The Idaho State Journal is announcing finalists for the annual Sports Stars Awards, set for May 5 at 6 p.m. at the Stephens Performing Arts Center on the campus of Idaho State University. Starting with our fall finalists, up next is Volleyball Athlete of the Year.

Halle Wells, Bear LakeThe junior outside hitter posted 468 kills with a .272 hitting percentage, 315 digs, 56 aces and 38 blocks. Wells broke two front teeth during the state title match but still finished with 33 kills while hitting over .300, epitomizing her toughness. The 4A SEIC Player of the Year led the Bears to a 38-5 record and the championship game for the second consecutive season. She earned first-team all-state honors for the third straight year.

Izzy Haycock, MaladThe senior setter orchestrated Malad’s offense with 983 assists and also posted 656 digs with an 85% dig average. Haycock added 23 aces and 33 blocks as the Dragons’ engine on both sides of the net. The 3A SEIC Player of the Year earned first-team all-state recognition for the third consecutive season as Malad reached the state title match for the third straight year, finishing 30-11 in Haycock’s final campaign.

Abby Lusk, Pocatello

Though signed to play basketball at Gonzaga University, Lusk dominated on the volleyball court, too. The senior outside hitter led the entire state of Idaho in kills with 613, averaging 5.2 per set along with 361 digs and 53 blocks. Lusk came within one vote of being named 5A Player of the Year and earned South East Idaho Conference Player of the Year honors. She guided Pocatello to a third consecutive district title and transformed a program that hadn’t won districts or reached state in 30 years before her arrival. Lusk finished her career with a school-record 1,496 kills.