Leanna Newton serves during Oglethorpe County’s victory over Clarke Central in 2024. Newton, a sophomore, is one of the Patriots’ returning starters. (Photo/Ty Johnston)
The Oglethorpe County volleyball team is starting what it hopes will become a new tradition this year.
The Red vs. White Scrimmage will feature varsity and junior varsity players mixing up to play against each other on Aug. 1.
The first official practice will be Monday, Aug. 4, followed by the first match vs. Calhoun at Oconee County High School at 6 p.m. Aug. 5.
Players have been practicing three times a week since the first week of June. Practices consist of running drills and working on fundamental skills. During June, the varsity and JV teams practiced together, but in July they split into two practices in order to simulate more game-like situations.
Even though the practices have been optional, head coach Brianne Harrison said she has only been missing one or two players at each practice.
“I think that everyone has been taking accountability and showing up like they should be,” said Leanna Newton, sophomore starter. “Mostly every time we have a practice, usually all varsity girls are there so it’s been really beneficial.”
The Patriots went 2-2 in scrimmages last Tuesday and Thursday at Oconee County High School. They won their matches against Westminster Christian and George Walton on July 15. The team then lost to Loganville Christian and North Oconee on July 17.
Harrison was pleased with the outcome of the scrimmages because the losses were close games.
“It shows a lot of promise for the season, so I’m excited,” she said.
Harrison noted that with a roster of only nine players, she decided to keep “quality over quantity.” She hopes to promote JV players to the varsity team throughout the season, as long as they prove they are worthy of a spot.
“It’s not going to be given to anybody,” she said. “They have to show me that they want that opportunity.”
Harrison said to keep a look out for Elizabeth Cook and Newton this season. Both are outside hitters and contributed tremendously last season.
Cook, who recently committed to Truett McConnell University, is going into her senior season. She has 324 kills and a .253 hitting percentage.
Newton, who is going into her sophomore season and played on varsity her freshman season, has 254 kills and a .305 hitting percentage.
The pair have been close friends for years and lean on each other in volleyball.
“I think we both just kind of bounce off of each other when it comes to volleyball,” Cook said. “If she’s doing something wrong, I help her, and if I’m doing something wrong, she helps me.”
The senior class will consist of Cook, (6-foot), returning starting libero Aryana Knight (4-9), returning starting middle blocker Ansley Paul (5-9) and defensive specialist and backup setter Carlie Gabriel (5-4).
Junior Nora Turner (5-4) is a returning starting right-side hitter. Newton (6-1) is a returning starting outside hitter and junior Haley Matthews (5-4) is a defensive specialist.
Two freshmen are playing on varsity this season. Naomi McPeake (5-10) will be the starting setter and Alexis Fleming (5-9) will be a middle blocker.
“They are already really good players, and they’re very coachable,” Newton said.
The Patriots lost starters Kenzie Henderson, Sofia Horsley and Samantha Amos, who graduated, so there will be adjustments this season. OCHS was 21-8 last year, second in Area 8-A and advanced to the Class A Elite Eight.
Harrison said, though, that McPeake is moving “fluidly” into Horsley’s starting setter role, Fleming is “absorbing Henderson’s role as a middle blocker” and Knight is taking over Amos’ libero role nicely.
“I think everybody is where they’re at,” Harrison said. “We’re just working on fine tuning everything.”
Both Cook and Newton said the team’s communication is a main priority. The Patriots are also working on their passing, serve/receive and defensive skills.
“It all starts with talking and passing,” Newton said.
Cook knows that if the team works together and focuses on improving its weaknesses, success should follow.
“It’s very easy to say you want something; it’s even harder to put the work in,” Cook said.
2025 roster
No. Name Pos. Class
6 Haley Mathews DS Jr.
7 Aryana Knight L Sr.
12 Ansley Paul MH/RS Sr.
17 Nora Turner OH Jr.
20 Leanna Newton OH So.
21 Elizabeth Cook OH Sr.
22 Carlie Gabriel S/DS Sr.
23 Naomi McPeake S/OPP Fr.
25 Alexis Fleming MB Fr.
2025 schedule
Calhoun, 6 p.m. Aug. 5
Oconee County, 7 p.m. Aug. 5
Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy, 6 p.m. Aug. 7
East Jackson, 7 p.m. Aug. 7
TBA opponent, Aug. 9
Washington-Wilkes, 5 p.m. Aug. 12
Monroe Area, 7 p.m. Aug. 12
Dacula, 6 p.m. Aug. 14
Morgan County, 7 p.m. Aug. 14
Social Circle, 6 p.m. Aug. 19
Providence Christian Academy, 5 p.m. Aug. 21
Washington-Wilkes, 6 p.m. Aug. 21
Hart County, 6 p.m. Aug. 26
West Hall, 7 p.m. Aug. 26
Athens Academy, 5 p.m. Aug. 28
Eastside, 6 p.m. Aug. 28
Greene County, 5 p.m. Sept. 4
Lake Oconee Academy, 7 p.m. Sept. 4
Madison County, 7 p.m. Sept. 9
Commerce, 5 p.m. Sept. 11
Social Circle, 6 p.m. Sept. 11
Prince Avenue Christian, 6 p.m. Sept. 16
Elbert County, 5 p.m. Sept. 18
Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy, 7 p.m. Sept. 18
Stephens County, 7 p.m. Sept. 23
Rabun County, 5 p.m. Sept. 25
Banks County, 6 p.m. Sept. 25