NMB volleyball back in state title contention

By David Shelton

Senior Writer

Little River – Despite some back-and-forth coaching changes in recent years, the girls volleyball program at North Myrtle Beach High School has remained a state championship contender.

The program has three state titles in recent years and has yet another new coach in 2024 as Jenn Loeswick takes the helm. The Chiefs have not missed a beat and has positioned themselves to capture the region 6-AAAAA championship.

Entering play on Oct. 7, North Myrtle Beach was 19-6 overall and 8-0 in region play. The need a win over rival Myrtle Beach on Oct. 10 to secure the region title. They beat Myrtle Beach in an earlier meeting.

What makes the season even more impressive, according to Loeswick, is that the team has been without its best player, senior Olivia Borgman, who is injured.

“She has been the region player of the year so it’s a big loss,” the coach said. “But this team has continued to grow and improve throughout the season.”

Even without Borgman, the lineup is quite formidable. Senior Bella Loeswick is the starting setter and runs the show. She has 544 assists, 30 aces and 146 defensive digs.

The power supply comes from junior outside hitter Clara Cloninger, who is over 268 kills with 200 digs and 46 service aces.

Sophomore Lilly Loeswick is a starter on the outside and is over 200 kills and 200 digs. Junior Raphaella Nunes is a starter in the middle, along with sophomore Madison Johnson.

Senior Addison Leonard works as an opposite and junior Katlyn Powers is the libero.

The team has loads of depth with a bevy of players getting their turn on the floor. Senior Kiera Olson works as a defensive specialist while senior Anna Hutton can play setter and defense.

Sophomore Harlow Horton and junior Ah’Layia Clarida sub in the middle of the net.

“This team has exceeded expectations,” Loeswick said. “Our motto this season is ‘Nobody Cares. Work.’ That is who we are this year. We’ve talked a lot about the process of the game and how that is how we get better. You can play with confidence when you’ve put in the work.

“One of our strengths is that they are a true team. They all respect and support and want the best for each other. It has been really fun to see and be a part of. Our goal is simple. To be the best we can be. Let’s put in the work and see what we can do.”

Remaining members of the 2024 team include senior defensive specialist Ella Joyner, senior outside hitter Sidney Palmerico, and junior defender Kylee Rollings.

A bigger challenge awaits the Chiefs in the upcoming state playoffs. North Myrtle Beach is competing in Class AAAAA this fall, which means a step up in competition. However, the Chiefs have played a competitive non-region slate and have taken on a host of AAAAA programs in the process.

Football Update

After a tough 0-4 start to the 2024 season, the football team opened region play with a win over Conway. The Chiefs look to build confidence as they go through the region with games upcoming against Socastee, Myrtle Beach, St. James and Carolina Forest.

Quarterback Landon Cloninger has thrown for more than 800 yards in five games, with Kaden Gore and Andrew Kreider working as his top targets. Drew Prince is the leading rusher with nearly 400 yards, averaging better than six yards per carry.

Among the early defensive leaders are Sloan McIntyre, Bricey Gore, LaMontae Smith and DJ Gause. Gause leads the team in sacks and tackles for loss.