New coach: Lamar a ‘diamond in the rough’
Terry Lambert, Lamar’s new head girls volleyball coach, knows what it feels like to be the underdog. Last season, he led Richmond Foster to a 29-14-1 record and the District 245A title.
“George Ranch was the team to beat, but we competed well and pulled the upset,” Lambert said.
Now Lambert will try to do the same thing at Lamar. Bellaire is the heavy favorite in District 20-6A, but the Texans believe they have a shot at the trophy.
“First of all, we have a great deal of respect for Bellaire and (head coach) Ap Clarke. She’s done a wonderful job,” Lambert said. “But I didn’t come to Lamar to get second place. The goal is to build Lamar into the type of team that can compete with Bellaire and win a district championship.”
Lambert will find out quickly exactly how far the Texans have come when Lamar and Bellaire square off at 7 p.m. Friday at Butler Field House.
The Texans enter the contest with a .500 record (12-12), but they began the week at 2-0 in District 206A after sweeping Chavez 25-10, 25-14, 25-21.
Lamar also won four of six matches at the Santa Fe Labor Day Classic, earning second place in the Bronze Division. The Texans also won the Houston ISD Tournament and picked up several victories at the Cy-Fair/Katy Nike Invitational.
“We’ve played well and beaten some good teams,” said Lambert, alluding to wins over Alief Elsik and Pasadena Memorial. “But we’ve played really well in our losses, including a couple of matches that went five sets.”
Talent-wise, Lambert believes that Lamar can hold its own against Bellaire. But that largely depends on the availability of junior Grace Nielsen, the Texans’ star 6-foot-4 middle blocker. Nielsen, a returning all-district performer, has been sidelined with shoulder and back problems.
“We held Grace out the last few weeks as a precaution,” Lambert said. “We should have her back on the court for Bellaire.”
With Nielsen on the bench, Lamar has rotated 6-0 junior Sarah Blakemore and senior Camryn Blueitt at middle blocker. The Texans just moved up sophomore Amanda Johnson from the junior varsity to add depth.
“Our middles have been solid, but we’re a stronger team when Grace is out there,” Lambert said.
Lamar’s offensive standouts are junior Jaz’myne Perry at right side hitter and juniors Jada Mitchell and Jenisha Vernocchi at outside hitter.
Junior setter Christian Patton has been on fire. Patton was named to the all-tournament team at Santa Fe.
“Christian seems to get better every day,” Lambert said. “She does a terrific job directing the team.”
Sophomore Abby Andrews has earned the starting libero role, but Lamar features a number of defensive specialists. Senior twins Kenzie and Maddie Hiskey have excelled on the back row along with sophomore Nichole Richbourg, who was elevated from the JV.
Also coming off the bench are junior Ja’Mia Collins, the back-up setter, as well as senior outside hitter Jordan Griffin and senior defensive specialist Cristiani White.
While Lambert enjoyed plenty of success at Foster, he’s excited to be at Lamar.
“There were many reasons why I came to Lamar,” Lambert said. “I liked the fact Lamar has an IB (International Baccalaureate) program and would allow me to teach physics. I loved the coaching staff and the athletic coordinator, Tom Nolen. I also thought it was a step up getting the chance to lead a Class 6A program.”
Now Lambert, a wellknown club coach with USA Volleyball ties, plans to take the Texans to the next level.
“My goal is to help every girl improve her skills and be the best volleyball player she can be,” Lambert said. “Lamar is a ‘diamond in the rough’ program. There’s a lot of talent here. We have the opportunity to achieve some special things.”