Among other things Branson, Mo. is noted for its entertainment and shopping options, for its adventure and dining options.
For Alanna Helms it is when she moved into the Lady Bearcat starting lineup.
A senior who has been playing volleyball since moving into junior high, Helms is so elated to finally crack the starting lineup you might say she is jumping for joy. She also plans to stay there.
“You just work really hard. If you really want something you fight really hard and do the best you can,” said Helms. “I showed it during Branson camp. “I got a lot of touches and hits.”
Specifically it was the second game of the event, against an Oklahoma school, when Helms feels like she really burst through.
“Watching her on the JV court, seeing her ability with that group showed that she deserved a chance to move up to varsity,” said head coach Bailey Stringer.
Helms will be roaming the front for the Lady Bearcats because, needing a setter, Stringer took a chance.
“I asked Alanna to become a setter. She’s not a setter, but she didn’t bat an eye, she just did it,” said Stringer. “That showed me she was willing to get out of her comfort zone.
“I thought that deserved a chance to play on varsity. When she moved up she had a great game and did what she was supposed to do so it made sense to keep her there.”
What made that seem unlikely is she stands all of 5’ 2”, but that is not the full story.
“I’ve got a good vertical (jump),” Helms said, though she was unable to put a specific number on it. “I’ve always pretty much had a good vertical for a short person.”
The vertical is 22 inches, which with her height, puts her at seven feet. She jumps an inch higher that three teammates.
“She’s short but she makes up for it with her vertical,” said Stringer.
Besides volleyball Helms, the oldest of three siblings but the only girl, also suits up for the Lady Bearcat track team as a sprinter.
The volleyball season gets its official start on August 21 at Lavaca. The preseason Robert Dean Memorial alumni game is set for 5:30 on August 5.
