Manteo’s Youthful Talent Shows Promise, but Cherokee Claims NCHSAA 2A Volleyball State Championship

Written by Christian Bateman

BUIES CREEK, N.C. — The Manteo Redskins brought belief, energy, and tremendous support from the Outer Banks to Gore Arena for the NCHSAA 2A Volleyball State Championship. But Cherokee's powerful offensive attack, led by middle hitter Joscelyn Stamper, proved too much to overcome as the Braves captured a 3-0 victory and secured the first volleyball state championship in program history.

Manteo showcased flashes of its offensive potential throughout the championship match, with its outside hitters delivering powerful attacks and competing point for point against one of the state's top programs. However, Cherokee's experience, athleticism, and ability to capitalize on opportunities ultimately made the difference.

The championship appearance marked a significant milestone for Manteo, which was making its first trip to the state championship match since 2003. Head coach Heather Sulkowski and the Redskins entered Gore Arena with hopes of bringing a state championship trophy back to the Outer Banks.

Manteo, the No. 2 seed from the East, finished the season 20-4 after demonstrating its ability to attack with precision and compete at a high level. Cherokee, the No. 1 seed from the West, improved to 30-7 with an impressive combination of offensive firepower, defensive discipline, and team chemistry developed throughout a challenging season.

First-Set Battle: Manteo's Outside Hitters Set the Tone

Manteo brought energy to Gore Arena early, opening the championship match with strong setting from Reagan Sherrod and a pair of service aces from Aubrie Shannon.

Cherokee responded with its own offensive attack, as Lilly Lossiah delivered a timely tip that found the floor on Manteo's side, helping the Braves gain the advantage in the opening set.

The Redskins entered the second set looking to regain momentum. Shannon connected on an attack off a set from Sherrod to help Manteo get on the scoreboard and establish an early presence.

Cherokee continued to showcase why it earned the No. 1 seed in the West, with Livia Crowe, Lossiah, and Stamper making their presence felt offensively.

Manteo's blocking and powerful swings from Hurley Williams and Bella Huntingford kept the Redskins within striking distance. The two teams traded points as Manteo continued searching for an opportunity to shift the momentum.

With Cherokee holding a 20-14 advantage, Sulkowski called a timeout to regroup her team. The Redskins responded with a 6-5 run, showing renewed energy and determination, but Cherokee maintained control and closed out the second set, 25-20.

Cherokee Pulls Away: Braves Make History

With the championship within reach, Cherokee continued to find ways to attack Manteo's defensive scheme. The Braves took advantage of openings around the outside and middle of the floor, consistently putting pressure on the Redskins' defense.

Daisee Fourkiller-Raby delivered several powerful kills, while Stamper continued to dominate at the net with aggressive attacks from the middle of the court.

Manteo continued to compete, but Cherokee's offensive balance and ability to finish rallies proved difficult to contain.

Stamper ultimately delivered the championship-clinching kill into the left corner, sealing the 3-0 victory and sending the Cherokee sideline into celebration.

For Cherokee, the victory represented a historic accomplishment: the first NCHSAA volleyball state championship in program history.

For Manteo, the result was not the ending the Redskins had envisioned, but the journey to Gore Arena represented another important step for a program continuing to build its legacy.

The Redskins' youthful talent, outside hitting, and determination provided plenty of promising moments throughout the championship match. Although the trophy returned home with Cherokee, Manteo leaves the season with valuable championship experience and a foundation to build upon for the future.