On Thursday night, Malyree Harper, senior setter for the #2-ranked Ironwood Ridge High School volleyball team, was focused on one thing: leading the Nighthawks to a 5A-II division title-clinching victory over Rincon High School.
As happens often in life, an unexpected surprise changed things.
Amid loud cheers and clapping from both teammates and an appreciative home crowd, Harper was honored as 5A-II Southern Region player of the year in a pre-game ceremony naming the all-region team. She received a medal and, according to her, a considerable shock.
“We were all standing there, and we thought Ironwood Ridge would get some recognition,” said Harper. “My friend next to me said ‘You’re going to get player of the year,’ and I said, ‘No, I’m not,’ and then they announced it,” she added with a look clearly indicating lingering surprise.
“I am just so excited, I mean, to follow Krista Kallish (graduated Nighthawk outside hitter and 2007 Player of the Year), is an amazing honor,” said Harper.
On Thursday, with an impressive array of sets, digs, kills and blocking, Harper helped her team win another honor: the 5A-II Southern Region championship, beating Rincon 3-1, and she is hoping the Nighthawks can make a strong showing in the upcoming state playoffs.
“It was one of our goals this year to win the region, so I’m happy with that,” said Harper, “(At state) we want to go all the way to finals and we hope to see Centennial there.”
In early September, Peoria Centennial handed the Nighthawks their only loss of the season, and Harper and the team have not forgotten.
Regardless of what happens in the tournament, Harper says the opportunity to continue playing volleyball with the rest of her Nighthawk teammates is going to be “amazing.”
“I love the sport, but I am so close to these girls, it wouldn’t be fun without them,” she said.
