Published: August 19, 2008 09:06 pm            

North taking nothing for granted

North has plans of making it to the state tournament once again. But head coach Jessica Dickerson has been trying hard to teach the Lady Huskies that a state tournament berth is not a hand out, it is earned.

“I think it is definitely expected of us, and I hope that my team does not take it for granted that we will be there. I think it is really important to focus on regionals first,” Dickerson said. “I think that’s really important for all three Edmond schools. I think the most important thing for us is to take it one step at a time.”

The Lady Huskies have seniors returning at key positions. Emily Cobbs is back at setter, who Dickerson thinks is one of the best in the state. Alli Hammer moved from right-side hitter to the left.

“One of our biggest strengths is that we have Emily Cobbs back at setter. That is going to be a huge benefit for us, because she is going to run our offense for us. She’s a great setter, if not the best one, then she’s one of the best in the state,” Dickerson said.

North has several players that have seen action, but will receive more playing time this fall.

Torie Flynn, a junior, will be starting at one of the middle blocker spots, while Laura Iwuchukwu, a senior will be playing at outside hitter and middle blocker. Sam Denning will be playing on the left side, and Kayley Ernst will be the teams starting libero.

Like Memorial and Santa Fe the Lady Huskies lost most of its starting lineup — Megan Hammond is now at Central Oklahoma playing for Jeff Boyland’s squad — but they have eight seniors on the roster.

“I don’t know if we’re the most experienced squad (in Edmond), but we’re definitely the oldest,” Dickerson said.

The head coach believes that Memorial, North and Santa Fe are among the top teams in the state, but Jenks, Stillwater and Tulsa Union, have to be up there as well.

“I’ll have a better idea after this weekend,” the head coach said.

North will be competing in the Tulsa Union Tournament on Friday and Saturday.

        

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