Holton Wildcats Break Through for First-Ever State Championship

The Holton volleyball team is celebrating a historic accomplishment and earning this week's Athlete of the Week honors after capturing the first state volleyball championship in school history this past weekend.

The Wildcats finally broke through after making four consecutive trips to the state tournament, coming up just short in recent years, including a heartbreaking loss to Big East League foe Silver Lake in last year's state championship match.

This season, Holton was determined to finish the job. The Wildcats defeated Hesston in the semifinals to set up a championship rematch with Silver Lake. After getting so close last season, Holton finally kicked the door down, sweeping the Eagles in straight sets to claim the top prize in 3A volleyball and bring home the first state title in program history.

While the championship was a collective team effort, several Wildcats put together outstanding seasons and played key roles in making the historic run possible.

Leading the way was Khloe Black, who finished the season with 404 kills, 30 aces, 26 blocks, 429 digs and 36 assists. Black was a consistent contributor on both sides of the net, providing a major offensive presence while also helping lead the defensive effort.

Tinley Wilson also had an outstanding season, recording 370 kills, 37 aces, 17 blocks, 425 digs and 43 assists. Wilson reached another impressive milestone during the postseason, surpassing 1,500 career kills in the semifinal victory over Hesston.

Beka Lassey was another major offensive force for the Wildcats, finishing the season with 299 kills and 83 blocks while adding 46 digs. Her presence at the net helped give Holton another weapon throughout its championship season.

Marley Gilliland contributed in multiple areas, recording 116 kills, 26 aces, 38 blocks and 217 digs. Her versatility and ability to make plays helped strengthen the Wildcats' lineup.

Defensively, Stephanie Crawford put together a productive season with 71 kills, 11 aces, 23 blocks and 205 digs, making contributions throughout the year on both sides of the ball.

Faith Olberding was another important piece of the defensive effort, finishing with 20 aces and an impressive 359 digs while adding four kills.

Running the offense, Kinley Fluke finished the season with 940 assists, helping distribute the ball and keep the Wildcats' attack moving. Fluke also contributed 32 kills, 38 aces and 285 digs, showcasing her ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

The Wildcats' historic season was built on contributions from throughout the lineup, with players consistently stepping up and making an impact. After four straight trips to the state tournament and a runner-up finish a year ago, Holton finally reached the mountaintop.

With a championship sweep of Silver Lake, a semifinal victory over Hesston and the first state volleyball title in program history, the Holton Wildcats have certainly earned this week's Athlete of the Week recognition.

Congratulations to the entire Holton volleyball team on an unforgettable season and a championship that will forever be part of Wildcat history!