Milestones reached keeps Midgets spirits high as postseason arrives
Nov. 8—DICKINSON — Dickinson High is in preparation for the postseason tournament, where they will be traveling to Bismarck for their quarterfinal West Region matchup against the Demons on Thursday.
They enter the event with a strong sense of endurance and self-belief in their abilities.
DHS has consistently outlasted their opponents late in matches, often winning the majority of games that extend beyond the third set.
A significant contributor to their success is sophomore outside hitter Jenna Nelson, who tallied 235 kills this season, averaging 13 per game. Nelson also leads in saves with 194 digs this season.
Sophomore Cecilia Homiston has played a pivotal role in their offense as their starting setter, recently reaching a career milestone of 1000 assists. In her second year on the varsity team, she is averaging 30.05 assists per game this season alone.
"Last year, it was a big step going from middle school to high school, but everyone was very nice to me and was able to bring me up," Homiston said. "This year is the same thing. Everyone is able to adjust and hit whatever I set them."
Homiston was on the verge of reaching 40 blocks this season, following senior Jazmin Barry, who led the team with 58 blocks. Senior Sadie Stevenson closely followed Homiston with 35.5 blocks.
Barry reached a notable career milestone in the regular season with 100 blocks. She enters the postseason with 116 career blocks and 118 kills to her name this season.
Senior Kendra King will be another key player for the squad during the WDA tourney, having notched 99 kills this season and 182 digs, tying senior libero Brealynn Farnsworth. King also averaged an ace per game.
"[Volleyball] honestly the biggest blessing ever," Barry said. "Just being able to have this team, the friendships, the coaches. It's been amazing, and it has truly shaped me. It taught me to keep pushing and continue to do what you do."
The Midgets will undoubtedly face tough competition, with Bismarck High defeating them earlier in the season. However, their growth isn't just reflected in the numbers but in the effort they have consistently invested throughout the season, despite setbacks, difficulties, and uphill battles. The championship mindset has been the goal throughout the entire season, and now it's time to witness whether that goal will be realized or fall short.
