Class 1B: Top Teams – Odessa
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.
Odessa
Odessa has enjoyed some relative success in the division in the last few years, appearing at the State Championship semifinals in two of the last three seasons, including 2019. The Lady Tigers had one of the best outside hitters duos of the entire division in last year’s All-State second team member Maddy Wagner and McKennah Davison, but both graduated and will not be back next season. The way the team reacts to their absences will determine the team’s success in the near future.
Their three key players are:
Joycelynn Hottell – Middle-Blocker/Outside Hitter – Senior
Joycelynn Hottell excelled when playing on a secondary role for Odessa in 2019, registering 91 kills, 42 blocks and 135 digs during her junior season. She’ll be pushed to a larger role next season and the 5’11” prospect has given every sign she’s ready for the challenge. A versatile player, she can also play as an outside hitter and has shown she can be a high-volume scorer in some matches last season.
Ashley Neilsen – Setter – Sophomore
Another notable absence on Odessa’s roster next season will be graduated setter Caitlyn Schuh, but the Lady Tigers might just have a replacement already in place for that position in Ashley Nielsen. The 5’7” prospect made a good impression in her first season of high school volleyball, registering 111 assists with limited playing time and showing some potential from the service line and on defense also, with 39 aces and 74 digs.
Emily Scrupps – Middle-Blocker – Junior
Emily Scrupps has been a solid contributor to Odessa on her first two years of high school volleyball and she’ll have a chance to make a leap next season. A six-foot middle-blocker, Scrupps has done a good job at the net, registering 62 kills and 26 blocks for the Lady Tigers in 2019, showing a small, but promising progress from her freshman year.