Breuner, Hicks and Stockton provide an inside look into SHS volleyball attack

SANDPOINT — Just like with pitchers and catchers, quarterbacks and receivers, or a point guard and post, there is a rhythm, a synergy, a timing about how a setter and outside hitters orchestrate a volleyball attack.

Every point at the upcoming 4A state volleyball tournament on Friday will start with a serve, followed by the defense sending a ball to the setter, who then feeds a hitter. If all goes well, the point is over, if not, the other team tries to do the exact same thing, and so on and so on.

Luckily for the Bulldogs (20-9), who enter state as a relative unknown after missing the tourney last year, they are blessed with a talented trio of seniors in 6-1 outside hitter Grace Hicks, 5-9 outside hitter Jazmin Stockton and 6-0 setter Marina Breuner.

If Sandpoint has an identity this year, it is raw, unrelenting power hitting, and some of the most explosive spikes have come from the swings of Hicks and Stockton. More than a few bruises have been left on opposing defenders who were unable to get their arms on the missiles, set up deftly by Breuner to her high flying weapons.

The Daily Bee caught up with the three seniors and their coach at practice this week for a Q+A before state.

n Sandpoint head coach Jeff Hurst was asked what sticks out most about each player?

Marina: A floor leader, in personality and position. By her role, she’s critical to our success. If she plays well, we play well. She’s moving the ball around and finds her hitters.”

Jazmin: She’s a spark plug, the battery. So goes Jazmin, so goes the group. If she’s tagging balls on the outside, we’re doing well. Power, just power. She’s quick and powerful, slaps that ball.”

Grace: A leader. If we need to start this engine, feed it to Grace, she’ll hammer it. There’s a real jolt when she hits. When we come back to her, she’s ready. At the end of games, at the end of a match, she’s getting swings.”

n When you think of each other, what’s the first thing that pops to mind?

Marina: Grace is able to put the ball down, a consistent hitter. People don’t take Jaz seriously, she’s definitely an underrated hitter. They get hit in the face.

Grace: Marina puts the ball up where we want it, high enough that we can throw it either way.

Jazmin: Marina is one of our strongest players. Her sets are super consistent and strong, and we’re able to put them down.”

n What does it feel like when everything clicks just right, and do you have a favorite kill?

Jazmin: Definitely playing Coeur d’Alene and hitting that girl in the face. Mainly hitting hard. It feels awesome, I just want to scream.

Marina: She usually does.

Grace: It’s a relief. It’s stressful, then you’re like that clicked perfectly, an aaaaaah moment. My favorite kill is the slide (jumping off one foot), it’s unexpected and I get more power and momentum.

Marina: When I set my hitters and they crush the ball, it just feels amazing. Part of that is because of me.

n Is there any kind of ESP at work between you guys on the court?

Jazmin: A lot is verbal. We know the ball is coming to one of us.

Marina: They’re (Jaz and Grace) our main hitters.

Grace: We’ll get the thumb sign, it’s coming to you. The other team can’t see it.

n As seniors, what are you looking forward to the most about the upcoming state tournament?

Jazmin: Being able to play at our level, against other people at our level.

Marina: It’s been a while. I’m excited to see how well we can do against legitimate competition.

Grace: I’m excited that we’re the underdog. Nobody’s seen us. We’re going to go out and swing as hard as we can, fight for every ball.

See tomorrow’s Bee for a state preview of the SHS volleyball team.