Shonto Prep volleyball coach says section title defense will be tough
Shonto Prep Lady Grizzly Ranita Reese keeps the ball in play Friday during a match against Grand Canyon in Shonto, Ariz. The Lady Grizzlies defeated Grand Canyon in straight sets. (Donovan Quintero | Navajo Times)
WINDOW ROCK
In his first two seasons at Shonto Prep, Merle Beard had enough playmakers on his squad to keep pace with some of the top teams in their section.
Those players helped the Lady Grizzlies to two league titles, which earned them a berth to the Arizona Division V state playoffs each time.
And like most defending section champs, the current Shonto Prep squad would like to continue that run. This year, however, Beard is working with a lot of young players.
“We had a lot of success the last two years but this is a rebuilding year,” Beard said in a telephone interview. “We always made that run and there is always that possibility but that will depend on how well we play during the season.”
With a whole new batch of girls, Beard said learning the fundamentals will be vital if they want to make a return trip to the state playoffs.
“I think in all areas for volleyball you have to know the basics,” he said. “That is our focus right now.”
Beard said he’ll be leaning on senior setter Shaundean Atene and senior outside hitter Talisa Nez for leadership.
The two players led the team in their recent win over Grand Canyon. The score were 25-18, 25-22, 25-19.
According to Beard, Nez led the team with six kills and 10 aces while Atene engineered the teams’ offense.
He also had high praises for newcomer Carlene Benally as the middle hitter finished the game with five solo blocks.
“She is learning a lot and it’s the first time she’s participating in any high school sport,” Beard said of Benally. “She’s improving a lot.”
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Humidity: 22%
Wind: calm
Pressure: 30.21
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