Local players sweep 12-6A superlatives
District 12-6A has earned a reputation as one of the toughest volleyball districts in the state.
In 2017, The Woodlands emerged from the fray as the team to make it to the state tournament. College Park made it to the regional final for the first time and Oak Ridge fell in the area round in a five-set battle.
The fourth team in, Conroe, made the playoffs for the first time since 2009. For that reason, Tigerettes coach Charvette Brown was named the District 12-6A Coach of the Year.
Four of the superlative awards were given to seniors who will continue to play at the Division I level next fall.
Oak Ridge’s Carly Graham, who will head to Rice, was named the Most Valuable Player in the district. CC Clausen, a College Park senior who is on her way to South Florida next year, was the Defensive Player of the Year.
The Woodlands had the remaining three superlative awards.
Future Mississippi State Bulldogs AJ Koele was the Offensive Player of the Year.
Sophie Walls, who will play at the University of Miami, was the district’s Setter of the Year.
Clara Brower, a freshman for the Lady Highlanders, was honored as the Newcomer of the Year.
Oak Ridge led the way with three players on the All-District First Team in senior Shae Green and juniors Natalie Martin and Ashlyn Cianculli.
Conroe, Lufkin and The Woodlands had two players each on the first team. Seniors Jazzmin Kim and Victoria Ratcliff were honored for the Tigerettes. For the Lady Panthers, seniors Amy Tang and Riley Latham earned a spot. Two younger players – junior Courtney Heiser and sophomore Dylan Maberry – made the first team for The Woodlands.
College Park and Montgomery each had a senior make the top team. For the Lady Cavaliers, it was Lauren Freeman. Mallory Talbert was the honoree for the Lady Bears.
Conroe saw three players – seniors Jznae Kim, Jozy Rodel and Sydney Walling – made the 126A Second Team. Senior Mackenzie Nunes and junior Jill Bohnet made the second team for College Park.
Montgomery seniors Molly Scott and Taylor Powell were honored with a second-team spot. The Woodlands also saw two second teamers in senior Skylar Scott and junior Georgia Murphy. Oak Ridge junior Mckenzie Arent was also on the second team.
Each team had two players earn honorable mention in the district. For College Park, it was Rose Hedderman and Noelle Palmer. Gabby Mize and Sophie Harrison were honored for Conroe.
Lufkin’s were Jaden Wortham and Lexy Ramirez. Mamie Gray and Ally Williams were honored for Montgomery.
Oak Ridge was represented by Brianna Rhodes and Adara Land. Ally Haden and Alex Tyler were honored for The Woodlands.