Exciting Volleyball Action in Florence: West Florence Sweeps South Florence in Rivalry Match
FLORENCE, S.C. – The atmosphere was electric at South Florence High School on Tuesday night as the West Florence Knights faced off against their rivals, the South Florence Bruins, in a spirited boys volleyball match. It was a night of fierce competition and camaraderie, as the Knights emerged victorious with a 3-0 sweep, showcasing a blend of experienced seniors and eager underclassmen.
A Season of Change
This season has been quite the change for senior Jeremiah Cannon. As one of only five seniors on the Knights’ roster, Cannon has taken on a leadership role in guiding a team that saw nine seniors leave after their inaugural season in 2023. “It’s a big difference,” he shared, reflecting on the dynamic of the team. “We have middle-schoolers on the team trying to learn, especially because a lot of them are first-year players. As older players, we try and tell them, ‘Just calm down. Relax. Slow the (game) down in your head.’”
Close Sets and Exciting Moments
The match against South Florence was a nail-biter, with the Knights winning the sets 25-19, 25-20, and 25-17. Each set had its moments of excitement, featuring strong runs from both teams. For instance, West Florence built an early lead in the first set, only for South Florence to close the gap and make it tense towards the end.
In the second set, the Knights were ahead by eight points before the Bruins fought hard, managing to rally back and narrow their deficit. The final set saw an impressive 8-0 run from the Knights, a highlight of the evening that showcased their tenacity. Even as the Bruins managed to put forth a 4-0 run late in the match, the Knights proved unstoppable. Coach Warren Coker remarked on the resilience displayed by both teams, stating, “We had to withstand a lot of runs from them, and they had to do the same from us. Luckily, we could put those runs together late.”
Star Performers on the Court
A significant contributor to the Knights’ victory was Marquis Miles, who emerged as a top server, especially during that key third-set run. Another standout was Myles McLendon, who logged an impressive six aces throughout the match. Cannon led the charge with ten kills, while McLendon followed closely with nine. The teamwork and coordination were evident, with Cannon also showcasing his skills at the net with an impressive six blocks.
“Different servers each game stepped up for us,” said Coach Coker, praising his team’s adaptability. “Net play was big for us tonight. Jeremiah Cannon came up big at the net for us.”
A Bright Future Ahead
It was also Senior Night for South Florence, as they honored four seniors taking the court for the last time at home. Coach Demetric Russell expressed optimism for the future despite the loss, noting that his team also includes several underclassmen. “We have about four or five freshmen and sophomores,” Russell shared. “The future is very bright for these young men as long as they stay committed; as long as they continue to have a willingness to learn and grow in this sport.”
Final Stats
For West Florence, the match highlight stats included:
- Aces: Myles McLendon 6, Wells McBride 4
- Kills: Jeremiah Cannon 10, McLendon 9
- Assists: McBride 28
- Blocks: J. Cannon 6
- Digs: T. Cannon 10
With their record now standing at 9-17, West Florence is eager to continue their momentum. Their next match will be a tri-match against Airport and Sumter at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Knights are ready to showcase their skills once again as they continue to build on this season.
