By Mike Easterling

MADISON – Crosstown rivals James Clemens and Bob Jones play just one match that will count in the Class 7A, Area 7 standings, and that will be later in the season at the Lady Jets gym nicknamed “The Hangar.’’

They’ll also play before that when the frenemies meet at Bob Jones at 6 p.m. on Thursday. The result won’t register in Area 7 positioning, but it counts most definitely.

“It counts for something, for sure,” first-year Lady Jets coach Megan Aldridge said.

Hartselle will join James Clemens (8-8) and Bob Jones (16-3), ranked No. 1 among all Alabama teams by Maxpreps, in a tri-match that starts at 4 p.m. Before that, however, the Lady Jets play Athens and host Madison County tonight (Sept. 3).

James Clemens began the season with three losses, eventually evened its record at 6-6 and moved to 8-8 following last weekend’s Ironman Tournament at Huntsville won by the host Lady Panthers.

Aldridge joined the team over the summer. She said she didn’t like the word “surprised’’ in describing her squad’s performance so far, but instead is “pleased.’’

“Coming out and competing against big teams like ones from our classification – we’ve been pleased with the level of competition that we’re putting up against highly-ranked teams,” she said.

Four players have played critical roles, including one of two freshmen the start for the Lady Jets:

• Emani Green: Junior, Libero: A second-year varsity libero and the cornerstone of the defense, Aldridge says “Emani’s ability to see both sides of the court also allows her to take an active role as a liaison to our offense during play.
• Maja Sullivan: Senior, Outside Hitter: The coach called Sullivan, in her third varsity season, called her “a dynamic hitter who excels in finding unconventional ways to score.’’
• Kaitlin Cardinale: Senior, Middle Blocker: A third-year varsity MB, Aldridge cites the player’s strengths as being a “disciplined blocker and a skilled and quick attacker.’’
• Julia Celani: Freshman, OH: Celani provides a heavy swing with the ability to “transition and swing anywhere on the net,” Aldridge said. “Her adjustment to varsity volleyball has been quick and skilled.’’

Aldridge said the coaching staff has been able to reach the players from the get-go, which has helped the team continue to improve.

“It’s been easy to get the kids to buy into what we do, that it’s not about the other team really,” she said. “It’s been easy for them to grasp what we’re doing.’’

After taking on Madison County and Hazel Green, the Lady Jets will put those skills to their biggest test to date Thursday night at Bob Jones.

“We have to play volleyball a different way than they do because we don’t have that size,’’ Aldridge said.” Again, it’s just us worrying about what we do best and how to execute what we do best against what we’ve seen them do. It’s unconventional but we’re pretty sure we’ll score some points with it.’’