Wharton

At a glance

Coach: Eric Barber

Class: 6A, District 6

Last season: 16-10, lost in region quarterfinals

Key players: Bella Bonatakis, Sr.; Gabby Frye, Sr.; Kylie Lauderdale, Sr.; 

Schedule

Aug. 25 vs. Robinson, 7:30

Sept. 2 vs. Tampa Bay Tech, 7:30

Sept. 2 vs. Chamberlain, 7:30

Sept. 10-11 at Bishop Kenny Tournament

Sept. 14 at Armwood, 7:30

Sept. 21 vs. Hillsborough, 7:30

Sept. 23 at Freedom, 7:30

Sept. 24-25 at Academy of the Holy Names Tournament

Sept. 27 vs. Plant City, 7:30

Sept. 29 vs. Middleton, 7:30

Sept. 30 at Sickles, 7:30

Oct. 5 at King, 7:30

Oct. 12 at Strawberry Crest, 7:30

Outlook

The Wildcats started to put it together at the end of last season, winning four straight to clinch a playoff berth before losing to Newsome in the Class 7A, District 7 tournament and falling to Kissimmee Osceola in the region quarterfinals. Wharton moved down to 6A and likely will be among the favorites to win its new district (6A-7). Johanally Sosa (179 kills last season) and Payton Kenny (231 assists) both graduated. Despite those losses, the Wildcats still have a formidable lineup with the return of Bella Bonatakis (200 kills and 85 blocks last season), Gabby Frye (295 assists) and Kylie Lauderdale (170 digs).