By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Few programs have higher expectations than Miller entering the 2021 season.
Last fall, the Lady Cardinals advanced to the Final Four, losing to Valle Catholic in the semifinals before handling Lawson 3-1 to take home third in Class 2.
This fall, the Cardinals return everyone from that 32-3 team and entering Tamra Landers’ 19th season, it is a championship or bust season.
Miller will be led by a trio of All-State seniors in Claudia Hadlock, Kaylee Helton and Alli Mitchell.
Hadlock – a Cottey College commit (basketball) – returns after recording 402 digs and 125 kills. Helton was a rare 300-300 player, finishing the season with 326 kills and 307 digs. Mitchell led the team and conference with 888 assists.
“Claudia is just an amazing all-around player,” said Landers. “With her competitiveness and court IQ she always finds a way to get us the point. Kaylee is a beast at the net, her strength allows her to go over or through opponents to get the job done.
“Alli is a two-time All-State setter and will lead our offense for the fourth year. We will rely heavily on her to keep a quick tempo and keep our opponents guessing.”
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Senior Ashten Kingsley led Miller with 64 blocks to go along with 136 kills. She would be an All-State pick at any other program.
“Ashten provides an intimidating presence at the net as a blocker and her ability to hit multiple shots provides us another threat in our offense,” said Landers.
Miller also returns a talented crop of underclassmen.
Junior Haylie Schnake finished second on the team with 244 kills. Classmate Emberlynn Kingsley was third in kills (185) and second in blocks (31). Sophomore Addison Stockton led Miller with 423 digs last fall.
“Haylie is an extremely versatile player,” said Landers. “She is quick and can jump which allows her to play any position on the front row.”
Emberlynn provides us another intimidating presence at the net. Her ability to hit the quick tempo balls allows us the ability to run a faster offense.
“Addi has an extremely high volleyball IQ which helps her to read the opposing hitters. We will lean on her to provide leadership on the back row.”
Defense will again be Miller’s calling card with the ability of the Kingsleys at the net and athleticism across the court allowing the Cardinals to keep balls off the ground.
“We rely heavily on our ball control skills and our ability to play as a defensive unit to wear opposing teams out,” said Landers. “This group plays for each other and that shines in all aspects of our game.”
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Miller is also excited about the development of juniors Lillie Ricketts and Alyssa Hill. They both return from last year’s team and will both see varsity time in different rotations to help add variety and unpredictability to the lineup.
Miller doesn’t have any holes on its roster and few teams are as experienced as this group. Expectations are high and they should be.
This is a state championship-caliber team.
“This group is highly competitive and constantly pushing each other to get better,” said Landers. “They are motivated to finish what they have started. Our goal this year is to better ourselves every time we step on the floor. Finding ways to fine tune the details will help us be on top of our conference and make it to that state championship game.
Miller will open the 2021 season on Aug. 28 at the Verona Invitational.
