The Tigers finished with a 23-12-2 record, falling in the district tournament to eventual Class 5 runner-up Kickapoo.
“Our goal for our program every year is to win a district championship and move on into the postseason,” Brewer said. “We came up a bit short of what we desire, but nonetheless, we were proud of the fight and heart that we played with all season. The 2022 season left us hungry for more in 2023.”
With a majority of its lineup returning, including all-state honoree Reagan Baade, Ozark’s hunger is certainly justified.
Baade, a 5-foot-8 outside hitter, recorded 353 kills, 341 digs, 35 aces and 30 blocks last season. She is a 6-rotation player and Missouri State University commit.
“Reagan is one of the most well-rounded players that I have coached and has been a varsity player for all four years,” Brewer said. “She will look to lead our team with her experience and her skill on the floor. She leads by example by making few errors and providing consistency as a passer, defender and along the front row.”
Seniors Ashya Thompson and Jenna LaBarge also return to the lineup.
Thompson, a 5-foot-8 middle hitter, posted 101 kills and 27 blocks in limited action last season.
“Ashya spent most of the season sidelined because of an ankle sprain, but will look for her to bring energy and a fire to our starting lineup,” Brewer said. She is a player to watch this season as she brings maturity, an incredible work ethic and a determined mindset to our front row.”
LaBarge, a 5-foot-8 defensive specialist, finished with 214 digs and 44 aces last season.
“Jenna will be returning to the varsity floor for the second year in a row helping anchor our floor defensive department,” Brewer said. “She is a passionate, verbal leader who will be looked upon by her teammates for leadership. Jenna will help guide our floor defense and set the standard for how gritty and relentless we play in the back row.”
Additional returnees include Reece Cook, Tara Venable, Skylar Hilton, Macy Humble and Alexis Andela.
Cook, a 5-foot-7 junior setter, recorded 1,085 assists, 225 digs and 37 aces last season. She received all-district and all-conference honors as a sophomore.
“Reece is becoming more comfortable being an offensive threat in the front row and brings a ton of competitive energy to our court,” Brewer said. “She is a fierce competitor and expects to win every game she suits up for. Her winning mindset will help our team be successful this season.”
Venable, a 5-foot-11 sophomore outside hitter, posted 371 kills, 32 blocks and 61 digs last season. She was awarded all-district and all-conference honors as a freshman.
“Tara will be even more dynamic and explosive than she was as a freshman,” Brewer said. “Her role has the potential to expand to a 6-rotation player and offer an offensive attack in the back row, as well. She hits the ball hard and at a high contact point making it difficult to defend. Tara has worked on expanding her arsenal by incorporating a variety of attacks and shots this off season.”
Hilton, a 6-foot-2 middle hitter, also earned all-district and all-conference honors. She finished the season with 94 blocks to lead the team and a .299 hitting percentage.
“Skylar is a dynamic, long middle who can run a variety of sets,” Brewer said. “She is able to attack off one foot behind the setter which allows us to balance our offense while running a 5-1. Skylar continues to work hard to become more explosive and more dominant at the net. I expect her to have a breakout junior year as she has the potential to become unstoppable in the middle with her height and versatility across the front line.”
Humble, a 5-foot-6 defensive specialist, recorded 94 digs in 2022.
“Macy found herself on the varsity floor later in the year as a libero/defensive specialist,” Brewer said. “She will compete for our libero spot but is also a player that we can use as an outside attacker if needed. Her ability to make digs, chase down balls and overall volleyball IQ is very high level.”
Andela, a 5-foot-4 defensive specialist, finished the season with 132 digs and 23 aces.
“Alexis transitioned into our libero spot towards the end of last season as she offered consistent serve-receive passing and a sense of calm and poise to the court, even as a freshman. Alexis and Macy will compete for the libero spot on our team, but nonetheless, they will both be on the floor playing a significant role in our defensive department.”
Setter Ava Klinger, outside hitter Lorali Miller and right side Emery Sutherland round out Ozark’s returning core as seniors.
Newcomer Brinley Watson, a junior right-side attacker, will add depth to Ozark’s lineup and compete for playing time.
“We have the majority of our line up returning,” Brewer said. “The experience we have under our belt will be a huge difference-maker for our team this season. Our biggest strength will be the leadership we have on the court with our upperclassman, the experience we have as a team at the varsity level and the fact that our team is close knit and willing to work and fight for each other to reach our goal as a team.”
On offense, Brewer expects Ozark to roll out a diverse, up-tempo attack from the middle out.
“Our goal is to establish our middle attackers quickly and spread our offense out as best as we can,” Brewer said. “The more diverse an offense is, the more an opponent has to deal with. In-system, we also hope to run a quicker-tempo offense to put additional pressure on our opponents blockers and floor defense.”
On defense, Brewer feels her team’s talent level is among the best in the area, despite an overall lack of size.
“Ozark has some of the most talented defensive players in the area, and I expect our defense to be resilient and consistent,” Brewer said. “We are not a very tall team so we have to make up for that with our athletic ability, our ... Click here to read full article
ARTICLE SOURCE:
