By Jack Walker

Staff Writer

Howe will play in District 11-2A volleyball following the UIL's realignment process, same district number but with a few new opponents.

Here's the League: Bells, Callisburg, Gunter, Howe,Pottsboro, S&S, Tom Bean and Whitewright.

Bells, Gunter and Pottsboro were playoff teams last season with Pottsboro going the deepest into the post season. The Lady Cardinals beat the District 11 champion Gunter team in the area round, beat Melissa in the regional quarterfinals, then lost to Quitman in the regional finals.

Bells beat Hooks in Bi-District play before losing to Aubrey in five games in the area round. The Lady Panthers lost a lot of talent off of that team, while Gunter returns the district's MVP Joey Bailey and looks to be strong again in 2010.

Pottsboro has always fielded quality volleyball teams and the 2010 season will be no exception. The will be tall along the front line and very athletic.

Callisburg played in District 10-2A last year and that was a tough district that included Aubrey, Pilot Point and Pottsboro.

Expect Tom Bean to be better next season and the Whitewright program will be in just its fourth year of varsity play.

Howe was 5-7 in the district last year (Honey Grove did not field a volleyball team) and they lost five seniors off of that team. Ashton James and Tiffani Batchelor are returning letter winners for the Lady Bulldogs and help from the junior varsity team will be needed.