Stevens wins MVP; five Cats earn All-North Star League volleyball honors
(Photo by DAWN BRISTOL) Pictured from left to right are all league players Tessa Sutton, Ellie Kiebert, Ellie Lambert, Brooke Stevens, Hailey Bristol and head coach Cindy Derr.
(Photo by ERIC PLUMMER) Senior Brooke Stevens was named North Star League MVP again, helping the Cats go undefeated in league play.
CLARK FORK — Senior Brooke Stevens repeated as league MVP, on of five Clark Fork players to earn a spot on the All-North Star League volleyball team, as voted on recently by the league’s coaches.
Stevens, a dynamic setter, had a couple games with 40 plus sets and numerous others with 30 plus, to go with strong defense and serving.
“Brooke has been the backbone for this team for four years. She took the lead role as sole setter her sophomore year and ran with it through this year’s state tournament,” said Wampus Cats head coach Cindy Derr. “Even though is she not a vocal player, she led her team with hard work and the players respect her. She ran her butt off at state to let very few balls drop to the ground.”
Junior outside hitter Ellie Kiebert routinely hit double figures in kills, and often led the Cats in aces with a potent jump serve. She can also play setter, and will be a team leader next year.
“Ellie is a hard working, hard hitting player. She is an all around player being able to set, pass and hit, and her vocal leadership was a huge plus this year,” described Derr. “She was never afraid to start a cheer or get the girls together to celebrate.”
Senior co-captain Ellie Lambert anchored the defense, excelling in serve receive to help Stevens feed the hitters.
“Ellie developed into the top libero of the league this fall,” praised Derr. “Her skill level from last year to this year was a huge improvement. She led her back row players with good leadership.”
Senior middle blocker Tessa Sutton earned all-league honors for the second straight year, excelling both in hitting and blocking.
“Tessa is the only player to have played all three positions for the team, outside hitter, middle hitter and right side. After realizing what she could do on the outside hitting, and that she had a position she did not have to share, she exploded,” described Derr. “At state she even got into serving and playing back row and did a great job.”
Senior outside hitter Hailey Bristol also earned all-league honors again, able to hit double figures in kills and also occasionally lead the Cats in blocks, bringing versatility to the net.
Hailey was another player that was a go-to player for attacking. She also played all the way around more towards the end of the season and at state,” said Derr. “Her co-captain leadership at state was great. When her serving was on, the serves were hard to return.”
ALL-NORTH STAR LEAGUE VOLLEYBALL
Most Valuable Player — Brooke Stevens, sr., Clark Fork
Ellie Kiebert, jr., Clark Fork; Ellie Lambert, sr., Clark Fork; Tessa Sutton, sr., Clark Fork; Alyssa SiJohn, sr., Lakeside; Catie Sheppard, sr., Wallace; Kynlie Frey, sr., Wallace; Hailey Bristol, sr., Clark Fork; Rachel Schroeder, sr., Genesis Prep; Trinity Morrow, sr., Genesis Prep; Emily Martinez, sr., Genesis Prep; Sydnie Cote, sr., Mullan.