Wolves go 4-2 in Tennessee tournament as senior setter reaches career milestone

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — Buford volleyball finished fifth at the Rocky Top Classic on Sept. 11-12, going 4-2 against a multi-state field while senior setter Kami Oates recorded the 1,000th assist of her high school career.

The Wolves won nine of 13 sets at the Sevierville Convention Center, earning victories over Creek Wood, Cherokee, Lawrence County and Sevier County. Buford’s two losses came against Taylor County and eventual tournament champion Woodmont.

Buford coach Kortney Herren said the trip gave the Wolves an opportunity to measure themselves against strong competition outside Georgia.

“Going up to Tennessee and placing fifth out of a highly competitive field at the Rocky Top Classic was a phenomenal experience for our girls,” Herren said. “We walked away with four strong wins, but more importantly, we gained a clear understanding of what it takes to compete at a championship level.”

Buford opened the tournament with a 25-23, 25-21 win over Creek Wood before falling to Taylor County in three sets later Friday.

The Wolves responded Saturday with three consecutive victories.

Buford swept Cherokee 25-17, 25-5, then defeated Lawrence County 25-19, 25-20. The Wolves followed with a 25-10, 25-17 win over Sevier County in Gold Bracket play.

“Playing high-caliber, out-of-state teams tested our endurance and forced us to elevate our game under pressure,” Herren said. “We’re constantly pushing ourselves to respond better when things don’t go our way, and that tournament was a great chance for us to work on that skill.”

Woodmont ended Buford’s run with a 25-19, 25-20 victory and went on to win the tournament.

Buford finished the weekend with four straight-set victories.

The tournament also marked a career milestone for Oates, a senior captain and starting setter who surpassed 1,000 career assists.

“Reaching 1,000 career assists is a massive milestone, and doing it as a senior team captain at the Rocky Top Classic highlights exactly who Kami Oates is,” Herren said. “It speaks volumes about her development over her time here at Buford and now as our starting setter.”

Oates has developed into a key part of Buford’s offense, directing the attack and helping connect the Wolves’ hitters.

Herren said Oates’ milestone reflects the work she has put in throughout her high school career.

“She has worked hard to earn that title and that position. I’ve seen it starting her freshman year,” Herren said. “Her consistency, work ethic and ability to run our offense smoothly make her an invaluable anchor for this program.”

Buford left Tennessee with four wins, a fifth-place finish and another milestone for one of its senior leaders as the Wolves continue into the second half of the season.

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