On Saturday, August 22, the Johns Creek High School volleyball team traveled to North
Forsyth High School to compete in the Coal Mountain Classic. After a strong stretch of
competition earlier in the week, the Gladiators entered the tournament looking to build on
their momentum. Instead, the day presented a different kind of challenge—one that tested
the team's mental toughness, communication, cohesion, and trust.
Johns Creek opened pool play at 8:00 a.m. against North Forsyth, falling in two sets, 13–25
and 19–25. The Gladiators returned to the court at 11:00 a.m. against Union Grove and
responded with a two-set victory, 25–17 and 25–20. They closed out pool play at noon
against Greater Atlanta Christian, dropping the match 23–25 and 14–25 and ultimately
finishing third in their pool. They returned to the court for a crossover match against
Savannah Arts Academy for 5th place overall, and fell again in a heartbreaking three set
match 25-13, 26-28, 13-15.
Throughout the day, the Gladiators struggled to find the rhythm and identity that had
characterized their play in recent weeks. With several teammates unavailable due to SATs,
injury, and other circumstances, Johns Creek was forced to make significant lineup
adjustments. While the changes created opportunities for other players to step into new
roles, they also challenged the team's ability to establish the communication and
chemistry necessary to play at its best.
Reflecting on the day's challenges, Coach Scott said, “I had to make some relatively
significant lineup changes that I feel frazzled us a little too much to fully recover and play
the way I know this team is capable of playing.” Despite the circumstances, the lineup
changes also provided an opportunity for two JV players to step into the spotlight.
Freshmen Sydney Lamont and Morgan Chen were called up to compete with the varsity
squad, and both delivered phenomenal performances.
The Gladiators showed flashes of their ability throughout the tournament, particularly from
the service line and in their offensive production. Caroline Giles led the team with 10 aces,
followed by Emily Giles with six. Hana Catic and Sara Buoni each recorded 16 kills to lead
the team, while Caroline Giles added nine, Layla Mujahid contributed seven, and Sydney
Lamont recorded six. Emerson Jarboe finished the day with five total blocks, while Emily
Giles directed the offense with 39 assists. Defensively, Caroline Giles and Hana Catic led
the team with 24 and 17 digs, respectively.
While the final sixth-place finish was not the result the Gladiators had hoped for, the
tournament provided something equally valuable: clarity. The team's average serve-receive
rating of 1.36 reflected some of the struggles with focus and consistency that surfaced
throughout the day, but those challenges also highlighted specific areas where the team
has room to grow.
“We didn't look like us out on the court this weekend,” Coach Scott reflected. But every
difficult experience provides an opportunity to learn, and Saturday's struggles gave Johns
Creek a clearer picture of what needs to happen moving forward. The tournament exposed
opportunities to strengthen relationships among teammates, build greater trust between
players and coaches, and develop the mental and physical skills necessary to perform
consistently under pressure.
The Coal Mountain Classic may not have produced the victories the Gladiators were hoping
for, especially following their hard-fought wins on Thursday, but it provided an important
blueprint for the work ahead. With a clearer understanding of their strengths, weaknesses,
and areas for growth, Johns Creek can use Saturday's experience as a foundation for
becoming a more connected, resilient, and complete team as the season continues.
