Class 1B: Top Teams – Almira-Coulee-Hartline
The next high school volleyball season won’t start in Washington until March 2021, but there’s absolutely no reason why we should wait until there to know more about the best teams in each class. In this series, we’ll dissect each…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe next high school volleyball season won’t start in Washington until March 2021, but there’s absolutely no reason why we should wait until there to know more about the best teams in each class. In this series, we’ll dissect each of the state’s six divisions by analyzing the top teams and the most promising players and what we can expect from them when the balls are finally allowed to fly. In the second week, Class 1B will be in the spotlights.
Almira-Coulee-Hartline
Almira-Coulee-Hartline finished in the top-three of the division in three of the last five seasons, including 2019, when the Warriors were just one set away from the final after a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to eventual champions Pomeroy. Much of the team’s success last season can be credited to Player of the Year middle-blocker Maddy Murray and to All-State second team setter Makenna Oliver, who both graduated and won’t be back next season. That shouldn’t stop the Warriors from being among the best again.
Their three key players are:
Mimi Isaak – Setter/Right Setter – Junior
Mimi Isaak had a pivotal role with Almira-Coulee-Hartline last season splitting her time between setter and right sider duties. The 5’8” prospect did well on both positions, registering 316 assists and 70 kills – besides of 43 aces, 34 blocks and 79 digs -, and her partnership with Oliver was one of the main forces of the Warriors. She should be in a more central position next season and seems ready to respond to the upcoming challenge.
Rory Pate – Outside Hitter – Senior
Three seniors led Almira-Coulee-Hartline’s offensive in 2019, each of them registering triple-digits in kills, and shortly after them came Rory Pate. The 5’6” outside hitter had major responsibilities with the Warriors’ defensive system, but still found ways to help the team on offense with 81 kills and 39 aces. Next season, with a new formation in place, any help she can provide at the net will more than welcomed.
Madison McCleary – Outside Hitter – Senior
The outside hitter position is the one in which Almira-Coulee-Hartland will see the most continuity with Madison McCleary joining Pate as a returning starter for the team. Just like her teammate, the 5’7” McCleary had a decent overall production with 50 kills, 35 aces and 32 digs, and much of the team’s success next season will depend on how much she’s able to improve those numbers while having a more central role with the Warriors.