Eighth graders make up 27% of Barnes County North volleyball roster

Oct. 24—WIMBLEDON, N.D. — The Barnes County North volleyball program isn't well known for its numbers but three eighth graders on the varsity roster is a high count — even for the Bison.

"I have always loved watching college volleyball on TV and watching how the teammates cheer when they get a point," BCN eighth grader Marleigh Carpenter said. "Practicing with my sister also made me love the sport and pushed me to keep improving.

"I have stuck with it because I love the sport, my teammates, and I love the coaches," she said. "The sport keeps me active, my teammates are there for me on and off the court, and the coaches push me to be a better player and are helping me reach my full potential."

Carpenter is a right-side hitter and has also filled in at setter when starting freshman Jasmine Houmann isn't playing.

"There is a lot of pressure because you don't want to mess up and let the upperclassmen or the coaches down," Carpenter said. "I was excited but nervous at the same time because it was my first time going up against people who were older and way more experienced. I was kind of afraid because I was only an eighth grader and I didn't want the older teammates to get mad when I was starting as an eighth grader."

Spoiler — no one has gotten mad at Carpenter or at her fellow eighth grade teammates Adalie Jewett and Keyli Beyer.

In fact, everyone has seemingly been supportive of the move.

I was very surprised and overfilled with enjoyment that she believed in me to take on such a role," Jewett said of when she found out she would be playing varsity. "I have a great support system from my teammates and coaches. They encourage and push me to do my best. I want to continue playing my hardest while having fun and to never give up and keep playing."

Jewett has been playing volleyball for three years now. She has been selected by head coach Tori Houdek as one of the Bison's middle hitters.

"My older sister played and my parents encouraged me and my siblings to at least try a sport at least once," Jewett said of how she got started with volleyball. "I have a lot of love for the sport, it has always stuck with me especially since I have been growing in skill level. Playing at the varsity level is challenging in a good way. It has made me push myself out of my comfort zone when playing against more experienced teams and it is pushing me to play at a higher level."

Still — there are nerves.

"I feel like it's kind of nerve-wracking for the coaches because we don't have many options even if I'm not playing well," Carpenter said. "But it's made me a better player because I am learning to work with the older girls and it is giving me an opportunity to prove to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to. I have gained new knowledge and skills by watching them and listening to their advice.

"I wouldn't be where I am if Coach Tori and Coach Dana (Faber) hadn't believed in me and given me this opportunity to be part of an awesome varsity team," she said. "My goal for the rest of the season is to work hard and keep getting better."

Upperclassmen like Ryann Guscette have also been a help to the varsity newbies.

Guscette, one of two seniors for the Bison, started playing spring volleyball in sixth grade and has been playing spring and fall volleyball since seventh grade.

"I have always had a love for (volleyball)," Guscette said. "A combination of my coaches, parents, teammates and myself have motivated me to stay in volleyball. I've been on the varsity team since my freshmen year playing back row and playing libero since my sophomore year. I find playing volleyball one of my escapes in life and it brings me happiness to play."

Guscette's work in the back row has led to 1,000 career digs for the senior. Guscette hit her 1,000th dig on Sept. 18 during a home game.

"I remember feeling super proud of myself and grateful for everyone who was (at the game) to support me," Guscette said.

Guscette's current dig count is at 1,233 which is a new program record for BCN.

Having a veteran in the defensive third has helped the Bison get more experience on the offensive side of the ball. Guscette's last regular season game was scheduled for Oct. 23 at Hatton/Northwood. Final scores were not available when the Jamestown Sun went to press.

The District 5 tournament is then scheduled for Oct. 26-30. The winless Bison will likely receive the No. 7 seed entering the postseason tourney.

"As our season is coming to an end, I hope to have a fun rest of the season and do well in districts," Guscette said. "Coming from a small school and playing with a handful of girls can be difficult, but having the opportunity to play with the same people for several years really builds a bond between us. Our team chemistry is probably the most rewarding part. It's a lot of fun."