It seemed almost impossible that Rishell could improve upon a junior season in which she averaged 6.10 kills and 1.46 blocks per set. But she did, finishing her senior season with averages of 6.92 kills and 1.58 blocks and breaking her own county records for kills per game in a season under rally scoring. She averaged 7.47 kills in the playoffs.
“I guess it’s just a reflection of how well I’ve been coached,” Rishell said. “I’ve been honored to have great coaches and I’m thankful for all of them. When I was younger, I went to games and I remember watching my cousin Michelle (Feiser). Being one of the best players to come through Smithsburg is a great thing. It’s a great program and a great community.”
“She never disappoints. She gets the big kill or the big block when you need it,” Brashear said. “She’s not only a talented player who has all the tools and skills, but she also has that killer instinct. She’s a never-say-die kind of kid. ... The example of a true leader is to elevate the level of those around them, and she really did that.”
Rishell's next challenge will come at American University, a Patriot League powerhouse in NCAA Division I. “She’s going to excel because she has that work ethic,” Brashear said. “I think she’s going to make an impact there.”
Joining Rishell on the All-County First Team are:
Danielle Beaver, Smithsburg
Senior outside hitter was second on the Leopards in kills per set (1.58) and first in digs per set (2.29).
Taylor Belella, Smithsburg
Senior setter earns her third straight All-County First Team nod after averaging 9.41 assists and 0.70 aces per set.
Autumn Fisher, North Hagerstown
Junior middle hitter averaged 2.07 kills, 0.67 blocks and 1.42 digs per set for the Hubs.
Sam Kelly, Williamsport
Junior outside hitter was second on the Wildcats in kills per set (2.28) and second in digs per set (3.33).
Maureen Leavy, Hancock
Senior middle hitter helped Panthers to their best record in several years (10-5), averaging 3.81 kills, 0.93 aces per set.
Trisha Leigh, Williamsport
Senior defensive specialist was everywhere on the court and led the county with 6.73 digs per set.
Akilah McCall, North Hagerstown
Senior outside hitter earns her second straight All-County First Team honor after averaging 3.45 kills and 2.02 digs per set.
Lily Pinkham, Clear Spring
Senior middle hitter averaged more than two kills and two digs per set to earn her second straight All-County First Team nod.
Tiffany Rohrer, Boonsboro
Junior defensive specialist anchored Warriors’ tough defense with 4.71 digs per set.
Kara Stamper, Heritage Academy
Sophomore middle hitter led Eagles to an undefeated season with 4.81 kills, 1.41 blocks and 0.77 aces per set.
Peyton Wallech, North Hagerstown
Sophomore middle hitter completed the Hubs’ talented attacking trio with 2.44 kills and 0.81 blocks per set.
All-County Second Team
Victoria Broadwater, Grace Academy, Senior Outside Hitter
Callie Butts, Heritage Academy, Junior Setter
Stacey Christy, Williamsport, Sophomore Middle Hitter
Rachel Clarke, Heritage Academy, Junior Outside Hitter
Sarah Elwood, Clear Spring, Sophomore Defense
Danielle Harbaugh, Smithsburg, Junior Middle Hitter
Brynne Kirsch, North Hagerstown, Junior Setter
Paige Kitchen, Williamsport, Senior Setter
Ariana Litten, Broadfording, Senior Outside Hitter
Megan Micco, Clear Spring, Senior Setter/Outside
Summer Neff, Williamsport, Junior Setter
Katie Sprecher, Smithsburg, Senior Outside/Defense
Honorable Mention
Boonsboro — Shelby Griffith, Sydney Parks, Andrea Pettyjohn, Gabrielle Smallwood, Amber Welch; Broadfording — Kelli Crider, Sarah Couch, Chelsea Foltz, Maria Pifer; Clear Spring — Alexa Mills, Morgan Purdham, Emily Winters; Grace Academy — Kelsey Koontz, Tori Aikens; Hancock — Cortney Golden, Lyndsay Himes, Tiffany Younker; Heritage Academy — Jessica Gaylor, Kathleen Kidd; North Hagerstown — Mollie Johnson, Rachel Ober, Sam Roberts; Saint James — Taylor Deveaux, Taylor Goodie, Carrie Spicher, Jordan Wills; Smithsburg — Danielle Hudson; South Hagerstown — Courtney Showe; St. Maria Goretti — Ellie Burke, Jean Hogan, Lauren Laskin; Williamsport — Ariah Giles.
