The high school regular volleyball season has begun and will end in October, with region tournaments and state playoffs to follow. The Savannah Arts Academy is a consistent Georgia High School State playoff team. The Panthers are off to another sensational season as of August 23. 2002, are undefeated at 10 - 0 and looking for a deep run again in GHSA volleyball play.
Preseason Rankings
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ranked the Arts Academy #3 in GHSA Class 2A. According to the AJC, defending Class A Mt. Paran won the state championship, moved up to AA, and is ranked No. 1. The rest of the top five are Athens Academy at No. 2, Savannah Arts at No. 3, Eagles Landing Christian Academy at No. 4, and North Cobb Christian at No. 5.
When head coach Lauren Lord was asked what this means to her and the program, she said, “It’s awesome. It shows that we are working hard and will work harder to reach that number one ranking.”
AJC Class 2A Volleyball Top Ten
1. Mt. Paran
2. Athens Academy
3. Savannah Arts
4. ELCA
5. North Cobb Christian
6. Elite Scholars Academy
7. Landmark Christian
8. Providence Christian
9. Union County
10. South Atlanta
All-Academic Players
During the summer, two Arts Academy volleyball players earned All-Academic Awards, senior Abbey Kate Daugherty and sophomore Finn Higginbotham. Prep Volleyball.com recognized Daugherty and Higginbotham by AAU Volleyball Association. “Both girls work as hard in the classroom as on the court,” said Lord. “No matter what they do, they always strive to be the best, whether in the classroom or court.” Both Panthers carry a 4.0 GPA.
College Commitment
Senior Abbey Kate Daugherty committed to Emory University back in November of 2021. Last season, as a junior, she had 262 kills, 45 aces, 136 digs, and 14 blocks to lead the Panthers to the second round of the GHSA Class AAA state playoffs. Abbey was a Georgia Volleyball Coach’s Association Class 3A All-State team member and was a Savannah Morning News Best of Preps All-Greater Savannah first-team selection. Also, Abby is on the Class of 2023 watch list by PrepVolleyball.com, which was just announced.
August 23, 2022 Results
Savannah Arts Academy hosted Pierce Co. High School and the Cross School and improved to 10-0.
Scores:
Savannah Arts defeats Pierce Co. 2-0
Game #1 SAA 25, Pierce 6
Game #2 SAA 25, Pierce 10
Savannah Arts defeats Cross School. 2-0
Game #1 SAA 25, Cross 12
Game #2 SAA 25, Cross 10
Top Players:
Torrin Higginbotham: 10 aces, 4 kills, 3 digs
Lillie Coffey: 9 aces, 1 kill, 1 block, 42 assists
Finn Higginbotham: 4 aces, 19 kills, 1 block, 5 digs
AK Daugherty: 2 aces, 20 kills, 1 block, 4 digs
Photos - Savannah Arts Academy
