News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
After going 7-18 last season, the Jackson County High School volleyball team enters the 2024 season with confidence.
Head coach Lucas Martin is in his second season with the program and said that last year his team had a great attitude and worked hard, but their skill level just wasn’t up to snuff. Last week, the Blue Devils got to show its improvement at the Upper Cumberland Play Day.
“Everybody we played was larger than us, I mean we’re a 1A school,” Martin said. “But, we were able to play some solid volleyball against Upperman and Bledsoe and get those good reps against quality teams and get a chance to see the potential we have.”
Martin said the off-season focused on strength, skill and chemistry, Martin said he has a formidable front row.
“It’s not just our outsides that can hit,” Martin said. “We have two big right sides that can swing, we have two middles that can attack and both of our outsides are offensive threats. While running a 6-2 (rotation) we always have three hitters in the front row and everyone of them is a threat to score.”
The players Martin expects to make their mark on offense are his sophomore starters: Eva Wilson, Lilli Wilson and Jules Looper
The Blue Devils lost two senior contributors in Payton Conner and Madelyn Maberry, who Martin said was a leader and a steady presence for the team. But as one senior class leaves, another comes in and Martin said his new senior class has stepped up to the new role.
“Rachel Lynn and Belle Beaty are both leaders on and off the court,” Martin said. “Good students, great athletes and good personalities. Rachel is doing a great job building team chemistry and helping deal with all the different personalities.”
Martin said his team has an intensity to them and his players aren’t going to watch the ball drop on their side without a fight.
The team will play its first regular season game at home next Tuesday at 5:30pm against Clay County.
