Local schools host big volleyball tournament this weekend

Four local high school gyms will be filled with some of the top varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams in the state, as well as Alabama, this weekend at the first Fayette Sweet 16 is played.

The tournament promotes volleyball and provides a great day of competition while having varsity and JV teams at the same location.

“This is unique because they so rarely get this opportunity. It builds spirit for each program and lets JV players see what it takes to be a varsity volleyball player,” said Whitewater head coach Ben Thacker. “It also lets players cheer on their own school as they participate in the morning pool matches.”

The day begins with morning pool play starting at 8 a.m. at McIntosh, Whitewater, Fayette County and Sandy Creek. McIntosh will host Hoover, Ala., Union Grove and Lovejoy, while Whitewater hosts Lassiter, Chamblee and East Coweta, Fayette County hosts Northview, Northgate and Collins Hill and Sandy Creek hosts Sequoyah, Glynn Academy and Our Lady of Mercy.

The first and second place varsity teams from each pool’s morning play (Gold bracket) all go to McIntosh this year. The third and fourth place from each gym’s varsity pool play go to Whitewater for the silver bracket. The first and second place JV teams from each pool go to Sandy Creek for the JV Gold bracket and the third and fourth place from each pool go to Fayette County for the JV Silver bracket. The single elimination matches will begin at 2:30 p.m. The championship matches are scheduled to start at 6:15 p.m.

The tournament means a lot for Southside volleyball because we have a strong volleyball presence on the Southside,” said Thacker. “It gives our parents and students an opportunity to see some great volleyball that is played not so far from home.”
Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students.