Kimball/White Lake's Steffen earns Class B second-team honors

Lately, success has become synonymous with Warner volleyball.

The Monarchs have won the last three Class B state championships, four out of the last six, five of the last eight, ran the table three years ago when they went 90-0 in sets played and have lost just two matches in the last three seasons combined - all to non-Class B teams.

Spearheading the Monarchs' efforts over the past three years has been Ashley Rozell, who, as a senior, finds herself headlining her fourth straight Class B all-state team, as selected by the South Dakota Volleyball Coaches Association.

Kimball/White Lake senior Kelli Steffen, who led the WiLdKats to a second-straight state tournament, was picked to the second-team list, while Sanborn Central/Woonsocket sophomore Myah Selland and Andes Central senior Payton Johanneson were honorable mention selections. Kimball/White Lake (22-6) finished sixth at state, while the Blackhawks and Eagles finished their seasons 17-10 and 12-16, respectively.

Rozell, despite being the lone Warner player on the 2014 first team all-state, did a little bit of everything for the Monarchs. The Northern State University recruit led the team in kills, assists and service aces and was second in both digs and blocks.

"Ashley was one of the most talented, well-rounded players in the state this year," said Warner head coach Kari Jung.

Chester Area landed two players on this year's first team. Jenna Reiff and Sara Heyn both received the honor. Heyn finished the season averaging just under 9.5 assists per set, but could also catch defenses off guard on the attack.

Reiff, a junior middle hitter for the Flyers, finished the season with 471 kills (15.7 per match) to lead her team. But for all her offensive accomplishments at the net, Reiff was just as adept at the defensive aspect of the game.

Arlington, the 2014 state tournament consolation champion, also landed two first teamers on this year's honorees list in seniors Josie Parry and Kimberly VanBockern.

Parry, the third setter on the first team, averaged 10.39 assists and 2.54 digs per set for the Cardinals.

VanBockern averaged just over 13 kills per match offensively and made herself a valuable part of the defense, as well. She tallied 3.77 digs and 1.57 blocks per match for the Cardinals.

Joining the five state tournament participants on this year's first team was Northwestern standout Jordon Peterson. She finished the season averaging 15.6 kills, 3.54 digs and .55 blocks per match.

Class B all-state Teams

(As selected by the South Dakota Volleyball Coaches Association)

First Team

Ashley Rozell, Warner (5-11, S/OH, Senior): 408 kills, 88 aces, 454 assists, 24 blocks, 228 digs.

Sara Heyn, Chester (5-6, S/OH, Senior): 47 kills, 66 aces, 822 assists, 17 blocks, 160 digs.

Jenna Reif, Chester (6-1, MH, Junior): 471 kills, 45 aces, 69 blocks, 267 digs.

Josie Parry, Arlington (5-4, S, Senior): 76 aces, 956 assists, 234 digs.

Kimberly VanBockern, Arlington (5-10, MH, Senior): 460 kills, 42 aces, 55 blocks, 132 digs.

Jordon Peterson, Northwestern (5-9, OH, Senior): 483 kills, 17 blocks, 110 digs.

Second Team

Allison Sanner, Parker (5-9, OH, Senior): 385 kills, 55 aces, 20 blocks, 296 digs.

Kaitlyn Boesl, Warner (5-4, L, Senior): 42 aces, 86 assists, 424 digs.

Chloe Lamb, Sully Buttes (5-10, MH, Sophomore): 245 kills, 29 aces, 69 blocks, 340 digs.

Jenny Smith, Parker (5-4, S, Senior): 45 kills, 22 aces, 1020 assists, 13 blocks, 320 digs.

Lexy Lynn, Elkton-Lake Benton (5-8, MH, Senior): 343 kills, 65 aces, 100 blocks, 216 digs.

Kelli Steffen, Kimball/White Lake (5-8, MH, Senior): 181 kills, 23 aces, 38 blocks, 231 digs.

Honorable Mention

Megan Schrempp, Potter County (5-4, S, Junior): 41 kills, 47 aces, 722 assists, 21 blocks, 239 digs.

Myah Selland, Sanborn Central/Woonsocket (6-2, MH, Sophomore): 344 kills, 46 aces, 85 blocks, 318 digs.

Deidre Lamb, Sully Buttes (5-9, DS/RS, 5-9): 77 kills, 28 aces, 709 digs.

Kassidy Walth, Alcester-Hudson (5-9, OH, Sophomore): 5-9, OH, Sophomore): 289 kills, 43 aces, 47 blocks, 386 digs.

Kalissa Pereboom, Summit (5-4, S, Senior): 56 aces, 700 assists, 136 digs.

Payton Johanneson, Andes Central (5-9, MH, Senior): 243 kills, 40 aces, 72 blocks, 199 digs.