Thursday is opening night for high school volleyball teams in Oregon. Here is how each team in the Basin is shaping up ahead of the first serve!
Mazama Vikings
At a Glance
Head Coach: John Downey (8th season, 72-66 at Mazama)
League: 4A Skyline Conference
2023 Results: 17-8 (8-0 Skyline Conference) 5th Place at State Tournament
Players To Watch: Cali Bitzer, Jr.; Addison Byington, Sr.; London O’Brien, Sr.; Sydney Baker Jr.
Season Outlook
The Vikings are coming off a Skyline Conference three-peat from 2021-23. After a fifth-place finish at the State Tournament last year the Vikings graduated five starters, including all-conference athletes Alexia Lowe, Isabella Lowe, Abby Beals, and Gillian Merhoff. The Vikings have one returning starter, Cali Blitzer, who earned a first-team all-state selection as a sophomore.
“It’s great to have her back because graduating nine seniors kind of set us back a little bit,” said Downey. “But, you know, it’s one person, and there’s six on the floor. We got to work on at least five others.”
Downey expressed optimism about some of the players who will step into starting roles this season.
“Sydney Baker was one who actually did very well last year. My expectation is that she’ll be even better this year,” said Downey. “Addie Byington is a senior this year and she’s kind of been on the sidelines for the last couple of years because we were so stacked in a lot of those positions.”
The Vikings will also have the benefit of adding a player with varsity experience. London O’Brien transferred to Mazama from Warrenton, a 3A school from the Coastal Range League. O’Brien helped lead the Warriors to a second-round playoff appearance in 2023.
“She moved here with her dad, who took over as the athletic director there at Mazama,” said Downey. “We’re trying to get the new pieces, old pieces, and put them all together.”
The Vikings will look to defend a league title in 2024. They’ve claimed the previous three crowns which is the longest streak for a Skyline champion since Hidden Valley won four straight from 2016-2019. During this string of titles for the Vikings, they’ve lost one game to a Skyline opponent, but they know this season could be a change of pace.
“We would like to defend the league title. But I think more than anything else, I want to get those players that are coming in for the first time and those that have been there to gel as a group,” said Downey. “Bringing the others up to [Blitzer and Byington] level is going to take some work, and so that’s what we’re going to be working on most of the season.”
The Vikings open the season on August 31st at the Cascade Christian Invitational.
Klamath Union Pelicans
At a Glance
Head Coach: Faryn Knight (6th season, 35-51 at Klamath Union)
League: 4A Skyline Conference
2023 Results: 9-9 (6-2 Skyline Conference) First Round Playoffs
Players To Watch: Jacie Madden Sr.; Mattie Westlake Sr.; Lilly Huck Jr.; Angela Lowry Sr.
Season Outlook
The Pelicans are coming off of their first postseason appearance since 2016 and produced their best overall record since 2018. Coach Faryn Knight took over the Klamath Union program in 2019 and has been building to this moment where the Pelicans are back in contention for a postseason berth. This team has the star power to do it too, with all-state honorable mention Jacie Madden returning for her senior season, and second-team all-conference selection Mattie Westlake.
“Jacie was big for us last year, and this year she’s a senior, so I feel like this is going to be one of her breakout years,” said Knight. “I mean, honestly, last year, she did a phenomenal job.”
After a stellar campaign in 2023 the Pelicans are gearing up for another statement season in 2024. Coach Knight shared her excitement when working towards the start of the year.
“Honestly, I’m super excited for the season, mostly because I have so many returning players,” said Knight. “It felt like we never really peaked, even last year. I feel like we’re still climbing. We’re still on the rise.”
As the Pelicans continue their rise in the Skyline Conference, other title contenders have entered a rebuilding or retooling phase. Mazama has graduated multiple all-conference athletes, Henley is fostering young talent, and former league powerhouse Hidden Valley hasn’t claimed the championship since 2019. Other coaches in the Skyline Conference have highlighted the Pelicans as a program to keep an eye on this season.
“KU is the one to beat,” said Mazama head coach John Downey. “They’ve got some pretty good players. They’re basically pretty well-rounded defensively and offensively. They’re going to be a they’re going to be a load.”
Coach Knight is used to the praise from other coaches in the league, having been named Coach of the Year last season. She says that the team has kept an even mind and the goal is to stay humble and rely on hard work to get through the season, though she is grateful for the recognition.
“I always like to come in really humble.I know what my girls are capable of, but it’s up to them to reach their full potential. I actually feel at ease,” said Knight. “I honestly feel a lot of respect from the coaches and the Basin because that’s something I feel we’ve not had in a while where KU is a force to be reckoned with.”
The Pelicans open the season on August 29th against La Pine.
Henley Hornets
At a Glance
Head Coach: Sierra Patzke (4th season, 32-26 at Henley)
League: 4A Skyline Conference
2023 Results: 4-13 (3-5 Skyline Conference) Missed Playoffs
Players To Watch: Kahlia Cage, Jr.; Hailey Paulson So.; Makayla Schroeder Fr.
Season Outlook
The Henley Hornets missed the playoffs in 2023 for the first time since 2019. Their four wins were the fewest in program history. On paper, it wasn’t a season that you’d hope for, however, the Hornets were young and touted a roster with eight underclassmen. This year Henley hopes to find consistency in their young talent.
“We have to get more consistent. Last year’s team was very inexperienced playing at the varsity level, and we would have a lot of ups and downs during matches,” said Patzke. “This team will have to take a step forward on being able to play at a higher level all the time, rather than just getting glimpses of it.”
Kahila Cage is returning to the Henley for her junior season. As a sophomore, Cage earned first-team all-conference and all defense honors. Hailey Paulson will be a sophomore this season for the Hornets after making the all-conference second team last year. Both players will play a key role in the development of this squad.
“Kahila is a junior who has also stepped into a leadership role on this team, and will help develop the young players as the year goes on,” said Patzke. “Hailey is as well rounded of a player as I have ever coached, and gives us other options as far as being an attacker and a defender.”
Coach Patzke will also be deploying three juniors who spent 2023 with the junior varsity squad: Kaydence Nelson, Layli Segura, and Mylie Lee. They will join the lone freshman, Makayla Schroeder to round out the team.
“Makayla comes in and will look to make an immediate impact for our team. She is a solid presence at the net, both blocking and swinging at the ball.”
The Hornets last won the Skyline Conference championship in the shortened COVID season in 2021. They placed fifth at the 4A showcase event which replaced the State Tournament that season. After a down year in 2023, Coach Patzke is optimistic about her team’s future for more reasons than one.
“The coaching staff is really excited about the future of the program. We have a lot of young, talented players who work hard every day,” said Patzke. “More importantly, they treat each other well, and are good teammates.”
The Hornets open the season on August 31st at the Cascade Christian Invitational.
Lost River Raiders
At a Glance
Head Coach: Amanda Donahoe (2nd season, 18-6 at Lost River)
League: 2A East Cascades Conference
2023 Results: 18-6 (9-1 Mountain Valley League) Second Round Playoffs
Players To Watch: Avery Turner Sr.; Zuliana Cobian Cazarez Sr.
Season Outlook
The Raiders emerged from 2023 with their best season in program history in terms of overall record and where they finished in the playoffs. It was Amanda Donahoe’s first season as the head coach. This year, Lost River has moved to the 2A classification and will play the season as a member of the East Cascade Conference, joining Bonanza and Trinity Lutheran from the Mountain Valley League. They’ll join Lowell and Oakridge, who each made it to the state tournament last season.
“I think there are some really good teams, and we have to be able to match up to them,” said Donahoe. “We’ve been looking at film and seeing how they’ve done things. Looking at those little body cues, how are they running things, where the open spots, and just really focusing in on playing smart.”
The Raiders will have two returning all-conference selections to help them through a difficult league schedule. Avery Turner and Zuliana Cobian Cazarez each return for their senior seasons. Coach Donahoe is confident in other players stepping up to fill out the rest of the team.
“We have just some really good, well-rounded players, and we’re playing everyone to their strengths on the team,” said Donahoe. “They all are rising up to the challenge. And I mean, just pushing themselves as players.”
Along with the performance on the floor, Donahoe has committed to build the culture within the program. This year the Raiders not only set performance-based goals, but also goals specifically based around team culture and identity, even coming up with a catchphrase for this year.
“So one example is self-reflection. So how are they performing? Who’s going to hold them accountable to it, giving constructive feedback,” said Donahoe. ” When it gets tough, being able to overcome those challenges and move on, and not just struggle in that and so we’ve come up with a catchphrase: Goldfish.”
To the Raiders, being a Goldfish is quickly moving on from a mistake, while still being accountable to your teammates. The right attitude is necessary to have when competing for a league title in a tough East Cascade Conference. As the Raiders look to build off the best season in program history, they know the road ahead is going to come with obstacles.
“It’s going to be hard, but I think the girls are up to it, and they can do it. They just have to play smart and know their limitations,” said Donahoe. “Fundamental control consistency that will help us win games, especially with those harder teams. Just having that mindset is how you win volleyball games.”
The Raiders open the season on August 29th at Crosspoint Christian.
Bonanza Antlers
At a Glance
Head Coach: Donna Romtvedt (42nd season, 643-312 at Bonanza)
League: 2A East Cascades Conference
2023 Results: 20-12 (8-2 Mountain Valley League) Second Round Playoffs
Players To Watch: Mary Schooler Sr.; Hayle Wierleske Sr.; Abby Hill So.
Season Outlook
Bonanza enters 2024 after another 20-win season in 2023. It is the 12th 20-win season of coach Donna Romtvedt’s career. In her 42 years as head coach she has the 8th most wins in Oregon history, and third most among active coaches.
This year the Antlers have been reclassified to the 2A class and will join the East Cascades Conference along with former Mountain Valley League teams Lost River and Trinity Lutheran. They’ll join Lowell and Oakridge, who each made it to the state tournament last season. This is the third reclassification for the Antlers in four years, having played in the Southern Cascade League from 2018-2021.
Not only will the Antlers have a new league to call home, they’ll also have a physical new home with the completion of the new gym at Bonanza High School. The $3,000,000 project is expected to open this fall according to the Klamath County School District, and will be over 16,000 square feet. Bonanza will host the Antler Classic tournament on October 5th.
The Antlers open the season on August 29th at Crosspoint Christian.
Chiloquin Panthers
At a Glance
Head Coach: Ginnette Lewis (2nd stint, 8th season, 46-88 at Chiloquin)
League: 1A Mountain Valley League
2023 Results: 8-10 (4-6 Mountain Valley League) Missed Playoffs
Players To Watch: Ladyhawk Wright, Sr.; Laila Weiser, Sr.
Season Outlook
The Panthers turned in another sub .500 season in 2023. Their last winning season was in 2014 under coach Ginnette Lewis in her first stint with the Panthers. Lewis first coached Chiloquin from 2009-2014 before stepping away. 2024 will be her second season in her second spell with the Panthers. Lewis knows what it takes to create a winning program, having turned a four-win team into a playoff contender nearly a decade ago.
“Just being consistent, confident, and consistent. That’s what I’ve been telling the team,” said Lewis.
Since Lewis left the head coaching position in 2014, Chiloquin had only won more than five games in a season once, and it was in 2022 when the Panthers put up a 9-10 record. Lewis has stayed close to the program during the nine years away, being listed as an assistant throughout the years.
Chiloquin will have nearly all of their starters returning in 2024, including two seniors: Ladyhawk Wright and Laila Weiser.
“[Ladyhawk Wright], she’s my metal. She’s a senior. She improved a lot over the offseason,” said Lewis. “We have Laila back, too. She’s been a star girl. This will be her fourth year with us.”
The Panthers are optimistic about the season ahead. They’ll compete in a thinned-out Mountain Valley League which saw three of its top four teams moved up to the 2A class in the most recent OSAA reclassification. The community of Chiloquin has also been an asset during the offseason.
“I feel like it’s very promising. Plus, we have a community center up here now, and a lot of the girls go play there, so they do a lot more in the off-season just on their own,” said Lewis.
Chiloquin opens the season on Thursday at Crosspoint Christian.
Crosspoint Christian Warriors
At a Glance
Head Coach: Holly Rice (2nd season, 7-12 with Crosspoint Christian)
League: 1A Mountain Valley League
2023 Results: 7-12 (3-7 Mountain Valley League)
Players To Watch: Keira Maurer Sr.; Charlotte Spalding Jr.; Keira Mahan Jr.
Season Outlook
The Warriors are still building their program. Crosspoint Christian is only four years old, and entering year five head coach Holly Rice is excited that this season is the first one where all of her players have been real Warriors.
“This is the first year that all competing high school athletes that have been with our school will have only ever been a Warrior,” said Rice. “There were challenges to merging two schools, but God knew what he was doing and our school is united moving forward. I’m proud of what our school has accomplished.”
Crosspoint is returning five players to the varsity squad from last season and adding senior Keira Maurer who missed last year. Rice also highlighted the potential that two juniors have shown in the early weeks of practice.
“Definitely keep an eye out for junior Keira Mahan as she comes in strong in the middle. She’s an excellent, all-around athlete and leader,” said Rice. “Charlotte Spalding is a dynamite left-side player, coming on as one of our best passers and servers,” Rice added. “The whole team has been working hard this summer with conditioning and some fun team-building exercises, including a 2 person truck pull and a 10-mile hike.”
The Warriors will be competing in a thinned-out Mountain Valley League this season. Three of the top four teams from last year have been reclassified to the 2A class, leaving the door wide open for a new league champion. Crosspoint will host the MVL district tournament this season and has made it a goal to compete in that event.
“I expect us to do well in our league this season, especially with the teams that have rotated out.
Tulelake Honkers
At a Glance
Head Coach: Katie Taisey (1st season with Tulelake)
League: Evergreen League
2023 Results: 25-2 (12-0 Evergreen League) CIF Semifinals
Players To Watch: Maritza Chavolla Sr.; Nahomi Aguilar So.
Season Outlook
The season is underway for the Tulelake Honkers. At the time of publishing, the Honkers have begun the 2024 campaign 0-2.
The Honkers look to have another stellar season behind star player Maritza Chavolla, and although they have a new head coach they have plenty of momentum. Tulelake has advanced to the Northern Section CIF Division VI semifinals in each of the past two years.
The Honkers have a roster made up with five underclassmen looking to create roles on the team, including two freshmen Baylee Hall and Esmeralda Gonzalez.
Tulelake continues the season on August 31st against Modoc. They open Evergreen League play on September 10th against Happy Camp.
