Week 1 High School Stars!
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The high school season started full-time last week in Washington, let’s not get too deep into week 2 without recognizing some great performers from week 1. Teams and players across the state played in both matches and weekend tournaments, and…
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Continue ReadingThe high school season started full-time last week in Washington, let’s not get too deep into week 2 without recognizing some great performers from week 1. Teams and players across the state played in both matches and weekend tournaments, and from seasoned upperclassmen down to freshmen and sophomores players started the season on fire. Here are just some of the best from week 1!
The senior outside hitter put together an excellent tournament last weekend at the SunDome, she is a powerful attacker and provides big energy for the Panthers. She drove balls down the line, hard angle and showed great chemistry with her setter running routes in the seam to find holes in the block.
Mason started the season with games of 12 and 14 kills while hitting over .450. The competition stiffened at the SunDome tournament, but the Burlington-Edison star still sits with over 100 kills very early in the season. Mason can attack with the best in the state, the B-E Tigers will be counting on her scoring in the 2A Northwest League.
A 2025 prospect who has played all over the court in school ball and club, Sandberg is in the groove at the Libero spot for Gonzaga Prep. The Bullpups have started the season strong, and the versatile Sandberg totaled 30 digs in wins over Mt. Spokane and Ridgeline in week 1. Her experience as a pin attacker and setter give her an edge when she is reading opposing offenses from the back row.
A 5’7 outside who plays bigger than her listed height, Hemphill has an extensive beach background. The senior helped her 3A Ridgeline squad to a win over rival Central Valley and a semi-final berth at the SunDome tournament. The Falcons posted a victory over 4A West Valley Yakima before falling to a tough Lynden team one game short of the championship. Hemphill has helped set the tone defensively for her scrappy team, and her short serve may be one of the best in the state!
Highlights
A 2025 attacker, Coleman loomed large in the 2-0 week 1 start for Jackson. In wins over Bothell and Mt. Vernon, the junior hit .345 and with 12 digs while playing tough in serve receive. At 5’10 with plenty of bounce, Jackson is tough to stop on the pin or swinging away coming down the middle.
Mossburg is going to post plenty of 20 dig matches this season, she started off week 1 with 21 versus Snohomish and 17 against Bishop Blanchet. Her Glacier Peak team was 2-0 in those matches, the junior libero is quick and strong and she smothers tips and dump attempts in the middle of the court.
Highlights
Liberty racked up three wins in week 1, handling Lakes, Skyline and Mt. Tahoma to start the year strong. Lester is hitting just under .400 for the year as part of a loaded Liberty frontline. Lester has pin hitter skills, but is playing in the middle for the Patriots, she showed good hands when she stepped in to play the ball in week one. She worked hard to get pin to pin and posted multiple blocks in each match.
Highlights
Haylie Steel
Haylie Steel
Steel was a GSL 2A all-league performer last season and has helped Shadle Park to an undefeated start this year. She played rock solid in serve receive during week 1, and that allowed Shadle to run the middle and play to their strengths. The Highlanders made a run to the championship game over the weekend at the Kent tournament, and teams quickly served away from Steele after testing her early.
TWO NORTH IDAHO NOTABLES!
We always like to give some props to the players in the Panhandle next door!
Paisley Goings| 2025 | 5’10 OH | Coeur d’Alene | CPA. The junior has had an excellent start to the season for the Vikings, and the team is sporting a solid 8-2 overall record. Goings is a six-rotation player who plays low error, has a variety of shots from the pin and the pipe, and is thriving in the primary attacker role in her third season on varsity.
Maddie Cheney| 2024 | 5’11 OPP | Kellogg | RVC. Cheney is a strong left-handed attacker with nice size and an outstanding feel for the game. The senior contributed to a big win over Clarkston and is a multi-year starter for the Wildcats out of the 2A Central Idaho Conference.