High School Volleyball

Seniors Jones, Sherman spark Katy to opening playoff win

By Dennis Silva II | Sports Editor
Posted 11/20/20

When the opportunities came for Katy High seniors Reghan Jones and Abby Sherman, in a playoff game no less, they did not shy away.

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High School Volleyball

Seniors Jones, Sherman spark Katy to opening playoff win

Posted

When the opportunities came for Katy High seniors Reghan Jones and Abby Sherman, in a playoff game no less, they did not shy away.

They took advantage.

Sherman had seven kills and Jones had five as they helped the Tigers to a 3-0 sweep (25-16, 25-14, 25-19) of Fort Bend Austin in their Class 6A bi-district playoff matchup Friday afternoon at the Merrell Center. The Tigers’ usual star playmakers of junior Maddie Waak and senior Perris Key led the way, but it was the timely hitting and energy of Jones and Sherman that ignited the Tigers at crucial moments.

“They executed a huge part of our game plan,” coach Karen Paxton said. “They were very consistent and stayed really aggressive.”

Katy (16-3) advanced to play Bellaire in the area playoffs Monday at 7 p.m. at the Merrell Center. For the fourth time in the last five years, the Tigers have won a playoff game.

“Knowing any game I play right now could be my last career game, it makes me push harder,” Jones said.

Sherman said she was able to take advantage of the Bulldogs’ smaller block on the outside. She was pivotal in the Tigers’ second-set win, leading Katy with four kills and scoring two of Katy’s final three points.

“I’m honored to have the spot I do on the team and to be playing in the playoffs,” said Sherman, who called her journey as a Tiger “surreal.” “I want my last year to be the best it can be.

“The only thing we’re in control of is ourselves, and that we’re guaranteed the match we’re playing that night. We have to take advantage of that. We want to go far.”

As Sherman was big in the second set, Jones was just as huge in the third, scoring Katy’s first two points. She soaked in the celebration of her plays, and her teammates reveled in her contributions.

“I love seeing everyone happy and getting a point and knowing everyone is celebrating you,” Jones said. “It’s so cool to see.”

Their play eventually opened gaps for Key, the Tigers’ top attacker who had six of her team-high 12 kills in the third set.

With Sherman and Jones’s success on the outside, it drew the defense away from Key and Waak (eight kills). The Tigers were able to attack the Bulldogs from all areas of the floor.

“Perris is our go-to, so it’s good to know we can draw the block and take eyes off of her and open up the splits so she can score,” Jones said. “We know our jobs on the court.”

Sherman and Jones are both in their second seasons of varsity play. Both are seeing more playing time this year, and both are finding substantial success.

Off the floor, they are uplifting, energetic individuals who are beloved by their teammates. Paxton said they add a lot to the team’s character.

On the floor, they have made considerable strides in being able to play multiple spots and being more comfortable in their roles. Jones said learning how to feed off the competition on the team was important for her growth as a player.

“When you’re young, you can lack in confidence in some areas, and I think that’s the big thing,” Paxton said. “Their confidence has grown from season to season, and they’ve definitely evolved into impact players for us. It’s fun to see.”

Paxton said it’s a pleasure to see two seniors find their way to help the team when the season is at stake. It’s a product of their time and commitment to the program.

“They’ve done a great job and worked hard all four years,” Paxton said. “You can tell they’re having fun right now, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Katy High School, Katy Tigers, high school volleyball, sports, Abby Sherman, Reghan Jones, Katy ISD, playoffs