ORDER GAME PHOTOS

The Jerome Invitational took place this past weekend as Jerome hosted 15 teams, mostly from the Magic Valley area.

Sugar-Salem won the Gold Bracket, defeating Murtaugh in the championship match!  Sugar-Salem and Murtaugh found the right rhythm and team chemistry after facing losses prior to the tournament.

Snake River had swept the Diggers previously and Murtaugh was at 0-3 going in to Jerome Invite play.  Both teams used this tournament as an opportunity to seize the moment and change the momentum of their season.

Sugar-Salem has had a very successful team for decades and their sports programs are known for being among the top in the state at their level.

Sugar-Salem has an experienced team that looks to another year with big goals, as they boast seven seniors and four juniors.  The Diggers always have big hitters and amazing chemistry as these girls play together from age 9 or 10 on.

The Diggers face a tough conference, though, as they have ready rivals in South Fremont and Teton.  All of these teams return all-conference players and they are all deserving of a bid to state.  Other top teams in the new 4A classification to watch include Snake River and Fruitland.

Snake River returns their All-State standout in Aydyn Anderson.  She helps run the offense with senior setter Avery Mathews.  They both help set pace as they are not only the quarterbacks of the volleyball court, but these two can (and oftentimes do) play opposite hitter, as well.

Grace Gilbert is another Snake River name to watch, as she leads the Panthers in kills and serve-receive percentage.  These strong leaders, combined with some newcomers, seek to make it to the ‘ship again this year!

But it’s Fruitland that reigns as the defending state champion in this classification.  They return the 3A (now 4A) Coach of the Year, Rena Sitz, and previous 3A Player of the Year, Brooke Hardy.

Brooke is a steady competitor who brings the heat in her swing, but adds even more power in her court awareness.

Eva Wall is another returning All-State player for Fruitland.  She is young but doesn’t let that determine her play or demeanor on the court.  She is poised and has executed big plays as a sophomore this season.

But Aleksi Drollinger is Fruitland’s senior leader.  Everyone looks to her as she sets the example!  She is another returning All-State player for the Grizzlies, and this disciplined setter keeps things simple and settled, which is key to consistency.

Keys to winning in volleyball are discipline and consistency with all we do, so having these skills from your senior leader as an example will push everyone else to match that accountability.

4A play statewide is going to be interesting for all of us fans!  Good luck ladies and stay tuned for more!