Scarlets searching for trip back to divisionsals
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
ARLEE — What a difference a season can make.
The Arlee Scarlets started the past season with a new coach in a new district and as one of the least-experienced teams in the district.
With Brian Big Sam back at the helm to guide Arlee in their second year in District 14-C and the Scarlets only losing two players from the past season, the Scarlets will start the season as one of the most experienced team’s in the district. They will also start the season in a new gym.
The Scarlets spent last year in the middle of the pack of the district, but never could join the elite teams in the conference – Charlo, Hot Springs and Noxon –, but with five returning starters, Big Sam said that shouldn’t be a problem this season.
“They’re ready to get out of district play,” Big Sam said after practice Monday night. “We need to keep working, but we’re setting our eyes on divisionals. I think the girls are capable of doing it if we play like we did last year. If we can hit and serve like we did last year and keep our momentum through a whole game, we have a chance.”
Cortney Dix, the Scarlet’s setter the past season, played league ball in the spring and the summer and will take on a larger role for Arlee this season. Big Sam said that Dix is one of the best athletes on the team and can play, and play well, any position on the court. Dix will also be another offensive threat for the Scarlets to help fill the void left with the departure of hitters Chelsea Allaire and Mahalia Hendren.
“We’re going to use Cortney for a lot more than just setting. We’re going to use her for all of her abilities,” Big Sam said.
Big Sam said freshman Bailey Rice or sophomore Skyla Perry may see time as Arlee’s setter this season. He isn’t afraid of putting underclassmen in the starting rotation.
“There’s no better way to build them up and have them learn the game. It’s all about learning. The more varsity experience they have the better they’re going to be as juniors and seniors,” Big Sam said. “If they have the talent, they’re going to play.”
Though small in stature, Becca Nelson was probably the Scarlets’ most powerful hitter the past season. This year, Big Sam wants Nelson to unleash the strong arm of hers from everywhere on the court.
“This year we’re not going to concentrate on hitting from a certain spot. She’s good at hitting it from anywhere on the court,” said Big Sam.
Senior Cassandra Kline was one of the Scarlets’ most consistent servers. Though she started the season as a back-row specialist, Kline started looking for her offense toward the end of the season. Big Sam said this season Kline “is ready to go for it,” and will be one more offensive threat for the Scarlets.
Senior Melissa Ivanoff is another all-around player. She has played every position and was one of the best blockers on the team last season.
Big Sam also expects Krystyn Adams and Jenna Pablo to play a big role for Arlee. Adams will spend a lot of time on the back row. He said that Pablo should also spend time of the back row, but she will “also get her hits.”
