Usual suspects, others to watch

By DAVID MURPHY
Published August 24, 2007

On Oct. 24, the sun rose in the east, the sun set in the west, and River Ridge and Hudson began play in the state volleyball tournament.

And on it went.

Hearts stop beating, the IRS collects, and every fall, the Cobras and the Royal Knights make their runs through their respective districts.

Certain truths we hold self-evident, not the least of which is this: River Ridge and Hudson own Pasco and Hernando counties in volleyball.

Will this year be any different?

Maybe not. But it's worth a look.

So give it to us straight: Is there any reason to think Hudson and River Ridge won't establish themselves as the class of the North Suncoast?

No, particularly when it comes to the Royal Knights. Last year was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Heidi Castelamare, but a talented group of juniors helped River Ridge finish 19-6 and win Class 5A, District 7.

Now, the veteran coach says she has a squad that is "the most physically strong and deep team we have ever seen at River Ridge." Seniors Brooke Castelamare and Brittney Frey are as talented a one-two punch as there is, and junior Alex Laton could make a name for herself.

Hudson lost Pasco County Player of the Year Sara Hampshire, but the Cobras return a slew of talent, notably outside hitter Lara Metz.

So why the heck should I even pay attention to volleyball this season?

Because there are plenty of teams that could make things interesting, particularly the balance of power in Hernando County. Last year, Nature Coast rode the strong play of freshman phenom Alex Livengood to an improbable berth in the playoffs as the runnerup in Class 4A, District 8. Under first-year coach Dan Murphy, the Sharks should contend again for the playoffs. But you can bet Hernando and Central won't relinquish their county supremacy without a fight.

Long the class of the county, it's tough to tell what either team has this season. Both lost a slew of seniors from last season, and both will be counting on a host of underclassmen to step up.

So you're saying Nature Coast is the only team in Class 4A, District 8 that might push Hudson?

Not at all. Keep an eye on Zephyrhills, which went 22-7 last year and returns a host of key players. It's impossible to count the Leopards out, either, just based on past history. Pasco, Springstead, Sunlake and Wiregrass all are likely a couple of years away from competing.

What about Mitchell?

Well, the Mustangs have always been a solid program, but they lost a ton of talent from last year's team, including outside hitters Heather Zappacosta and Layne Spencer.

Who are some of the top talents in the area?

Glad you asked:

Names to know

Lara Metz, Sr., Hudson: Named first-team all-Pasco last year after registering close to 200 kills, might be the top hitter in the area this season.

Alex Livengood, So., Nature Coast: Her amazing jumping ability and hard hitting make up for her lack of experience.

Lea Webber, Sr., Mitchell: A good setter, but a great offensive threat as well.

Kayli Keough, Sr., Land O'Lakes: One of the more imposing middle hitters in the area, Keough should be in store for a strong season.

Brittany Frey, Sr., River Ridge: Third-year varsity player does it all well: a hard hitter with a great swing, she also is an excellent passer.

Mary Cook, Sr., Hudson: Second-team all-county last season, the setter forms a deadly combination with Metz.

Brooke Castelamare, Sr., River Ridge: Coach's daughter and team leader, is almost as good a defender as she is a hitter.

Jessica McCall, Sr., Zephyrhills: MVP of a resurgent Bulldogs squad last season, she moves from the middle to the outside this year.

Amanda Gardner, Sr., Gulf: When she wasn't hitting volleyballs, she was setting a school record in digs last season.

Angela Wooster, Jr., Central: Spent most of her time at setter last season, but will play some hitter this year.

Jessica Bryant, Sr., Land O'Lakes: Honorable mention all-Pasco last season will be an important part of a talented Gators squad.

Amy Mihok, Sr., Central: Experienced veteran will see time at both setter and hitter.

Shelby Stocker, So., Hernando: The hitter has impressed the coaching staff with her jumping ability.

Fast Facts: District Breakdown

Class 6A, District 7

Teams: Alonso, Countryside, Gaither, Mitchell, St. Petersburg, Sickles

Class 5A, District 7

Teams: Central, Land O'Lakes, Ridgewood, River Ridge, Wesley Chapel

Last year's champion: River Ridge

Last year's runnerup: Central

Class 4A, District 8

Teams: Gulf, Hernando, Hudson, Nature Coast, Pasco, Springstead, Sunlake, Wiregrass, Zephyrhills

Last year's champion: Hudson

Last year's runnerup: Nature Coast

Class 2A, District 9

Teams: Bishop McLaughlin, Calvary Christian, Indian Rocks Christian, Tampa Prep

Last year's champion: First Academy

Last year's runnerup: Holy Trinity

Class A, District 3

Teams: Hernando Christian, Cedar Key, First Academy, Meadowbrook, Saint John Lutheran, Seven Rivers Christian

Last year's champion: St. John Lutheran (in A-4)

Last year's runnerup: Seven Rivers Christian (in A-4)

[Last modified August 23, 2007, 23:40:53]