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Thursday, November 1, 2007
The volleyball season is over and we’re here to wrap it all up for you.
Central Oklahoma, OK
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Here’s a quick glance at everything you need to know from the state tournament
Best Large School Team
Top-ranked Edmond Memorial regained the Class 6A state championship beating rival Edmond Santa Fe in four games to win the state title for the second time in three years. Memorial beat Santa Fe for the third time this season and lost just one game in the tournament, including avenging last year’s semifinal loss to Jenks. Memorial was ranked No. 1 the entire season and deservedly so, finishing the season 31-4.
Best Small School Team
Heritage Hall isn’t just the best small school team this year; many think the Chargers are the best team in the state. Heritage Hall backed that up by winning its third-straight Class 4A state championship this year, not losing a game in the state tournament. The Chargers finished 32-1 and won three-straight titles for the second time in team history. Their lone loss was to Class 6A state champion Edmond Memorial.
“We played our best at the right time,” Heritage Hall coach Bill Hamiter said. “We were really focused. We had a lot of players contribute offensively and that made us tough to beat.”
Best Players
Tyler Henderson, Heritage Hall
The junior dominated the 4A state tournament, being named the tournament MVP. The outside hitter scored any way she wanted, collecting numerous kills.
“She was pretty much unstoppable,” Hamiter said. “When you hit the ball as hard as she does and with her great leaping ability, that’s tough to stop.”
Baylee Belflower, Heritage Hall
The senior finished her career with three 4A state championships. She was named on the All-Tournament team this year and gave the Chargers much needed experience.
Karissa Almgren, Edmond Memorial
It was a nice ending for the 6-foot-2 senior outside hitter. She missed most of last season with a knee injury, which hurt Memorial’s title chances. But with her back, the Bulldogs dominated 6A and won another state title.
Kelsey Hancock, Edmond Memorial
The 5-9 senior outside hitter was named the MVP of the 6A tournament after leading Memorial to a state title for the second time in three years.
“She was superb,” Memorial coach Edgar Miraku said. “She came through big-time in the championship game.”
Lacy Reasons, Edmond Santa Fe
The senior outside hitter was named to the 6A All-Tournament team, along with teammate Kylie Easlon, after helping the Wolves finish runner-up for the second straight season. Reasons, who has verbally committed to North Texas, was a big part in Santa Fe finishing 32-3 on the season.
Courtney Iser, McGuinness
The senior setter was the point guard of the Fighting Irish attack. She helped McGuinness to two 5A runner-up finishes in the past two years.
“She did a great job setting players up and moving the ball around,” McGuinness coach Joe Fitz said.
Megan Hammond, Edmond North
The senior outside hitter has been a starter for the Huskies for four years and led them to the state tournament semifinals the past two seasons. She was named to the 6A All-Tournament team, along with teammate Taylor Rowton.
Three Teams That Surprised This Season
Clinton
The Red Tornadoes were in the shadows of most of the top teams in the state because they get lost way out West. But they are building a solid program and won their first state tournament game this season and advanced the 4A state tournament for the third straight time.
Carl Albert
The Titans have built a tradition-rich athletic program, but the volleyball team isn’t one of them. Maybe it will be after they made it to the 5A quarterfinals before losing to the eventual state champion Bishop Kelley. Carl Albert, which was led by Hannah Moore, was making its first trip to the state tournament in school history.
Shawnee
The Wolves advanced to their second state tournament in school history. After dropping down from 6A a year ago, Shawnee used the experience of five seniors, including Katie Holland, to make a surprising run to the state tournament. The Wolves lost in the quarterfinals.
One Story To Watch For Next Season
Who can step in and unravel the common contenders in volleyball? Class 6A is dominated by the Edmond schools while 5A and 4A are controlled by the private schools. It’s like clockwork every year. There are hardly any upsets. That could change next year. Many of the top teams will be going through a bit of a transition with the heavy graduation of some very talented players. That could give teams like Norman in 6A, Carl Albert and Shawnee in 5A and Clinton in 4A a chance to change the balance of power in volleyball – for at least one year.
Players To Watch Next Year
Caitlin Rother, Clinton
The sophomore has a strong serve that gives her team an advantage. She will play a big part in Clinton’s title hopes next season.
Tyler Henderson, Heritage Hall
The outside hitter is lethal on the edge, scoring plenty of points for the Chargers. The two-time junior Olympic All-American is the best player in the state. She is the main reason Heritage Hall will be favored to win a fourth straight 4A title.
Adrienne Totoro, Heritage Hall
The junior gives the Chargers steady play. She was primarily the middle hitter this year, but she will be moved all over the place next year. She is the team’s best setup player.
Emily Cobbs, Edmond North
Cobbs will be the leader of the Huskies after losing several players to graduation. She will be an even bigger part of North’s attempts to overtake rivals Memorial and Santa Fe. She is the point guard of the team as their setter.
Morgan Roy, Bishop McGuinness
The outside hitter will be one of two seniors on the team next year and a leader. She provides offensive power on the outside and a steady influence for a team that will be in the mix next year.
Sarah Horn, Edmond Memorial
The middle hitter will be a senior and a leader on a young team next year. She has started since she was a freshman and has been a part of two state title teams.
Constance Ezugha, Edmond Santa Fe
Ezugha is one of the best athletes in the state. She stars on the volleyball and track teams. She helps the volleyball team with her strong hitting as the outside hitter. She will help the Wolves, along with four key returning players, attempt to win the 6A state title.
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