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Kara Spicer, Centennial: It was a question of which Coyote. Spicer gets the nod for being Centennial's finishing option on offense as well as a wall for opposing attacks. Her play down the stretch in the decisive fourth set of the 5A title game clinched the award.
Runner-up: Reagan Leonard, Centennial — The other half of the Coyotes defensive prowess was nearly as indispensable for the state champs. Beyond the statistics, Leonard's court coverage gave Centennial tremendous confidence. Not only did the Coyotes think they could get almost any ball, the players had confidence that Leonard would get the dig in a way that could easily be transitioned to offense.
Coach of the Year
Cari Bauer, Centennial: Everyone knows the back story by now. So let's look at the strategy. Building the confidence of sophomores Kasney and Taleah Cooper and freshmen Lifgren and Nyjah Marcelin allowed the Coyotes to go with an young attack and let Leonard, Spicer and Wiley do what they do best — while still using their versatility. But the master stroke may have been playing senior defensive specialist Taytum Yinger alongside Leonard often. That, plus Spicer and support blockers Cooper and Wiley up front, formed a defense that often broke the will of its opponents.
Runner-up: Jenna Hope, Northwest Christian — The other first year coach that led her team to the state finals edges out Valley Vista's David Chavez for second place. The Crusaders gave her a roster with plenty of talent, but it was young talent and did not include one or two overwhelming players. Instead Hope juggled many combinations to produce a deep, versatile team that probably arrived as a 3A contender a year ahead of schedule.
