The Centerville volleyball team was almost perfect this season, so coach Jason Evans probably wouldn't trade his Lady Tigers for anybody. But Evans would take his chances with the members of The Eagle's 10th Annual All-Brazos Valley Volleyball Team.

Evans marveled at the talented players who gathered this week for a photo of the All-Brazos Valley first team. Our honor squad includes three outside hitters, two middle blockers, one setter and even a libero, the often overlooked defensive specialist.

The all-BV squad reflects another successful season for high school volleyball in the area, featuring two players who reached the state tournament and two more who helped their team put together the longest playoff run in school history.

Senior outside hitter Ashley Hardcastle and Evans represent Centerville, which won 47 consecutive matches before falling to three-time defending state champion Poth in the state semifinals. There also are two seniors from A&M Consolidated on the first team, outside hitter Carli Kolbe and libero Kathryn Laza.

Setter Kallie Pence of Bryan and middle blocker Amanda Dowdy of Lexington, both college signees, are the only repeat selections on the top team. Pence made the all-BV first team for the third consecutive year, joining former Milano star Rebekah Melton in accomplishing that rare triple.

The first team also includes junior middle blocker Shelbi Bishop of Class A state finalist Iola, along with Brenham sophomore outside hitter Bethany Yeager.

Members of the All-Brazos Valley teams and academic honor teams were nominated by their coaches and chosen by members of The Eagle sports staff. Area coaches chose Evans as Coach of the Year in a rare unanimous vote.

Hardcastle helped Centerville reach the state tournament for the first time, averaging just over 18 kills per game to lead a balanced attack. The 5-foot-8 spiker earned all-state honors and was a co-MVP of District 15-2A. Hardcastle has not made a college choice but is being recruited and expects to play collegiate volleyball.

Evans added to a tremendous family legacy by leading Centerville to state and a 47-1 finish. Evans' grandfather Billy Evans built one of the state's best volleyball programs in the state at Leon. This year, Evans' Lady Tigers handed Leon its first district loss since 1973, stopping a winning streak that began six years before Evans was born, and when his mother played for Leon.

Consolidated reached the third round of the playoffs for the first time since moving up to Class 5A, winning the district championship and finishing at 31-11. Kolbe, a dynamic 5-11 hitter who played in the middle and outside, led the Lady Tigers with 450 kills. The Sam Houston State signee also had 63 aces and 375 digs to earn all-state recognition.

Laza made the team with her defensive prowess at the libero position. The senior led the Lady Tigers with 462 digs, and she had a great match in the bi-district win over Georgetown, making 42 digs.

Pence made all-state and was named 13-5A's top setter after posting 881 assists as Bryan reached the state playoffs. Pence, who has signed with Fairfield, also had 122 kills and 274 digs.

Dowdy is perhaps the most highly recruited player on the team, signing with Texas Tech. The 6-3 power hitter registered 900 kills and 221 blocks, earning all-state honors as Lexington reached the regional final.

Bishop was part of a strong junior class that led Iola to the state championship match for the first time. Bishop was selected Most Valuable Player in District 24-A and helped the Lady Bulldogs post a 36-4 record.

Yeager is the only sophomore on the team. The 5-8 outside hitter was chosen as the 18-4A attacker of the year after delivering 360 kills. She also had 492 digs and 59 aces.

The second team also features players who helped their schools to successful seasons, including outside hitter Megan DeStefano of Bryan and setter Hillary Parker of Consol. State qualifiers Alex Lacey, a setter from Centerville, and Hannah Pointer, a setter/outside hitter from Iola, also earned spots on the honor team.

Lexington setter Sarah Lay made the second team, along with players from traditional powers, setter Kelsey Alford of Caldwell and setter/outside hitter Kelsey Robinson of Leon.

The third team includes libero Amanda Cune of Bryan and middle blocker Karla Gilbert of Consol. The other selections are libero Kelseigh Braaton of Iola, setter Holly Brandt of Anderson-Shiro, middle blocker Kimbery Crnkovic of Caldwell, setter Lindsey Lechler of Brenham and outside hitter Nikki West of Leon.

Bishop, who ranks second in her class, was the only player named to the all-BV first team and the first academic team. The top academic unit also featured Kendall Conn of Franklin, DeStefano, Kimber Dowell of Somerville, Jennifer Gelner of Cameron, Meredith Harper of Allen Academy, Jennifer King of Bryan, Bay Loftin of Centerville, Andrea Thomasson of Brazos Christian and Haley Vrazel of Caldwell.

DeStefano and second-team academic picks Laza and Yeager joined Bishop in making both all-BV teams. Other members of the second academic squad are Ally Abshire of Lexington, Whitney Bishop of Madisonville, Anna Carter of Brazos Christian, Karissa Evan of Cameron, Maricia Ferrell of North Zulch, Amy Gault of Madisonville, Mallori Gelner of Cameron, Jennifer Kasper of Bryan, Lindsay Knesek of Somerville, Kelsey Lagrone of Centerville, Lauren Paine of Brazos Christian and Allie Redpath of Consol.

• Larry Bowen's e-mail address is larry.bowen@theeagle.com.

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