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Photo by: Grace Rogers

Spiking to a victory Senior Onna Jorge takes on Labette County Sept. 4. The team fought and won against the Grizzlies 25-21 in the first game 25-20 in the second game winning the series.

The team finished 19-12-4 last year, a huge step forward from the previous season, where they went 8-26. The squad looks to build on that progress and carry the momentum into the 2025 season. Seniors Onna Jorge and Ivery Watts, who have played since their freshman year, hope to end their high school careers on a high note under sixth-year head coach Ashlen Riggs.

“We’ve just got so many impact players. I think that’s the beauty of our program,” Riggs said. “Across the board, we’ve just got so many kids who can score.”

The team has lofty goals this year, but players believe they’re within reach.

“Our goal for this year is probably to win state,” Watts said. “Obviously, it’ll be pretty hard, but I think we’re pretty good this year.”

As a senior and a four-year starter, Jorge knows leadership comes with added responsibility.

When Jorge and Watts entered the program, the team was in a slump, winning only two games their freshman season.

“I think it’s really hard when you’re a losing program to get kids to come back,” Riggs said. “So it means a lot to me that they did and that we’re in this position now. I’m sure we’re not going to win every game this year, but we’re going to compete.”

Watts tries to be a mentor to the underclassmen just like the older players who helped her.

“I think it’s really important to pass on stuff that I’ve learned through my four years,” Watts said. “I’ve been helping freshmen and trying to teach them some of the things the upperclassmen taught me when I was a freshman.”

Jorge reflected on her growth since freshman year and offered advice to the younger players in the program.

“It’s pretty crazy looking back. I thought this moment would never come,” Jorge said. “For the younger players, you can’t just look into the future, wishing it was all over. We need to focus on right now and make the most of this season.”