Prep notebook

NOBODY 'COOLER'

As the Bluffton High School volleyball team advanced farther and farther into the Class 3-A playoffs, it would have been understandable -- maybe even predictable -- if the Bobcats' star middle hitter caved under the pressure.

She is only 13 years old, after all.

But if anything, Mackenzie Cooler has thrived as the stakes have increased, and she proved it again this week, smacking a team-high 13 kills in Monday's win against North Myrtle Beach and matching Lisa Glover for the team lead with 12 kills in Wednesday's win against Camden in the Lower State finals.

"Nothing intimidates that kid," Bluffton coach Al Stern said. "Absolutely nothing."

Cooler will get the chance to prove that once again at 4 p.m. Saturday, when she and the Bobcats take on Daniel for the state championship at White Knoll High School.

BEAUFORT HIGH RACKS UP REGION HONORS

Ten Beaufort High athletes and two coaches earned Region 8-AAAA honors after a fall campaign that featured region titles in tennis and volleyball.

Samantha Sullivan, who never lost a region contest in three years of play, Marian Hohenwarter and Hannah Werner were named to the all-region team. David Riedmayer repeated as coach of the year after the Eagles secured their fourth straight region championship with a 8-0 record.

In volleyball, Blake Banner, Haley Dickson and Mindy Morris secured all-region honors while Jeni Whitman won coach of the year after the Eagles won their first outright region title in 20 years.

Cross country region champ Tim Aune was joined on the all-region team by teammates Taylor Mason, Darrin Sawn and Caitlin Howe.

BUTERBAUGH MAKES ALL-STAR TEAM

Hilton Head Prep's Liz Buterbaugh was among 12 players picked to play for the South team in the SCISAA Class 3-A North-South all-star volleyball game, which was played last Saturday at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School.

Buterbaugh, a sophomore outside hitter, helped the Dolphins to a 6-14 record this season.

BOBCATS NOTES

The Bluffton High School winter sports parent meeting has been moved to next Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Any parents of athletes who plan to participate in winter sports are encouraged to attend.

The fall sports awards banquet will be held Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. in the school's auditorium. Tickets can be purchased next week.

The Bobcats boys lacrosse team will host a cornhole tournament at Chippers in Bluffton as part of a fundraiser for the team. The entry fee is $40 per team of two players, which also includes all-you-can-eat Lowcountry boil and beverages. See boys lacrosse players for tickets, which will be upped to $50 at the door. The Bobcats are also selling T-shirts for $12.