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♦ FRIDAY/SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10/11, 2006 2B BEST From page iB looked fantastic. She came on strong all season. She had the toughest job by serving first in our rotation. There were countless times she put the other team away before the game even started in her first serving rotation.” ■ Catherine Goodman Grade: Junior School: Houston County Position: Outside hitter Impact: Recorded 93 aces, 106 kills (team leader in that category), 34 digs, 39 assists and had 49 blocks. She has, Jones said, “Attitude, size, strength and (the) determina tion to win.” She was a key member in lead ing the Lady Bears to a 38-7 record - best in school history - to include winning the County Championship, finishing 8-1 in Area 2-AAAAA and Area runners-up as well as mak ing it to the Sweet 16 round in the state tournament. Other: She was named to the 2006 Area 2-AAAAA All-Area Team. Coach’s corner: “Catherine ‘Cat’ always went out of her way to help everyone on both the var sity and junior varsity teams,” said Jones. “She has a competitive atti tude that transcends throughout the team. She was the one addi tion to last year’s nucleus and the results were phenomenal.” ■ Sam Moncada Grade: Senior School: Houston County Position: Defensive (back row) specialist/Libero Impact: Recorded 20 aces and had 126 assists and 236 digs. Was a key member in leading the Lady Bears to a 38-7 record - best in school history - to include winning the County Championship, finish ing 8-1 in Area 2-AAAAA and Area runners-up as well as making it to the Sweet 16 round in the state tournament. “Sam was willing to sacrifice her body to get to the ball,” said Jones succinctly. Coach’s corner: “Sam was critical to our defense,” Jones said. “Sam’s play in the back row was so critical to every victory. Additionally, Sam was always there to cheer on someone else on the team and lift their spirits! That is a something we will miss with her LETTERS From page iB White was the starting left fielder and Maine played first base for Brenda Arnett’s softball bunch that became the first Warner Robins fastpitch team to reach the final eight. Maine had one of the big highlights on the Demonettes’ last day of play with a walk-off home run to beat Houston County 1-0. “We made school history, and that was great,” said White. “It was really fun to win the game, against Houston County especially,” said Maine. These Warner Robins play ers chose schools that may be mid-majors in the whole scope of NCAA Division I, Seated are Kittery and mother Cathy Smith. Standing are father Terry Maine and Tom Mobley. Journal/Matthew Brown Seated are Cherie and mother Paula White. Standing are father Willie White, sister Olethia Thomas and Tom Mobley. graduating this year.” ■ Jennifer Doebereiner Grade: Senior School: Houston County Position: Middle hitter/blocker Impact: Recorded 37 blocks and had 78 aces, 5 assists, 72 kills and 14 digs. Was a key member in leading the Lady Bears to a 38-7 record - best in school history - to include win ning the County Championship, finishing 8-1 in Area 2-AAAAA and Area runners-up as well as mak ing it to the Sweet 16 round in the state tournament. “Jennifer played big in the mid dle and her size was intimidating to other teams,” said Jones. Other: Was named to the 2006 Area 2-AAAAA All-Area Team. Coach’s corner: “Jennifer was challenged this year to fit into our scheme,” said Jones. “It was not easy at times. She is such a com petitor that just playing the middle was tough. “But, she was instrumental in many matches this year.” ■ Catherine Causey School: Warner Robins Grade: Junior Position: Outside hitter Impact: Played middle at the beginning and made the transi tion to outside hitter very well, said head coach Tracy Fendley. “Catherine was one of our better hitters on the team having about three kills per game. She was an excellent server, blocker and played great defense.” Other: Was named to the 2006 Area 2-AAAAA All-Area Team, was selected a team captain, award ed the Most Valuable Player and Scholar award. Coach’s corner: “In addition to being a good athlete she is also a very good student,” said Fendley. “Catherine works very hard and has the drive it takes to be a great athlete. She always goes out of her way to do what is best for the team.” ■ Deanna LeShoure School: Warner Robins Grade: Junior Position: Middle Impact: Played middle hitter. “Deanna was also one of our bet ter hitters having three kills per game,” Fendley said. “She is an excellent blocker and has great timing.” Other: Was named to the 2006 Area 2-AAAAA All-Area Team and was awarded the Best Hitter but are among the elite of their respective conferences. “When I went up there, I felt at home,” said White about her visit to Eastern Kentucky. “They always say that’s where you’re going to spend the next four years of your life. That’s where I was comfortable. “I like the coaches. They were OVC champs in 2005, and that was a big factor, knowing you have a chance to play in the NCAA tour nament. I like the way (the head coach) is treating his program. They seem to prac tice hard and go after it every day. That’s what it’s going to take to win championships.” White even heard during Eastern Kentucky’s recruit ing pitch that she has a chance to be a starter depending on how hard she works. She list- ■■l|f srv •''■ ' "*•' •»* ‘ ft 1 ■ Ilk; W&Jia;' ’ wßaiMegitMllip. p ■ Sr?®*'' * ‘ i& su ■ j^HKaagaltfa^fr award. Coach’s corner: “Deanna is a great front row player for us,” said Fendley. “She was very aggressive at the net this year and really stepped her game up at the Area tournament. Deanna is a good ath lete, works hard to get better, and has a great attitude.” ■ Courtney Hintz School: Warner Robins Grade: Senior Position: Outside hitter Impact: She is the only player that was at Warner Robins when volleyball first began at the school. She is a four-year letter winner, and the team’s only veteran player. “She is an excellent defensive passer,” Fendley said, “and made the transition to front row for us this year. Courtney is also a great server leading the team in service aces this year.” Other: Was selected a team cap tain and awarded the Leadership Award. Coach’s corner: “Courtney was our leader on the team,” Fendley said. “She always went out of her way to help everyone on the team. She was the go-to-person when someone needed something. Courtney is very knowledgeable in volleyball, and knows the game really well. She will be missed next year.” ■ Brittany Barnes School: Northside Grade: Senior Position: Middle hitter Impact: A “great leader,” said Lady Eagles head coach Jessica White, and their best blocker, she added. She had eight kills in one match. Other: She was selected a team captain and recognized as the Best Hitter/Best Passer. Coach’s corner: “Brittany always goes out of her way to make sure her teammates are perform ing at their best,” White said. ■ Ashley West School: Perry Grade: Senior Position: Hitter Impact: Was a key player in the Lady Panthers qualifying for the state tournament. “All around player,” said head coach Brett Hardy. ‘Ashley led the team in kills and digs. She is our best defender and plays very hard. Her presence always gives us a big lift. She is true competitor that hates to lose.” Other: She was a team captain. ed as her greatest strength on the court as being a team player, putting the “them” before the “I.” Liberty University has won the Big South Conference tournament title the last seven years in a row. Each of those wins of course means a trip to the Big Dance. “I like it a lot,” said Maine, a center in Mobley’s lineup. “It’s a Christian atmosphere. They win a lot, so I’ll be part of a winning team. I just hope I can help them win and do good. (The coaches) are all nice and Christian oriented.” Before advancing to this next level, there is the last year of high school basket ball and trying to go out win ners, this time in Region 1- AAAAA. “It’s been a long three or SPORTS four years,” said White, who led the Demonettes in scoring (12) and rebounding (7) last year as a junior. “I’ve never won a championship here, and I’m hoping to get one this year. We can be a good team, but if we’ll be a great team or not depends on how hard we work together.” “I think (my play) has improved since my freshman year,” said Maine. “I’ve got ten better at everything.” They credit Mobley for C KiistletffiOUorkt ...a holiday shopping extravaganza! November 18 • 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. November 19 • 12 noon - 6 p.m. Georgia National Fair & AgriCenter McGill Marketplace Perry, Georgia A unique shopping experience! Fun & Festive items from more than 60 shoppes & merchants. Tickets $4 in advanced/$5 at the door. Available from any Balvaunuca Club member or call (478) 987-6408 or (478) 397-4738, All-Houston County Second Team ■ Leah Justin Grade: Junior School: Houston County Position: Outside hitter/defen sive specialist Impact: Recorded 5 blocks and had 31 aces, 29 assists, 41 digs and 35 kills. Was a key member in leading the Lady Bears to a 38-7 record - best in school histoiy - to include win ning the County Championship, finishing 8-1 in Area 2-AAAAA and Area runners-up as well as mak ing it to the Sweet 16 round in the state tournament. “Leah is the most effective player we have to come of the bench,” said Jones. “She plays sUch a balanced game; and can be inserted in any position on the floor.” Coach’s corner: “Leah always helped anyone who needed it,” Jones said. “She always has such a positive impact.” ■ Nicole Williams Grade: Senior School: Houston County Position: Outside hitter Impact: Recorded 43 blocks and had 24 aces, 15 assists and 49 kills. Was a key member in leading the Lady Bears to a 38-7 record - best in school history - to include win ning the County Championship, finishing 8-1 in Area 2-AAAAA and Area runners-up as well as mak ing it to the Sweet 16 round in the state tournament. “Nicole was everyone’s ‘big sister and friend.’ She played hurt and still never gave up.” Coach’s corner: “Nicole was a strong player and an even stronger leader,” said Jones. ■ Dhwani Patel Grade: Junior School: Houston County Position: Defensive specialist Impact: Recorded 12 aces and had 68 assists and 195 digs. Was a key member in leading the Lady Bears to a 38-7 record - best in school history - to include win ning the County Championship, finishing 8-1 in Area 2-AAAAA and Area runners-up as well as mak ing it to the Sweet 16 round in the state tournament. “Dhwani plays so hard and never quit,” Jones said. Coach’s corner: “Dhwani almost did not try out because she was afraid she might not make the team,” Jones said. “That would developing their skills, their dedication to teamwork and helping shape their lives beyond basketball. “He’s also brought me clos er to Christ, and I thank him for that,” said White. As for basketball experi ences outside of high school, White and Maine played on an AAU junior traveling team called the Georgia Dream Team. Being a part of this club helped bring more atten tion to their skills. This team Sponsored by the Balvaunuca Club of Perry. HOUSTON DAILY JOURNAL have been a huge mistake! She was instrumental to our defense and I look forward to seeing her go next year!” ■ Brittany Pierce Grade: Senior School: Houston County Position: Outside hitter/defen sive specialist Impact: Recorded 10 blocks and had 35 aces, 78 assists, 124 digs and 20 kills. Was a key member in leading the Lady Bears to a 38-7 record - best in school history - to include win ning the County Championship, finishing 8-1 in Area 2-AAAAA and Area runners-up as well as mak ing it to the Sweet 16 round in the state tournament. “Brittany came of the bench and was a motivator on the floor for us,” Jones said. “She could be inserted into any position on the floor.” Coach’s corner: “Brittany always has such a positive attitude,” said Jones, “and she was always a positive spirit to the team.” ■ Lindsay Tucker School: Perry Grade: Junior Position: Setter Impact: Was a key player in the Lady Panthers qualifying for the state tournament. “Lindsay was our best server,” Hardy said. “Her serve is a real offensive weapon for us. She was really ‘on’ in the Area tournament. Her serve helped us make it into the state tournament. “We moved her to setter early in the year, and she accepted the chal lenge with a true desire to succeed. She has become a very good passer at that position. Other: She was a team captain. ■ Katie Hotchkiss School: Warner Robins Grade: Sophomore Position: Setter Impact: “Katie is hands down our best setter,” Fendley said. “She is very consistent with her sets. She was a great server and did well blocking. She was second on the team in service aces. She led the team in assists.” Other: Awarded the Best Setter award. Coach’s corner: “Katie is a very talented volleyball player with a lot of potential,” said Fendley. “With practice and hard work she can fine-tune her skills and be a great volleyball player.” played not only in Georgia, but Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina, and their team mates included other play ers going to the college level at schools like Jacksonville State and Florida State. “I played against some girls who were ranked No. 1 in the country,” said White. “Going against them only makes you a better ball player.” “It’s real competitive,” said Maine. “A lot of hard work.” MM0726