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Wednesday, September 3, 2008
2008 Volleyball Preview
Central Kansas, KS
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By: Jeremy Costello, Lindsey Oxner and Juliana Phillips, VYPE Central Kansas
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Photo(s) By: Gus Garcia
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Central Kansas Class Rankings
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Behind all-staters Sammie Shook and Joanna McFarland, Derby has a shot at its first state appearance since 2002.
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Class 6A
1. Derby Panthers (26-14)
Four-year setter Danielle Stuhlsatz has graduated, but three standout seniors return – all-state hitters Sammie Shook (5-9) and Joanna McFarland (6-2) and middle blocker Melissa Anderson (5-11). After losing to eventual state champ Washburn Rural at sub-state, Derby is looking to compete for a state title.
Coach Shelby Kraus-Estes has high expectations for junior Shelby Yardley (5-4), who takes over at setter. Derby also returns juniors libero Tori Provencio (5-7) and blocker Cozetta Smith (5-11). –JC
2. Goddard Lions (30-12)
Coming off a 2007 state tournament appearance, second-year coach David Gardner expects no less in 2008. Goddard returns several key players from its sub-state title team, including seniors setter Kayla Zoglman (5-9), Julie Dimick (5-11) and powerful hitter Lindsey Keller (6-2).
Gardner, a five-time state champ coach at Conway Springs, looks to sophomores Shelby Zoglman (5-10) and Cori O’Donohue (5-7) to preserve balance on offense and defense. –JC
3. Wichita Northwest (23-15)
Northwest has only one senior player in first-team all-city Nikki Brown (5-9), but she is one of six returning outside hitters who should contribute on offense. She will be helped by a trio of returning juniors, Olivia Wood (5-9), Kimmie Johnston (5-10) and Stephanie Mier (5-6), as Northwest loses only two key contributors from 2007.
Coach Dianne Popp, entering her eight season, has to replace two setters from last year’s team but has many options. Their play will be key to the team’s success, coming off a third-place finish in the City League (13-3). –JC
4. Wichita Heights Falcons (25-12)
Following an appearance in the sub-state final in 2007, Heights looks to make another run behind seven returning seniors.
Heights is one of the tallest teams in the area, returning Alex Case-Cohen (6-0), Charlotte Myrtle (6-0) and Sarah Bailey (5-11) as middle blockers. First-team all-city Ashlea Bengtson (5-10), Tiera Andrews (5-10) and Ashley Bailey (5-11) are strong outside hitters. Heights will have a huge advantage at the net.
With the hitting side of things taken care of, coach Gary Thomason wants to improve the team’s skills in passing and ball control. –JC
5. Maize Eagles (21-19)
Coach Teri Larson has built the area’s most consistent program at the state level since taking over at Maize in 1991. After struggling against the top teams in 2007 and losing all-state setter Lindsey Larson (82 aces, 579 assists), however, Maize must rebuild.
Four seniors and one junior return from last fall, including middle hitter and blocker Bre Bullock (6-0, 19 solo blocks, 47 assisted). Taylor Funk (5-8) and Heather Gordon (5-8) will fill in as outside hitters, and Leah Talley (5-5) steps in for Larson as primary setter. Kirsten Chamberlin (5-5) returns at libero. –LO
6. Campus Colts (14-21)
Coach Mary Askren enters her fourth season as coach, a year after a rebuilding season following Campus’ 2006 state tournament appearance (27-14 record).
Campus was short seven graduated starters last fall, looking for new players. The rebuilding should pay off this fall. Seniors Lorielle Slates (5-11), Amanda Elrod (5-8), Chelsey Kelley (5-7) and Reanna Zogelmann (5-4) lead the 2008 squad –LO
7. Wichita North Redskins (19-18)
After finishing middle of the pack last season, coach Andrea Scheideman wants to get back to the basics of passing and ball control to have a breakthrough year at North.
With the loss of all-city hitter Sadie Clark to transfer, North will find energy from team leader Alyssa Underwood (5-11). She and fellow senior Ashley Zehr (5-10) will be consistent offensive threats at the net. Sophomore setter Nicole Shaw (5-8) maintains great chemistry with all the hitters. –JC
8. Wichita East Aces (9-27)
Second-year coach Randi McClellan looks to translate her team’s first year together into a winning program.
East certainly does not lack height, as they try to become a contender. Lexie Baldwin (6-0) and Christina Caw (5-9) will provide consistent offense as outside hitters, and junior Natalie Meyer (5-8) will hold down the middle. Junior setter Brittany Walker (5-7) generals the team. –JC
9. Wichita Southeast Buffaloes (13-26)
First-year coach Lori Zuber has a lot of positions to fill after losing several starters from last year’s team. Zuber brings discipline and focus to a team that she says didn’t have much of either last season.
Junior Delores Barbir (5-4) is a back-row specialist and one the team’s better servers. Sophomore Desirea Holmes (5-5) has a strong work ethic, and sophomore Erica Albers (5-7) brings versatility to a team lacking depth. –JC
10. Wichita South Titans (5-19)
South High returns only three players from the 2007 team, seniors libero Dedria Anthony (5-3) and Alex Malony (5-8) and sophomore Rachel McKee (5-8). Anthony is extremely quick with her reactions on the back line.
Coach Erik Hopper will rely on several young players to step in and learn quickly. Freshmen Ashley Gramke (5-6) will play in the middle, and Sarah Loesing (5-7) will be an outside hitter. –JC
Class 5A
1. Valley Center Hornets (22-17)
Bryan Otte, winner of five state titles at Moundridge, takes his sparkling coaching record to Valley Center, which is coming an appearance in the state tournament. He will implement a very aggressive style of play and encourage his players to hit hard and hit often.
Brianna Kaiser (6-0) is the team’s top returning senior, being named to the state all-tournament team last year. Hitter and blocker Cassy Mayber (6-0) will be a force on the frontlines, and Katie Naccarato (5-7) and Jordan Mullen (5-7) will share time at setter. –JC
2. Kapaun Crusaders (24-14)
Kapaun coach Terri Hessman looks to get the team back to state after a stunning loss at 2007 sub-state to Emporia. It will be a challenge. Kapaun lacks size and depth, as Hessman will move players to new positions.
Leah Grant (5-9) is a well-rounded player and will be the team’s primary setter. Meredith Tatum (5-4) will help at that position. Junior Chelsea Helena (5-9) has improved her strength as a hitter and junior Jessica Shea (5-4) is a consistent defensive specialist. –JC
3. Bishop Carroll Golden Eagles (25-11)
Bishop Carroll will start the season without star junior Sarah Waterson (6-0), who is out with an injury. Coach Rita Mernagh will rely on her seniors to pick up the slack, including outside hitters Kendra Crippen (5-7) and Kylee Stuever (5-7). Carroll missed state last season, losing to Valley Center at sub-state.
The team is not tall, but can play solid defense. Junior Emmie Rech (5-2) is the team’s setter, and junior Nicole Walden (5-9) is a good middle hitter and defender. Though lacking experience, the team has depth and expects to compete for the City League title once again. –JC
4. Hutchinson Salthawks (13-21)
With a core group of returning seniors, Hutchinson coach Leann Gleason expects Hutch to compete for the league title after finishing tied for second last season.
Seniors Emily Galliart (5-7), Emile Blakesley (5-7) and Whitney Miller (5-6) will be the consistent impact players and leaders of the team. Kinsley Hilst (5-10) and Sarah Divine (5-6) will get extensive playing time as well. Hutch does not have a lot of height, and will have to play solid defense. –JC
5. Newton Railroaders (42-3)
Following a third-place finish at state and four consecutive state appearances, Newton loses seven seniors, including the state’s best player, Camri Zwiesler. Third-year coach Jamie Kessler is still confident that the team will be prepared for a return trip.
Kessler is counting on senior Katelyn Alexander (5-11) to step in and be a vocal leader, drawing help from fellow senior hitter Krista Saylor (5-9). Senior Casey Carr (5-6) will be a key as a setter, and junior hitter Casie Ronen (5-9) will add depth. –JC
6. McPherson (23-16)
All-league star, Kelsie Sorenson, will miss the season due to injury, but coach Christy Doile has made several adjustments.
Senior Ashley Janda (5-9) is a versatile hitter, and senior Devon Parks (5-8) will start on the outside for the first time. Seniors Haley LeBlanc (5-5) will start as libero, and Kaci Norman (5-4) will be the team’s starting setter. –JC
7. Salina South (20-18)
8. Salina Central Mustangs (14-22)
First-year coach Traci Pfeifer looks to provide stability for Salina Central, a team that has had several coaches in the last few years. Pfeifer is familiar with a lot of this year’s players after previously working with them and has higher expectations than the sub-.500 season the team had last year.
Meg Schwartz (5-7) is a good utility player. Reagan Owen (5-6) will remain the team’s top setter. Arien Cox (5-8) will make a transition from middle to outside hitter. Sarah Vanier (5-8) will give stability to the middle. Julie Allie Myers (5-5) is a solid outside hitter for her size. –JC
9. Arkansas City Bulldogs (5-27)
Coach Ronda Hollis will take her team through a rebuilding phase, emphasizing the fundamentals of passing and being constantly competitive.
Junior setter Taylor Hatfield (5-6) will guide the offense. Juniors Ashley Carter (5-7) and Kelcey Stewart (5-8) have shown potential as consistent hitters and blockers. Taylor Hatfield (5-6) will take the libero duties. –JC
10. Winfield Vikings (2-31)
Coach Julie Konrade will look to her sophomores to lead the way. Hayli Jo Smith (5-11) has a big vertical jump and Aly Hutto (5-9) will run the offense as setter.
Junior Dacarra Peppers (5-9) has worked on her speed and defense and will be a team leader. Konrade wants to see all-around improvement in the serve-receive game. –JC
11. Wichita West Pioneers (0-37)
West coach Kara Brockmeier is confident the team will end last season’s winless streak. Seniors Kandece Money (5-9), Jordan Calcote (5-7) and Amanda Sanders (5-8) are three of a dozen returning upperclassmen this season. Akela Bayouth (5-5) and Jaliesa Turner (5-8) are also returning seniors.
Brockmeier has been working with the team to improve its vertical jumping ability and athleticism to increase their presence at the net. –JC
Class 4A
1. Andover Trojans (33-10)
Andover will once again have expectations to compete for a state championship under coach Sue Coffman. Seven starting players are returning, including Sabra Clark (5-8), who made the state all-tournament team as a setter last fall.
Senior hitters Haley Dotson (5-9) and Rebecca Dinsmore (5-9) will anchor a potent offense. Seven players overall enter their third season together, including juniors Abby Hamblin (5-6) and Kylie Cooper (6-0). –JC
2. Clearwater Indians (34-9)
Coach Ernest Beachey is ready for 2008, after Clearwater built a 34-9 record last fall and earned a state tournament berth.
Beachey looks to incoming junior Karsen Wohler (5-6) to replace all-state Abbee Widler (906 assists) at setter. Returning seniors Melanie Brockleman (5-6) and Ashton Watt (5-6) will take the outside hitting positions. Other returning seniors are Kaitlin Stearns (5-6), first in the state last fall with 571 digs, Amanda Newlin (5-11) and Alexandra Friday (5-6). Sophomore middle hitter Tricia Vogel (5-7) also returns. –LO
3. Cheney Cardinals (31-6)
Cheney’s disappointing loss to Clearwater in the sub-state final last fall cut short a 31-6 season which had high hopes. Coach Stacy DeVore expects the team to compete for a league title and improve on last year’s finish.
DeVore is instituting a new set which will require better floor defense. Cheney’s young players – there are no seniors on the team – have the versatility to adjust. Junior outside hitter and setter Courtney Traxson (6-0) joins power hitters junior Hailey Twietmeyer (5-8) and sophomore Merissa Quick (6-2).
4. Circle Thunderbirds (36-5)
Entering her 20th season as coach, Shelly Nibarger looks to last year’s junior varsity to replace a highly talented senior class of eight.
Sophomores Kyrstie Ehm (5-10) and Hanna Fleming (5-10) provide height to a group returning only two varsity players.
After competing in the sub-state championship match 16 of the past 17 years, Nibarger hopes her newcomers take the team back to state after being ousted by rival Andover in an upset last fall. –LO
5. Rose Hill Rockets (26-11)
After losing to Clearwater last fall in the sub-state semifinals, coach Leah Rempel is ready to compete at the state level.
Four key players return, including Keyona Burden (5-5), Courtney Louia (5-6), Randi Lucas (5-10) and Jordan Rehm (5-9). Defense will be the strength of a young though quick and athletic team. Lone senior Joellia Thomas (5-9) will set the tone at setter –LO, JC
6. El Dorado Wildcats (13-23)
First-year coach Jane Squires has high hopes that the team will be balanced and competitive. Brittany Brown (6-4), signed with North Texas, is one of the state’s top hitters.
Sophomore Rachael West (5-9) can play middle and outside hitter. Jessica Currier (5-5) is the team’s defensive specialist. Junior Ashley Leckliter (5-4) and Kate Green (5-6) will give the team depth and versatility, and Keelye Jones (5-6) is a strong outside hitter. –JC
7. Andover Central Jaguars (28-12)
With several key players returning from a young team which was 28-12 a year ago, coach Kelly Cook expects the team to fare better against top competition in 2008.
With the departure of Bailey Gee, the team lacks size, but Julianne Baier (5-7) will lead as the lone senior. Juniors Tiffany Bias (5-6), Christiana Chastain (5-8) and Kelsey Banwart (5-6) will anchor the front line. Several freshmen should see significant playing time. –JC
8. Haven (21-15)
After losing in the second round of sub-state to Circle, Haven returns under the guidance of third-year coach Audrey Pore.
After losing four players, middle hitter Rebecca Achilles (5-10) and outside hitters Emily Ostlund (5-8) and Morgan Skomal (5-9) return. Skomal returns after sitting out the last season due to a knee injury. Rightside hitter Megan Troyer (5-6), setter and defense specialist Tessa Reynolds (5-2), and libero Alyssa Towell (5-4) also return. –TW
9. Nickerson (20-15)
Four seniors enter their third season together. Setter Sarah Denny (5-9) can run a 5-1 offense if needed, and Chelsea Childs (5-11) has a high vertical jump in the middle. Rachel Wilbanks (5-6) can play both libero and outside hitter. Aroelle Borecky (5-9) is a solid left-side hitter.
Coach Karna Morris will rely on seniors, as sophomore Brandy Mader, who led the team is several categories last fall, is one of the only other players with extensive experience. –JC
10. Hesston (24-11)
Fourth-year coach Jason Peters looks for new players to fill the spots left open by seven graduated seniors.
Sophomore outside hitter Dominique Chew (5-9) was first-team all-league as a freshman, and seniors hitter Kelcie Frey (5-9) and setter Erin King (5-6) also return.
After making it to the sub-state semifinals last season, Peters hopes to return the program to the heights of the 1990s, when Hesston was state runner-up three times. –LO
11. Andale Indians (18-19)
First-year head coach Carey Jones will try out players at different positions, as the team works on teamwork and communication.
The team is anchored by six seniors, including Lindsey (5-8) and Cortney Engel, as well as Adrienne Fox and Baylei Hall. Seniors Staci Brand and Jessica Reichenberger also provide experience and depth to a balanced team. –JC
12. Trinity Academy (17-22)
Trinity is coming off its best season ever after winning two matches at 3A sub-state last season. Senior Megan Holick (5-9), an all-league hitter, anchors the offense for coach Marie Goscha.
Senior setter Bethany Fields (429 digs) is the team’s top defensive player, and, despite being young, freshmen Morgan Goscha (5-8) and Lauren Kater (5-10) will have big impacts. This core group is why this could be one of the best passing teams in the area. –JC
13. Buhler Crusaders (11-22)
Coach Lori Zachary has a mix of both young and experienced players who must compensate for the loss of a strong senior class.
Standout triple jumper and basketball player Tanya Friesen (5-8) will lead with her athleticism and competitiveness. Seniors Hillary Keller (5-6), Calley Evenson (5-8) and Tynan Honn (5-10) will bring along the young players, and sophomore Stephanie Patterson (5-4) and junior Whittney Wise (5-8) give the team depth. –JC
14. Augusta Orioles (10-23)
Entering his 10th season as coach, Brian Hallmark says his traditionally strong program will struggle if they cannot figure out how to finish off opponents.
Two key returners will lead – outside hitters Alexa Poore (5-8) and Nellie Gillies (5-9). Several spots are open, including the central positions of setter and middle hitter. –LO
15. Wellington Crusaders (7-27)
Coming off a disappointing 7-27 season, fourth-year coach Deb Beougher says solid and consistent defense will determine Wellington’s level of improvement.
Beougher will rely on senior Hannah Shuck (5-8) and junior Cassie Wiley (5-10). Brooke Biles (5-5) and Carlee Rusk (5-4) both are reliable setters. Jenessa Ternes (5-5) will see time as the team’s libero. –JC
16. Kingman (11-22)
Only two seniors return, as coach Seth Roe will rely on younger players to solidify the outside hitting positions.
Senior Anna Govert (5-10) returns in the middle, and Kailyn Mertens (5-5) will contribute as a setter and hitter. Jess Miller (5-8) is a powerful left-handed hitter who will help the frontline on offense. –JC
17. Mulvane (5-32)
Class 3A
1. Trinity Catholic Celtics (33-7)
Entering her 17th season as coach at Trinity, Jan Frieb led the Celtics to a record of 33-7 and a fourth-place finish at state last fall.
Five players return from 2007, including setter Emme Russell (5-6, 736 assists). Hitters Stephanie Zrubek (5-10), Bryndi Thompson (5-10) and Kelley Holden (5-6) will hold up the front row, and Lexie Spitler (5-6) returns as server and defensive specialist. –LO
2. Conway Springs (25-15)
Second-year coach Tonia Lange hopes to take advantage of the team’s depth after a season which lacked consistent play.
Conway Springs has a small, though solid group of seniors with varsity experience. Seniors Caroline Winter (5-8), Lauren Doffin (5-8), Angela Walker (5-8) and Kara Gerber (5-9) should step in as leaders and provide stability on offense and defense. Juniors Kim Holt (5-7) and Halsey Porter (5-7) provide the team’s depth. –JC
3. Garden Plain (29-11)
After finishing as sub-state runner-up in 2007, six seniors return, including versatile leader Rachael Stuhlsatz (5-3), softball pitching sensation Karley Schmelzer (5-6) and quick hitter Renae Renyar (5-6).
Twelve juniors give first-year coach Gina Clark a wealth of depth and experience, as they look to return to state. –JC
4. Wichita Collegiate Spartans (9-22)
Donnie Wallace enters his first season as coach at Collegiate after a year as the assistant.
Wallace could begin his head coaching career with a bang, as the entire team from 2007 returns. Junior transfer Sadie Clark (5-11), all-city at North High last fall, joins juniors Morgan Feist (5-5), Mariah Green (5-4) and Carley Nelson (5-7) and sophomore basketball standout Ashia Woods (5-10). –LO
5. Independent Panthers (24-13)
Coach Jamie Fowler looks for Independent to compete for a league title after a strong showing at sub-state last season. Holly Litchet (5-5) and Annya Robinson (5-8) will split time at setter.
Senior Renny Metz (5-4) is one of the team’s best passers and will play libero. Senior Beatrice Black (5-8) is the team’s most consistent offensive player. –JC
6. Remington Broncos (31-12)
Coming off a third-place finish at state, coach Jodi Janzen must replace four seniors, including the team’s setter.
Two key returns are outside hitter, senior Margo Regier (5-6), and middle hitter, junior Katie Regier (5-8). The Regiers’ leadership and Janzen’s seven seasons at Remington should ensure a strong foundation by season’s end and into 2009. –LO
7. Sedgwick (17-14)
8. Belle Plaine Dragons (13-18)
Three key returns for coach Roxann Siegrist are senior Rhonda Siegrist (5-9), team leader in blocks, assists and aces, and juniors Sierra Dopfel and Aubrey Shivers, who led the team in kills.
Last fall, only three girls on the team had previous varsity experience. Siegrist hopes veteran play will pay off in 2008. –LO
9. Chaparral (11-24)
10. Halstead (9-24)
Halstead coach Deb Phillips’ bench will be much deeper this season, despite losing two standout seniors.
Go-to-girl junior Rachel Phillips (5-7) returns as setter with four types of jump serves. Also returning are senior Murphy Kaufman (5-8) and Rebecca Denny (6-1), offering fierce serves and blocking.
Phillips also looks to junior setter Kirsten Sooter (5-7) and freshman Aubrie VanSteenburg (5-11), who offers height as a middle hitter. –Juliana Phillips
11. Douglass (11-22)
12. Bluestem (5-26)
See the September 2008 issue of VYPE Central Kansas to see any missing previews.
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A collection of this month's best action photos.
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