VOLLEYBALL: Take a look at SOSA’s All-Area team

Derrick Webb, Staff Writer

Three district champions, a handful of sectional title winners and a number of instant classic games … needless to say, this volleyball season was as successful as they come.

Southern Ohio Sports Authority was right there every step of the way, covering individual milestones, improbable feats and wins that changed history.

After a fun-filled year, take a look at our All-Area team, which consists of 35 area players who were at their best throughout the fall season.

**Bold, italicized statistics recognize team leader

Morgan Blakeman | Senior | Middle Hitter | Circleville

2022 statistics: 400 kills, 43 aces, 45 blocks, 406 digs, 6 assists

Blakeman may just be the best overall player in Southern Ohio, and that’s a huge statement. Her numbers speak for themselves as she led the Tigers to a 20-4 overall mark alongside a 12-2 mark in the MSL-Buckeye. She led Circleville in multiple statistical categories including kills, aces and blocks, and brought her A-game every night. She was the complete package.

Hannah Burns | Senior | Outside Hitter | Adena

2022 statistics: 268 kills, 33 aces, 28 blocks, 238 digs, 4 assists

Put simply, Burns was the most complete player on the area’s most complete team. The senior not only provided leadership in spots the Warriors needed the most, but she also brought the goods when her number was called — and that was quite frequently. She finished with over 200 kills and digs alongside first-team all-district and all-state bids. She was, in a word, magnificent.

Addyson Butts | Sophomore | Middle Hitter | Miami Trace

2022 statistics: 294 kills, 32 aces, 33 blocks, 36 digs, 1 assist

At the beginning of the year, Butts proved herself to be one of the FAC’s budding stars. By the end of it, she was unquestionably the conference’s best player. En route to earning FAC Player of the Year honors, Butts powered down a team-high 294 kills alongside 33 blocks and 32 aces. Unfortunately for opponents, they’ll have to face the 5-foot-11 sophomore for two more seasons.

Courtney Carter | Senior | Outside Hitter | Miami Trace

2022 statistics: 183 kills, 48 aces, 20 blocks, 226 digs, 7 assists

Carter had the ability to take over a game when the moment was right. The senior led her Panthers to a third FAC title in the past four years and took no prisoners while doing so. Her 48 aces led the team and she added 183 kills and 226 digs to her stat sheet for good measure. You’d be hard-pressed to find a player that meant more to their team than Carter did.

Bella Claxon | Junior | Setter | South Webster

2022 statistics: 193 kills, 94 aces, 23 blocks, 273 digs, 799 assists

There isn’t much that Claxon hasn’t accomplished and she still has another year to check off what she hasn’t from the list. The Jeeps’ heartbeat led her team to another district championship, even after jumping up a Division. She played at an elite level all year long, racking up 94 aces and 799 assists. She was the District POY and a second-team All-Ohioan.

Sophie Coleman | Senior | Libero | Unioto

2022 statistics: 6 kills, 32 aces, 0 blocks, 346 digs, 12 assists 

When you talk about top-tier leaders, Coleman should be the subject material. Unioto’s lone senior helped the Tanks earn a district final appearance and give every single opponent they had a run for their money. She was relentless defensively while proving her worth time and time again from the service line. She ends her career with 1,345 digs, 101 aces and 4.1 digs per set.

Cara Cooper | Senior | Outside Hitter | Circleville

2022 statistics: 144 kills, 33 aces, 3 blocks, 440 digs, 8 assists

It’s rare to see Cooper on the court without a smile on her face. She loves the game and it loves her back. The senior capped a superb career with 144 kills and a team-high 440 digs this season, helping her Tigers fight to the bitter end of the always competitive MSL-Buckeye title race. She brought talent and energy to the floor, as well as a memorable sense of leadership.

Avery Cox | Junior | Setter | Chillicothe

2022 statistics: 60 kills, 33 aces, 15 blocks, 144 digs, 323 assists 

When the Cavaliers needed, well, anything, Cox seemed to step up to provide those answers. Her versatility was on full display all year long as she racked up 60 kills, 33 aces and 144 digs from her setter position. She helped Chillicothe finish with 12 wins alongside a 7-3 mark in the FAC, kept each defense on its feet and developed into one the area’s best all-around talents.

Ella Cutright | Junior | Outside Hitter | Unioto

2022 statistics: 237 kills, 52 aces, 24 blocks, 171 digs, 17 assists

Cutright flawlessly passes the eye test. When you see her play, the first thing that catches your attention is how she punishes the ball. Then you notice how smart of a player she is. Put those two aspects together, among an array of others, and you’ve got an elite talent. She made a living off frustrating defenses and she’ll continue that as a senior. She’s special to say the least.

Annie Dettwiller | Senior | Outside Hitter | Notre Dame

2022 statistics: 248 kills, 37 aces, 36 blocks, 320 digs, 13 assists 

Dettwiller’s trophy case has to be getting full. Notre Dame’s senior leader was again remarkable all year long, leading her Titans to yet another league championship. Her balanced stat sheet included 248 kills and 320 digs as she pieced together an SOC I Player of the Year campaign. She aided Notre Dame to a district final appearance and leaves a humongous void in the lineup. 

Sydney Foglesong | Senior | Middle Hitter | Adena

2022 statistics: 388 kills, 0 aces, 72 blocks, 8 digs, 4 assists

When Foglesong hits a volleyball, she does so with a vengeance. The Warriors’ senior continually punished opposing defenses en route to first-team all-district and first-team All-Ohio honors. She led the Elite 8-bound Warriors in kills and blocks and helped them win an outright conference championship and a 36th district title. Her shoes will be massive to fill.

Bree Hicks | Sophomore | Outside Hitter | Notre Dame

2022 statistics: 277 kills, 91 aces, 18 blocks, 353 digs, 20 assists

In a word, Hicks was dynamic at the net. She adjusts well to defenses, has the ability to hit around blockers and always seems to find an open spot on the floor. The sophomore helped Notre Dame finish 21-5 overall and finish off an undefeated season in the SOC I. She turned in a team-high 277 kills and 91 aces alongside 353 digs. Next year, she’ll be the Titans’ key cog.

Emma Hinshaw | Junior | Outside Hitter | Huntington

2022 statistics: 259 kills, 44 aces, 23 blocks, 238 digs, 17 assists

With a new coaching regime in place at Huntington, some didn’t know what to expect in the Township. But the same standard of gritty play was upheld and Hinshaw led the charge. The junior led the team with 44 aces and 23 blocks and added 259 kills and 238 digs to that resume. After blossoming into her own, she’ll enter her senior year with 388 kills, 95 aces and 678 digs.

Keetyn Hupp | Senior | Outside Hitter | North Adams

2022 statistics: 449 kills, 47 aces, 56 blocks, 204 digs, 22 assists

She’ll be the last to tell you but Hupp is flat-out spectacular. Her humble nature allowed her to be laser-focused all year long as her Devils mowed down goal after goal. She led North Adams to 17 wins and a district final appearance while posting a team-high 449 kills — 5.1 per set. She logged her 1,000th career kill late in the year and was a first-team all-district honoree.

Morgan Keel | Senior | Setter | Teays Valley

2022 statistics: 48 kills, 32 aces, 2 blocks, 260 digs, 596 assists

We knew Keel was ridiculously good last season when she helped Teays Valley finish 16-7 overall. But she proved her worth even more this fall, guiding a youthful roster through a rocky journey. When the Vikings bounce back from this year’s finish, remember Keel started that movement. Her illustrious career ends with 2,114 assists, 679 digs and 70 aces. Remarkable.

Claire King | Freshman |  Middle Hitter | Logan Elm

2022 statistics: 308 kills, 40 aces, 64 blocks, 206 digs, 15 assists

There are just a handful of freshmen who can jump to the varsity level and do what King did all year long, which is to frustrate opponents with a special set of weaponry. Logan Elm’s middle hitter led the team with 308 kills, 40 aces and 64 blocks while establishing herself as one of the area’s best budding stars. The Braves will be a dangerous team next season. King is why.

Eva Kruger | Junior | Outside Hitter | Adena

2022 statistics: 89 kills, 40 aces, 12 blocks, 263 digs, 9 assists

Kruger had never played in a varsity set coming into the season. But she quickly established herself as a valuable piece to Adena’s puzzle while showing flashes of brilliance in the process. Her 89 kills, 40 aces and 263 digs were welcome additions to a team that defied its doubters by winning the program’s 36th district title. She’ll shift into an even larger role as a senior.

Jazz Lamerson | Senior | Outside Hitter | Piketon

2022 statistics: 389 kills, 37 aces, 33 blocks, 448 digs, 12 assists 

At times, Lamerson single-handedly kept the Redstreaks in matches. She ranked near the top of the Scioto Valley Conference with 5.2 kills per set, ended with 389 kills on the year, and added 37 aces and 448 digs to her stat sheet — all of which led the team. She also joined both the 1,000 kill and dig clubs during the season while helping Piketon set its ship back on course.

Jozy Lougheed | Sophomore | Outside Hitter | Southeastern

2022 statistics: 311 kills, 34 aces, 5 blocks, 307 digs, 203 assists 

Talk about a breakout season. Before the year started, you may not have known who Jozy Lougheed was. After, if you didn’t know, you weren’t paying attention. Lougheed led an underrated Panther squad to a final appearance and racked up 311 kills, 307 digs and 203 assists on the way. She was a jack of all trades and has two years left to punish opponents.

Peyton Magee | Senior | Outside Hitter | Fairfield

2022 statistics: 249 kills, 50 aces, 4 blocks, 334 digs, 28 assists 

You don’t have to see Magee long to know she’s a natural-born leader. Her teammates fed off her energy and enthusiasm. This fall, those characteristics led the Lions to league and sectional championships while she racked up 249 kills, 50 aces and 334 digs. When things got rough, which was rare, Fairfield turned to Magee to be a calm in the storm. She answered the bell.

Abbie Marshall | Junior | Setter | Unioto

2022 statistics: 160 kills, 36 aces, 32 blocks, 318 digs, 380 assists

What can’t Marshall do? That’s the question. It’s certainly a short list, if one exists. Marshall helped Unioto finish 19-6 overall and surprise its doubters with a district final finish. She was literally everywhere, logging 160 kills, 36 aces, 32 blocks, 318 digs and 380 assists — as well as her 1,000th career assist. She was a jack of all trades, a leader and a model teammate.

Kinley May | Senior | Setter | Zane Trace

2022 statistics: 68 kills, 73 aces, 29 blocks, 298 digs, 479 assists

In whatever she’s tasked to do, May is magnificent on the volleyball court. When she’s at the service line, she’s elite. When she’s at her setter position, she’s elite. See the pattern? Zane Trace relied heavily on May as the Pioneers enjoyed an ultra-successful campaign. She ends her career with impressive numbers, including 137 kills, 205 aces, 1,030 digs and 1,734 assists.

Madie Mays | Junior | Middler Hitter | Wheelersburg

2022 statistics: 287 kills, 24 aces, 38 blocks, 188 digs, 67 assists 

If you’re going to battle with Mays, you’re going to win a lot of those duels. The Pirates were lucky enough to have her and she helped them win 24 matches. Mays was a massive obstacle for opponents to overcome in the middle, providing a big block and an even bigger swing. She’ll be even better next season as she tries to lead ‘Burg back to the regional tournament.

Gracey McCullough | Senior | Libero | Zane Trace

2022 statistics: 7 kills, 41 aces, 0 blocks, 509 digs, 13 assists

Switching positions isn’t always easy, especially late in your career. McCullough made it look pedestrian. Seemingly everywhere, McCullough covered ground like few others could while she led the Pioneers and the conference with 509 digs — 6.3 per set. She ends her career after helping ZT compile an overall record of 71-28 and a 39-17 mark in SVC action.

Kalei Ngumire | Senior | Setter | Fairland

2022 statistics: 69 kills, 55 aces, 19 blocks, 304 digs, 665 assists

How about those Fairland Dragons? Ngumire led her teammates to a memorable season, logging a team-high 55 aces and 665 assists. The Dragons’ offense, one that was able to clinch a share of the OVC championship, ran through her and she handled those duties with ease. During her four-year stint, Nguimire continued to progress, ending her career with 1,671 assists.

Gracee Pfeifer | Senior | Libero | Southeastern

2022 statistics: 5 kills, 36 aces, 0 blocks, 502 digs, 10 assists

All year long, Pfeifer was overlooked and undervalued. But she didn’t care. Despite being underrated for the better part of the season, Pfeifer continued to be one of the area’s best all-around defensive players. She led the Panthers with 502 digs, continuously ranking near the top of area leaderboards in that category, and received 505 serves with just 37 errors. 

Lexie Rucker | Senior | Outside Hitter | Wheelersburg

2022 statistics: 266 kills, 43 aces, 11 blocks, 356 digs, 37 assists

Seemingly, in the blink of an eye, Rucker had the ability to take over matches. Her thunderous swing was contagious as she started many rallies, helping the Pirates put away opponents. She also made a huge difference defensively, logging a team-high 356 digs. She was an imperative piece to a district title puzzle and ends her underrated career with 461 kills and 672 digs.

Lexi Scott | Senior | Outside Hitter | Zane Trace

2022 statistics: 418 kills, 16 aces, 30 blocks, 301 digs, 20 assists

It’s hard to imagine having a player like Scott leading your squad. She wasn’t one of the best all-around players in her area. She was one of the best players in the state. Hands down. The senior was the SVC Player of the Year after leading her team to 19 wins and a district final appearance. She was a first-team all-district honoree after carrying her team all year long.

Jade Stewart | Sophomore | Outside Hitter | Unioto

2022 statistics: 257 kills, 53 aces, 22 blocks, 160 digs, 5 assists

Stewart was the go-to player when Unioto needed a point. And every time that call came, she answered with power. Her 257 kills and 53 aces both led the roster while her 160 digs gave the Tanks a needed defensive boost. With just two years under her belt at the varsity level, Stewart has posted 383 kills, 268 digs and 62 aces. She’s well on her way to a legendary career.

Kelli Stewart | Senior | Outside Hitter | Waverly

2022 statistics: 337 kills, 42 aces, 15 blocks, 290 digs, 23 assists

Money in the bank. That’s what Stewart was all year long. The Tigers’ most dangerous weapon wowed opponents all year long with a powerful swing at the net and a sharp serve. Her athleticism combined with her experience was a lethal mix and led Waverly to its first sectional title in 10 years. The future is bright for the Tigers and Stewart laid that sturdy foundation.

Christian Thompson | Sophomore | Outside Hitter | Fairfield Union

2022 statistics: 366 kills, 23 aces, 34 blocks, 329 digs, 19 assists 

Thompson is a name you’ll need to know throughout Southern Ohio. She made that name for herself as a sophomore. While guiding the Falcons through a roller-coaster like season, she amassed a team-high 366 kills and 329 digs. She was routinely the team’s go-to swing at the net, the center of each opponent’s game plan and still has a ton of potential left on the table. 

Grace Townsend | Sophomore | Setter | Adena

2022 statistics: 36 kills, 33 aces, 22 blocks, 204 digs, 827 assists

While it’s no surprise, Townsend began her varsity career with a year that included 827 assists — a number that was the top mark in the Scioto Valley Conference. She also proved her worth defensively with 204 digs while consistently displaying leadership qualities throughout a massively successful campaign. If you’re looking for the future of area volleyball, Townsend is it.

Makenna Walker | Senior | Setter | Wheelersburg

2022 statistics: 147 kills, 47 aces, 22 blocks, 235 digs, 789 assists

Essential. That’s the word that comes to mind when Walker is being discussed. The all-state setter helped Wheelersburg win sixth straight district championship after they clinched a share of the SOC II title while compiling a team-leading 47 aces and 789 assists. She’ll go down in history as one of the school’s best-ever setters, compiling 270 kills, 104 aces and 1,577 assists.

Callie Wilson | Senior | Outside Hitter | Gallia Academy

2022 statistics: 196 kills, 39 aces, 8 blocks, 328 digs, 13 assists

What a season Gallia Academy had. 21-4 overall. 13-1 in the OVC. District final appearance. Wilson was at the center of that storm. The senior led the team with 196 kills, added 328 digs to her resume and was a menace from the service line. The Blue Angels enjoyed a season for the ages and Wilson was a constant force for the co-OVC champions. She’ll be greatly missed.

Skylar Zimmerman | Junior | Outside Hitter | South Webster

2022 statistics: 207 kills, 44 aces, 7 blocks, 252 digs, 43 assists

Zimmerman, at just 5-foot-5, seemed to live above the net all year. It’s remarkable to say the last. Her 207 kills, 44 aces and 252 digs helped the Jeeps win a district championship and a share of the SOC II title — again. She played with vigor, passion and toughness and it translated to success on the court. She enters her senior year with 309 kills and 631 digs.

Honorable Mention Selections

Gabby McConnell, Circleville; Faith Miller, Fairfield; Gracey Ferguson, Miami Trace; Summer Bird, Peebles; Sarah Clark, Eastern Brown; Chandler Hayes, Circleville; Morgan Ware, Southeastern; Kaci Carroll, Huntington; Brooklynn Roland, Fairland; Jordyn Zinn, Vinton County; Izzy Smith, Waverly ; Averi McFadden, Paint Valley; Maelynn Howell, West; Alexis Farley, Zane Trace; Kenzie Ferneau, Western; Katelynn Boerger, North Adams; Jenna Harrison, Gallia Academy; Natalie Adkins, South Webster; Kiera Kennard, Wheelersburg; Regan Wilcoxon, Gallia Academy

SPONSORED BY GLOCKNER FAMILY OF DEALERSHIPS