Girls volleyball preview - East Valley-Northeast Valley schools

August 26, 2019 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365


Xavier Prep's Bri McKnight returns to help the Gators take a shot at a third consecutive 6A volleyball championship. (MaxPreps photo by Mark Jones)

Volleyball season arrives late this season due to the quirk of the calender so teams will be champing at the bit to get started. Schools began official practice/tryouts on Aug. 12. First matches are Tuesday Sept. 3. 

The usual powers will be in the hunt for a title. Based on returning firepower, arguably Hamilton and Corona del Sol appear to be 6A front runners. Plenty of seasoned talent and good depth. Basha was pesky last year and also has a stable of solid returners. Xavier lost some key pieces, but always must be talked about. The Gators have won four titles, been runner-up twice and reached the semifinals the other three seasons in this decade.

The strongest teams in 5A reside on the west side with the likes of defending champ Millennium, which graduated a bunch and runner-up Sunnyslope. Horizon and Campo Verde made the most noise locally last year reaching the state semis. Campo graduated the bulk of its talented starters and Horizon returns greener, but is a traditional threat

In 4A defending champ Greenway has the pieces to repeat. Salpointe will regroup and be a factors. Marcos de Niza (semis last year), Seton Catholic, Mesquite, Arcadia and Saguaro were playoff teams last year with Marcos and Seton going deep. Those Desert Sky Region teams should be strong collectively and represent come postseason. 

3A was ruled in a big way last year by Northwest Christian, which didn't lose a set in breezing to the state title. The Crusaders will be tough again. Best bets to challenge from the eastside are last year's runnerup Arizona College Prep and Valley Christian.

The 2A landscape also has a returning power in Scottsdale Christian. The Eagles lost some talent to graduation, but remain loaded for a chance to win again.

Local invitationals emerge the weekend of Sept. 6-7 with the annual House of Payne hosted by Chandler and the following week Westwood's Tournament of Champions (Sept. 13-14). Nike TOC pops up the first weekend of October.

Here's a look at East Valley and Northeast Valley schools who responded to preseason questionnaires:

6A

Basha - The Bears are as gritty as any program anywhere and always manage to hold their own competing in the Premier Region and with other top conference schools. Coach Terry Spann has five players returning who started last year - Sr. OH Samantha Drewry (399 kills), Sr. S Aspen Aldous (57 aces, 1,102 assists), Sr. MB Lizzie Hall, Sr. MB Lindsey Otero and Jr. L Haley Carrington. Basha also has three transfers -- Sr. OH Jaelyn Hodge (Queen Creek) and Taylor Williams (Desert Vista), who will be eligible at midseason. Jr. MB Marissa Roberts transferred in from California and will be eligible immediately. Spann believes Basha will be strong from, the get-go with its experience and likely get better once transfers are eligible.

Chandler - This is the Wolves' second year under coach Robby Robson, who manages to pilot the girls and boys programs at the school. Robson tasted a boys title last May and is trying to take the girls side a step at at time. Chandler returns a few starters from last year's team that reached the play-in round. They are Jr. S Taylor Aguano (70 aces), Jr. MB Monet Whittier, and Pin Hitter Isa Glass (163 kills). The Wolves will miss Jr. OH Kailey Ray (310 kills), who is rehabbing a knee injury. Making some starts last year and having a bigger role this year are Sr. L Nikole Lunsford, Jr. PH Makenna Carrillo and So. MB Lauren Grunewald. A couple transfers will emerge the second half of the season. Robson believes the Wolves have improved positional depth and perhaps a balacned offensive attack. Looking to step up more this season.

Corona del Sol - The Aztecs are in the midst of quite a streak with title-match appearances three consecutive seasons (title in 2016 and runners-up in 2017 and 2018). The lineup is hefty again with plenty of experience. Corona lost two starters to graduation, but have very familar names on hand. Leading the way in the returners are seniors OH Mady Noble (361 kills), OH Nicole Newlin (343 kills), MB Sadie McRae (78 blocks), S Ashley Hayden and Sr. L Becca Morse (946 digs). So. Anita Babic is another setter as Corona operated some in a 6-2. So. MB Natalie Meyer got varsity time last year and a pair of transfers - Jr. OPP Anna Jackson (Mtn. Pointe) and So. OH-OPP Sydney Meyer (Desert Vista) will add punch to the attack. Coach Ben Maxfield says the Aztecs will be a more powerful hitting team. Passing well and keeping the ball in system will make the Aztecs hard to defend at the net with the aforementioned power.

Desert Vista - The Thunder bring a team to the court with size and athletic ability as they try to bounce back into contender status. Coach Molly West has a batch of returning starters that includes four seniors and three sophomores - seniors are OH Brooke Blutreich (359 kills), MB Jen Soto (282 kills, 97 blocks), MB Kamilah Anderson (97 blocks) and S Amara Horton. The sophs are L Kate Morin, OH Kylie Moran and OPP Logan Butreich. Desert Vista finished fifth in the Central Region, but managed a No. 13 seed. Won a play-in game and then lost in the first round of state to eventual runner-up Corona del Sol.

Dobson - The Mustangs are eager to make a push at qualifying for postseason. They have six seniors who were starters last year - OH Emma Boyle (137 kills), OH Isabella Descalzo, L Bailee Brusnahan, OH Emily Smith, MB Bailey Kemper (178 kills) and MB Daisy Schoose. Coach William Robinson thinks the experience is enough to "get the job done night in and night out."  The addition of some sophomores who have shown they can compete at a high level is a plus. The lack of height along the front row could be a stumbling block. Dobson must climb several spots in the power rankings to gain a play-in spot. 

Hamilton - The Huskies are always in the title mix. That won't change. They've been ranked in the top six or better in the power rankings every year this decade. It doesn't seem like it's been since 2014 they were last in a title match. This year bodes really well for a team stacked with a veteran, starting presence and plenty of depth. Coach Sharon Vanis has seven players back who started - seniors OH Bailey Williams, S Reilly Babcock, L Bella Zapata (501 digs) and MB India Rhodes. The others are Jr. S Diana Ethridge and sophomores OH Jordan Middleton (275 kills, 132 blocks) and RS Micah Gryniewicz. Three more sophomores are set to contribute -- MB Halli Hooks, S-DS Tatum Thomas and OH Addison Harris. Also joining the fray at midseason is transfer MB Jahara Campbell (Mtn. Pointe). Vanis is buckled up for season with the usual rugged schedule and anxious to see how chemistry develops with younger and senior players. Hamilton is seeking the program's first ever championship.

Highland - The outlook for the Hawks is lofty with a larger crew of returning starters for coach Jordan Neal. Starters returning are  Sr. L Abby Peterson (480 digs), Jr. OH Samia Bhakta (215 kills), who is moving from MB to OH, Jr. OH Kennedy Williams (214 kills), Jr. S-OPP Natalie Palmer and Sr. MB  Anna Toolson and Sr. S Alayna Roberts.The defense is outstanding led by Peterson and offensively Bhakta is poised for a breakout year. Hawks are small, but skilled and experienced.

Mesa High - The Jackrabbits have won back-to-back East Valley Region titles and shared a third over the past three seasons. That spot could be challenged this season. Top returners for Mesa are senior setter Kate Hatch (974 assists, 204 kills, 79 aces) and her ability to distribute to a variety of hitters. Twin senior middles Brooklin and Bridgit Carter (124 blocks) are back for a second varsity season. Sr. Roma McEvoy (391 digs) is a returning libero. Sophomore Quincy Cummard, junior Ashtyn Michaels and freshman Jazlyn Jackson will be asked to fill the void of graduated standout Annie Hatch.

Mountain Pointe - New coach Andrew Yamashiro has a handful of starters back - Sr. MB Lexi Golleher (102 kills), Jr. OH-L Bria Samilton (530 digs), Sr. MB Kahrizma LeBard Kyles and Sr. OPP-MB Desiray Armstrong (149 blocks). Yamashiro said the Pride lost a few players to transfer and will be led by their defense. They are young on the pins. 

Perry -  The Pumas attempt to regroup again after losing in five sets in the state semifinals each of the last two seasons. Coach Fred Mann's squad lost 10 seniors to graduation. Perry returns three starters - senior outside hitters Tatum Stall (278 kills, 287 digs) and Sian Richardson (264 kills), who were 1-2 in kills in 2018. Also back after a half season starting after transfer is junior setter Jenna Heller. The newcomers from varsity or JV wars who could find a niche include pin players Ella Rud and Alyssa Montoya and middle Sydney Badhorn. As usual advancing through the brutally tough Premier Region is never a cakewalk.

Pinnacle - Four starters return for the Pioneers and coach Kate Paine. They are two-year starter Jr. S and captain Brooke Cowie (1,053 assists), a Fresno State commit, three-year Sr. L Sami Scott (305 digs),  junior middle Madison Lounds and Jr. OH Olivia Rattler (226 kills). Returners who could step in as starters are Sr. MB Leigh Morton and Sr. RS Grace Nader. Pinnacle will rely on athleticism, fast tempo and grit and perseverance for every point. Its top three top offensive players graduated. 

Queen Creek - The Bulldogs moved up to 6A and finished third in the Central Region behind Corona and Mountain Pointe. They reached the quarters at state and just missed an automatic berth to state (No. 9 seed). Coach Erica Crismon has two returning starters - Jr. S Jaden Drollinger and Sr. MB Savannah Bloom (63 blocks) is the returning leader in kills (100). Queen Creek lost its top attacker to transfer, but picked up two via the same route. Others that saw time last year with expanded roles in 2019 are Jr. OPP Jada Wilson, Jr. MB Klair Bloom and Sr. L Summer Hiser. Queen Creek has lots of new blood and big block in Wilson and Savanna Bloom. Postseason is an expectation again.

Red Mountain - The Mountain Lions are hoping to make strides, which would start with a postseason berth that's eluded them in recent years. Coach Kristy Simmons sees improvement offensively and defensively hoping it translates into the above. Returning starters are Sr. S Lindsey Thraen, Sr.  MB Peyton Hathaway Jr. MB Claire Luz-Hoxsie and Jr. RS Kadin Susco. Red Mountain tied for fourth in the East Valley Region last year and missed play-in qualifying by two spots.

Skyline - The Coyotes couldn't edge out Mesa for the EVR title the last two years, but hope this is the year to fix that and go beyond. Coach Vee Hiapo welcomes back plenty of experience - Sr. S Gabby Green (978 assists, 72 blocks), So. MB Demya Tate (166 kills, 122 blocks), Sr. and versatile Emma Lopez, Sr. libero Tiana Perry, Sr. MB Sarah Funk, So. MB Rebekah O'Day, Sr. S Shelbie Rash. Transfer OH-MB Jasmyn Tate, who sat out last season, is being counted on for a huge year with lofty credentials. 

Xavier Prep - There is work to do for the Gators to snare a third straight 6A championship. One doesn't have to worry they will take up the challenge. Coach Lamar-Renee Bryant  has firepower back from  last year in Sr. MB Jasmine Knight (255 kills, 138 blocks) and Sr. OH Bri McNight (318 kills). They were the top two in kills last year and Knight led in blocks. Defensively the veteran is Jr. L-DS Kaori Robertson (271 digs). The hole is filling in for four-year starter Shannon Shields, last year's state Gatorade Player of the Year. Likely stepping up to key roles are varsity returnees Sr. OH Juli Westfall, Sr. DS-L Abby Converse and Jr. S-OPP Zaira Reyes. Bryant likes the mix of seven returners and seven new faces. The Gators weakness is its youth and strength is legacy and tradition. Bryant is confident Xavier will contend and be dangerous come playoff time.

5A
 
Higley - The Knights welcome new coach Jeremy Kraemer, who takes over a program that qualified for the play-in round and lost a tight match to fall short of state tournament play. An ample amount of  starters are back. They are Jr. OH Brisa Reaves, Sr. OH Makenna Rollins, Sr. OH Emma Stroble, Sr. MB Kensley Pearce and Jr. MB-OPP Halle Griffith. Several more seniors should garner more playing time -  S Gianna Huth, L Holland Lytle and MB Rachel Schulteis. Kraemer believes his team will be solid and can reach postseason. Not a tall team, but athletic and can make plays.
 
Horizon - By the time practice began the Huskies were down five starters from last year. Coach Valorie McKenzie with 900-plus wins, will have six players back from last year's team and they will be seeing plenty of time. Returning starters are Jr. MH Ashleigh Barto (204 kills, 86 blocks) and So. L Phoebe Stebne. Several younger players are stepping up - Sr. RS-OH Kayla Ray and sophomores MB Taylor Johnson, S Keira Hall and OH Kaden Young (198 digs, 47 aces). A senior, junior, four sophomores and a freshman could make varying contributions as the season progresses. McKenzie likes the offenisive potential of her team, but anticipates work to tighten up their defensive game.

Maricopa - The Rams seek to regroup from a 2-20 campaign in 2018 and have a new coach in Theresa Abernathy. Three returning starters - all juniors - will try to help a turnaround. They are OH Shakari Gillespie, L Ashley Brown and S Brooke Smith. Newcomers are Haylee Brown, DS Kylee Foster and OH Victoria Richardson. The team is very young so there is much work ahead.

Williams Field - The Black Hawks missed qualifying for postseason last year by one spot - 25th - and missed the play-in round. They are determined to rectify that. Three senior starters head the 2019 squad. They are S-OPP Kaitlyn Baggs, OH Cora Mesa and MB Elle Pettit. Varsity returners Sr. OH Emma Chapman. Sr. Liberto Nattalie Laborin and Sr. MB Jordan Boyd could step in as starters. Seven player in junior class have played together since freshman year and have developed a bond and trust. There will be a lot of new faces lacking varsity-level experience.

4A
 
Apache Junction -  The Prospectors managed a solid year in the Black Canyon Region last year, but couldn't overcome Dysart for the region title. They begin this season with new coach Regan Roach. Roach gets back only two starters  -- Sr. OH Madyson Roach and Sr. MB Emily Reynolds. Making their move for more time and-or starting roles are Haley Loftis, Brooke Gordon, Allison Lopez Carlos Bishop and Elle Crisp. The players have played together for several seasons. It's a small team in size and relies on an outstanding game from the service line. 

Arcadia - The Titans flirted with a .500 record overall and in the Desert Sky Region last year. They reached the play-in round and lost a five-set match to end their season. The outlook for improvement is bright with a host of returning players. Back as starters are Sr. S Grace Eubanks (617 assists, 204 digs), Sr. OH Zora Carrier (207 kills, 245 digs), Jr. OH Maddie Knee and Sr. MB Jaclyn Reid. Another trio saw action last year and likely will see increased time -Sr. OPP Diana Thies, Jr. OPP-MB Lauren Sayre and Sr. S Maddie Mittendorf. Coach Jackie Bunker likes the experience and depth this season presents. The caveat is off-season injuries and how well the Titans stay and get healthy. Best-case scenario Bunker believes a top 8 seed is within reach.

Marcos de Niza - The Padres made a nice run at state last year as the No. 7 seed, reaching the semis before falling to runner-up Salpointe Catholic. They finished second in the competitive Desert Sky Region. Coach Melissa Yee returns two starters. Both are juniors - MB Hailey White (286 kills, 62 blocks) and S Olivia Craig (52 aces). White was region offensive player of the year last year; Craig will go solo mostly after sharing her position last year. Jr. L Audrey Mayer (247 digs) saw lots of action and will be counted on for a lot of passing, serving and defense. Overall seven varsity players return with several of them having to step up to replace players from last year's talented team.

Mesquite - The Wildcats are eager to challenge for the Desert Sky Region crown this season. Five returning starters - Sr. OH Brooklyn Holland (240 kills), Sr. S Daniyah Jehangir, Jr. S Annika Wallace (57 aces), Jr. MB Elli Cano (46 blocks) and Jr. MB Evie Taylor make for quality experience for coach Carlos Flys. Players to watch and contribute are So. RS-S Keilyn Wollangk, So. DS Hailey Hannah, So. OH Marie Yontez and Fr. OH Ryleigh Vollmer.  Mesquite lost many of its top defenders from last year, but Flys believes that can be covered by his team's versatility. It's top libero is Cano, a MB. Front row players are good passers and defenders and can help in executing fast attacks.

Saguaro - The Sabercats finished fifth in the Desert Sky Region. That still garnered them a play-in match at No. 20, but that's where the season ended. Coach Tim Church welcomes three returning starters - Jr. S Emma White (286 kills, 117 aces, 206 digs), So OH-DS McKenzie Randall and Sr. MB-RS Mary Bystrom. White is strong at her position and an exceptional server. Likely stepping up for more playing time are varsity ets Jr. DS Evelynn Ramirez and MB-RS Nanette Smith. There is potential from freshman and sophomore classes. Church hopes his team finds the crucial balance between aggressive, smart offense and disciplined defense. 

St. Mary's -  The Knights were runner-up in the Skyline Region to conference power and state champ Greenway. St. Mary's reached the first round of state after a play-in game win and lost in the first-round to eventual semifinalist Flagstaff. It was St. Mary's first state playoff appearance in nine years. Coach September Lopez had four starters back - seniors OH Karla Ramirez (320 kills), MB Najla Betts (70 blocks) and L Rylee Estrella(423 digs)  and junior OH Leilani Clark (258 kills). Junior DS-L Imani Cannon figures to step up along with newcomers and sophomores Spirit Phipps and Michele Galindo and freshman Kadyn Dahlke. The loss to graduation of setter Gracie Brittain means relying on the sophomores to fill in with strong debuts.
 
3A

American Leadership - Gilbert - The Eagles are looking to step up in the Metro East after posting a 16-20 record in their second season last year. Veteran coach Steve Crook has lots to work with and and experienced group of returning starters to begin with. They are led by third-year starters Jr. S Sydney Smith,  Sr. L Kalyssa Cauthen (204 digs), Sr. L Kenzie Garrison and Jr. OH Annie Oliverson. Crook expects a big year from Jr. MB Carissa Hayes (214 kills, 46 blocks) and also has Jr. OH Roxy Crum and Jr. OPP Mary Tukuafu. Another returning varsity player who could settle in is Jr. MB Sadelle Owens. Crook sees the Eagles' strength as play at the net with good blocking and its offensive attack. Seeking a state tourney berth and a good run.

American Leadership - Ironwood -  The Warriors seek to improve on a 5-17 record competing in the Central Region. New coach Jasmine Hanna  has five players with starting experience who can help guide a more competitive season -- Jr. OH Raegan Malloy, Sr. OH Ellie Courtemanche, Jr. S Haley Cox, Jr. MB Madi Scow and Sr. MB Charmaine Bowan. Newcomers Meagan McKnight, a freshman, and Genesis Wright, an out-of-state transfer will help improve the team's ball control,, according to Hanna. 

Arizona College Prep -  Coach Heather Orr lost only one starter from last year's state-runner-up squad. That said expectations are high and Orr figures their will be a target every match from opponents. Returning starters - all seniors - are MB Krista Rowan (246 kills, 65 blocks), OH Hailey Blixt, OH Kelsey Burns, MB Tendall Weigand (195 kills, 48 blocks) and S Julia Golichowski (57 aces, 604 assists).  Stepping in as RS are Jr. Wynter Ray and Sr. DS Emma Byrd and Kennedy Orr. Orr hopes to see her team improve and diversity its defensive schemes to adjust to opponents.

Gilbert Christian - The Knights have a trio of returning starters - So. S Sierra Nielson, Sr. L McKenna Gorsline and So. OH Elli Wolthuis (125 kills, 79 aces). Stepping up to starters or increased playing time are Sr. S-DS Kira McWilliams, Jr. DS Kylie Dickenson, Jr. MB Katie Gross and Jr. RS Avery Schude. Four freshmen and a sophomore have a chance to compete for playing time as well. New coach Kristi King and her staff like the young, yet experienced setters and looks forward to a more diverse offense this year. Leadership from a handful of seniors will be key in making it to state for a second year in a row. Last year was the school's first-ever trip to state.
 
Horizon Honors -  Two senior starters - OH Jordan Cook (242 kills, 249 digs) and OH Camryn Marshall  (222 kills, 311 digs, 59 aces) - are the leaders and both were part of 2016 2A state title team. Melding into the starting lineup this year are Sr. L Madi Rowlee, who played setter last year. Fr. Allyssa Gauer, a setter is smar and outhustles everyone on the court. Coach Kris Maglunog cites strengths as intangibles - stats not tracked but are the difference in big and close matches. The Eagles have firepower from both OH and Rowlee on defense. Lack of experience with middles will be an area to watch.

Valley Christian - The Trojans were 21-11 last year, finished a solid third in the Metro West Region and advanced to the conference quarterfinals. Coach Lindy Ramsland is in her second season and has much to look forward to with most of last year's starters in tow. Those returning starters are: Sr. MB Breanna Brooks (85 blocks), Sr. S Abigail Calicchio 315 digs), Sr. L-DS Megan Davies 84 aces, 308 digs), Jr. RS Emma Richardson (214 kills), Jr. S Kenzie Carpenter, So. OH Cara Braun (318 kills) and Jr. S Emma Calicchio. So. S Kylie Wong transferred in from Mountain Pointe and started last year for the Pride. Others who could help are Fr. Kate Phillips, Macy McClain and Brianna Gilbert.

2A

Chandler Prep -  The Titans won the Valley Region earning a play-in match they won. They lost in the first round at state to Glendale Prep. Coach Anthony Jones has plenty of veteran players - five starters returning. They are Jr. OH Olivia Cadian (363 kills, 72 aces), Jr. L Cassi Bronson (587 digs), Jr. MB Evi Yates (272 kills, 76 blocks), Sr. S Sydney Thacker and Sr. OH Marin Scoggin. Most of the returning players have been on varsity two seasons. Others wheo should fill in from varsity last year are Jr. MB Amanda Stoft and Jr. RS Elle Unruh. Also in the mix are So. RS Mia Evers and So. MB Taylor Dedich. Jones expects this team to build off last year's success and  make a deeper run in the playoffs.

Gilbert Classical - The Spartans were a .500 team last year, but did not qualify for postseason. New coach Kerry Morgan is optimistic that can change this year. Back are top offensive threat Sr. OH Avery Sorenson (159 kills, 145 digs), Sr. S Jordann Delozier, Sr. MB Savanna Dudas, Sr. OH Brystal Turner and Sr. L Monet Bouchard. Morgan said a new attitude and added punch bodes well.

Scottsdale Christian - The Eagles are defending conference champs and held their own and thensome against larger conference schools last year. SCA graduated two outstanding players but has plenty back to defend its title. Varsity returners are Sr. OH Tayor Raioa (379 kills, 202 digs, 45 aces), a 6-rotation player; Sr. MB Carolone Montgomery (96 blocks); Jr. L Kylie Lynn; Jr. OPP-M Sophia Wadsworth (93 blocks), So. L-DS Marley Dickerson;  and So. S Lexi Lambert (848 assists). Sr. M-OH Janna Williams is a transfer who will crack the lineup. Several sophomores and freshmen will add quality depth.
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