Broadmoor blanks Belaire, improves to 4-0 in district

• By CHRIS CHAPPLE
• Special to The Advocate
• Published: Oct 14, 2009

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Broadmoor High’s Ebony Gary isn’t a typical volleyball middle blocker.

The 5-foot-3 junior makes up for lack of size with explosive jumping ability and a powerful kill shot.

Gary had eight kills, eight aces and three digs as Broadmoor defeated Belaire 3-0 Tuesday night at Broadmoor to finish the first round of Division II, District 4 play.

With the win, the Bucs (24-9, 4-0) sit firmly atop the district standings. Broadmoor won by by scores of 25-11, 25-11 and 25-12.

“We’re short and small but our chemistry makes us go,” Broadmoor coach Maria Gonzalez said. “We work as a team. Ebony Gary can jump and is quick.

“She’s a consistent player for us. Our other middle, sophomore BreOna Taylor, is only 5-5. Our tallest regular is 5-8. We have a record six girls who play club ball, and their extra work is showing on the court.”

Broadmoor starts four juniors, a sophomore and a senior. Junior setter Laina Spencer had 20 assists, six digs and four aces Tuesday, while junior Nygia Brazier led the defense with nine digs to go along with six kills and three aces.

“Laina Spencer is my captain and she’s played well,” Gonzalez said. “She’s a good passer and keeps the offense moving.”

Belaire (7-18, 1-4) returned just one starter from last fall and depends on younger players, including five freshmen and five sophomores.

“We’re young,” Belaire coach Ella Reado said. “I hate the growing pain part of it as we have some who have never played volleyball before.

“We keep encouraging them and we’re going to be OK in the future. Broadmoor is pretty good and fields an experienced team. I expect them to win the district.”

Woodlawn and McKinley are the only district teams to extend Broadmoor to four games.

Sophomore Temeka Christmas paced Belaire with 10 assists and four aces. Freshman X’Zayln McGarner added six kills and four aces and sophomore Ashley Brown contributed eight digs.