2018 Volleyball Finalists

Lexie Barnes

Barnes was a stat-stuffing spark plug for a Crusaders side that saw its season end in the district championship game to final-four entrant St. Pius X. She earned all-state and all-district recognition while compiling 278 assists, 240 kills and 243 digs. Barnes will continue her volleyball career at John A. Logan College.

Alanis Below

Below led the Hornets to another district championship. Below landed 99 percent of her serves, had 267 serve receptions with just 10 errors and compiled 251 kills and 251 digs. She was a Class 1 All-State selection and the Stoddard County Activities Association Co-Player of the Year. She will play volleyball at John A. Logan College.

Bailey Below

The junior middle hitter was an impressive presence both offensively and defensively for the quarterfinalist Wildcats. She had 57 aces, 337 kills, 135 blocks and 186 digs. That campaign earned Below all-district honors and the tag of Stoddard County Activities Association Co-Player of the Year.

Lainey Broussard

Broussard was an athletic playmaker for the Indians, racking up an area-high 745 assists while garnering an all-district nod. She also had a 96-percent serving clip, .387 kill rate and 171 digs as Jackson won the SEMO Conference Tournament in the first year under coach Dave Mirly.

Jewel Chism

A second-time finalist, Chism led all volleyball nominees with 68 aces and was an all-around standout with 265 kills and 316 digs while helping the Wildcats reach the Class 2 quarterfinals. Her efforts earned her nods at the all-district and all-state level.

Oliva Hallet

Hallet racked up 387 kills to lead all players, in addition to a 96-percent serving clip and 47 aces. She also had 226 digs. The senior was an all-district honoree, and the SEMO North Conference Player of the Year. The Southeast Missourian Volleyball Player of the Year will continue her career at John A. Logan College.

Hannah Thurmon

Thurmon was a rock for the Bearcats in the middle of the front row, helping Dexter win another district title while filling some of the void left by a season-ending injury to teammate and 2017 Semoball Awards Volleyball Player of the Year Krysten Garrison. Thurmon — an all-state pick — had 337 kills, 72 blocks and 89 kills with an area-best .487 hitting percentage.

Jackie Verseman

One of just three return Semoball Awards finalists from a season ago, Verseman was a prominent presence at middle hitter for the Indians. After racking up awards during a four-year varsity career, she wrapped up her high school career by posting 310 kills and 398 digs with 53 aces.

Lexi Welter

Welter set the tone with her work ethic and steady leadership at outside hitter for the Bulldogs. Her numbers reflected her contributions across the board, as she compiled 277 kills, 365 digs and 34 aces as her team’s go-to player and an all-district selection.

Bailee Williams

Serving at a 94.8-percent clip, Williams was one of the area’s best setters, posting 602 assists to spur Dexter’s offense on. Defensively, the senior had 179 digs to help Dexter to district and conference tournament titles while picking up an all-district selection.