Will Nelson win the 6A State title?
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PrepDig Oregon released a poll a while back asking everyone to vote on their prediction for the 6A State title winner. PrepDig is doing a write-up on each of the top four vote-getters. Based on the results, South Salem, Sprague,…
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Continue ReadingPrepDig Oregon released a poll a while back asking everyone to vote on their prediction for the 6A State title winner. PrepDig is doing a write-up on each of the top four vote-getters. Based on the results, South Salem, Sprague, Nelson, and Jesuit received the highest number of votes. All four programs are top-notch and should advance well into the State tournament later this season. But will one of these teams win it all? Time will tell.
Receiving the third most votes at 230 was Nelson High School. Being a new high school, this is only the program’s third season competing. Last season, the Hawks made a remarkable run in the State tournament. In the semifinals, the team lost to Jesuit High School after a thrilling five-set match but defeated Westview High School in three to walk away with the 3rd-place trophy.
With the regular season coming to a close, we have been able to see this squad in action and have some impressive players to highlight.
Although the Hawks graduated powerhouse Kali Lukovich (Eastern Washington), they are returning 2026 standout Madi Andrews. Fulfilling the same role as last season, it is no surprise she is a steady contributor all around as a six-rotation pin. Thus far, the sophomore has accumulated an impressive 292 kills on 621 swings, hitting a .308. As the team’s first server, she sits at the top of the leaderboard for most aces on the team, with 68 on 292 attempts. She also has 11 blocks, 169 digs, and is passing a 1.88 on serve receive. Filling in for Lukovich seamlessly is 2025 Gabby Hill, who has burst onto the high school scene this season after an impressive club season with OJVA 16-1. Showcasing tons of improvement, she came into the high school season ready to make her mark for the Hawks. She has amassed 250 kills on 538 swings, hitting a .297 and has an impressive 20 blocks. She also has 39 service aces on 232 attempts, is passing a 1.74 average on serve receive, and has 140 digs. Playing opposite Andrews, the pair make for a fairly unstoppable duo.
The Hawks secured a major pickup in transfer Lainey Day from Damascus Christian, who was integral in their State championship last season. The sophomore middle blocker is as athletic as they come, also one of the state’s top basketball players. She is explosive on the attack and puts up a formidable block. Thus far, Day has posted 78 kills on 193 swings, hitting a .238, and is leading the team in blocks with an impressive 46. Playing opposite Day is returning middle blocker Ava Maciag, who contributes steadily to the team. She has accumulated 70 kills on 166 swings, hitting a .265, and has 25 blocks. From the service line, she has garnered 21 aces on 115 serves.
The Hawks run either a 6-2 or a 5-1 with their setters, Kaitlin Boring and Amelia Eubanks, depending on the team’s needs. Eubanks was a major contributor to the Hawks last season as their primary setter, running a 5-1. When the going gets tough, the Hawks often look to the senior setter to run the offense, transitioning back to a 5-1. Eubanks has posted an impressive 404 assists on 911 total sets thus far this season. When given the opportunity, Boring goes in and makes a difference as a setter and server. She has amassed 199 assists and has made a major impact from the service line with 34 aces on 153 attempts.
With the Hawks graduating libero Zoë Szczesniak, there was a major hole in their lineup that needed filling. Sophomore Aviana Trees has filled this hole quite nicely. She took on a big role over club season with Excel 14-1, helping them place 2nd at CEVA Regionals as the team’s libero. So she came into high school season well equipped to take this role on. The defensive end of things is where Trees shines; given her athleticism and quick reaction times, she has posted 83 digs. Her serve receive is steady, passing a 1.84 on average. She also brings a tough jump float with 22 aces on 135 serves. Another defensive specialist that is impressing is right-side hitter Sienna Rasmussen. Although playing out of position, she has fulfilled the defensive specialist role very well. She has the highest serve receive rating on the team with 1.98 and has 50 digs.
*The stats provided are through Oct 5, 2023.