Platte, Russell named to all-IEL volleyball team

SANDPOINT — Two Sandpoint volleyball played have been named to the all-Inland Empire League's 4A all-league team by area coaches.

Named to the All-IEL 4A first team are Sandpoint High School's Viv Platte and Amaya Russell.

Moscow's Morgan Claus was named the league's most valuable player while Ellie Carlson of Lakeland and Maecie Robbins of Moscow were named co-defensive players of the year. Jessa Skinner of Moscow was named the league's top newcomer and Moscow coach Toni Claus was named the coach of the year.

In addition to Platte and Russell, also named to the all-league 4A first team were Kenna Simon of Lakeland, Ziya Munyer of Lakeland, Mikayla Gilkey of Moscow and Sam Unger of Moscow.

Platte and Russell earned their selection to the all-league team, Sandpoint coach Karen Alsager said.

Platte provided the Bulldog's biggest power this season, Alsager said.

"Her hitting was completely noticed by all the coaches in the league," she added. "Her hitting percentage was so high that almost every time she was set she got a kill for us."

Credit for that also goes to the team's "great setter Haley Swaim," Alsager said.

Platte was a big defensive presence at the front and also was the Bulldog's strongest blocking presence on the net, Alsager said.

"Her learning curve is amazing, she improved so much from last season," she added.

Like Platte, Russell was a big presence for the Bulldog's this season, Alsager said.

"Amaya is hands down the fastest libero I’ve ever had," she added. "So defensively she could get to anything. She also was our best passer allowing Viv to get so many sets in the front row."

Russell was a key part of the office and was also Sandpoint's ace leader for serves this season, said Alsager.

"She is a huge loss for us as she graduates and will be remembered for her power and speed for a long time in this program," she added.