Class 1B: Top Teams – Oakesdale
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…
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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.
Oakesdale
Oakesdale has been the most dominating team in the division as of late, appearing in each of the last five State Championship finals and winning four of them. Despite their loss to rivals Pomeroy in 2019, the Nighthawks seem better equipped than the reigning champions heading into next season as they graduated only two players and will see three of their four All-State first team members returning.
Their three key players are:
LouEllen Reed – Setter – Senior
LouEllen Reed was the setter who led the Nighthawks to glory in their last two victories and she’ll be looking to her high school career with a hat-trick next season. The 5’7” was an All-State first-team selection in each of the three seasons in which she represented Oakesdale and if she’s ready to keep up with the great level next season, the team will be in a position to take yet another title.
Gianna Anderson – Outside Hitter – Sophomore
Gianna Anderson showed very early on her high school career how much of a factor she can be for Oakesdale. The 5’7” outside hitter was instrumental in the Nighthawks run to last year’s State Championship final and she maintained the great level in her first final, registering 24 kills and 32 digs against Pomeroy. She was an All-State first-team member last year and is expected to be even better when next season starts.
Jessie Reed – Outside Hitter – Sophomore
Oakesdale was blessed to have two great prospects in Anderson and Jessie Reed joining their program in the same season. The 5’6” Reed complemented Anderson’s game to perfection, being efficient both at the net and at the backcourt. She was also an All-State first-team selection after adding 16 kills and 32 digs in the State Championship final.