Malad and Bear Lake both reached consecutive state championship games this season.
So it’s no wonder the two programs were well-represented on this year’s all-state teams with four selections apiece.
The Dragons had the most Class 3A first-team selections with three following a 30-11 season that ended with a third straight appearance in the state title match. While they fell in the final for a third straight year, opposing coaches were still impressed with their depth.
Senior setter Izzy Haycock, who was last year’s Player of the Year, senior outside hitter Brynnlee Jones and junior libero Paityn Ward all made the first team. Senior middle blocker Olivia Nelson rounded it out with an honorable mention selection. Haycock and Nelson both made all-state for three consecutive years.
“They were all so well-deserving of the selections,” Malad head coach Camie Tripp said. “All four of them, Izzy, Brynlee, Liv and Paityn, were major contributors to our success this season. They are a great representation of Malad Dragon Volleyball both on and off the court. I’m proud of them!”
Bear Lake tied Cole Valley Christian with three Class 4A first-teamers after finishing 38-5 and reaching the state championship game for the second consecutive year. Junior outside hitter Halle Wells and senior outside hitter KortLyn Skinner made the first team along with sophomore middle blocker Avery Hunter, while senior setter Emmie Sharp landed on the second team. Wells made all-state for a third consecutive season.
“Having that many says a lot about our program and the commitment these girls have to putting in the work to get better,” Bear Lake head coach Stephanie Birch said. “They are never satisfied.”
Rockland also landed four selections in Class 1A after finishing 28-11-2 and taking second at state for the third time in five years. Freshman middle blocker Mahana Hatch made the first team, while the Bulldogs placed three more on the second team with senior libero Harmony Boyer, sophomore outside hitter Gracie Freeman and senior setter Trin Wiese.
“We were a very young team but also very talented,” Rockland head coach Suzanne Wilson said. “Mahana Hatch was an All-State First Team selection as a freshman — certainly an award she earned. Gracie is another great young player — an All-State selection as only a sophomore.”
Pocatello senior outside hitter Abby Lusk headlined the Class 5A selections after making the first team. Despite being better known for basketball, the Gonzaga basketball commit came within one vote of capturing 5A Player of the Year and claimed all-state volleyball honors for three years running. The Thunder added Addison Gregory on the second team for two total selections.
Snake River rounded out the area’s honorees with senior opposite/setter Aydyn Anderson receiving honorable mention in Class 4A. Anderson extended her all-state streak to three years.
“Aydyn’s selection to the Idaho All-State Volleyball Team for three consecutive years is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to her dedication, consistency, and competitive excellence,” said Snake River head coach and mom Sydney Anderson said. “Doing it three years in a row reflects sustained leadership, resilience, and a relentless work ethic.”
The full teams are listed below. They are selected by the state’s coaches in a voting system hosted by Brandon Walton of the Idaho State Journal. Corwin Ford sponsors the teams.
6A All-State Volleyball Team
Player of the Year: Bellamie Beus, Skyview
Coach of the Year: Carol Klein, Timberline
Chloe Hansen, Rocky Mountain
London Armstrong, Rocky Mountain
Gianna Callari, Coeur d’Alene
McKenna Satterfield, Timberline
Reese Hone, Thunder Ridge
Kaylee Paulson, Coeur d’Alene
Breleigh Youngstrom, Rigby
5A All-State Volleyball Team
Player of the Year: Mallory Higham, Shelley
Coach of the Year: Dallas Gines, Hillcrest
Shayla Belnap, Bonneville
Zoey Blackwell, Middleton
Addison Gregory, Pocatello
Cambria Western, Bonneville
Alexa Weatherly, Hillcrest
4A All-State Volleyball Team
Player of the Year: Brooke Hardy, Fruitland
Coach of the Year: Rena Sitz, Fruitland
Emerson Cilley, OH, Cole Valley Christian
Avery Hunter, MB, Bear Lake
Neva Kuhns, S, Cole Valley Christian
KortLyn Skinner, OH, Bear Lake
Halle Wells, OH, Bear Lake
Greta Wilde, MB, Cole Valley Christian
Mel Branstiter, Fruitland
Emily Hedegaard, Cole Valley Christian
Tasha Larsen, Sugar Salem
Aydyn Anderson, Snake River
Alyssa Hedegaard, Cole Valley Christian
3A All-State Volleyball Team
Player of the Year: Anna Campbell, Ambrose
Coach of the Year: Jeff Campbell, Ambrose
Avery Reece, Nampa Christian
Hadley Compton, Nampa Christian
Abi Gregory, Nampa Christian
Scarlett Fernandez, Ambrose
Jayda Storro, Priest River
2A All-State Volleyball Team
Player of the Year: Cambree Lyon, Butte County
Coach of the Year: Gretchen Simpson, Butte County
Madi Gamett, Butte County
Addison Pancheri, Butte County
Kolee Simpson, Butte County
Autumn Gamett, Butte County
Bristyl Perkins, Murtaugh
Aveyah Flores, Liberty Charter
Abbie Knight, Butte County
Paige Williams, Butte County
1A All-State Volleyball Team
Player of the Year: Brooklyn Hess, Horseshoe Bend
Coach of the Year: Sharsti Moore, Horseshoe Bend
Malia Goff, Horseshoe Bend
Poppy Harper, Salmon River
Kimber Jones, Horseshoe Bend
Rylee Walters, Salmon River
Trinity Catherman, Horseshoe Bend
Celeste Wilson, Horseshoe Bend
Lacey Tucker, Garden Valley
Kennedy Wilson, Salmon River