2025 HS Preview: Altus and Enid

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>School season is right around the corner and we are taking a look at 2 teams per article. We will talk about who they graduated, key returners, and predict the outcome of the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Altus:</strong><strong> </strong>They went 18-15 this past season which gives them 39 in the past two seasons combined. This team is coached by Robert Garrison who has been the head coach for the past 5 seasons. He was voted the region 4 coach of the year for 2023-24. He led them to their first regional championship appearance in school history. They are looking to make it back to the regional championship and snag 20 wins along the way. They have circled the Duncan and Lawton Mac matches for the upcoming season. They are planning to use those two high level matches as a barometer to see just how far they have come and where they currently stand. They also are looking forward to the Claremore Classic again due to the strong competition and getting to play teams they don't usually see throughout the year. They had a strong showing last season with three ranked wins and a narrow 3rd set loss (15-17) to #3 ranked Claremore. <strong>Prediction</strong>: This hungry team keeps getting better and they do end up in a regional championship again for a chance to get to state. I also think they do get to the 20 win mark with a couple to spare.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players</strong>: They have some top returners in Jr Outside Hitter Hayden Castillo, Jr Setter [player_tooltip player_id='757038' first='Olivia' last='Williams'], and Jr Libero [player_tooltip player_id='757037' first='Jordyn' last='Huckins']. They also have some solid talent and underclassmen that could make some waves in Jr Outside Hitter Evyn Bull, So Outside Hitter [player_tooltip player_id='757040' first='Kaprie' last='Craddock'], and Jr Outside Hitter Jaylee Carmen. Coach Garrison also wanted to give a special shoutout to Middle Blocker, Katie Beth Davis. "She has been with me from the beginning when I coached her in 7th grade. She has been a valuable asset to our team each season and one of the most positive athletes I've coached."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Enid:</strong> They went 13-22 last season. They are coached by Valerie Fransisco. She has been on staff for four years and been the head coach for 1. Something she strives for her program to have is "community within the team". They picked up two ranked wins and finished as runner up in the Big 8 conference. Enid has Stillwater, Sand Springs and Bartlesville all circled on the schedule. Bartlesville, Sand Springs and Enid all have rotated on who hosts the opening day tri-match between the three teams. To start the year off with two ranked wins would be a great way to kick start a great season. <strong>Prediction</strong>: Enid ends the season as conference runner up again and gets to the 15 win mark with a few ranked wins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players</strong>: They only have two returning seniors in Outside Hitter/Setter Lauren Jackson and Middle Blocker/Defensive Specialist Emma Sullivan. Both will be looked at to lead the team and make crucial plays in big moments. They also have a group of underclassmen that could help get this team on track. Players like So Defensive Specialist Ellie Slater, So Defensive Specialist Lauren Hachel, and Fr Setter Willa Cummings. Coach Fransisco would like to give a special shoutout to senior Lauren Jackson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->