North Star Volleyball
In predicted order of finish:
Clark Fork Wampus Cats
1998 records: 30-4 overall (3rd at state), 6-0 (league champ)
Coach: Cindy Derr
Years coaching: 2nd
Top returners: Jennifer Derr, senior, 5-3, setter; Kati Hess, sr., 5-5, oh; Michelle Stevens, sr., 5-3, oh; Charlotte Scofield, junior, 5-5, middle blocker; Courtenay Kiebert, sophomore, 5-6 oh; Ashley Ruen, jr., 5-6, oh; Jamie Saunders, sr., 5-6, mb;.
Top newcomers: Heather McDanial, sr., 5-10, mb; Shana Worcester, soph., 5-9, oh; Amber Kiebert, 5-1, freshman, defensive specialist.
Coach’s comments: “With nine of 10 players back, we feel confident. If we can keep our mental attitude, we should be there. We have a long road ahead of us and we can’t count our chickens just yet.”
Outlook: Without a question, the Wampus Cats will take the league and contend for state. As long as it stays centered, Clark Fork will have a historical season.
Mullan Tigers
1998 records: 5-12, 0-6
Coach: Dawn McKinnon
Years coaching: 4th
Top returners: Adina Winstead, jr., 5-10, s; Liz Winstead, sr., 5-9, oh; Natalie Autio, sr., 5-8, oh; Ericka Auger, jr., 5-9, mb.
Top newcomers: Konae Ide, jr., 5-6, mb/s; Ashlie Arthur, frosh., 5-8, oh; Stephanie Hoven, frosh., 5-9, mb; Sheena Lane, frosh., 5-11, mb; Ashley Arave, soph., 5-5, oh; Alisa Sala, frosh., 5-4, ds.
Coach’s comments: “We have a little bit of experience on the floor. I am looking for a good season in league and if we let the other teams make the mistakes, we could be there.”
Outlook: With the loss of all-leaguer Jaymie Stienhart to Lakeland a week into the season, Mullan scrambled to make adjustments. Japanese exchange student Ide seems to have given the team new spark that is pleasing McKinnon.
Kootenai Warriors
1998 records: 7-14, 2-4
Coach: Lynnette Bartholdt
Years coaching: 2nd
Top returners: Janelle Scheffelmaier, jr., 5-9, mb; Sarah Andersen, soph., 5-5, s; Saralynn Donohoe, sr., 5-7, oh; Jocelyn Flint, sr., 5-5, s.
Top newcomers: Leah Kincheloe, frosh., 5-4 frosh., oh.
Coach’s comments: “We should compete for a (state berth). The kids have the heart, hustle and determination to put Kootenai on the map.”
Outlook: In the race for second place, the Warriors are going to depend on setter Andersen’s game to go to the next level. “She is a shy person,” Bartholdt said. “This will have to bring her out.”
Falls Christian Eagles
1998 records: 16-9, 4-2
Coach: Marlo Watkins (formerly Hutchison)
Years coaching: 3rd
Top returners: Stephanie Jenkins, sr., 5-9, mb; Kacee Hayman, sr., 5-8, oh; Ebonie Moates, sr., 5-1, s.
Top newcomers: Kristy Lyons, sr., 5-7, oh; Whitney Adams, frosh., 5-7, mb; April Stavish, frosh., 5-4, s/ds; Lisa Thompson, frosh., 5-3, ds.
Coach’s comments: “We will be a surprise. We have four seniors and five freshmen with no in-between. Fortunately the freshmen are very talented, and we are not willing to give up anything.”
Outlook: The seniors are good and if the Eagles can stay healthy and the freshmen can raise the level of play, they may contend. It will, however, take a season of cohesion for FCA to get there. This will be the team of the future.
PLAYERS TO WATCH Jennifer Derr, 5-3, senior, setter, Clark Fork Konae Ida, 5-6, junior, middle blocker/setter, Mullan Stephanie Jenkins, 5-9, sr. middle blocker, Falls Christian Academy Kati Hess, 5-5, sr., outside hitter, Clark Fork Janelle Scheffelmair, 5-9, jr., middle blocker, Kootenai