Kellams selected Bootheel Coach of the Year, Dobbins named POY

Portageville coach Sasha Kellams watches on during a 3-0 win over East Prairie in the MSHSAA Class 2, District 1 Championship at Malden High School on Monday, October 23, 2023.   

Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Portageville volleyball head coach Sasha Kellams has established herself as one of the best in the business, winning Bootheel Conference Coach of the Year for the third straight season.

“It means a lot to me,” Kellams said. “However, I wouldn’t be the coach I am without the people that I have in my corner and the amazing athletes that I get to coach, my administrators at Portageville High School, my assistant (Terri Stone), my former coach (Barry Branscum) who is my mentor throughout this journey, my husband and family members, and ultimately, God. All glory goes to him. I don’t feel worthy of this honor, but I’m thankful for this gift of coaching that the Lord has given me.”

The Lady Bulldogs’ success was further highlighted by the selection of four Portageville players to the all-conference team: seniors Laney Stone and Jayla Weddington, junior Ja'Niya Smith, and sophomore Glo Farmer.

Weddington led the team with 261 kills and 25 blocks, and also had 89 digs and 24 assists. Smith led the team with 427 digs and 51 aces, and also had 189 kills, 42 assists, and 14 blocks. Farmer had 282 digs, 252 kills, 42 aces, 18 assists, and 12 blocks. Stone had 379 digs, 200 kills, 24 aces, 19 assists, and 12 blocks.

These players were instrumental in Portageville’s success this season, and their selection to the all-conference team is a testament to their talent and hard work.

Malden’s Nasia Smoot (11) and Angela Dobbins (13) attempt to put up a double block on Portageville’s Jayla Weddington (3) during a Class 2 District 1 tournament match dated Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in Malden.

(Photo by Eric Viccaro, staff)

Malden senior Angela Dobbins was named the Bootheel Conference Player of the Year after leading the Green Wave to a 15-14-3 overall record.

"Volleyball is my passion, and wish to continue playing in college,” Dobbins said. It's been an amazing journey, from not playing at all my freshman year to earning all-conference honors three times. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to compete and represent my school."

Other all-conference selections were Malden’s Nasia Smoot, Addi Buchanan and Mikalyn Vipperman; Senath-Hornersville’s Jada Burlison, Morgan Chandler, Brennan Lane and Chloe Emondston; and Campbell’s Ava Baggett, Paige Knotts and Hartlee Wills.