Thompson a Co-MVP

Senior middle blocker Katey Thompson earned a share of the Sunset League MVP award after leading the Newport Harbor High girls’ volleyball team to a split of the league championship.

Thompson, who split the league’s top honor with Los Alamitos’ Jane Croson, is joined on the first team by Newport Harbor senior outside hitter Kirby Burnham, senior libero Kelly Heenan and sophomore setter Cinnamon Sary.

The quartet lifted the Sailors (33-6, 9-1 in league) to a memorable season. Besides winning a league crown, Newport Harbor went on to claim the CIF Southern Section Division I-AA title against Los Alamitos and the CIF State Division I title against Salinas.

The 6-foot-1 Thompson, who’s headed to UC Santa Barbara, finished with 418 kills, 22 blocks, 17 service aces and 11 digs. Thompson is a repeat first-team pick.

Burnham led Newport Harbor with 476 kills, and she added 85 digs and 36 aces. The 6-2 Burnham is bound for USC.

Heenan finished with 166 digs.

Sary stepped in at setter after Mackenzi Campbell got hurt before league play. Sary recorded 889 assists and 18 kills.

Junior Maddy Brown earned second-team recognition and Campbell received honorable mention.

— From staff reports