High school volleyball: Reversal of fortune, Clarkton tops Gideon in 4

CARDWELL — Reversal of fortune.

In a clash of talented teams, this year Clarkton downed Gideon in four games by scores of 25-23, 25-23, 17-25, 25-20 to claim the Tri-County Conference title at Southland High School’s “Tink” Richardson Gymnasium.

In the 2022 Tri-County Conference championship, Gideon earned the league title over Clarkton.

The Clarkton High School volleyball team celebrates winning the Tri-County Conference tournament title in this photo dated Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, from Southland High School in Cardwell. Here�s the team. (Front row, from left), Kaylee Youngblood, Jasmine Day, Nayely Rivera, Lexi Elizondo, Brinley Cowart, Riley Plunkett and Maranda Hernandez. (Back row) Clarkton assistant coach Christina Mathis, Brooke Flanagan, assistant coach Julie Murray, Nabriya White, Alana Crowder, Bree Winchester, Angel Johnson and head coach Amy Cowart. The Reindeer defeated nearby rival Gideon in four sets for the title.(Submitted photo by the Clarkton School District)

Nayely Rivera gave the Reindeer the win — using her effective jump serve on the final point of the match.

“She has really been working on her jump serve,” Clarkton head coach Amy Cowart explained, “and this week, it has really shown.”

Rivera, just a sophomore, has improved in all facets during the 2023 season. Nayely uses her quick feet and succinct serve receive skill to help the Reindeer.

Cowart was really pleased with Nayely’s passing rating, one of the many metrics used to determine success in volleyball. Rivera finished with 21 digs, three aces and five kills.

“Both teams are skilled and work hard to the last point,” Gideon head coach Kristen Ashabranner noted. “My team struggled to put the ball away. I give credit to the Reindeer, they made it difficult for us. We battled back and fourth all four sets.”

Both Gideon and Clarkton fans provided a great atmosphere, and it was the latest saga for the schools separated by three miles according to Google Maps.

Clarkton improved to 25-6-1 while Gideon dropped to 20-7-1.

The Bulldogs have drawn a first-round bye for the forthcoming Class 1 District 2 tournament — in which Gideon will serve as hosts.

In the championship match versus Gideon, libero Lexi Elizondo scooped up 23 digs. Setter Brinley Cowart supplied 41 assists and 19 digs.

Those Cowart sets found their mark, with Bree Winchester putting down 26 kills (.279 attack percentage) and Angel Johnson 15 (.192). Both Johnson and Winchester joined forces for 20 digs.

“Bree only started playing back row in January during club season,” Coach Cowart noted. “She had never been a six-rotation player until this season. She was heavily targeted from our opponents at the service line, and she didn’t flinch from the challenge.”

As for Gideon, Skyla Woodall had a strong match with 18 kills (0.235) and 17 digs. Libero Maddy Clenney collected 25 digs, plus she served up three aces.

Continuing with the Bulldogs numbers, Gala Darmofal also had a double-double with 10 kills and 11 digs. Jayden Buchanan dished out 46 assists and had 18 digs. Lily Watkins contributed 17 digs and Lexis Fry added nine kills.

“Overall, I was pleased that my girls never gave up,” Ashabranner said. “My girls fought to the end, but fell just a little bit short.”

ALSO FRIDAY

Campbell d. Twin Rivers

BROSELEY — Campbell took to the road on Friday, sweeping Twin Rivers by scores of 25-21, 25-19, 25-17.

The Camels, fresh off a semifinal performance in the Bootheel Conference tournament, improved to 11-14-2.

The regular season wrapped up Tuesday with the following matches: Holcomb at Malden, Southland at Delta C-7, Cooter at Caruthersville and Portageville at Risco. Read Thursday's Delta Dunklin Democrat for these scores.