High school volleyball: Region 14 teams not to be overlooked
Last year, the league managed to grab fifth, seventh and eighth place in the 2A state tournament, and they're definitely hoping to enhance that finish this season.
Perhaps the team with the most hope for a little improvement according to Region 14 foes is North Summit. Though they lost four starters from last year's team, they are returning talent and experience, mostly in the form of Janessa Williams, whom North Summit coach Samantha Stephens calls one of the best setters in 2A.
"I'm hoping our seniors will lead us where we want to go," Stephens said of her pair of seniors in Williams and outside hitter Sofia Stephens. "Stephens is a great hitter and all-around passer. And she hates to lose."
Stephens added that she will also be counting heavily on five juniors, whom she said were playing well at early tournaments.
South Summit has also garnered some early-season attention, mostly because of the return of middle blocker Amberlee Page, who was named first-team all-state last season and is a huge part of the Wildcats' offense.
Outside hitter Emily Kueser will also be counted on heavily, in spite of the fact that she is only a sophomore. She has some experience and has played club ball.
"She's a good addition, and she has a lot of potential," said South Summit coach Kristen Estes, who acknowledges that her team is going to be really young.
"I am pleased with what we did at the preseason tourney. We have high expectations as usual, and these girls are stepping up in practice and working really hard," she added.
But they will be led by a pair of young sophomore setters in Teresa Chamberlain and Paige Peterson. Juniors Marci Jones and Megan Peterson will also get plenty of playing time.
Layton Christian also lost a truckload of players off of last year's squad to graduation, transfers and such, all adding up to eight girls gone from last year's team. But they will be returning a pair of players with talent and experience.
Most notably the Eagles will count on junior Jasmine Porter, a middle blocker who's been playing varsity since her freshman year.
Recent comments
WHEN YOU ADD NOTES ON ANOTHER PAGE, WHAT SHE DO YOU BE TALKING ABOUT…
GINGER | Oct. 9, 2008 at 6:21 p.m.
Never overlook San Juan. Look at it this way just cuz one player…
Fan from afar | Sept. 7, 2008 at 1:32 p.m.
Without the #1 VB player in 2A, due to injury things may be tough…
Good Luck with that | Sept. 3, 2008 at 9:01 a.m.
