CLARK FORK — The Wampus Cats boast one of their better volleyball teams in recent memory, and when the bumps, sets and spikes of the 1A Division II state tournament start on Friday, they’ll be among the favorites to bring home a state trophy.

The Wampus Cats (15-7) dominated the North Star League this season, and stand a good chance to win some matches and contend for a top four trophy at state, starting Friday morning when they face Watersprings at Lewiston High School.

For many of the players, it will be their introduction to the crucible of pressure that accompanies state matches, and handling said nerves will be key as the true double-elimination tourney unfolds.

Helping that cause will be veteran coach Cindy Derr, owner of a second place trophy, to go along with two thirds and two fourths over the years. She’s hoping to add another, but knows it will take some yeoman work with a team full of sophomores and juniors.

“I want them to not be scared because it’s state. Treat it like any other match and take care of what you need to on the court,” said Derr of the key. “The girls are excited, and we’re going to play. I told them whatever happens, we’re still in the top eight teams in the state.”

Setting the attack will be junior Brooke Stevens, who also excels at hitting, serving and keeping points alive. A strong setter is a great equalizer when teams are even, and Derr will lean on Stevens heavily to keep the offense firing on all cylinders.

“She is the true meaning of a leader. She’s becoming more vocal, but has always been a physical leader,” praised Derr. “She’s really strong. She can get to almost every ball and put it up, and knows where the defense is.”

A handful of players get swings in the Cats’ attack, with Hailey Bristol, Tessa Sutton, Grace Shelton and Ellie Kiebert capable of ending points with authority.

The state matches figure to be tight, and every team leans on an outside hitter that can deliver in the clutch when needed late in sets. For the Wampus Cats, that’s Bristol.

“She’s our go-to girl on the outside,” claimed Derr. “She needs to keep calm, and know that she can hit the ball well.”

Ellie Lambert will handle the libero duties, and Aleehia Valliere will help anchor the back row defensively, as service receive will be huge, especially under the nerves of the state tournament.

The Sutton sisters and lone senior Jadyn DeLay will put up a strong middle block, and Abbie Anderson and Sophie McMahon will also log valuable minutes off a deep bench.

One of the Cats’ biggest strengths is serving, led by ace-firing sophomore Ellie Kiebert, who has put together some long service runs and will help set the tone at state. Kiebert contributes on both rows, and her energy and aces help drive the Cats.

“Ellie is amazing at the service line,” described Derr. “She can place the ball really well, and she’s kind of our secret key as a right side hitter.”

In a local angle, Byron Lewis, who was once a principal at Clark Fork High School, is the father of the Watersprings head coach. Watersprings is a private Christian school in Idaho Falls, and hammered North Star League representative Kootenai in last years’s state tourney.

Tip off for the Cats’ opener is 11 a.m. Friday at Lewiston High School.