Teams to watch
1. Baylor: The Lady Red Raiders from the East/Middle Region have all the ingredients not only to make a run at the Division II-AA state tournament but to prove they have the best team in the classification.2. Signal Mountain: The District 7-AA Lady Eagles routinely have been in the state tournament since the school opened. With a potent frontline that includes Maia Rackel and Aubrie Johnson, don’t be surprised if they’re there again.3. Cleveland: In recent years Ooltewah has ruled District 5-AAA. But led by seven seniors and 6-foot-2 junior outside hitter Emma Flowers, the Lady Raiders are out to unseat the Lady Owls at the top of the standings.
Players to watch
1. Gabby Gray, Baylor: Two years ago the Western Carolina commitment’s prestigious honors included being selected MVP of the state final and Gatorade state player of the year. The senior may be out to prove something again.2. Alex Smith, Grace Academy: No player in the Chattanooga area means more to her team than the Lady Golden Eagles’ senior. She’s looking to lead Grace to a memorable season before she moves on to Middle Tennessee State.3. Marjorie Smith, Red Bank: Given the talent gone from Hixson’s 2015 title team, Red Bank could be the District 6-AA favorite this year with the senior being a big reason why. She led last year’s team in kills, digs and aces.
Grace Academy’s volleyball program has steadily been on the rise in recent years. That Alex Smith has been a part of that is no coincidence.
The powerful outside hitter committed to Middle Tennessee State has one more chance to lead the Lady Golden Eagles through a TSSAA season, which starts Monday for teams in Tennessee. GHSA teams were allowed to begin play Aug. 5.
Smith’s volleyball career began in club ball when she was 10. She also played softball and basketball when she was younger. But since her sophomore year, her concentration has been on volleyball.