Patty Bryant knows she has a good volleyball team in the making.

The problem for the Independence coach is getting everyone healthy.

“We’ve had one injury after another,” the fourth-year coach said after the Patriots dropped a match to Class A power Doddridge County Tuesday night at Coal City. “Every time out it’s a different rotation because someone is injured.”

Despite the injuries, Independence (5-13-2) has been competitive, often scoring at least 20 points in its losses.

The Patriots gave Doddridge (20-3) fits. They scored four unanswered points to make it 22-21 late in the first game before surrendering the last three in a row to lose 25-21.

Independence played even better in the second game. It led much of the way and was up 24-23 with a chance to win.

“We just haven’t jelled as a team,” Bryant said. “Once we play more and more, we’ll be better.”

Both teams had a big middle hitter.

Doddridge 6-foot-2 senior Samantha Bailey is an early favorite for state player of the year.

More than just a brute up front, Bailey placed the ball with authority. She killed it when necessary, but was also effective with the dink.

“If you could have six Samantha Baileys, you’d have an unbelievable season,” coach Kris Bonnell said. “She reads the other side real well. She’s tall, but she’s a pretty good passer from the back row.”

Bailey had eight kills and two blocks.

Independence sophomore Alyssa Hunt rose to the challenge, finishing the match with six kills and four blocks.

Twice she took Bailey’s best shot and sent it to the floor for points.

Bryant said Hunt has made great strides since last season.

“Alyssa is starting to place the ball instead of going up and swinging,” Bryant said. “She looks around to find the open spot. Last year as a freshman she didn’t do that.”

The coach has high expectations for Hunt.

“I really think she’ll be a candidate for player of the year by her senior year,” Bryant said.

Junior setter Kelsey Whitt was making her second appearance for the Patriots after missing much of the season with a softball injury.

She had seven assists but also showed the ability to pound the ball from the front line.

“Kelsey was in a cast until the week before last,” Bryant said. “She’s back and doing a fantastic job, but she’s a little rusty.”

Two other standouts for the Patriots were Allison Wilcox, formerly a back row player who has moved to the front, and libero Brandy Thompson.

Wilcox had four kills and eight digs while Thompson hit the floor for 14 digs.

“It’s like a fire has been lit under Allison the last games,” Bryant said. “I look for her to get better and better.”

Last season, Thompson was ranked 38th nationally in digs in the MaxPreps statistics. She’s currently No. 1 in the state in digs.

“Brandy is a phenomenal back row player,” Bryant said. “I don’t think anyone in the state can stand up to her. She’ll touch every ball that comes back there.”

Also Tuesday night, Doddridge defeated Nicholas County 15-25, 25-21, 25-19 and Independence topped Nicholas 25-15, 26-24.



Doddridge County d. Independence 25-21, 26-24

Stats: (DC) Samantha Bailey 8 kills, 2 blocks; Stephanie Myer 1 kill, 9 service points; Staclin Evans 21 assists; (I) Kelsey Whitt 7 assists, 4 service points; Cailin Yost 9 kills; Jessica Murray 4 kills; Alyssa Hunt 6 kill, 4 blocks; Allison Wilcox 4 kills 8 digs; Brandi Thompson 14 digs



Doddridge County d. Nicholas County 15-25, 25-21, 25-19

Stats: (DC) Sam Bailey 7 kills, 4 blocks Stephanie Myer 3 kills; Staclyn Evans 20 assists; (NC) Brianna Mallory 5 kills; Katie Shaffer 3 kills; Brooke Smith 19 assists



Independence d. Nicholas County 25-15, 26-24

Stats: (I) Kelsey Whitt 12 service points, 7 assists; Cailin Yost 6 assists, 4 kills; Jessica Murray 5 assists, 10 digs; Alyssa Hunt 13 kills, 5 blocks; Allison Wilcox 9 service points, 10 digs; Brandi Thompson 14 digs.; (NC) Hilary Young 6 kills; Jenna Stear 3 kills; Brooke Smith 9 assists