Prep roundup: Mt. Spokane Wildcats scrap for 2nd

Standing on the court at Ferris High following the championship match of the annual Crossover Classic volleyball tournament, Mt. Spokane coach John Reid remained incredulous.

Little did he think that his short-handed Wildcats would be playing in the championship bracket, let alone finish second to Richland.

“I am surprised we got into this gym and I’m not being facetious,” Reid said. “I’m shocked. It’s pretty phenomenal.”

His daughter and All-GSL setter, Kenzie, sat out the tournament because of an injury. Taylor Johnson, normally the libero, took her place setting for the first time in four years, forcing other players into unfamiliar back-row situations. And Annie Arnzen, an All-GSL hitter, was away on a family commitment.

Yet Mt. Spokane won its way to the title contest with three wins. Included was a rematch over rival Mead in the semifinals, a 27-25, 17-25, 15-13 contest.

When the Wildcats lost to the Bombers 25-21, 31-29, there was no remorse, even though they were at game point four times in the final contest.

“Last night and today we put together a 4-2 (offense) with everybody setting and hitting outside and with no middle whatsoever,” Reid said. “And then we got to this gym and went to a 5-1 with our libero, who has never set before. Taylor did an amazing, amazing job. All the kids, I mean it, were amazing, just amazing. They did not want to lose.”

It was an extension of his practice strategy that everyone plays every position. Johnson’s setting proved exceptional. Sophomore Kennadie Clute recorded 53 kills and Ixchelle Oleson had 44. Clute was particularly dominant in the match against Mead.

But in the title contest with Richland, the Wildcats put themselves in a 19-14 hole in the first game. Though closing to within 23-21, they got no closer.

In the second game, they couldn’t capitalize on the numerous chances at victory.

“I’m just truly amazed,” Reid said. “How did we get here?”

It was a sentiment echoed by Richland coach Bob Raidl, even though the Bombers are ranked No. 1 among state 4A volleyball teams.

“Jackson is an outstanding team,” he said. “I thought they would be the champions.”

Despite an impressive power attack, Jackson’s Wolves didn’t get past Mead in the quarterfinals.

The Panthers have been in that position so often, they refused to wither, rallying from a 21-17 deficit to win the first game 25-23. After losing to the hard-hitting foe in the second game, Mead took the final 15-10. It may have taken a toll.

Richland beat feisty St. Maries, Cedar Park Christian and Skyview of Vancouver (which beat Mead in the match for third and fourth) before holding off the Wildcats.

Raidl downplayed the state ranking.

“You never know at the beginning of the season,” he said. “When people rank you No. 1, there’s no one to compare to. Mead’s the champion and you can’t take that away.”

He said the Bombers played well, including powerful 6-foot-1 hitter Chelsey Bettinson, right side Melanie Williamson, libero Kendall Conrad and setter Lauren Joseph, who was playing despite a high ankle sprain. Maddi Jacobs came up huge with some big left-side kills and blocks in the championship match.

“We have five seniors and maybe we grew up a little bit today,” Raidl said. “We’re just trying to build a tradition like the Spokane schools. Hopefully, this is a little bit of a breakthrough.”

The Crossover, 64 teams strong, also served as something of a preview for taut eastern Washington postseason competition. Eight of the 16 pool winners came either from the Columbia Basin Big Nine (six) or Greater Spokane League.