James Clemens sweeps the field to claim Area 16 volleyball title
James Clemens players with the championship trophy
The first championship trophy has been added to the display case at James Clemens High School and it comes courtesy of Coach Amanda Smith and her volleyball team.
James Clemens swept through the Area 16 Tournament Thursday afternoon much like they went undefeated in the regular season to earn the right to host the tournament.
Florence was first to face the Jets who quickly ended the Lady Falcons season in straight sets 25-7, 25-15, and 25-11. Austin defeated Decatur to advance to the championship game but the Black Bears were no match for James Clemens as the Jets swept them 25-19, 25-14, and 25-16.
Both Austin and James Clemens advances to the AHSAA North Super Regional next weekend at the Von Braun Center South Hall.
“We all proved ourselves tonight and showed that James Clemens is not to be overlooked,” said tournament MVP and James Clemens hitter Haley Hop. “Even though we are a first year school we are not weak. We can play with the traditional powers and I’m excited to show everyone what we can do.”
“I’m really excited and I’m ready to see better competition. All the teams there will be really good and I’m ready to step up and get ready for Pelham,” Hop added.
Hop experienced the state volleyball tournament first hand last year with Bob Jones but now all she is thinking about is how far James Clemens can advance. As the area champion they will face the runner up in Area 12 which consists of Hewitt-Trussville and other Birmingham area teams.
Head coach Amanda Smith said that she liked the draw because her team “gets excited when they play someone they haven’t played before.”
Hop and her teammates will have the advantage of having played in the VBC South Hall with their club teams in the NASA Bash regional volleyball club tournament. Smith said the location will be an advantage and the South Hall should be great for players and spectators with 6 courts set up. At the NASA Bash there is 36 courts set up in the South Hall.
“I’m excited to show what we can do. I think we are confident but not cocky. We know we have some work to do but we know we can do it,” Hop said.
Other James Clemens players who were named to the all tournament team were Simone Clopton and Chloe Ojeda.
