Cohesion key to Miner netters

Coach Jackie Jones and assistant coach Russ Wiggam both said Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (H.E.M.) High School Volleyball team is young, but there is a lot of potential for the team to do well this year.

Jones realizes the team is going to face adversity being comprised of underclassmen with only one senior returning.

"After graduating some pretty key seniors last year, we definitely have some spots to fill," said Jones.

She said the returning senior, Kaycee Born, will be doing a lot of the setting for the team. Jones said she is already looking at some of the freshman to fill in some important roles.

"We are asking some of those girls to step outside of their comfort zone from what they did in junior high," said Jones. "Early practices they have taken some knocks, but they are very competitive and aggressive and that is what we are looking for."

Mackenzie Finn, an all conference player, along with Born are the players Jones is looking to lead the young team. She also feels good about Cloe Olsen's role on the squad.

"Cloe is a very strong vocal leader on the floor and we will be looking at her as well," Jones said.

There will be some time needed for the team to gel, but Jones knows she and assistant coach Russ Wiggam have to start figuring out in the next weeks, what girls are going to be the players to advance the team in.

"Even though we are a very young team, they are enthusiastic," said Wiggam. "It may be a young team, but it is going to be a lot of fun."

Both coaches agree if the girls get used to playing together, a lot of good can happen for not only this season, but also seasons to come. The are encouraged by the commitment the girls have made over the summer to get ready for the season.

Jones said, "We are excited because we had kids that put time in over the summer with practices and putting time in at open gyms, so it is good to be out on the court and see what we have."