Team Feature: Klein Oak Panthers
This week Prep Dig is featuring 6A Klein Oak High School. The program is led by Head Coach DaVette McCall who recently just celebrated her 100th career win. In her first year leading the Panthers, Coach McCall is pushing her…
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Continue ReadingThis week Prep Dig is featuring 6A Klein Oak High School. The program is led by Head Coach DaVette McCall who recently just celebrated her 100th career win. In her first year leading the Panthers, Coach McCall is pushing her girls to focus on the mental aspect of the game and playing with intention every point. In doing so, her goal is to end the playoff drought and battle in post season.
The Panthers are currently 25-10 and will face Klein Forest this Friday. Although they are 4-2 in district, the program’s set count doesn’t reflect sweeps. Both of Klein Oak’s district losses were 3-1, proving the Panthers are competing well.
Below are key Panther standouts.
Hannah Akala
Hannah Akala
Akala carries a big role on this squad doubling up as a senior and team captain. She is a six-rotation right side making an impact in every rotation. On the net, her block is the first line of defense, and her press shuts down big outsides. Offensively in back row, Akala has a strong attack from right back, which is not a super common swing to defend.
Another senior captain, Campbell is a six-rotation outside that is hard to keep your eyes off of. She’s a strong attacker from anywhere on the court and recently just celebrated 1000 career kills. It’s obvious Campbell is a go-to executor, and she’s leaving everything on the court before she plays at Nicholls State University next fall. Lastly, good luck to any opponents receiving her killer serve.
Maggie Ellender
Maggie Ellender
Ellender is a senior setter running a 5-1 this season. This is a huge advantage for the Panthers overall because it ensures every rotation and offensive decision is led with experience. Coach McCall was a four-year college setter, so Ellender has received careful attention and training to finish her senior year strong.
Tatum Lockhardt
Tatum Lockhardt
Lockhardt is the third senior captain with her leadership shining in the back row as libero. Her presence is commanding and she plays with passion. Lockhardt is either relentlessly covering the court defensively or depended on for her consistent serve receive.
Catherine Singletary
Catherine Singletary
Singletary is the last senior captain as an outside hitter. Especially noted, she is new to this position and doing a solid job from being a right side in the past. Switching to a new position is never an easy feat, so that’s an impressive transition. Adding to the depth of the team’s offense, Singletary is a threat on the net and in the back row,