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Lamphere senior Jaylee Hall goes up for a hit during Lamphere’s win against Warren Mott on Oct. 18 at Lamphere High School.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
MADISON HEIGHTS — The senior class of 2024 has been extremely kind to Madison Heights Lamphere volleyball.
Made up of only seniors and juniors, Lamphere’s experienced squad, led by its seven seniors, has built a winning foundation during their tenure.
Earning their second straight Macomb Area Conference Silver league title this season in a four-set win over second-place Warren Mott on Oct. 18 at Lamphere High School, it’s no secret why Lamphere continues to dominate the opposition.
“I think playing together last year and coming into this year, it definitely gave us more of a connection on the court,” senior hitter Jaylee Hall said. “We’ve been friends since elementary school, so we already have that bond, which is amazing. Being able to play sports with them is even better.”
It’s a connection that’s stretched across multiple sports at Lamphere, with some of the team playing basketball and softball together, but the chemistry at full strength for volleyball has been something special to watch the past few seasons.
Hall, an all-state honorable mention in 2022, has built herself yet another all-state caliber season this year up front for the Rams.
Lamphere coach Patty Waidknecht said while Hall is an impressive athlete physically, it’s her mentality that makes her an effective player.
“Jaylee stays positive 100% and gives me everything she has every game,” Waidknecht said. “I couldn’t ask for a better player than her, both with her attitude and her drive.”
Alongside Hall, Lamphere has a plethora of playmakers with seniors Mia Hill, Grace Yurich, Grace Williamson, and junior Caryss Terry leading the hitting group. Senior Maggie Oltersdorf has been a consistent contributor as well this season for Lamphere.
Hill, Williamson, and Yurich have come into their own this season, providing consistent contributions.
“They seem to really improve on their court sense,” Waidknecht said. “They’re smart players.”
Senior setter Gabrielle Malak and junior libero Faith Stinson continue to anchor their respective positions as returning starters from last season. Senior Addison Ferns has seen time at the libero spot as well.
While Lamphere has continued to prove its command over the MAC Silver, holding an 18-1 league record from last year to now, the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 state tournament has been a different story for the Rams.
Lamphere has made a habit over the past decade of winning its district opener, but then falling in its district finals game. The Rams will look to change that when they open district play against Detroit Country Day, which is currently a top-15 team in Division 2.
Country Day has been a thorn in the side of Lamphere over the past decade, eliminating Lamphere four times in the state tournament.
Understanding its district and what’s ahead, Lamphere front-loaded its schedule this season, which included a massive win over Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood early in the year.
“That was a big confidence boost because we were never able to beat them, and then we came out and won three sets against them,” Malak said.
Lamphere is slated to open up district play against Country Day on Oct. 30 at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s High School.
Expect Lamphere to give the state tournament everything, and try to send the senior veterans out on a high note.
“I think we’re ready for districts because we have the confidence now,” Malak said. “We don’t let the teams get in our head anymore.”
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