Ingomar Volleyball

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Sports Editor 2022 Ingomar Lady Falcons Volleyball: Front row left - Eve Cooper, Miley Roberts, Kylie Jumper, Audrey Maupin, Lindsey Dillard, Brooklyn Wicker, Taylor Stout, Abby Miller. Back row left - Ella Hart Wilbanks, Rachel Weeden, Ella Weeden, Tyrani Jones, T’nya Jones, Marissa Bell, Cadie Jo Byrd, Dayton Grisham, Anna Lauren Glasson, Issie Riddle, Maggie Nance, Eden Wilbanks. Not pictured - Macie Phifer, Bella Phifer, Emma Hill.

ingomar looKS to continue playoFF SucceSS

Ingomar had another highly successful year in 2021 as they reached the 1A state semifinals for the second consecutive year. Eventual 1A state champion Hickory Flat defeated the Lady Falcons in the North Half finals.

Coach Andy Wilbanks is back for his fourth year leading the Lady Falcons and he will look to a trio of players to provide the offensive fire power and leadership to steer Ingomar back to a deep playoff run in 2022.

“We will look to Senior Lindsey Dillard to be our on and off the court leader, being the setter she controls a lot of the game for us,” Wilbanks said.

“Hopefully our top offensive players in Macie Phifer (sophomore) and Cadie Jo Byrd (sophomore) can take another step forward and be big threats offensively.”

Wilbanks lost several players to graduation that had made significant contributions since the program’s inception and he will attempt to fit all the pieces together as younger players will be called on to step up and contribute.

“We will be a blend of experienced players and few that will be getting their first varsity experience,” he said.

“Defensively that’s where some of our newcomers need to step in. Seniors T’nya Jones, Audrey Maupin will be asked to step in and fill some spots on the front line and Brooklyn Wicker, Taylor Stout, and Anna Lauren Glasson will need to sure up the back row. Marissa Bell and Bella Phifer could also figure into multiple spots as well.

Ingomar will once again compete in Division 1-1A with county rival West Union and Biggersville. The Lady Falcons had a perfect run in 2021 during division play.

Key non-division matches on the schedule for Ingomar include North Pontotoc and South Pontotoc of 4A plus the Union County tournament which features four quality opponents.

“The schedule will definitely be a tough one this year, but it gets us ready for the back half of the season,” Wlibanks said. “Hopefully the strength of the team will be our experienced outside hitters and setter. The weakness since we started four years ago has always been cutting down on unforced mistakes, hopefully we can get better there.

Wilbanks says the X Factor will be how well the newcomers progress throughout the season and hopefully find some confidence and toughness by the late season push.