Scott City VB in '23: Same team, different look

Scott City volleyball coach Cindy Henry described the 2023 Rams as "same team, different look."

"I have a lot of the same returners coming back, but we have a completely different atmosphere," Henry said.

The Rams went 24-11-3 last year, their second consecutive 20-win season. Led by Ramsey Spinks and Gracie Karrenbrock, Scott City looks primed for another 20-win season.

"They're my captains," Henry said. "Those two bring a completely different dynamic to the team. They keep the team together they keep the energy."

The Rams opened the home slate of the season by sweeping Puxico in three sets (25-16, 30-28, 25-12) on Tuesday, Aug. 29. They had the full support of the Scott City football team, who finished practice just in time to cheer them on.

"I thought we had great energy," Henry said. "I thought we had a great atmosphere. I'm very pleased with very pleased with what I saw."

One player who is a candidate to break out is Makenna Gentry. The junior led the Rams with 12 kills against Puxico and added six kills during their road loss against Fredericktown on Aug. 30.

"She played part-time on varsity last season for me," Henry said. "This is her first season as full-time varsity. As far as her skills, she's been working nonstop, in season, offseason, she plays a ton year round and she's put forth the effort and that's why it looks the way it is. That's why she came up with so many kills."

Scott City lost to Saxony Lutheran in the Class 2 District Tournament last season. This year, the Rams are in the same district as Woodland, Puxico, and Charleston.

"I think our district is tough," Henry said. "I think everybody in our district is going to be competitive Puxico is in our district. They're going to be competitive, and they showed that [Tuesday]. We can't turn a blind eye to any team. Woodland is gonna be competitive, every team, Charleston, they're all going to be competitive. We have to stay focused."

The Rams return home on Wednesday, Sept. 6 to take on Notre Dame.