Maliyah Johnson of Hutchinson was named the Hog Wild Performance for October. In the Salthawks’ two games against Maize South and Maize on October 5, Johnson recorded 14 kills.

“It’s has been a pretty successful season for us,” Johnson said. “I think what makes it so special is how much we all genuinely care for each other. We want to win for our seniors, coaches and each other.”

Johnson has always been a dominating player at the net, but it’s her defense this year that she thinks has taken her game up another level.

“I think that my defense has improved and my confidence in the back row has improved as well,” Johnson said. “I think that getting in the gym whenever I could, helped a lot. Also my coaches constantly give me feedback which also really helps.”

Johnson also said a successful season for Hutchinson would be making it to the state tournament.

“We’ve been talking about it and speaking it into existence because we know we can,” Johnson said. “We’ve been working so hard towards that and it’s been our biggest goal this year, so that would be pretty awesome.”

Volleyball is involved in Johnson’s college plans, she just isn’t sure where yet. She is considering dental hygiene as a potential career.