More Court Praise for Sorenson

Senior boys volleyball player Brady Sorenson established himself as one of the state’s top players and was named a first-team All-Southern Nevada selection, highlighting the state’s top players regardless of classification.

Sorenson, one of four Eagles selected to the 44-player squad, was joined by second-team selections Travis Hess and Roman Rose, along with honorable mention David Zwahlen.

“When Brady found out he was in the first team he was so happy because it validated all the hard work and dedication he has put in,” said head coach Rachelle Huxford. “That’s the great thing, it’s someone other than your coach recognizing what you’ve done. To have someone put him among the best players in the state was really a compliment to him and he deserved it.”

Sorenson was named 3A Player of the Year for helping the Eagles earn their fourth consecutive state championship. With 313 kills he was the best of all 3A players.

An all-around threat, Sorenson also added 106 digs, 53 serving aces and 19 blocks.

“Being named to the first-team squad is one of the greatest honors a player can achieve,” Sorenson said. “For me, being able to earn that award at a small school shows how dominant I was this season. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates also being huge threats from all over the field to keep the opposition guessing at all times. I also want to give a shout out to my great coaches, Rachelle Huxford, Kurt Bailey and Chad Robinson, who I’ve had since freshman year for helping me develop into the player I am today. I am eternally grateful.”

Hess and Rose also end their careers in the second team, which is a strong argument for a place in the first team.

Hess was a key threat on both ends of the field. He was efficient and dominant for the Eagles.

Hess led all Nevada hitters with a .520 hitting percentage and generated 274 kills, while leading the 3A with 101 blocks.

“Travis is another player who could have played in the first team,” Huxford said. “With his stats and where he ranks in offensive categories for the state, he definitely deserved to be on this team. It’s great to see how far he has come as a player since his first season.”

Rose led the offensive effort, finishing second in 3A with 561 assists while placing first with 81 serving aces.

“Roman is another player who has had a great season for us,” Huxford said. “He is a very smart player, who always makes the right action. It was great to see the chemistry on the field between him, Brady and Travis. They were always in sync with each other.”

Zwahlen developed into the next star player for the Eagles, who want to continue the dynasty. He was honorably mentioned after a phenomenal season.

Zwahlen, a defensive savant, finished second in 3A with 252 digs and fourth in serving aces with 58.

“David is one of the best liberos in the state,” Huxford said. “He reads the ball on defense; he knows where to be. Every time he steps on the court, he gives 110 percent. I have no doubt that he’s going to receive more of these awards in the future and be one of the top players in the state because he’s that good.”

The quartet finished the season with a 26-6 overall record, including a 3-0 win over 4A state champion Basic, and were part of just eight 3A players recognized for their efforts this season.

“I couldn’t be happier for these four,” Huxford said. “Recognition like this helps validate you as a player and increases your self-confidence. I’m glad that one day they can look back on their high school career and know that they accomplished this. There were only a handful of people who received this honor and they were good enough to be part of this.”

Contact Robert Vendettoli at [email protected].