Recent Texas commit Ramirez is quick and covers ground in a hurry. She has no problem flying all over the court in pursuit of the ball. Claire Conner, SO OH, Weatherford- Conner is an undersized hitter who has no fear when attacking.  Gabi Ashcraft, SR S, Rockwall- Ashcraft, who is committed to Palm Beach Atlantic, does well guiding the attack. She has a nice release and sets a hittable ball consistently. Harley Krause, SR OH, Rockwall- Krause, a SFA commit, was bringing the heat on the attack. She was not holding back, taking aggressive swings and delivering on a regular basis. Ava Shankle, SR OH/MB, Grapevine- Shankle, a 3-star recruit committed to The Ohio State, was playing in a six-rotation right side position when I was watching. She has a massive arm and brings the heat consistently.  Mckenna Brand, SR L, Lovejoy- Brand, a 4-star recruit committed to UConn, is an intense competitor who plays all out and is steady and consistent with her passing. Skylar Jackson, SO OH, Lovejoy- Jackson, a 3-star recruit, passes well out of serve receive. She also just explodes on the attack offensively when called on.  Shelby Burriss, JR MB, Lovejoy- Burriss, a 4-star recruit, is fiery at times, especially after delivering a timely block. She also provides stability in the middle, being both a scoring threat and solid blocker. Danielle Gutierrez, JR L, El Paso Coronado- Gutierrez again shows her scrappiness on the court. She plays with good energy and has solid ball control to help anchor the defense. Alina Strickler, SR OH, El Paso Coronado- Strickler is an undersized outside hitter with no fear on the court. She swings with the best of them and plays defense with the best of them consistently.  Favor Anyanwu, SR MB/OH, Sachse- Anyanwu, a 5-star recruit committed to USC, was literally going over blocks on the pins. It was fun to see her playing outside for her squad. She brings the heat LITERALLY anywhere she swings. Kaelynn Sims, JR MB/OH, Sachse- Sims, a UNLV commit, can hit from the left, middle and right as she makes her way across the front row.   Kennedi Rogers, JR OH, Ridge Point- Rogers, a 4-star recruit, is