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Monday, September 8, 2008
District Volleyball Previews
Houston, TX
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By: Jenny Dial
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Photo(s) By: Diana Porter
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District 15-5A
Summary: Cy-Fair represented Region III at the state tourney last season, and although they lost a lot of seniors, they do return 6-foot-3 middle blocker Chiney Ogwumike, who is probably the best at the position in the Houston area. The Bobcats might not be able to win their district because of the area’s newest powerhouse, Cypress Woods. In their inaugural season, the Wildcats were just one match away from making the Region III Tournament. This year, they could run the table in Region II and put two Houston teams in San Marcos in November. Cy Woods setter Caleigh McCorquodale might be the best in the Houston area and the offense flows through her. Throw in Cristina Arenas, junior 2007 Newcomer of the Year Desiree Elliott, Candice Neill and Shannon McClean and you have a talented squad. Cypress Creek is always a contender and has hitter Hannah James and Courtney Windham leading the way. Cypress Falls is always a tough team and with five seniors including Kendall Cleveland, Kendall Courtney and Sydney Dwoskin, the Eagles will likely make it back to the postseason. Cypress Ridge will be on the bubble and could steal a playoff spot with four starters returning. The Rams didn’t win a district game last season, but coach Lyndsay Hodges says they are a much stronger team this time around.
Who makes playoffs: Cy-Woods, Cy-Fair, Cy-Falls, Cy-Creek
The Best Kept Secrets: Amber Quick, S, Cy-Ridge; Leah Whitney, DS, Cy-Woods; Kelsay Mills, Langham Creek; Kameryn Hayes, S, Cy-Fair; Daniela Arenas, Cy-Woods
District 17-5A
Summary: When it comes to Katy ISD, Cinco Ranch can never be counted out. Although the Cougars only have three returning letterwinners, they are still always the team to beat in the area. Coach Tammy Laurence does have her setter Erika Chin back and Texas A&M-bound hitter Lindsay Miller, so despite the lack of experience, the leadership is strong. The favorite in 17-5A this year is the Katy Tigers, though. Katy had a great season in 2007 with a very young team. Now the Tigers are packed with seniors, like Matte Haack, Sandra Adelayea and Savanna Buck, which make Katy a tough offensive squad. Katy Taylor will likely struggle to rebuild after losing Nicole Crenshaw and Jyoti Ruffin (Auburn). Morton Ranch has improved year after year and Seven Lakes held its own in 4A. Mayde Creek lost a lot of seniors too, but will have some big wins this season.
Who makes playoffs: Katy, Cinco Ranch, Seven Lakes, Katy Taylor
The Best Kept Secrets: Maiya Perich, OH, Katy Taylor; Kendall Pfister, OH, Cinco Ranch
District 18-5A
Summary: The district may have changed because of realignment, but it doesn’t matter. When Memorial and Stratford are in the same district, they will be the top two teams. Memorial has hitter Shawn Hindeman, who has been a starter for three seasons and is headed to Indiana to play next year. Right side hitter Kirby Monson is also back. Stratford is always good, even in rebuilding seasons like last year. Outside hitter Jennifer Jordan and Mary Ellen Luck will be the Spartans’ top players and will be stars in the Houston area as well. Elsik has made the playoffs the last two seasons and probably will again in their new district. Sarah Lindell makes the Rams a tough defensive team with her back row play. Hastings, Alief Taylor, Spring Woods and North Brook are all up in the air. That fourth playoff spot could go to anyone.
Who makes playoffs: Memorial, Stratford, Elsik, Alief Taylor
The Best Kept Secrets: Paige Johnson, OH, Memorial, Jennifer Jordan, OH, Stratford
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