By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
On a hypothetical list of ways a high school sports season could possibly end, it’s hard to imagine anything more bizarre than the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic wiping out basketball championships and canceling entire schedules back in 2020.
The Licking volleyball program found a strong competitor.
After losing in the district championship game last fall, the Wildcats learned the Missouri State High School Activities Association had disqualified their opponents for using players who became ineligible after participating in a charity volleyball tournament.
The Wildcats were awarded a spot in the state sectionals and were actively traveling to that game when they received word that MSHSAA’s decision had been reversed by a court order, and the team that originally ended their season was back in the state tournament.
Licking volleyball coach Tammy Gorman, formerly Miller, has seen a lot in a decorated coaching career that has included more than 600 victories – but that was a new one.
“Oh my, that was a first and hopefully a last,” Gorman said. “Never in a million years I could have come up with that ending. I chalk it up to a lesson learned hopefully by all and we move forward as better people.”
It was an emotional 48 hours, Gorman said, but the scenario hasn’t been discussed at all since the Wildcats began preparing for the 2024 season. And no, the Wildcats don’t consider themselves the reigning district champions.
“Oh no,” Gorman said. “Gotta win that championship game — and we didn’t that night.”
This year’s group of Wildcats has a real chance to do that, though.
They return four starters from the team that went 30-6-1 last fall — and have seven seniors leading the way. They’ll try to be the first group of Wildcats to win a district title since the 2019 team placed fourth in the state.
“We do have some key seniors this coming year, but I also feel we have more depth with the younger kids pushing for playing time,” Gorman said. “I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how things develop over the course of the year.”
Three of Licking’s seven seniors – Allie Hock, Ralee Clayton and Zoey Dawson – are coming off all-district seasons.
Hock, a middle/outside hitter, is Licking’s top returning hitter and blocker. She netted 279 kills and recorded 34 blocks.
“Expect her to lead by example,” Gorman said. “Athletic, explosive and very versatile.”
Clayton, a defensive specialist/libero/outside hitter, led the Wildcats with 357 receptions. She also tied Hock with 49 aces, the highest total among returning Wildcats.
“Great ball control with a natural IQ for the game,” Gorman said.
Dawson, an outside hitter, was second on the team with 332 receptions. She added 230 digs, also tying Hock for the most among returners, and added 116 kills.
“Natural IQ for the game,” Gorman said. “Competitive and is a true gamer.”
Seniors Linzie Wallace, Josie Wells, Allie Medlock and Aubrey Gorman also return.
Wallace, the setter, led the team with 473 assists. She added 19 blocks, 45 aces and 208 digs.
“Leader, competitive and a hard worker,” coach Gorman said. “Will work at whatever to make her teammates better.”
Wells, an outside hitter/right side, and Aubrey Gorman, a defensive specialist/outside hitter, each played in more than 90 percent of Licking’s matches last fall, while Medlock will be moving into a prominent role on the varsity.
Coach Gorman on Wells: “A lefty that has increased her shot selection and can be a force on the right side.”
Goach Gorman on Aubrey Gorman: “Athletic, explosive, little but mighty, good ball control and likes to compete.”
Coach Gorman on Medlock: “A lefty who can play the right or left side. She has also increased her level of shot selections.”
The Wildcats are also looking forward to the return of junior outside hitter/middle hitter Jadyn Barnes, who is recovering from hip surgery.
Juniors Kate Mitchell (middle hitter) and Addison Floyd (setter) and freshman Hadlee Davis (setter/defensive specialist) give the Wildcats some additional depth.
Coach Gorman said she hopes the team is known as one that “will not stop, loves to compete, can pass and play defense.”
“We want our opponents to have to play their best to compete with us,” she added.
Licking will open the regular season on Aug. 31 at Marshfield.
In addition to winning a district title, the Wildcats also have a chance to become the fourth Licking team to win 30 or more games in the past six years. They’d be the first one to reach that milestone in back-to-back seasons.
“We have increased the strength of our schedule, so a 30-win season will all be determined on our ability to be able to compete at a high level on a regular basis and being mentally tough when things are hard,” coach Gorman said.
