2011 state champion: Idaho Falls
2011 District Three champion: Rocky Mountain
Teams to watch:
• Rocky Mountain aims for a third consecutive district championship with four starters back: outside hitter Kendall Berrier, setter Mackenzie Sorsenson, middle blocker Shelbi Cambron and outside/middle Cara Gillespie. Also watch for newcomer Katie Elgan to emerge as a force at middle blocker.
• Vallivue was on the Grizzlies’ heels last season, and returns six starters (outside Maddi Osburn, outside/middle Destry Osburn, libero Kilee Lopez, middle Ashlyn Bartlett, setter Gabby Barker and outside Megan Church). This could be the Falcons’ year to win their first district championship since moving up to the 5A SIC in 2006.
• Timberline only has one starter back (middle Amanda Sollars), but a strong group of lettermen are poised to compete for a state playoff berth.
• Mountain View returns four starters and gained a transfer from Tennessee in setter/libero Shayla Allen.
• Boise has seven lettermen back — including five seniors — and a new coach.
• Capital is headlined by a new coach and could be a dark horse with the return of four starters.
• Meridian has a strong returning class, including seven lettermen and nine seniors.
Other players to watch: Boise opposite Katrina Inch, middle/outside Michelle Hembree and libero Taylor Hembree; Borah middle Jaidyn Blanchfield; Capital setter Kimberly Carr; Centennial outside hitters Shae Amdor and Stephanie Briggs; Eagle outside hitters Mali Sawyer and Tess Lebreton; Mountain View middle Tiffany Walters, outside Mady Lewis and outside/defensive specialist Lexie Walthall; Meridian setter McKenzie Thomas, outside hitter Brandy Phothisane and middle blocker Jackie Pill.
Games to watch: Rocky Mountain at Vallivue, 6:30 p.m., Aug. 28; Capital at Boise, 6:30 p.m., Aug. 30; Timberline at Mountain View, 6:30 p.m., Sept. 25; Vallivue at Rocky Mountain, 6:30 p.m., Sept. 27.
