Buford Lady Wolves
Coach: Marianne Cagle
2007 record: 15-23
Starters returning: Hallye Jerkins (Sr.); Hannah Parets (Jr.); Elizabeth Darden (So.)
Outlook: After reaching the state tournament for the first time in its three-year existence, the volleyball program at Buford finally took a step in the right direction. Unfortunately for the Lady Wolves, the majority of that team graduated, and with only three returning starters 2008 will be what Cagle called “a definite rebuilding year.”
Chestatee Lady War Eagles
Coach: Danielle Cleveland
2007 record: 11-21
Starters returning: Alura Roe (Sr.); Ali Burnette (Sr.); Charlotte Hill (Sr.); Kierstan Sapp (Sr.); Victoria Callahan (Sr.); Jessica Porter (Sr.); Emily Wilks (Sr.); Elvira Perez (Sr.); Madisen Yates (Jr.)
Outlook: Despite being 10 games under .500 in 2007, the Lady War Eagles return nine players from last year’s team and that experience should pay off this year. That group is led by senior Charlotte Hill who provides Chestatee with a solid player at the setter position.
East Hall Lady Vikings
Coach: Ted Deppe
2007 record: 4-36
Starters returning: Kristina Harris (Sr.); Asleigh Baugh (Jr.); Maricela Castillo (Jr.)
Outlook: After a disappointing season in 2007, the Lady Vikings have used the summer practices to improve all areas of their game. Junior Stormy Hornsby will be the team’s new setter, and with good court presence should be able to set up the three big hitters, Harris, Baugh and Castillo.
Flowery Branch Lady Falcons
Coach: Bryan Mavis
2007 record: 26-18
Starters returning: Megan Grewett (Sr.); Maleigha King (Sr.); Jennica Ramey (Sr.); Devon Reese (Sr.)
Outlook: Another state tournament berth and state ranking is in the cards for the Falcons in 2008. Ramey, who set a school record with 616 assists last year, leads a strong group of returning seniors that could push the Lady Falcons to an Area 7-AAA title.
Gainesville Lady Red Elephants
Coach: Jon Ricketts
2007 record: 1-29
Jefferson Lady Dragons
Coach: Mike Paul
2007 record: 15-17
Starters returning: Lexi Peoples (Sr.); Erin Camp (Sr.); Laura Beckwith (Sr.); Kelley Daniel (Sr.); Karla Carreno (So.)
Outlook: In just its third year of varsity existence, Jefferson hopes that this season will be the year it gets over .500.
Johnson Lady Knights
Coach: Deb Eidson
2007 record: 26-17
Starters returning: Katie Clark (Sr.); Shelley Farley (Jr.); Jordan Gustavel (Sr.); Annabeth Peace (Jr.)
Outlook: A 20-win team the past two seasons, Johnson enters the 2008 season poised to make a run at the state playoffs. Gustavel’s strong hitting ability and Clark’s consistent play should allow the Knights to continue their success in Area 7-AAA.
Lakeview Academy Lady Lions
Coach: Karen Towles
2007 record: 17-10
Starters returning: Louisa Jacobs (Jr.); Megan Rochester (Jr.); Briana Holcomb (Sr.)
Outlook: After losing the majority of their lineup to graduation, the Lady Lions enter 2008 with many question marks. The offense is new, their setter is new, and the team is still developing hitters. Despite all that, Lakeview hopes to be a strong contender in Area 7A/AA.
North Hall Lady Trojans
Coach: Emi Hughes
2007 record: 28-9
Key players: Kathrine Filchak (Sr.); Sarita Madera (Sr.); Betsy Burns (Sr.); Kelsey Marlatt (Sr.); Julia Matthews (Sr.)
Outlook: Hughes has her work cut out in her first season as the head coach of the Trojans. The back-to-back Area 7-AAA champions lost three seniors from last year’s team due to graduation.
West Hall Lady Spartans
Coach: Loren Hauck
2007 record: 26-18
Starters returning: Abigail Grindle (Sr.); McKenzie Jackson (Sr.); Jessica Hollis (Sr.); Erica Grainger (Jr.)
Outlook: A consistent playoff team, this year shouldn’t be any different for the Lady Spartans. Despite the fact that they have a new coach in Hauck, West Hall enters the season ranked No. 9 in Class AAA and should live up to that ranking.
Information from Gainesville, Habersham Central and Jackson County was not provided.