Ingomar enters 2025 with many questions to answer. Perhaps the biggest one is how it will fare without Macie Phifer.
Phifer was integral to the Falcons’ three consecutive state championships. She had over 2,000 career kills, was named Miss Volleyball two years in a row and was the 2024 Daily Journal Player of the Year.
“We’re going to really have to ask several people to do several different things,” coach Andy Wilbanks said. “Versatility is kind of the big word that we’ve been using early on.”
“Versatility” means being able to play a position different from where one is lined up. Much of what the Falcons do will also depend on the style of team on the other side of the net.
“In the past, we were who we were, and we were just so confident in that,” Wilbanks said. “If you could beat us being who you were, then we just had to tip our hat to you. Now it’s going to be a lot different.”
The biggest one of Phifer’s strengths that will need to be replicated somehow is her attacking power. Phifer led Ingomar with 592 kills last season and had over 2,000 for her varsity career. Ingomar’s second-leading attacker, Cadie Jo Byrd, graduated as well.
Much will be asked of seniors Bella Phifer (Macie’s sister) and Daylen Grisham. Bella was third on the Falcons with 195 kills last season, while Grisham has 29 digs.
“That’s a big change, in itself, staying on the floor from, you know, from zero to 25 (points), asking them to do that, and not coming off the floor very much,” Wilbanks said. “And they’re doing a great job of adjusting to roles.”
Among the many changes will be a move down from Class 2A to Class 1A, where the Falcons won their first of three straight titles in 2022. They’ll be in Region 3-1A alongside Okolona, Smithville, West Lowndes and Tupelo Christian, which reached the North half final a year ago.
Ingomar’s expectations will remain as high as they’ve been in recent years, but they’ll need to be met with a different playing style and much less room for error.
“At times, we’re going to have to rely more on our defense and be really good defensively, night in and night out and control,” Wilbanks said. “Not giving up points. As far as unforced errors, not hitting the ball out, not serving the ball in the net.”
Ingomar starts its season in the Bulldog Bash on Saturday, Aug. 2.
