Here we are, making our way through Week 3 of the official high school season in Idaho.  We have so many competitive teams and loaded tournaments happening in Idaho and out-of-state for our athletes.  This has really elevated our game overall, as Idaho's best teams must face unknown competition and learn the game from different schools.  Those out-of-state programs can teach our teams various aspects, like what they focus on and how they run their program.  It's been really fun to watch.

But focusing on Idaho squads, the growth and progression from Hillcrest has been phenomenal.  The coaching staff has really helped them grow within the past three or four years, as they took on a program that wasn't consistently qualifying for state.  The Knights' volleyball program has always had really amazing athletes but struggled to make it past difficult district rivals.  Hillcrest always faces tough competition in District 6 and this can be challenging, because you get to know teams so well that different strategies start to become harder to ignite.

Hillcrest is out to face high-level competition, as well as unknown competition.  They traveled to Evanston, Wyoming this past weekend to compete in the Border War Tournament in an effort to get more well-rounded in their own game.  They faced a fierce Kelly Walsh team from Casper, Wyoming, and another top team from the Cowboy State in Cheyenne's East High School.  THey went to three sets in both of these matches and came up short in the end.  But Hillcrest gained so much insight and knowledge from playing these teams.

Hillcrest is now 8-2 and faced a fierce Rigby team this past week as well, and took the match.  This win was huge as in years past, Hillcrest hadn't been able to push past opponents in close matches, but now they are striving for higher goals and have put in the work to get there.

This team is led by seniors Alexa Weatherly (OH), Natalie Petty (S), Cambri Rencher (OPP), and Ali Maddux (L).  Alexa and Cambri lead the team and District 6 in hitting percentage.  Alexa leads the Knights in overall kills, and ranks 17th statewide, while Natalie leads Hillcrest in assists, and is also within Idaho's top 15 in that category.  Ali leads Hillcrest in digs, and is a top performer in digs per set and serve/receive percentage.  Ali is currently 4th in Idaho in overall digs.

All four of these seniors take on a lot of responsibilities on the court, and drive this team to play with urgency every ball and play out every single ball.

Volleyball is a game of emotions and mistakes.  Ideally, a team can remain calm in those moments of pressure while maintaining that same sense of urgency, intensity and will to win.  This is something we have seen in many teams and in many leaders, especially with Hillcrest this season.  The Knights are an experienced team who use their court sense and energy to play their game throughout the match.  Consistency is key and kudos to Hillcrest for remaining steady in play and energy.

Good luck to all teams as our season is still just beginning!