PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
Maggie Carlson, Oconee County, senior, and M.E. Eberhardt, Athens Academy, senior
In pacing their teams to their respective final fours, these players no doubt have shelves heavy with awards.
Carlson, an outside hitter, was named the most valuable player for Region 8-AAA, was named first-team all-region and was also a Class AAA all-state selection.
Eberhardt, a setter and Area 6-A’s player of the year, was also named Class A all-state and made the all-area tournament team.
Eberhardt, a setter and Area 6-A’s player of the year, was also named Class A all-state and made the all-area tournament team.
For the year, Eberhardt posted 706 assists and 64 aces. Carlson led her team in kills (276) and had 2.8 kills per set and recorded 115 service aces and 357 digs.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Michael Paul, Jefferson
In his final season as coach, the Dragons posted a school-record 36 victories and advanced to the third round of the Class AAA state tournament. In nine years at Jefferson, Paul’s teams went 277-121, made eight state tourney appearances and reached the final four in 2013 and the elite eight this year.
ALL-AREA TEAM
Morgan Britt, Westminster Christian, senior
The outside hitter led the Lions to the region championship and the state GICAA final four. She had 138 kills, 64 defensive digs and 108 aces for Westminster Christian, which went 12-5.
Emily Boswell, Oconee County, junior
The libero was named first-team All-Region 8-AAA, led the Warriors in digs with 534 and was the team’s most reliable passer.
Madison Corbett, Jefferson, senior
The setter recorded 554 assists in the Dragons’ two-setter offense and posted 72 saves. She was selected second-team All-Region 8-AAA.
Ali Garrett, Athens Academy, junior
The setter and outside hitter was named the Area 6 All-Tournament MVP and was a first-team all-area selection. She had 87 aces, 308 receptions and 324 digs.
Sami Gascho, North Oconee, junior
The setter and defensive specialist had 632 assists and 158 digs for the Titans, who went 36-0 and reached the third round of the Class AAA state tournament.
Kala Horvat, Cedar Shoals, senior
The setter led the Jaguars with 488 assists.
Ansley McClain, Oconee County, junior
Named first-team All-Region 8-AAA and first-team Class AAA All-State, the setter led the region in assists with 710 and led the Warriors with 122 aces and 232 digs.
Emilia Melendez, East Jackson, junior
The libero/setter was named first-team All-Region 8-AAA and recorded 111 aces for the Eagles, who went 19-14 and got to the second round of the Class AAA state tournament.
Toya Osuegbu, Winder-Barrow, senior
The middle hitter recorded 373 kills, 144 blocks and 83 aces for the Bulldoggs, who advanced to the Class AAAAA sweet 16. She was also named first-team All-Region 8-AAAAA.
Makenzie Perry, North Oconee, sophomore
The outside hitter recorded 259 kills, 101 assists and 277 digs for the Titans, who went 36-9 and reached the third round of the Class AAAA state tournament.
Morgan Vandergriff, Apalachee, senior
The outside hitter/setter has compiled a record of 165-42 with three area championships during her time at Apalachee, which went 42-12 in 2015. She was the Region 8-AAAAA Player of the Year and was named first-team outside hitter.
Lauren Waters, Clarke Central, junior
The setter posted 45 kills, 108 digs, 20 blocks, 58 service aces, 610 assists and was named first-team All-Region 8-AAAAA.
Samantha Watson, Madison County, junior
Watson was a first-team All-Region 8-AAAA selection as the Red Raiders went 21-20 and qualified for the Class AAAA state tournament.
Sydney Williams, Athens Academy, junior
The outside hitter was named Class A All-State and was a first-team selection for the All-Area 6-A team. She had 289 kills and 173 digs for the Spartans.
Abby Wood, Jefferson, junior
The outside hitter was named first-team Class AAA All-State and first-team All-Region 8-AAA. She had 294 kills and 70 aces for the Dragons, who won a school-record 36 matches and reached the third round of the state tournament.
HONORABLE MENTION
Taylor Bennett, Apalachee
Malia Busenitz, Athens Academy
Calina Croy, Athens Christian
Jessica Owensby and Kamri Henson, Cedar Shoals
Fredricka Sheats, Kira McIntyre and SeQueena Baldwin, Clarke Central
Sydney Mathis and Desiree Green, East Jackson
Lindsey Nilsen and Olivia Przybysz, Jefferson
Amber Adams and Vannah Strozier, Madison County
Lizzy Aldrich, Emma Boughner and Madison Thomas, North Oconee
Mary Ford Smith, Westminster Christian
