PERU — Abby Higgins has been putting together an outstanding resumé since her freshman year. It all culminated with her selection this fall as Most Valuable Player in Champlain Valley Athletic Conference volleyball.
A four-year starter, Higgins has served as Peru team captain the past two seasons. Her success extends beyond the Peru sideline, however. Her all-around player has helped raise the level of volleyball in the CVAC. Her skills and leadership ability were apparent to opponents as well as volleyball fans.
An offensive and defensive star for Peru, Higgins led the team in kill, blocks and digs. On her way to an MVP season, she earned Saranac All-Tournament and Hannah's Hope all-tournament honors.
Shana Hileman, a former MVP for the Beekmantown Eagles, is quickly establishing herself as one of the top coaches. Hileman earned CVAC Coach of the Year honors after leading Beekmantown to a 17-1 season, which included CVAC and Section VII championships.
In addition, the Eagles demonstrated their ability with outstanding showings in Section II tournament play. They finished second in the September "Hats Off" Tournament in Saratoga Springs and won the October Argyle Fall Tournament.
"Each of the 12 players on the BCS squad played a significant role in practices, games and tournaments to prepare for this competitive season," Hileman remarked.
"Following a disciplined schedule of reviewing film, weight training 3 times a week and competitive practices, the girls reached their peak at the end of the season.
"Despite graduating three seniors, the 2012 fall season looks to have a positive outlook with many talented underclassman and a strong JV program (15-1)."
Beekmantown, Northern Adirondack and Saranac each landed two players on the First Team All-CVAC for volleyball. AuSable Valley, Plattsburgh High and Lake Placid placed one athete each on the First Team.
First Team
Stephanie Linder, Saranac — A first-year player and an exceptionally talented natural athlete, the senior led the Chiefs in kills, kill efficiency, aces, and blocks. She was a force to reckon with at the net. As a middle blocker, she quickly recognized to whom the opposing setter was distributing the ball and would quickly shut down the opponent's offensive efforts.
Danielle Parker, Saranac — The senior libero and captain led the Chiefs in digs while anchoring the defense. She was a tenacious competitor who never gave up on the ball or her teammates. She could be counted on in the clutch. Parker reached balls destined for the floor with her speed, quickness, and perseverance. She always worked hard to "better the ball" and to bring a positive atmosphere to the team.
Jacquie Hoey, AuSable Valley — A solid all-around player whose specialty is defense, Hoey led the Patriots in digs for the second straight year to finish her career with 502 digs. Her powerful serve was respected by opponents. The senior standout often started each match with a run of points to get the Patriots off to a good start. She led the team in points and aces, 176 and 70 respectively, as well as digs. Jacquie was the leader of the defense and will be greatly missed next year.
Nicole Durnin, Northern Adirondack — A senior and returning all-star (CVAC second team), she played middle hitter position. She was a smart player who looked on the opponent's court for open spots. She was a definite leader for the team in serving, hitting, and defense, and her passing was consistent. She provided a great example for her teammates.
Tessa King, Northern Adirondack — The senior outside hitter started the season as setter and went on to lead the team in kills and assists. She worked really hard defensively and never let a ball touch the ground around her. She was a consistent server and powerful outside hitter.
Shannon Ryan, Beekmantown — Only a freshman, but a second-year player, she quickly established herself as one of the top offensive players in the section. Her sheer athletic ability, height and basketball background allowed her to transition into a dominate attacker and blocker in this sport. Her ability to attack quick tempo sets opened up numerous options for the BCS offense. What most impressed the coaching staff was her maturity, work ethic and ability to handle pressure during key games like a veteran. She started as a middle hitter and served in every game, leading the team in (77) points, (29) aces, (47) blocks, (157) kills and (57) digs.
Katie Cantwell, Plattsburgh High — A two-year starter and captain, the senior played middle. She led the team in blocks and contributed a high percentage of kills as well as being a threat at the service line. One of the taller players in the league, Katie played a vital role in the PHS starting line up.
Kiana Archer, Beekmantown — A two-year varsity starter for the Eagles, Archer also was a starting setter for the U18 Northern Impact club volleyball team. Playing volleyball in the off season allowed her to develop into one of the finest setters in the area. Her court sense and ability to run the offense gave our younger hitters much confidence. The Eagles saw great improvements in their younger hitters because of Kiana's precise setting abilities. She averaged 426 assists this season along with an impressive 95 service points and 36 service aces.
Dani Balestrini, Lake Placid — The senior hitter led the Blue Bombers in service points, aces, kills, blocks and digs. She has been all-star in three sports, a First Team selection in softball as wells volleyball. A third-team CVAC all-star in basketball last season, she helped Lake Placid reach the regional final.
Vada Loya, Northeastern Clinton
Belle O'Toole, AuSable Valley
Noelle Miller, AuSable Valley
Paige Moore, Peru
Kianna Dragoon, Plattsburgh High
Nicole Viscardo, Saranac Lake
Molly Sorrell, Beekmantown
Chelsey Besaw, Beekmantown
Honorable Mention
Miranda Sheffer, AuSable Valley; Callie Garcia, Peru; Kelly Rogers, Northeastern Clinton; Olivia Dempsey, Lake Placid; Nikkie Trudeau, Saranac Lake; Samantha Malcolm, Plattsburgh High; Ariel Filion, Northern Adirondack; Katelyn Gates, Saranac.
Ray Holmes Sportsmanship Award
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