VOLLEYBALL SPOTLIGHT: RED BAY TIGERS
In the second year of their program this past year, the Red Bay Tigers finished with a winning record, 17-14; won the Franklin County Tournament; and finished runner–up in their area, allowing them to advance to regionals in Huntsville.
Although the Tiger girls are still young and inexperienced, Red Bay coach Amanda Ledbetter has a squad that returns all six starters on the varsity team.
“Our team is led by four seniors,” Ledbetter explained. “Madeline Ledbetter and Kaylie Lindley are a great force at the net. Both are quality defensive players who are outstanding blockers, but they are also able to score.
“Talli Hamilton is returning at setter this season, and she does a fantastic job running our offense. Jaycee Vinson is back for her senior year after missing last season due to an injury.
“All the seniors are great leaders who are a real encouragement to other players.”
Even with those returning starters, Red Bay is still a young program in its third year.
“Our biggest challenge is lack of experience. We are still a new program compared to teams in our area, and I feel that it gives some teams an advantage,” said Ledbetter.
“I think something we can improve on is the pace of our game. We need to move the ball faster, and at the same time, we need to be in a defensive position quicker.”
Ledbetter said hard work will replace inexperience if players are committed.
“The team has worked very hard in the offseason to be physically stronger and faster. I asked the girls to condition and train on their own, and they have all worked very hard,” said Ledbetter. “Our team motto is ‘All In’ because I believe that is the key to our success. We can only be effective when we play together.”
Red Bay plays in Class 2A in an area with Lamar County, Sulligent and Winston County.
SCHEDULE
Aug. 20 Florence–Central Tournament, Away
Aug. 22 Cherokee/Sheffield, Away
Aug. 25 Itawamba/Phil Campbell, Home
Aug. 27 Colbert Heights Tournament, Away
Aug. 29 Belgreen, Away
Aug. 30 Winston County,* Away
Sept. 1 Itawamba, Away
Sept. 8 Phil Campbell/Belgreen, Away
Sept. 10 Bulldog Bash, Away
Sept. 15 Lamar County,* Home
Sept. 19 Tharptown/Hatton, Away
Sept. 20 Sulligent,* Home
Sept. 22 Winston County,*/Belmont Home
Sept. 24 Hamilton Tournament, Away
Sept. 26 Belgreen, Home
Sept. 27 Tharptown/Hackleburg, Home
Sept. 29 Lamar County,* Away
Oct. 1 Franklin County Tournament, Away
Oct. 3 Sulligent,* Away
Oct. 4 Belmont, Away
ROSTER
1 — Addyson Blackburn
5 — Kaylie Lindley
10 — Talli Hamilton
13 — Jaycee Vinson
15 — Gracie Weatherford
16 — Hannah Butler
18 — Shelby Nicols
24 — Kenzlee Bohannon
25 — Madeline Ledbetter
