By Kenton Brooks
Sarah Nelson maintains her humility, even now that the volleyball season has been over for more than two weeks.
When she talks about her play this season in leading Tahlequah to its first-ever state tournament appearance, the 5-foot-10 senior middle blocker doesn’t brag.
“Somebody served me the ball and I would put it away,” she said.
Nelson did more than that, averaging 10 kills and five blocks per game for the Lady Tigers. She made enough of an impression to be named the Most Valuable Player on the 2009 All-Phoenix volleyball team in voting by area coaches and the Phoenix sports staff.
One of those impressed with Nelson’s play was Sequoyah coach Jay Herrin.
“By far, she’s the best player we played against around here,” he said. “So much of what they did went through her. Sarah was a complete player. When she got going, she was tough to stop.”
Nelson credits her volleyball background for her senior season.
“I grew up with it and it’s in my blood,” she said. “My aunt and cousin played. My cousin (Liz Newman) was setter at the University of Oklahoma. She coaches the same club team that I play on. She helped me a lot.”
Nelson also got help from Don Ogden, the Tahlequah coach.
“He was so good to us,” she said. “We had a lot of practice during the summer and the school year. He’s such a good coach because he cares about all of us. He knew when to push us.”
Ogden doesn’t hold back his modesty when he talks about the three-year starter.
“She’s a good, solid player,” he said. “She made a lot of blocks this season. She passes the ball so well from the back row. Sarah’s also a good leader and made everybody on the floor better.”
Nelson has a chance to get better and play at the next level. She took a recruiting trip to East Central University in Ada last week.
“I really liked it there,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of Division III schools and junior colleges contacting me, but I think I can play at the Division II level.”
Ogden, who led the Tigers to a 35-6 record and the state quarterfinals, is the Coach of the Year. He also guided the Lady Tigers to two tournament championships as well as the co-championshp in the Metro Lakes Conference and the Class 5A regional title.
“If you could write a perfect chapter for a team, this is it,” he said. “This team will be the standard bearer for all of the teams that come after it. I was truly blessed to be a part of this special group of players and assistant coaches.”
The highlight of the season for Ogden was the Lady Tigers beating eventual 5A state champion Bishop Kelley in five games at the Tahlequah Multi-Purpose Activity Center.
“There was a huge crowd and people got to see volleyball at a high level,” he said. “The only loss Kelley had this season in varsity or junior varsity to someone from Oklahoma was to us.”
Ogden and Nelson aren’t the only Tahlequah representatives on the team. Five-foot-6 senior setter Hannah Harlow, who averaged 10 assists per game, also was chosen.
Completing the squad are Hulbert senior middle hitter Paiten Taylor, Sequoyah junior middle blocker Skye Norwood, Muskogee junior setter Sarah Stotts and Okay junior outside hitter Brittany Adams.
Stotts had 845 set assists and 62 aces for the Rougherettes. MHS coach John Hammer heard more than one coach praise her setting ability.
“She was one of the top two or three players on the court every night — and I’m talking about both teams,” he said. “When she got her head right, she was good as there was. She wants to play college volleyball, and there’s no reason why she couldn’t.”
Taylor, a 6-foot-1 senior, averaged 15 blocks, 24 kills, 14 serves and had an average of 17 points per match for the Lady Riders. She’s made a verbal commitment to play basketball at University of Central Oklahoma, but she said she also may play volleyball and run track.
Taylor said her maturity was a big part of her success.
“We lost our setter from last year, and since I was the only senior, I had to grow up and be a leader,” she said. “It wasn’t that bad. I kind of liked it. I was used to it from basketball.”
Norwood averaged 5.3 kills, 4.3 digs, 3.5 aces and 1.5 blocks per game.
“It was only her second year to play volleyball,” Herrin said. “She’s a quick study. Skye really improved to be a complete player and I’m looking for big things from her next year.”
Adams had 174 digs, 68 kills and 21 aces for the Lady Mustangs.
“She did a fantastic job,” Okay coach Belinda Clark said. “I’m glad to have her here next year. We’re definitely going to need her.”
Nelson and Taylor were repeat selections to the team. Nominations for the team came from area coaches.
The team
Coach of Year: Don Ogden, Tahlequah
State quarterfinalist for first time in school history, 35-6 record
*Sarah Nelson, Tahlequah, middle blocker, 5-10, sr. (MVP)
Led team with averages of 10 kills, 5 blocks.
*PAiten Taylor, Hulbert, middle hitter, 6-1, sr.
Averaged 15 blocks, 25 kills and 14 serves, with an average of 17 points per set.
Skye Norwood, Sequoyah, middle blocker, 5-8, jr.
5.3 kills, 4.3 digs, 3.5 aces, 1.5 blocks per game
Hannah Harlow, Tahlequah, setter, 5-6, sr,
10 assists per game
Sarah Stotts, Muskogee, setter, 5-9, jr.
845 set assits, 62 aces
Brittany Adams, Okay, outside hitter, 5-4, jr.
174 digs, 68 kills, 21 aces
* repeat selections
