By Dean Eversole
MaxPreps.com
One team has dominated the Shelby County League the last few years - the Anna Rockets. Led by 6-foot-3, Ohio State-bound Kelli Barhorst, the Rockets have not only controlled the SCL, but D-III Ohio volleyball, winning the state title this season.
But, an old program is back on the rise and it is the Jackson Center Tigers. With a roster dominated by underclassmen, the Tigers took a share of the conference crown and are now looking for much more - a D-IV state title.
Jackson Center opened the tournament Saturday with an easy win over Dayton Jefferson. This week the Tigers continued the march forward with another 3-0 win over Covington. The Tigers now head to the district where they will play Cincinnati Christian on Saturday.
With so many young players, this a new experience for coach Kim Metz crew, which will be looking to just play the games.
"You have to jump in with both feet when the tournament starts," said Metz following the Jefferson match "Every game now has to be your best game."
For the past few years, when people talked about the Shelby County Conference volleyball they talked about Anna, and for good reason. Last season, the Rockets ran through the conference on their way to a D-III state title. But now the Rockets are sharing the stage with the Tigers as the two teams tied for the conference crown at 11-1. After losing in four games early in the season, Jackson Center made a statement, downing the Rockets in three games on October 2.
"We shared the crown with Anna. They beat us at home and then we turned around and beat them on their court a few weeks ago," noted Metz "It is extremely huge to beat Anna. The team performed so well and really covered the floor."
Metz is hoping the win can catapult her team to better things. Even though there is not a lot of senior leadership, after 23 games Jackson Center is an experienced and tested team. But more importantly they work well together and just enjoy being around each other.
"These kids are friends off the court and it is so much easier to coach a team like this," noted Metz.
Leading the Tigers is outside hitter Casey Gates, who as a sophomore is an established and feared hitter. Joining Gates is Allissa Ware, who provides another crucial option for the Tigers.
"Two players that we really rely on are Allissa and Casey," said Metz "Those two players want to get the job done and are very dependable. They have had dreams of playing volleyball since they were in elementary school."
Like any volleyball team, the hitters up front get all the press, but it is the setters and back row players that make a team go.
For Jackson Center Bethany Hoehne and Cortnee Sosby fill this role and are a crucial part of the Tiger machine.
"I rely a lot on my setters Bethany Hoehne and Cortnee Sosby. They are both juniors and know how to run the court. They just know what to expect and what I want from them on the floor," noted Metz about her two setters.
Something that makes the Tigers a lot different than other successful squads is height. Metz doesn't have the traditional front row, but her team makes up for it with determination and placement.
Tara Spicer, 5-8, plays the middle for Metz and is an efficient player who understands how to win.
Like all great teams, the Tigers have a great supporting cast, giving Metz the asset of depth.
"My supporting cast is just waiting to get on the floor. I have real cast of characters just waiting and they know what to do," noted Metz.
Jackson Center has a long way to go, but nobody would be surprised if the Tigers end up in the Final Four come November.
