Breaking down the Jackson area 2018 volleyball season
The 2018 volleyball season started Monday night.
Here is what you need to know for this season:
17 Players to Watch
Taylor Alexander (Milan, Sr., MB) – Alexander is back for her senior season after a strong junior year with 236 kills, 46 blocks and 62 aces.
Abby Berry (Camden, So., L) – Berry set the school record in 2017 with 501 digs as the Lady Lions reached the Class AA final four.
Jannah Brittain (Chester County, Sr., MH) – Brittain was named a utility player on the All-West Tennessee first team last year for her abilities in every spot.
Ashlynne Clifft (South Side, Sr., OH) – Clifft is one of the most dominant hitters in the area, helping the Lady Hawks to state every year she has been there.
Avery Dyer (Lexington, Sr., S) – Dyer will try to lead the attack by distributing the ball to the hitters and getting the team back to the region semifinals.
Anna Elliott (TCA, Sr., MH) – Elliott finished last season with 360 kills and 101 blocks in helping the Lady Lions reach the Region 6-A semifinals.
Bailee Graves (Milan, Sr., L) – Graves will be key defensively for the Lady Bulldogs, who tied for the top spot in District 13-AA last season.
Cailie Hunt (Hardin County, Sr., L) – Hunt anchors the defensive line that is young after losing six seniors.
Maggie Kail (Crockett County, Sr., OH) – Kail moved from middle hitter to right-side hitter and has the potential for a breakout season.
Bryce Morris (Chester County, Sr., DS) – Morris will anchor the defensive line, which should be much improved this season.
Eden Pafford (Camden, Sr., OH) – Pafford played all over the court last season with 201 kills, 293 digs and 68 aces.
Lauren Petty (TCA, Sr., S) – Petty was a versatile player last season as she finished with 700 assists, 177 kills, 276 digs and 96 aces.
Ivey Robinson (Lexington, Sr., MH) – Robinson will try to lock up the middle of the court with her ability to block the opponent’s attack.
Jamie Shanks (TCA, Sr., L) – Shanks was one of the top defensive players in West Tennessee last year as she had 472 digs and 518 service receptions.
Ally Sisco (Middleton, Sr., OH) – Sisco made the move to outside hitter from middle hitter and will be a go-to player on attack.
Jordan Vick (Camden, Sr., S) – Vick, the 2017 All-West Tennessee Player of the Year, helped the Lady Lions finish in the top four of Class AA with 870 assists, 103 aces, 345 kills and 364 digs.
Abbie Ward (Crockett County, Sr., DS) – Ward will be a leader on the back row.
3 Story lines to Watch
1. After winning 99 games in the first three seasons of the program, can Camden earn a return trip to the Class AA state tournament and improve on the fourth-place finish?
2. Can Trinity Christian Academy overcome the tough teams waiting in Region 6-A to try to get back to the Class A state tournament?
3. Will South Side earn a fifth straight trip to the Class AA state tournament, which means getting out of a tough District 14-AA and Region 7-AA?
Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow him on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.