Area prep volleyball glances league by league

Greater Spokane League

Defending league champ Mead returns four starters. They are Maddie Lee (outside hitter) – the league’s co-most valuable player last year, McKenna Russell (middle hitter), Lindsay Russell (setter) – a first team all-league selection, and Katherine McEuen (OH). The Panthers finished second at the State 4A tournament last year. They have their eyes on returning to the state final and reversing their finish. Coach Shawn Wilson cited ball control, balance and powerful outside hitters as team strengths. … Mt. Spokane, which took second in the State 3A tourney, hopes to challenge Mead for the league title. The Wildcats bring back three starters in Miahna Waters (OH), Katie Maher (S) and Molina Ama (OH). “Chemistry is a key for this team and right now it is amazing,” coach Dave Whitehead said. “They love to compete and push each other in practice and that should pay off in the long run.” … Central Valley brings in a fifth coach in seven years. Jason Allen, an assistant, takes over. The Bears return four starters: Paige Wollan (MH) – a returning first team all-league pick, Hannah Wampler (S), Kaitlyn White (OH) and Noelle Bowden (OH). Allen also has first-time players and standout basketball players, twins Lacie and Lexie Hull. “We have the athletic ability to be really good if we can get out of our own way and mesh as a team,” Allen said. … Lewis and Clark returns five starters. Coach Chris Kosty says the core returning starters coupled with good ball control are team strengths. … Gonzaga Prep brings back four starters: Katie Budig (OH), Emily Zink (S), Maggie Davidson (libero) and Faith Carlson (MH). “The team should grow in strength throughout the season,” coach Jill Benson said. “It will be fun to see this group’s excellent energy as they move forward as one.” … Ferris returns five starters: Annika Briggs (OH), Katelyn Brock (S), Katie McCune (L), Carly Cox (defensive specialist) and Olivia Schwarz (MH). “We’re a young team with a bright future,” coach Amy DeAndre said. “They’re passionate about the game and want to strive to get better.” … Tony Collins takes over at University. The Titans return three starters led by co-MVP Rachael Schlect (OH). “We have good chemistry on and off the court,” Collins said. “The players have continued to work hard after tryouts and are getting better and making their teammates better every day.” … Shadle Park returns one starter in Lindsey Schmidt (OH/MH). A handful of other returners are switching positions, coach Brooke Meyer said. Meyer likes her team’s offense and depth in the front row.

Great Northern League

Cheney returns one starter. Leading the way is league most valuable player Peyton Stark (S). “We are young and eager to learn the game,” coach Heather Zorrozua said. “They’re a very open minded group with limited habits to work on. They’re going to get better every day.” … Like Cheney, West Valley graduated four starters. Four other players saw starting time in Jaylynn Buehler (S), Ava Raney (rightside hitter), Ayana Oka (L) and Aida Kovacs (OH). “We have worked hard on diversifying our offense to include threats in all three hitting positions,” coach McKinzie Turner said. “Another strength for us should be in our setting. We are in the process of continuing to rebuild the program.” … Chad Coupland takes over as coach at East Valley. He reports that seven starters return. “The season looks bright with these young ladies,” Coupland said. “They have a lot of talent and if they can put it all together they have a great chance to make state.” … Clarkston graduated four starters. Adam Van Vogt – who coached eight years previously – returns as coach. “I think our biggest strength is we have a passion for volleyball,” Van Vogt said. “Although we are young, we have some strong returners that will help our young athletes learn to compete at the varsity level.”

Northeast A

Defending champ Freeman returns four starters including first team all-league picks Ailsa Hansen (S/OH) and Hanna Hansen (L). “This is an experienced team that has the potential to challenge for the league title and make a run at state,” coach Eva Windlin-Jansen said. … Lakeside captured the State 1A title last year. Leading the way for the Eagles is league MVP Lexi Mikkelsen (OH), Keeley Morrison (MH) and Olivie Mikkelsen (S). … Colville brings back four starters. The Indians are led by Kaitlyn Petrey (OH) and Kora Pitts (S), a three-year starter. … Deer Park graduated all but one starter after falling one match short of qualifying for state. The Stags’ top returner is Taylor Tarble (OH). … Newport returns four starters. “We lost a few letterwinners but the core seven of our team is back,” coach Geoffrey Pearson said. “Our middles are the strength of our team and we look for them to lead us. I expect our girls to compete more than we have in the past.” … Medical Lake looks to improve after finishing 0-14 in league last year. “We are a young team when it comes to volleyball but we are looking up and growing as a team and program this season,” coach Todd Harr said.

Northeast 2B

Sue Doering is beginning her 29th – and last – season at Colfax. Doering is retiring from coaching at season’s end. The Bulldogs return six starters, led by South Division MVP Carmen Gfeller (MH). Also back are first team all-league picks Abbie Miller (L/OH) and Piper Cai (OH). “We are a year older at key positions like setter,” Doering said. “We should be fine in league but going into playoffs we need to be stronger and ready for teams that have improved over the season.” … Wilbur-Creston brings back two starters. “It’s going to be a learning season,” coach Kaitlyn Reidt said. “We’re not expecting a ton of wins.”

Northeast 1B

North Division champ Selkirk brings back five starters. “We only have two seniors and one senior starter,” coach Pam Zimmerman said. “We should be strong for a couple years straight. We should make a great run at our first state appearance ever.” … Inchelium returns three starters. “Our offense and setting are improved this year,” coach Kim Walters said. “We should do at least as well as last year, but our team goal is to make it to state.”

Southeast 1B

When it comes to the best B team in the state the past two years, look no further than Oakesdale, a repeat state champ last year. Oakesdale returns four starters, led by Logan Reed – a junior who has started since eighth grade. The other returning starters are Brooklyn Henley, Madison Shrope and Emma Perry. “The group plays well together,” coach Brandy Brown said. “Three starters play club which helps them during the season to be great leaders and keep a good flow going on the court. Five of the returning players were part of the state champion team last year.” … Oakesdale should make a strong run for a third straight state title, but it will be pushed in its own league by Pomeroy, Colton and Lacrosse-Washtucna/Kahlotus.

Idaho

Idaho schools get started a couple weeks earlier than they do in Washington. Most are into league matches now.

5A Inland Empire League

The chase for the league title should be quite entertaining. All four teams will challenge for state tournament bids. Just the league champ earns the automatic berth, with the runner-up having to win a play-in match. … Defending champ Lake City, 23-3 a year ago, is the favorite. Former University coach Mike Summers takes over. He inherits six returning starters: Klaire Mitchell (S) – the returning league MVP, Arlaina Stephenson (OH), Ashley Kaufman (OH), Ashley Reyes (L), Kaitlin Hunter (RS) and Zion Nelson (MH). “They look to pick up where they left off last year,” Summers said. “They want to make a stronger showing at state.” … Lewiston returns six starters. “The team has spent the club season and summer playing together so they have bonded as a team and can play together through pressure,” coach Kelly Harwick said. “We expect to contend in a very strong league.” … Post Falls also returns six starters, including first team all-league pick Allison Munday (OH). “Our strengths this season will be our experience and athleticism,” coach Matt Barkley said. “This group is very smart and athletic. The big hurdle will be believing in ourselves and when things get difficult what are we going to do.” … Coeur d’Alene brings back three starters, led by first team all-league pick Kelly Horning (MH). “It’s a rebuilding year,” coach Dee Pottenger said. “We’re projected to finish fourth. We’re hoping to upset teams at district.”

Intermountain League

Timberlake not only climbed to the top of the IML a year ago but ended up finishing second at state. The Tigers bring back five starters, led by first team all-league pick Kenzie Dean. “We should be strong in league again,” coach Michelle Garwood said. … Bonners Ferry earned the league’s other state berth last year. The Badgers return one starter. Still, coach Kendra Maas is optimistic. “We’re very strong all the way around,” Maas said.

Central Idaho League

St. Maries captured the CIL title last year and the Lumberjacks return eight starters. “We’re returning the majority of the team,” coach Rachele Asbury said. “They have a goal in mind. They didn’t accomplish the goal last year. They want to finish it with a state title.”

North Star League

Kootenai won the NSL title and berth to state last year, but Clark Fork should be the team to beat this fall, as the Wampus Cats return three starters. “We are returning six juniors who played an important role last year,” coach Cynthia Derr said. “All 11 varsity players played club last spring. This team seems to work really well together and respect each other’s role.” … Lakeside brings back two starters. “We’re a young team,” coach Brad Veile said. “Most players were part of the team last year and are familiar with coaching expectations, goals and systems.”