Libero receives honorable mention
The Robbinsville Lady Knights capped off the 2021 volleyball season by landing five spots on the All-Smoky Mountain Conference list.
Seniors Ally Ayers and Yeika Jimenez, junior Kensley Phillips and sophomore Delaney Brooms each received an All-Conference nod, while senior Halee Anderson was included as an honorable mention. The All-Conference list was released last week.
Anderson shifted into the role of libero for her senior campaign and made the transition seamlessly, with a team-high 390 serve receptions, 287 digs, 35 assists, 23 aces and three kills.
“She stepped into the role without complaint and I couldn’t have asked for more,” Robbinsville head coach Kadey Phillips said. “With Halee on the back row, I can always have confidence we will get the ball up.
“She had a lot to adjust to; we had her playing middle back and left back, and she did it all in stride. She is a great leader and athlete.”
As the starting setter for the last two years, Ayers finished her high school career with 756 assists – which led the conference – 169 digs, 49 aces – the most on the team – 30 kills and two blocks.
“Setters often go unrecognized in this sport, so I am so glad that Ally got the recognition that she deserves,” Phillips said. “The setter is the core of any volleyball team; the only player who touches the ball every single play.”
As a formidable outside hitter, Brooms finished her second varsity season with 353 receptions, a team-leading 269 kills, 240 digs, 22 aces, nine blocks and eight assists.
“She was a force on the net this year and can play any position on the court,” Phillips said. “She is a great athlete and will do great things for us next season.”
Another dangerous hitter, Jimenez rounded out her high school campaign with 252 kills, 113 digs, 41 aces, a team-best 32 blocks, 23 receptions and 10 assists.
“Yeika has been our go-to player,” Phillips said. “When we want to score, Yeika is given the ball and she always delivers.”
Rounding out the list, Kensley Phillips was a threat anywhere she was placed on the floor. Her junior-season totals were 376 digs – which led the Lady Knights and was second in the conference – 359 receptions, 181 kills, 26 aces, 12 assists and five blocks.
“This is the second season that Kensley has led our team defensively,” coach Phillips said. “Her defense is phenomenal. She also contributes offensively and is very smart with the ball.
“She is an all-around player and I can’t wait to see what she will bring to the team again next year.”
Robbinsville finished the season 20-4 and was second in the Smoky Mountain Conference with an 8-2 mark.
The Lady Knights advanced to the second round of the 1A state playoffs, as well.