The Clarke Central High School varsity volleyball team sits in a circle after their practice in the CCHS Competition Gym on Sept. 12. While the team lost 2-0 in its game against Loganville High School on Sept. 16, it didn’t give up hope for the season. “I have full confidence that we can beat any team as long as we put our mind to it and we hold ourselves accountable,” CCHS varsity volleyball setter Jazlyn Lumpkin, a senior, said. Photo by Mzée Pavlić
The Clarke Central High School varsity volleyball team has three Region 8-AAAAA games remaining to raise its standing in the region.
As it nears the end of its regular season, the Clarke Central High School varsity volleyball team has a current overall record of 4-17, with a Region 8-AAAAA 0-7 record.
With only three Region 8-AAAAA games left in the regular season, the CCHS team has limited chances to raise their rank from No. 7 to No. 4 and qualify for state playoffs, something they haven’t done since the 2023-24 season, when the team lost in the first round.
“(I’m) letting (the team) know that (success) starts in their mind, that if they don’t believe that they can (win), then it won’t be accomplished,” CCHS head varsity volleyball coach Stacey Scott said. “(I’m also) trying my best to make practice challenging so that they can get accustomed to being uncomfortable.”
“(I’m) letting (the team) know that (success) starts in their mind, that if they don’t believe that they can (win), then it won’t be accomplished.”
— Stacey Scott,
CCHS head varsity volleyball coach
From practicing defense rotations to cross-court serving drills, Scott changes the format of their practices to prepare for the team’s upcoming games with the hopes of raising their Region 8-AAAAA standing.
“The plan is (to take it) one team at a time, one set at a time. We have scattered good plays, great hits, isolated blocks, but I would like to move in a (more) cohesive way,” Scott said.
A video shows the Clarke Central High School varsity volleyball team serving and returning during practice in the CCHS Competition Gym on Sept. 12. CCHS varsity volleyball setter Jazlyn Lumpkin, a senior, played during the 2024-25 season and has seen how the team has improved from last year. “I think last year there (were) a lot of cliques in the team. This year is definitely more spread out (among) age groups, because each grade has something different to offer. If I had to pick, ‘Do I like this team or (last year’s) team better?’ I’d pick this team. I think chemistry is way better.” Lumpkin said. Video by Mzée Pavlić
Even with the Gladiator’s low Region 8-AAAAA standing after the team’s second game against Winder-Barrow High School on Sept. 11 which they lost 2-1, CCHS varsity volleyball setter Jazlyn Lumpkin, a senior, is hopeful.
“We played (Winder-Barrow High School) again (on Sept. 11, and) we played really good. We should have won that game,” Lumpkin said, “Seeing how we’re growing as a team displays the unity we have and how (we’re becoming) stronger. We’re not going down.”
