Area sophs get nod from PrepVB.com

PrepVolleyball.com recently published their “Soph 79” list; a comprehensive list of the top 420 sophomores in the nation active on their varsity squad during the 2010 prep season.

The list, described by John Tawa, operator of PrepVolleyball.com, as “massive, thanks to the incredible talent,” didn’t feature any area players in the top 79, but four did get honorable mentions; Katie Hegarty, Cassie House, Brandi Torr and Monica Claxton. The players on this list should be lauded for their hard work and dedication.

Cassie House - Cleveland
Claxton House Torr

Congrats to Monica, Katie, Brandi and Cassie–great job!

Courtesy of PrepVolleyball.com

Highest Honorable Mention

Katie Hegarty, 6-2 MB, Aztec (New Mexico) – An All District performer, Hegarty amassed 371 kills, 196 blocks and 233 digs in 108 games in 2010. She already holds school career records for solo blocks and kills. A great athlete who also excelled in basketball but is now focusing on volleyball, Hegarty became the youngest girl ever to be in the BFS (Bigger, Faster, Stronger) 800 club. Academically, she ranks No. 1 in her class. “She is the real deal as a student-athlete,” said veteran coach Ann Strauss.

Cassie House, 6-2 OH/MB, Cleveland (Rio Rancho, New Mexico) – The state high jump champion as a freshman, House used her leaping and hitting prowess to lead Cleveland to the state championship match. A First Team All State, First Team All District and Second Team All Metro selection, House moved to the outside for the state tournament and had 19 kills and five blocks in the title match. “Cassie is a freak physically and is still learning the game, but she was dominant at times this year,” said head coach Ben Wallis. On the season, House finished with 250 kills (second on the team), 91 block assists and 80 total blocks. She also had 21 aces in limited action from the back row.

Elite Honorable Mentions

Brandi Torr, 5-4, S, La Cueva (Albuquerque, New Mexico) – A fireplug, Torr was an Honorable Mention All State, First Team All District and Second Team All Metro selection for La Cueva in 2010.

High Honorable Mentions

Monica Claxton, 5-7 S, Franklin (El Paso, Texas) – Named to the All-District 1-5A team in 2010, Claxton amassed 532 assists, 250 digs and 45 aces for her team.