By Chris Parker
East Newton volleyball will look to take a step forward after back-to-back six-win seasons with a deep roster set to take the court this season.
“It has taken a number of years to get to the position where our gym doesn’t just have numbers but serious competition among our top 12 to vie it out for positions on the floor,” East Newton head coach Ashley Brown said. “Our JV will push our varsity lineup daily and I think that can only make us better.”
A pair of all-conference selections in Laikyn Higginbotham and Kadie Sesay return.
Higginbotham was a first-team all-conference selection as a junior. She led the Patriots with 502 digs and 369 serve receptions.
“Laikyn has a very natural touch on the ball. Her platform is strong, her feet are quick, and her work ethic matches the results you see on the floor when she plays,” Brown said. “She always wants to bring her best to the floor. I expect her to continue to lead us defensively. Her biggest goals this year are to get louder and develop that confidence to swing backrow and be an offensive threat.”
Sesay was a versatile threat as a freshman on her way to honorable mention all-conference honors. She finished top three for East Newton in kills (second – 179), aces (third – 25), digs (215) and serve receptions (second – 336).
“If you watch Kadie play for long you will notice her intensity is unmatched. She is a true competitor and loves being in the gym getting better. She puts in a ton of work in the offseason and allows her calm demeanor and natural athleticism take over in tight matches,” Brown said.
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Sesay will be an outside hitter.
Cameran Clement (senior MB/RS), Kassidy Hance (senior MB) and Allie Anderson (sophomore) are three more returning varsity players for East Newton.
Brown on Clement: “Cameran is versatile and comes into her senior season ready to contribute however she can. She has played all three front row positions for us and will be a big force with her block. She has led us in blocks every season of her high school career thus far.”
Brown on Hance: “Kassidy has come a long way from her freshman year. She is our energy thermostat for the team. She brings a big swing and a bigger smile to the court.”
Brown on Anderson: “Allie saw limited time her freshman year on the varsity as a DS. This year I am looking for her to compete for a pin position (OH or RS), but she also shows great versatility and can set for us if needed. I love her heart and willingness to do whatever is asked of her.”
Camryn Cornett (sophomore setter), Taylor Harris (sophomore MB), Danielle Davidson (junior DS), Ava Periman (sophomore OH/DS/S) and Helen Mawi (OH/DS) will be newcomers to watch on the varsity level.
Brown will look for this year’s team to bring a more consistent offense.
“The last few years we have really improved on all sides of the ball but made our best strides in the defensive department,” Brown said. “We compete with anyone on the defensive side of the ball but at times have struggled to consistently put a ball away on offense. We look to improve upon that this year.”
East Newton will travel to Pierce City for a jamboree on Aug. 22 with the host Eagles, Pleasant Hope and Ash Grove. The Patriots open the regular season on Aug. 28 at Pierce City.
“My expectations remain the same as in years past; control our controllables (energy, effort, and attitude) and work towards consistency,” Brown said. “We will set goals as a team and of course I love to win. However, my expectations have almost everything to do with our controllables. Outcomes like winning, are a byproduct of putting in the consistent energy, effort and attitudes every day.”
