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State champion Oak Glen has four all-state players

NEW MANCHESTER, W.Va. –Oak Glen’s Class AA state volleyball title came by way of a lot of contributions from some of the top players in the state.

Because of those performances three Golden Bears were named to the All-West Virginia Class AA volleyball team as voted on by the West Virginia Sports Writers’ Association.

Making the first team were seniors Averi Martin and Brooklyn Six, while senior Brayley Lash was a second-team pick. Honorable mention went to Mikalyn Balch.

“I am very proud of Averi, Brooklyn, Brayley and Mikalyn for being named to the all-state teams, however it takes a team to receive accolades,” Oak Glen coach Morgan Saddler said. “Each player on our roster made an impact this season. I am very proud of Oak Glen volleyball. Every player on our roster deserves recognition. It takes a team.”

Martin earned her third All-West Virginia distinction as she was a first teamer as a junior and a second teamer as a sophomore. The middle hitter, who is headed to NCAA Div. II Fairmont State, played 109 sets and had 396 kills with an average of 3.6 kills per set. She had 44 aces, 58 blocks, 121 digs and 13 assists.

For her career she posted 1,178 kills, 133 aces, 309 blocks, 270 digs and 52 aces. She played on teams that won at least 28 matches four times.

“Averi has had an incredible career at Oak Glen,” Saddler said. “She surpassed 1,000 kills in her high school career. She played a vital role in our offense and defense. She always embraced her role and was a leader for us. Averi is a hard worker and always strives to get better with every rep. She is going to do great things at Fairmont State University. We are so proud of her.”

Six, a 5-8 outsider hitter, was an honorable mention All-West Virginia selection last season. Six, who is also headed to Fairmont State, posted 347 kills in 109 sets played for an average of 3.2 kills per set. She added 77 aces, 14 blocks, 201 digs and nine assists.

For her career, Six played in 393 sets and had 928 kills. She added 202 aces, 67 blocks, 417 digs and 17 assists.

“Brooklyn played a vital role offensively and defensively for our team,” Saddler said. “She was a threat on both pins and known for her serve. She is a hard worker and extremely coachable. She always embraces her role and supports her teammates. She is also going to do great things at Fairmont State University. We are so proud of her.”

Lash, a 5-10 middle and outside hitter, came over from Weir High this season to be an important attacking addition for the Golden Bears. She totaled 270 kills in 108 sets for an average of 2.5 kills per set. She added 29 aces, 64 blocks, 64 digs and 12 assists.

Her three year total at Weir High was 694 kills, 110 aces, 293 blocks, 225 digs and 27 assists. Lash is headed to West Liberty University to continue her career as a softball player.

“Brayley had a phenomenal senior season at Oak Glen,” Saddler said. “She has been someone who leads by example and is a vocal leader in our gym. Brayley played an extremely important role for us offensively and defensively at the net. She always played aggressive. She is a multi sport athlete and is going to do great things for the West Liberty University softball team. We are so proud of her.”

Balch, a junior setter, played in 109 sets and had 1,097 assists for an average of 10.1 assists per set. Balch already has 2,176 assists heading into her senior campaign.

“Mikalyn is incredible,” Saddler said. “She is not only a great setter for our team but a great leader of our team. Mikalyn has accomplished getting over 2,000 assists as a junior. She is so quick on her feet and makes great decisions with the ball and that is what makes her such an incredible setter. We are very proud of her.”

2025 West Virginia All-State Volleyball

CLASS AA

FIRST TEAM

Ava Pitzer, James Monroe, SR (Captain)

Izzy Knotts, Philip Barbour, JR

Averi Martin, Oak Glen, SR

Sophie Bailey, Poca, SR

Nora Aliff, Charleston Catholic, SO

Finley Carpenter, Philip Barbour, JR

Brooklyn Six, Oak Glen, SR

Anna Casto, Ravenswood, JR

Aaliyah Clarkson, James Monroe, SR

Jocie Harris, Buffalo, SR

SECOND TEAM

Lainey Peters, Wheeling Central, SR (Captain)

Annie Starcher, Ravenswood, SR

Ali Wilcox, Charleston Catholic, SO

Carli Raye, Wyoming East, SR

Keatyn Haynes, Williamstown, SR

Ilyauana Evans, Charleston Catholic, SR

Kennedy Southern, South Harrison, SO

Brayley Lash, Oak Glen, SR

Kayla Baker, Philip Barbour, SR

Emily Williams, Liberty, SR

HONORABLE MENTION

Mikalyn Balch, Oak Glen; Remy Peters, Wheeling Central; Abby Barnett, Poca; Paula Ganoe, Frankfort; Katie Grimm, Tyler Consolidated; Amya Bias, Buffalo; Courtney Thompson, Wayne; Jaycee Lipscomb, Doddridge County; Miley Tingler, Petersburg; Raya Justice, Scott; Karlee Lusk, Wyoming East, Kayli West, Tyler Consolidated; Jaycelyn Sammons, Wayne; Anna Boggess, Buffalo; Mya Dunlap, James Monroe; Abby Louk, South Harrison; Amalia Kirlangitis, Weir; Kamryn Wooten, Independence; Gracie Wolfe, Philip Barbour; Bree Gruse, Charleston Catholic; Ashlinn Sullivan, Poca; Emma Simpson, Independence; Sadie Mann, James Monroe; Addi Kerby, Williamstown; Sadie Adams, Lincoln; Madie Estepp, Mingo Central; Saigan Sims, Summers County.

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