Majority of talent still remains in I-70 volleyball

While the majority of the first-team members of the 2011 I-70 Conference football selections have graduated, such is not the case for the stalwarts of the hardwoods.

Eight of the 12 first-team selections in 2011 are set to re-turn for at least one more season.

Gone are Saint Paul's Mea-gan Nolte, Santa Fe's Lauren Zitelman, Concordia's Halli Brackman and Brittany Hig-gins of Sweet Springs.

Saint Paul will be bolstered by the return of first-teamers Devon Heins and Marissa Brackman.

Crest Ridge will have Bre Wonderly back.

Lone Jack returns Jordan Surber to the fold.

The only player to earn first-team status as a sophomore was Wellington's Katie Kropp.

And the only freshman to earn first-team honors was Santa Fe's Lexi Smith. Also back for the Lady Chiefs will be senior Chelsea Winter.

Hailee Langkrahr brings a lot of leadership back to the Lady Orioles for her senior season.

All four members of the ho-norable-mention list were seniors. They were Megan Becke-meyer of Wellington, Crest Ridge's Brandi Locke, Lone Jack's Jamie Kralicek and Amy Isenhour of Orrick.

Concordia, the Lady Saints, Sweet Springs, the Lady Cou-gars and Wellington open their season on Aug. 27. Santa Fe and the Lady Mules play their first match Aug. 28, and Orrick's is on Aug. 30.