Bob Jones blasts James Clemens to claim Area 8 race
MADISON- Bob Jones clinched home court for the Class 7A, Area 8 tournament as the Patriots defeated James Clemens 25-21, 25-13, and 25-11 Tuesday afternoon. The Jets were just the latest victim as #3 Bob Jones has hit their stride and roared through their area sets 3-0 over Sparkman and 3-1 over Buckhorn.
The Patriots barely broke a sweat as Coach April Marsh rotated front court players Emma Jarrett, Savannah Brown, Alana Cox, and Kiara Hill to keep the pressure on the smaller Jets. Cox, the Patriots 6-foot-1 middle hitter, showed off her big arm only occasionally. In the second game she had a kill, an ace, and several blocks. Jarrett and Juanita Monerio-Pai scored with slams and Myra Wallace served the final point.
Cox stepped up her assault in the third game with 3 kills as Bob Jones stretched the lead. Kiara Hill had the play of the game; a leaping kill so fast the Jets didn’t have time to even jump. Savannah McCluskey served out the match.
“It was big for us to come out and play well and clinch area and home court,” Marsh said. “This team has depth and the chemistry on this team is crazy good. We have a lot of senior leadership, these girls are driven, they have common goals, and they are tough competitors.”
Bob Jones is a veteran team loaded with seniors and even the underclassmen have a year’s varsity experience. Most of these girls were on the team that lost in regionals last year and a tough schedule has prepared them for a run at the state tournament coming in November.
With a 30-3 record the Patriots have all the ingredients to win a state championship. Bob Jones volleyball last won a state championship in 2013. Mountain Brook has won state every year since 7A was formed in 2014.
“They work extra hard and I almost have to run them out of the gym,” Marsh said. “This team is special. They have the size, they are athletic, and I’m excited about how well they play together and what they can accomplish.”
First the team will take a road trip to San Diego for a national volleyball tournament.
The six-day trip will also allow the girls some free time in Southern California.
“It will be really awesome for us,” senior Karmahn Hall said. “We will get to team bond and play some west coast teams. We are going for six days and playing for two days. We are debating about going to Disneyland or the beach. The beach would be fun.”
Hall, a defender, is a three-year starter.
“We all contribute our part. We don’t have one big superstar on the team. I’m the libero so I only play backcourt. Juanita plays back with me. She is a younger player so it’s great seeing her take control of the game with such a senior-heavy team. She plays with amazing confidence.”
