Neumann, Nicholson lead Bulldogs on All-IEL team
—Photo by ERIC PLUMMER Senior Kayla Neumann was named league MVP after a season that saw her lead the Bulldogs in both kills and digs.
—Photo by ERIC PLUMMER Senior Cheyenne Nicholson was voted Defensive MVP, bringing a ton of energy to the floor and sparking her team with great back row play.
SANDPOINT — They dominated in league play on the court, so it made sense that the Bulldogs would also dominate the 4A All-Inland Empire League volleyball team, as voted on recently by the league’s coaches.
Leading the way was senior Kayla Neumann, who was voted Most Valuable Player after leading the Bulldogs with 285 kills and 303 digs, while also posting 23 blocks and 21 aces. The ability to excel in both rows, while hammering home kills in crunch time, made Neumann one of the top players in North Idaho.
“A strong all around player with fantastic ball control. Our opponents had a hard time shutting her down, because she has developed a variety of shots and she attacks the ball with great strength and velocity,” said Bulldog head coach Erin Roos. “She not only contributes but consistently led many stats, including digs, passing and serving.”
Senior Cheyenne Nicholson posted 148 digs and 39 aces during a strong season, and her ability on the back row, both as a server and keeping balls alive, earned her Defensive Player of the Year honors.
“Day in and day out Cheyenne gave 100 percent effort. She was always asking questions and trying to improve,” claimed Roos. “Cheyenne also has a gift for energizing the team and bringing life to the court. She has a killer serve and earned many aces for us.”
Senior setter Laney Search made the all-league team again, after leading the Bulldogs with 564 set assists and a whopping 72 aces. One of the most versatile players in the state, she also posted 193 kills, 274 digs and 13 blocks, almost never leaving the court and playing far bigger than her listed height.
“Another strong all around player with outstanding ball control. She led the offense with consistent sets and smart choices. Laney was always one of our top passers, servers and diggers, as well as one of our leading attackers,” praised Roos. “Her power and accuracy in attacking surprised our opponents, as she is only 5-5.”
Sophomore Grace Hicks earned a spot on the team by posting 150 kills, 34 sets, 34 digs and 23 blocks, despite missing a handful of games with an ankle injury. With a huge upside, she figures to be a force in the league for the next two seasons.
“An extremely versatile player, who can play four positions, middle, right side, outside and setter. At 6’1”, Grace put up a solid block and shut down many opponents,” described Roos, citing a bright future for the sophomore. “Her attacking is coming along quickly, and she pounded many balls that were irretrievable. She is extremely coachable and literally gets better everyday. She too enjoys the intensity of competition and raises the level of our practices.”
Junior Grace Kirscher, who tallied 126 kills, at team-high 58 blocks and 21 digs, relying on raw athleticism and good jumping ability to make an impact in the front row.
“Grace led our team in blocks, and was a significant threat offensively. I appreciate that she is a competitor who doesn’t like to lose and she is very determined,” said Roos. “This raised the level of intensity and competitiveness of our practices, and is setting a new bar for upcoming athletes.”
Last, but certainly not least, Roos earned Coach of the Year honors. From early season morning workouts at the beach to the final point of each match, Roos demanded a lot of the team and it resulted in the best season in years.
“It always feels good to be recognized,” admitted Roos. “Every coach, in every sport at SHS, puts a ton of time, heart and energy into our programs, and these kids are worth it.”
4A All-Inland Empire League team
Most Valuable Player — Kayla Neumann, sr., Sandpoint
Defensive Player of the Year — Cheyenne Nicholson, sr., Sandpoint
Coach of the Year — Erin Roos, Sandpoint
Mattisyn Cope, jr., Lakeland; Laney Search, sr., Sandpoint; Gracey Meyer, jr., Moscow; Grace Kirscher, jr., Sandpoint; Ashley Murphy, jr., Moscow; Grace Hicks, so., Sandpoint.