Gwinnett Daily Post

Area 6-AAAAAA

Collins Hill

-- Head Coach: Ashley Watson

-- 2011 record: 25-18

-- Returning Starters:

MB Jesse Price, Sr.

MB Samantha Rivera, Sr.

DS Ariana McDaniels, Sr.

OH/S Courtney Oster, Jr.

OH Taylor Vold, Sr.

-- Other key contributors: L Jennifer Ahlswede, Fr.; RH Zuri Fenderson, Jr.

-- Outlook: The Eagles have a strong group of returning players from a solid team last season, but will have to replace All-County setter Katherine Ahlswede in order to set up strong hitters like Price and Oster. If that happens, the pieces are in place for a strong challenge for a postseason berth.

Duluth

-- Head Coach: Stephanie Rudnik

-- 2011 record: 15-18

-- Returning Starters:

MB Katie Powell, Jr.

OH Lauren Cole, Jr.

S/RH Aerial Carruthers, Sr.

S/RH Zari Wilson, Sr.

DS Montse Fragoso, Sr.

-- Other key contributors: MB Rebecca Erwin, Fr.; DS/OH Tiffany Sornpao, Fr.

-- Outlook: The Wildcats have steadily climbed from no wins to five to 15 last year since Rudnik arrived in 2009. And a combination of strong returning players, including the size and power of Powell in the middle, and a strong freshman class has them thinking even bigger for 2012, perhaps even a winning record and challenging for a postseason berth.

Mill Creek

-- Head Coach: Brian Williamson

-- 2011 record: 35-15, Area 7-AAAAA runners-up, Second round of Class AAAAA state tournament

-- Returning Starters:

MB Emily Rose, Jr.

S Kaitlyn Lattimer, Sr.

RH/MH Emily Wylie, Sr.

L Brittany Moore, Soph.

MB Audrey Hoffman, Sr.

-- Other key contributors: S Carley Eiken, Jr.; OH Cayla Graham, Jr.; OH Trinity Garmon, Sr.; MB Heather Hanes, Sr.

-- Outlook: After making a strong run in both area and state last year, the Hawks return several starters, led by second-team starter All-County setter Lattimer, as they try to take the next step. On paper, the team's scoring took a hit with the graduation of Kim Brody and Ashley Isaacs, but the return of seniors Wylie and Hoffman and junior Rose give the Hawks a lot of experience and power at the net.

Mountain View

-- Head Coach: Stan Carpenter

-- 2011 record: 24-22, Area 8-AAAAA runner-up, second round of Class AAAAA state tournament

-- Returning Starters:

S Gabrielle Marquez, Soph.

MH/B Kelsey Hutchins, Sr.

OH Bria Virgil, Sr.

--Other key contributors: F Samantha Bower, Jr.; DS Izadora Nunes, Jr.; DS Morgan Foley, Jr.; DS Cara Stenocher, Jr.; MB Jordan Screen, Soph.; OH Lauren Briggman, Fr.; OH/DS Aysha Avery, Fr.; S Kayla Whitner, Fr.

-- Outlook: The Bears made major strides in finishing as Area 8-AAAAA runner-up and earning both the school's first postseason berth and postseason win. A solid nucleus is back from that team, led by returning starters Marquez, Hutchins and Virgil, though there is also quite a bit of youth that will be counted on to contribute. The new area assignment, which includes state powerhouses North Gwinnett and Mill Creek, will also be a challenge. But if the returners and newcomers can develop chemistry fairly quickly, a return to the postseason seems a very reasonable goal.

North Gwinnett

-- Head Coach: Vanessa Henry

-- 2011 record: 47-9, Gwinnett Co. champions, Area 7-AAAAA champions, second round of Class AAAAA state tournament

-- Returning Starters:

MB Kristina Stinson, Sr.

OH Miller Howard, Sr.

L/S MaTia Hughes, Sr.

OH/RH Gretja Otten, Sr.

-- Other key contributors: RH Carson Nevels, Soph.

-- Outlook: The Bulldogs return the bulk of the team that won its second straight area title and narrowly missed a very deep postseason run before a five-set loss to eventual state semifinalist North Cobb. Replacing graduated setter and floor general Alex Panks won't be easy. But if Hughes can step in after an All-County season at libero and set up big hitters like returning Super Six members Stinson and Howard, the Bulldogs could take another step further towards being among the elite programs in the state's largest classification.

Peachtree Ridge

-- Head Coach: Sara Eales

-- 2011 record: 19-15

-- Returning Starters:

MH Natassja Thomas, Jr.

L Haley Harvey, Jr.

-- Other key contributors: OH/RH/S Cosette Morsch, Soph.; OH/RH/S Brittney Thomas, Fr.; OH Tearra Tatum, Fr.

-- Outlook: Gone are six seniors from last year's state tournament team, though Eales is very pleased with the talent level of a strong young group of freshmen and sophomores. They'll have to grow up in a hurry in a very competitive area, and will look to the leadership of upperclassmen like Thomas and Harvey for guidance.

Area 7-AAAAAA

Archer

-- Head Coach: Jamie McKee

-- 2011 record: 13-22

-- Returning Starters:

L Emily Little, Sr.

-- Other key contributors: S Tiffany Cash, Jr.; OH Machella Sheffield, Jr.

-- Outlook: While there are some holes to fill in the line-up due to graduation, McKee is very pleased with the skill level over this year's team. More importantly, she is pleased with the new group's drive and willingness to set the ambitious goal of making a serious challenge for the program's first-ever postseason berth. If the newcomers can jell fairly quickly with the returners, such a goal is not far-fetched.

Berkmar

-- Head Coach: Lisa Porter

-- 2011 record: 3-23

-- Returning Starters:

MH/B Mileah Folwer, Sr.

L Kathy Paredes, Sr.

-- Other key contributors: S Khadija Fofana, Soph.; DS Maria Ruelas, Sr.

-- Outlook: After a tough 2011 campaign, Porter is excited about an infusion of eager young talent she hopes will help lead the Patriots to rapid improvement this year. It may take some time for the youngsters to learn the ropes, and they'll look for veterans like Fowler and Paredes for guidance.

Brookwood

-- Head Coach: Brian Welsch

-- 2011 record: 38-12, Area 8-AAAAA champions, Class AAAAA state quarterfinals

-- Returning Starters:

RS/Opp Maggie Collins, Sr.

OH Leslie Stinnett, Sr.

MB Farrah Butter, Sr.

-- Other key contributors: S Hannah Kitchen, Sr.; OH Amelia Collins, Soph.; MB/OH Nicole Blanding, Sr.

-- Outlook: The loss of six seniors from last year's state quarterfinal team, including first-team All-County selections Bethany Easom and Erin Shelton, will naturally hurt. However, the Broncos have had newcomers step up and fill the voids through similar rebuilding projects before, and there's no reason to think they can't do it again this year. They will rally behind another strong senior class, led by second-team All-County right-side Collins, plus returning starters in Stinnet and Butter, to make a run at their third straight trip to the Elite Eight.

Central Gwinnett

-- Head Coach: Tracey Brown

-- 2011 record: 1-37

-- Returning Starters:

MB/OH Lexus Travis, Sr.

RH Jennifer Colclough, Jr.

MH Teryn Simmons, Jr.

-- Other key contributors: N/A

-- Outlook: The Black Knights endured a really tough season a year ago, but return a little more experience and talent this year. Confidence could be a big key. A few early wins could get the ball rolling on an improved season.

Dacula

-- Head Coach: Jason Berube

-- 2011 record: 23-25, first round of Class AAAAA state touranament

-- Returning Starters:

S Casey Wilson, Sr.

-- Other key contributors: OH Lauryn Loalbo, Jr.; MH Benita Aiufwa, Sr.

-- Outlook: On the surface, this would seem to be a transition season for the Falcons, who have to adjust to a new coach, in some cases new roles -- such as Wilson moving from her starting spot at libero last season to setter -- and some new faces in the lineup. But Berube has been with the program as an assistant coach, and he is hopeful he can quickly develop enough chemistry for the Falcons to make a move in the area.

Grayson

-- Co-Coaches: Amy Fultz and Terry Klinect

-- 2011 record: 13-19

-- Returning Starters:

MH Kailyn Fuller, Sr.

MH Dkeama Alexis, Sr.

-- Other key contributors: OH Dominique Murry, Sr.; OH Sarah Mosher, Sr.

-- Outlook: The Rams hope to be in thick of what should be a fairly wide-open race for a postseason berth behind strong, experienced middles in Fuller and Alexis. Murry and Mosher also give Grayson some offensive firepower on the outside, and if newcomers develop to add depth, the Rams could be contenders.

Parkview

-- Head Coach: Catherine Zidow

-- 2011 record: 17-26, second round of the Class AAAAA state tournament

-- Returning Starters:

OH Riley Weyher, Sr.

MB Ally Peatross, Sr.

RH Meredith Pounds, Sr.

OH Justice Davis, Sr.

-- Other key contributors: S Cori Harber, Soph.; L Alli Taylor, Sr.; S Haley Keith, Jr.; MB Rachel Rust, Jr.

-- Outlook: The Panthers struggled against a brutal early schedule last season, but rebounded nicely to win 12 of 14 matches late in the season and roll into the second round of state. And with several key components of that team back, including four senior starters, Parkview seems poised for even bigger and better things in 2012.

Area 8-AAAAAA

Meadowcreek

-- Head Coach: Hugh Beasley

-- 2011 record: 2-18

-- Returning Starters:

S Chari Mayes, Jr.

-- Other key contributors: McKayla McPhail, Sr.; Angel Alexander, Sr.; Azjah Fagan, Jr.; Tiarra Bolten, Jr.

-- Outlook: The Mustangs haven't had much experience with success, but Beasley and assistant coach Kevin Dove, a former head coach at Norcross, are optimistic about taking the first steps toward building up the program with the return of several experienced players.

Norcross

-- Head Coach: Jeff Cerneka

-- 2011 record: 18-18, first round of Class AAAAA state tournament

-- Returning Starters:

MB Sydney Marshall, Jr.

OH Kolby Meeks, Jr.

L Lindsay Holmes, Sr.

OH Iana Dingle, Jr.

-- Other key contributors: DS Louisa Luranc, Sr.; S Sarah Ann Gratwick, Sr.; DS Emma Wheaton, Sr.; MB Javonne Stanfield, Sr.; RH Shelby King, Soph.; S Sammie Baker, Fr.; DS Angel Acosta, Jr.; RS/MB Stephanie Stewart, Soph.; OH Sam Marshall, Jr.

-- Outlook: The Blue Devils came up with a late surge last year, winning three of their last four matches -- including two of three in the Area 7-AAAAA tournament, to return to the state tournament after a one-year absence. Six players from that team, including four starters, return, including defensive leader Holmes and big hitters in Sydney Marshall and Meeks. If two young setters can mature quickly, the Blue Devils should be in the mix to challenge Shiloh and Rockdale County for the title in Area 8-AAAAAA.

Shiloh

-- Head Coach: Traci Head

-- 2011 record: 16-15, Area 2-AAAAA runners-up, first round of Class AAAAA state sectionals

-- Returning Starters:

OH Kyana Palmer, Sr.

MH/B Gloria Watson, Sr.

S Jacqueline Harris, Sr.

MH Brianna Campbell, Sr.

L Erika Lewis, Sr.

-- Other key contributors: OH Briana Stith, Jr.

-- Outlook: The Generals have made major strides in recent years with a .500 or better record and a trip to the postseason in each of the last three seasons. They seem poised for another run deep into October, and perhaps to battle Norcross and Rockdale County for the area title, this year with the return of five senior starters, including Watson and Harris, each of whom have strong college scholarship offers.

South Gwinnett

-- Head Coach: Chris Langley

-- 2011 record: 12-26, first round of Class AAAAA state tournament

-- Returning Starters:

OH Aalliyah Myrick, Sr.

MH Deja Stanek, Jr.

MH Dezirae Cooper, Sr.

-- Other key contributors: RS Ashley Reese, Sr.; DS Samantha Etienne, Jr.; MH Morgan Mars, Jr.

-- Outlook: After learning many lessons last season, and still making the state tournament, the Comets return with a more seasoned roster, led by Myrick on the outside and a strong presence in the middle from senior Cooper and juniors Stanek and Mars. Their new area will be a bit deeper than the old one, but first-year coach Langley has still set the bar high for South this fall.

Area 8-AAAA

Lanier

-- Head Coach: Beth Harper

-- 2011 record: 2-20

-- Returning Starters:

OH Jordyn Cruz, Soph.

MH/B Jaylen Cruz, Jr.

DS/S Tori Wyant, Jr.

MH/B Victoria Inman, Jr.

OH Amber Cesair, Jr.

-- Other key contributors: OH Stacy Gillett; OH Avery Evans, Soph.

-- Outlook: Last year's youthful team learned some hard lessons during a long season. A year older and a year wiser, the Longhorns look to apply what they learned to make major improvements while stepping up in classification.

Area 5-AAA

Buford

-- Head Coach: Hadli Daniels

-- 2011 record: 24-14, Area 4AA/A runners-up, second round of Class AA/A state tournament

-- Returning Starters:

OH Maggie Roper, Jr.

MB Hannah Manley, Jr.

L Mikhayla Riegel, Soph.

L Corbin Farr, Soph.

-- Outlook: The return of four starters, including a dynamic go-to player in Super Six outside hitter Roper, is enough to get Buford fans excited. There appears to be enough depth and talent for the Wolves to make a move as the step up to Class AAA.

Area 6-AA

GAC

-- Head Coach: Kristy Shelton

-- 2011 record: 41-5, Gwinnett Co. champions, Area 4-AA/A champions, Class AA/A state runner-up

-- Returning Starters:

None

-- Other key contributors: OH Emma Taylor, Sr.; S Jennie McCarty, Sr.; OH Tayler McPherson, Jr.; MH Jaimisha Patel, Jr.; MH Lynsey Holton, Jr.; RS Madison Kerr, Jr.; L Emily Becker, Fr.; MH Lauren Brown, Fr.

-- Outlook: Normally, a team that loses every starter from a county championship and state runner-up season -- including a Player of the Year (Dede Bohannon) and two first-team All-County selections (Catherine Chason and Rachel Waldrop) would face devastating prospects the next season. But while the new crop of Spartans lack varsity experience, they have plenty of talent, hustle and athleticism, which has Shelton convinced they can be more than just competitive in the new Area 6-AA. They could be a factor late in the season if the new group develops the kind of team chemistry Shelton believes it can.

Wesleyan

-- Head Coach: Ted Russell

-- 2011 record: 32-16, Area 7-AA/A champions, Class AA/A state quarterfinals

-- Returning Starters:

OH Anna Davis, Sr.

L Jennifer Miller, Sr.

OH Katie Van Laeke, Jr.

MH Lauren Frerking, Soph.

-- Other key contributors: S Kendra Koetter, Soph.; DS Natalie Connor, Jr.; OH Hannah Hoskin, Jr.; DS Kristen Pack, Jr.; MH Ashley Moody, Jr.; MH Nikki McDonald, Soph.; OH Emma Bivings, Soph.

-- Outlook: The return of four starters, including second-team All-County libero Miller, and some quality depth, including the addition of Koetter, who raised eyebrows with an outstanding freshman season at the Bolles School in Jacksonville, Fla., a year ago, have Wesleyan thinking big in 2012. After reaching only the state quarterfinals the past two seasons following a run of five state titles in six years, the Wolves have their eyes on being back in the finals, which will be played on their home floor in November.

Area 6-A

Hebron Christian

-- Head Coach: Judy Conner

-- 2011 record: 28-20, Class AA/A state quarterfinals

-- Returning Starters:

MH Eden Murray, Jr.

OH Bridgette Oduro, Jr.

-- Other key contributors: S Anna Katherine Wilson, Soph.; OH Larson Reed, Sr.

-- Outlook: The Lions lost six starters off last year's Elite Eight team, but still have high hopes and expectations for 2012. Among the returners are two starters, including second-team All-County selection Murray in the middle, who should combine with the experience of the team's lone senior, Larson Reed, and several promising youngster to make Hebron a contender to challenge Providence and powerhouse Athens Academy in Area 6-A.

Providence Christian

-- Head Coach: Andy Randrup

-- 2011 record: 27-19, Second round of Class AA/A state sectionals

-- Returning Starters:

RH Madison Jones, Sr.

DS Misty Parker, Sr.

-- Other key contributors: OH Ansley Thomas, Sr.; OH/S Casey Rose, Soph.

-- Outlook: The Storm lost six players to graduation from last year's Sweet 16 team, but do count second-team All-County hitter Jones among those returning. With the arrival of some promising newcomers and a split between Class AA and A this season, first-year coach Randrup, who has been an assistant with the program for several years, is confident the Storm can take another step forward.