North Star Volleyball
In predicted order of finish
Clark Fork Wampus Cats
1997 records: 2-6 league, 10-11 overall
Coach: Cindy Derr
Years coaching: 1st
Top returners: Michelle Stevens, junior, 5-3, outside hitter; Kati Hess, jr., 5-5, setter; Charolotte Scofield, soph., 5-5, middle hitter; Ashley Ruen, soph., 5-6, oh; Jamie Saunders, jr., 5-7, mh.
Top newcomers: Jennifer Derr, jr., 5-3, s; Courtenay Kiebert, freshman, 5-5, defensive specialist.
Quick set: With the team’s experience, determination and talent, this could be the start of a two-year state trophy run for Clark Fork.
Coach’s comments: “We know what’s ahead of us. We have high expectations and expect to do well. Realistically, we feel we should go undefeated.”
Outlook: With two teams from the NSL going to state, the safe money is on Clark Fork.
Falls Christian Eagles
1997 records: 6-2 (league champ), 15-4
Coach: Marlo Hutchison
Years coaching:2nd
Top returners: Ashlee Taylor, sr., 5-7 oh; Melanie Johnson, sr., 5-4, mh; Kim Williams, sr., 5-10, mh; Mindy Coy sr., 5-8, oh.
Top newcomers: Sarah Dunning, sr., 5-10 mh; Stephanie Jenkens, jr., 5-10, mh.
Quick set: Last year’s league champs hope to return to the top spot. This is a talented group with speed, strength, and a coach who knows how to win.
Coach’s comments: “We have spent a lot of time conditioning to be stronger. We hope to be able to wear down most of our opponents to stay on top.”
Outlook: The Eagles are solid throughout the lineup. Defense is steady. It’s just a matter of if the offensive attack will pull through.
Mullan Tigers
1997 records: 5-3, 10-6
Coach: Dawn McKinnon
Years coaching: 3rd
Top returners:Tiffany Hoven, sr., 5-6 s; Natalie Autio, jr., 5-5 oh; Liz Wendstead, jr., 5-4 s.
Top newcomers: Jayne Stinehart, 6-0, soph., oh; Adinna Wendstead, soph., 5-4, oh.
Quick set: Mullan will need a few minor miracles to get into postseason play.
Coach’s comments: “If we can make 90 percent of our serves and have a consistent attack, we should be right there with the rest of them. We have a lot of floor hustle.”
Outlook: Hard to guess. On paper, the Tigers don’t look as strong as Clark Fork or FCA. But Mullan may surprise.
Kootenai Warriors
1997 records: 2-6, 8-10
Coach: Lynn Bartholdt
Years coaching: 2nd
Top returners: Shenelle Kraack, sr., 5-3, s; Amanda Reinhardt sr., 5-8 oh; Emily Andersen, sr., 5-8, oh.
Top newcomers: Pam Neff, soph., 5-3, s; Janelle Scheffelmaier, soph., 6-0, oh.
Quick set: With little height and floor experience, the Warriors will spend time learning this season.
Coach’s comments: “We don’t have a lot of height, and that is going to kill us. Right now, we are still a little timid with communication on the court. But, as the season progresses, that should pass.”
Outlook: The Warriors’ chances this year are slim. Luckily for most of these girls, they will have next year.
Players to watch Cindy Derr, junior, 5-3, setter, Clark Fork. Ashlee Taylor, senior, 5-7, outside hitter, Falls Christian. Tiffany Hoven, senior, 5-6, setter, Mullan. Shenelle Kraack, senior, 5-3, setter, Kootenai. Kim Williams, senior, 5-10, middle hitter, FCA.