Harper-led Lady Bucs golden

Boyd-Buchanan was among the 32 high school teams competing in the 24th Choo Choo volleyball tournament this weekend at East Ridge and Red Bank, and one of four Class A teams in the field.

The Lady Bucs’ mission is simple. They’re seeking to play the most rugged competition they can find outside of their District 5 schedule to toughen their game in preparation for postseason. They have a state title to defend.

Through success in pool play, Boyd-Buchanan played its way into the Gold bracket and beat Blackman from Murfreesboro 2-0 in its first single-elimination match at East Ridge. Another Class AAA team, Cleveland, eliminated the Lady Bucs 2-1.

Defending Class AAA champion Dobyns-Bennett won the Gold bracket by defeating Class AAA Soddy-Daisy 2-0. Class AAA Ooltewah won the Silver bracket at East Ridge with a 2-1 victory over Class A Signal Mountain.

The Lady Bucs also are scheduled to play in Chattanooga’s other most comprehensive tournament Sept. 17-18. GPS and Ooltewah will host the bulk of the Tennessee Tandem tournament that weekend with some action also set to take place at Baylor.

Boyd-Buchanan coach Amber Nolen appreciates that midstate Class AAA competitor Brentwood High thought enough of the Lady Bucs’ program to offer them a spot in the Lady Bruins’ tournament next weekend.

“We got invited and I can tell you that’s a huge, huge compliment,” Nolen said. “A lot of 1A schools don’t get a look from strong tournaments. That makes a huge difference when you can play in those kinds of tournaments. That’s what makes you better.”

The Lady Bucs are off to a 13-7-2 start, 2-0 in the district. Leading the way has been senior outside hitter Rachel Harper. As an example, when Boyd-Buchanan defeated fellow 2009 state-tournament team Signal Mountain 3-0 on Thursday, Harper’s 18 kills, 22 digs and four aces were all team highs.

“Rachel gets better with every swing,” Nolen said. “She works for the whole team. Rachel is probably the most phenomenal young athlete I’ve had the opportunity to work with, when you talk about leadership, attitude and work ethic.”

Harper deflects the acclaim that comes her way and said she’s willing to do whatever benefits the team. In reality, though, that would be a standout and repeat as an all-state selection.

“I’ve just tried being aggressive and go for every ball,” Harper said. “I’m trying to step up and be a leader. As a senior, that’s kind of what’s expected. I think all of us seniors are doing a good job at trying to be leaders.”

The Lady Bucs graduated four off last year’s team, including another all-state outside hitter in Stephanie Silvers. Harper said junior Taylor Wolfe has done a good job fulfilling that role.

Setter Jessica Kirk gained some experience last season as a freshman when Erica Morris was out with an injury. Others with increased roles this season include junior Brennan Johnson and sophomore Madison Howard up front. Senior Miosha Hughes has taken on the duty of first server and the new libero is eighth-grader Katie Delay.

“I like this team,” Harper said. “I think we’re working really well together. I think we can go all the way to state. Who knows what can happen once you get there? As long as we’re working hard as a team, we can do whatever we put our minds to.”

It worked in 2009.

“We just need to keep controlling our game,” Nolen said. “As long as the girls are working hard and having fun, we could be the same as the team last year, maybe possibly better.”