Crowther volleyball begins

Times Reporter 

 

Crowther Memorial Junior High’s senior volleyball teams are starting up once again; both the girls and boys sides are confident they can place at zones.

With five girls returning from last year, Coach Chris Iversen has a mix of Grade 8’s and 9’s on the court.

“Last year we had pretty much a .500 per cent season, had some ups and downs. We got second place in the Medicine Hat tournament last year,” he said. “This year I think we have a strong team, trying to win as many tournaments as we can. I’d like to see the girls get at least a medal at every tournament.”

The senior girls don’t play league volleyball, only competing in tournaments. In the next few practices, Iversen hopes to find a consistent setter.

“Right now, early season, it’s passing,” he said. “Just getting the girls nice and aggressive, and ready to get some good hits.”

On the boys side, a lead setter has been found in Grade 8 Tomas Moncayo.

Coach Brad Huntley has three returning players, but mostly rookies scattered from Grades 7 to 9; though they are inexperienced, just like last season, he’s still hopeful for the Cougars.

“We were a little bit nervous. We lost one of our primary starters last year to AA hockey. We had one setter to start the year off, and no other potentials,” Huntley said. “We had several people that were brand new to volleyball, and we actually ended up pretty well.”

In tournaments, the team typically finished third. At zones, they placed fourth, narrowly missing a higher result.

“I’d like to see the kids get a medal in zones,” Huntley said. “Ultimately, I want to see growth. The main focus in the junior high system is to make sure they’re still having fun, and that they’re prepared to go into high school; it’s a different level, it’s a big jump.”

With lots of height on the team, Huntley feels the boys may have an advantage; still, passing and serving are their main areas of focus in practice.

“As long as they come off the court and they’re happy, that’s success,” he said.