Youngsters to have big role for WO-S

[KFDM COOP]

Youngsters to have big role for WO-S

Van Wade

The Orange Leader

WEST ORANGE — With a few key veterans sprinkled in, the West Orange-Stark Lady Mustang volleyball program is counting on some “young hands†to make a huge difference this volleyball campaign.

Gone are last year’s standouts that include Brittney Scott, Rebecca McMillon and Vanquanesha Jordan. However, the cupboard is far from bare.

Back to make an impact are returning letter winners Jennipher Orebo, Brooke Sonnier, Kia Hartfield and Krista LeBouef.

“We’re counting on those kids to step up and lead this year and they’re very capable of doing that,†said Lady Mustang head coach Gwen Kelly-Hall. “We lost several good hitters so that group is going to have to step up and fill that role.â€

The Lady Mustangs will be relying on some youngsters, including freshmen, to step up and answer the varsity call when District 21-3A play rolls around.

“We have a tremendous freshmen group,†Kelly-Hall said. “I’ll probably let them stick together early on in non-district and let them get their feet, then we’ll probably move them up early in district.â€

Newcomers expected to pay dividends includes Marcquishola Solomon, Myquendria Warnell, Danayle Thomas, Joneshia Sims and Ryshaniqua Winbush.

Seniors Orebo and Sonnier like what they see in the young crop of Mustangs.

“We’re young, but I think we can really mesh well together as a team,†Sonnier said. “As seniors, Jen (Orebo) and I know we’re going to have to step it up and help lead the way.â€

“We have a team that doesn’t have a lot of experience back but it’s a team that has a lot of talent,†Orebo said. “I don’t think it will take long for us to gel. We’ve got a pretty tough schedule before district starts that will certainly get up prepared.â€

Orebo and Sonnier became quite the duo, working hard together over the course of the summer.

“Brooke (Sonnier) and I really have worked hard this summer as far as our hitting and setting goes,†Orebo said. “I guess I’m more of a hitter and Brooke’s more of a setter but you have to be prepared to do both when called upon.â€

“Jen (Orebo) and I have been playing Summer League all summer and we have each other down pat pretty good now,†Sonnier said. “As seniors, you have to set a good example and we’re both willing to do that.â€

The Lady Mustangs open up the regular season Tuesday in Port Arthur in dual matches with both Port Arthur Memorial and Beaumont Ozen. They will also face Little Cypress-Mauriceville, Forest Brook and Beaumont Central before District 21-3A action cranks up Sept. 4 at Hamshire-Fannett.

“The kids are looking at strong tests right from the start against 4A and 5A schools,†said Kelly-Hall. “That’s a tough schedule, but it certainly gets them prepared for what’s ahead. I think our 3A district is just as good as any 4A or 5A district around the area.â€

Last year Silsbee won the 21-3A crown with Hamshire-Fannett and Bridge City taking the second and third-place spots in what was a very tight race. This season should be no different.

“I saw Silsbee on TV the other night and there were a bunch of familiar faces and they have five players that are back that received all-district honors,†Kelly-Hall said. “Bridge City, they have key people back and have looked awesome in summer ball. Hamshire lost a bunch a talent but it always seems that they just reload. Hopefully we can sneak up on some of them. We’re very young but I can definitely say we have a team of fighters that will never give up.â€