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Tampa Bay district volleyball preview

 
WILL VRAGOVIC   |   Times
WILL VRAGOVIC | Times
Published Oct. 16, 2014

Tampa Bay is rich with volleyball talent this season, and now that the regular season is coming to a close, the matches that matter most are up ahead for teams looking to make a playoff run. Before the postseason begins, though, teams will have to make it out of next week's district tournaments, which for some, could be easier said than done. Here's a look at what those tournaments have to offer, who has the potential to stand out and which teams have the best shot of taking home a state championship.

Two tough districts

Class 4A-10: Two years ago, any district that Berkeley Prep was in would never have been considered a toss-up. Last year, though, Academy of the Holy Names snapped the Bucs' 16-year district championship streak. This year, the Jaguars could be in a position to repeat, but don't count out Berkeley Prep — which just had a big win against Tampa Prep — or Tampa Catholic.

Class 5A-8: Not only is this district comprised of eight teams, four of them have a solid chance at competing for two playoff spots. At 7-0 in the district, Sunlake has the best shot of taking home the tournament crown, but Fivay, Anclote and River Ridge won't let the Seahawks get away with it easily.

Four state contenders

Clearwater Central Catholic: Will the third time be the charm? The Marauders have advanced to the Class 3A state semifinals the past two seasons but have not been able to play for the championship. Seniors Katie Moore and Shea Hamilton are two of the top hitters in the area. Fellow seniors Rachel Odell, Maria Jose Amundaray, Sara Brown and Ashley Albers have contributed mightily. "This is our last chance," Hamilton said. "We've all been talking about it since the season started."

Palm Harbor University: Last season, the Hurricanes ran into Winter Park in the Class 8A region final and did not advance to state. This year's team is just as talented, maybe even better. The Hurricanes are 20-2, though one loss was to district foe Manatee. Senior leaders Abby Walker, Jazmine Barker and Ameije Ismaili have been steady, and sophomore Julia Angelo (182 kills), junior AnnaMarie Huy (135 kills, 71 blocks) and sophomore Emma Strong (225 digs) have contributed greatly. Winter Park, which won last year's 8A state title, appears down this year. Manatee will be a big challenge, but if PHU can get past the other Hurricanes, they can make a run.

Bloomingdale: Led by one of the best players in the area, Karissa Rhoades, Bloomingdale has barely missed a beat this season. The Bulls have dropped just five sets and one match — to another state title contender, Tampa Prep — and they've had no trouble in their district, finishing league play with a 10-0 record. They should win the 8A-7 tournament with ease on their way to a possibly lengthy postseason run. "Last year we had some confidence issues," Rhoades said earlier in the season. "But now we're actually kind of feeling it."

Tampa Prep: With 15 state titles, Tampa Prep is tied with Berkeley Prep for the most volleyball championships in Hillsborough County. The Terrapins, though, are hoping this is the season they'll be alone at the top with that honor. Tampa Prep's last three seasons ended at the hands of the First Academy in the region final, and it's been a decade since the Terrapins last won a state title. This year, the Terrapins have a solid shot at ending that drought. They've cruised through their season, losing just one match outside of tournament play. And with five seniors in the starting lineup — including three Division I commits — they've got the experience to go all the way.

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Five players to watch

OH Karissa Rhoades, Bloomingdale: Rhoades was Hillsborough County's top hitter last season, and the 5-foot-11 senior has come out swinging once again. Rhoades' stats are lower now that she has some help around her, but she still leads the Bulls with 240 kills and 66 aces.

OH Sarah Sprague, Sunlake: After finishing 4-17 just two years ago, the Seahawks have totally turned things around. Senior outside hitter Sarah Sprague is a big reason why. Sprague leads the Seahawks with 278 kills, 45 aces and 15 blocks.

S Abby Walker, Palm Harbor University: Coach Tara Kuk calls Walker the "glue" of the team. Walker has the enviable job of distributing to several capable players. With her 612 assists and 175 digs, Walker makes the PHU offense go — and it is a formidable offense.

MH Katie Moore, Clearwater Central Catholic: At 6-foot-3, Moore is a handful at the net. The Wake Forest commit, who has 219 kills and 77 blocks, is a four-year starter who is key to the Marauders' success.

MB Kayla Widera, Mitchell: The Mustangs are 16-3 and poised to make another playoff run. Widera will be integral to that run. The 6-footer stands tall at the net and forces opponents to hit around her. Venice tripped up Mitchell in the region final last year and Widera, a junior, will play a big role in helping the Mustangs get over the hump.

Top 10 kill leaders

Kathryn Attar, Wharton: 344

Victoria Trueheart, Tampa Bay HEAT: 301

Aisling Sheehan, Carrollwood Day: 283

Sarah Sprague, Sunlake: 278

Megan Tozour, Northside Christian: 268

Abby Zimroth, Tampa Catholic: 258

Katie Will, Dunedin: 246

Ally Parimore, Seffner Christian: 241

Karissa Rhoades, Bloomingdale: 240

Shea Hamilton, CCC: 239

Top 10 digs leaders

Zoe Murchio, Weeki Wachee: 466

Taylor Bump, Canterbury: 425

Kim Johnson, Hudson: 422

Ameije Ismaili, PHU: 421

Gabby Fresh, Calvary Christian: 381

Chanelle Hargreaves, Wharton: 361

Katie Newman, Osceola: 336

Anna Olsen, Wiregrass Ranch: 309

Elise Moralobo, Indian Rocks: 309

Maria Jose Amundaray, CCC: 306

Top 10 assists leaders

Jordyn Mattos, Fivay: 627

Tyler Sroufe, Wharton: 614

Abby Walker, PHU: 612

4. Reagan Huet, Bloomingdale: 601

Hannah Artille, Northside Christian: 576

Ariah LaRoe, Tampa Bay HEAT: 575

Ashley Albers, CCC: 569

Shelby Mahaz, Calvary Christian: 515

Katherine Dykes, Cambridge Christian: 507

Mercedyz Mitchell, King: 503

By the numbers

0 Losses for Steinbrenner in 34 district matches

5 Total sets lost by Bloomingdale

14 Game-winning streak CCC is riding

22 State final four appearances by Tampa Prep

50.4 Percentage of Wharton's kills made by Kathryn Attar

720 Days since Mitchell last lost a district match

For full district schedules and seedings, visit tampabay.com/hometeam.