The three schools also gave us some pretty good volleyball players, including Players of the Year Ciara Dewrock and Shelby Booker.

Dewrock was named the Bootheel Conference Player of the Year for her hard hitting, athleticism and serving ability while helping Kennett win at least a share of the league title for the third year in a row. On the other end of the Bootheel, Booker dominated at the net to help South Pem win 25 games and its first district title in eight years.

Dewrock and Booker weren't the only good players, though.

Jody Vancil's serving was among the best in the area and was key in several Kennett victories. Teammate Taylor Wake emerged as a legitimate hitter for Kennett. Meanwhile, Audrey Wynne established herself as a force in the middle for Kennett while just a sophomore.

For South Pem, Marquita Brodie's hitting served as a nice complement to Booker, while Samantha Davidson was an all-around talent who also served well. Meanwhile, Senath-Hornersville's twin towers Megan Smith and Jami Jackson helped bring the Lady Lions a long sought after district title.

Finally, Ashley Poe helped Cooter bring home the Tri-County Conference Tournament title for league Coach of the Year Jennifer Ray, while Tia Mitchell of Holcomb joined Wynne as one of the area's elite sophomore hitters and Darcy McMinn's abilities helped Southland as it battled in the Tri-County Conference.

All told, a good year on the volleyball court. Let's hope next year is just as good.