But once Hamilton’s body language begins to loosen up, and a cheerful smile emerges, that’s when opposing opponents should fear her the most. That’s when Hamilton knows she’s locked in.

“I’m smiling a lot, laughing and having a lot of fun,” Hamilton said about how she can distinguish when she’s having a good match.

The 5-foot-11 middle hitter does a little bit of everything for the Lewis & Clark/Berthold Bombers volleyball team, from impact kills to timely blocks to critical digs — all signs of a reliable all-around player.

“(Hamilton) is a great leader on the court,” LCB volleyball head coach Katelyn Sandy said. “When we need a big hit, she is always there for us. And, even in the back row, she is always ready to pick up the ball.”

Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Lewis & Clark/Berthold senior Toni Hamilton serves up the ball during a Class B volleyball match played earlier this season in Nedrose.

This versatility was showcased on a big stage last season when the then-junior helped the Bombers reach the Region 6 championship match for the first time in a long time.

District 12 No. 3-seeded Berthold battled back from a 2-0 deficit to knock off District 12 Tournament champions Des Lacs/Burlington in the Region 6 semifinals by set score scores of 22-25, 12-25, 25-20, 25-14, 15-8.

Hamilton’s favorite volleyball memory to date ended with her collecting 13 kills, four blocks and two aces against the Lakers.

In the fifth set, Hamilton put down three kills and a block in an 8-1 match-ending run for the Bombers. She was all over the court.

“My friends and my coaches have all taught me a lot,” Hamilton said. “They make me feel like I’m a better player than I really am.”

Hamilton is one of six seniors on Berthold’s volleyball roster looking for an encore performance from a season ago.

Berthold last reached the state tournament in 2003, and would likely have to upend five-time Region 6 champions Our Redeemer’s to get back there again this season.

Not an easy feat, but the Bombers still have their go-to weapon.

“(Hamilton) is somebody that we definitely want to put the ball in her hands,” Sandy said. “She is by far our best hitter. She is a big powerhouse for us. She is always moving and knows where to place the ball. That really helps us.”

Hamilton, who is also a standout basketball player for Berthold, grew up with a volleyball and basketball always by her side.

Like most budding high school athletes, Hamilton fell in love with sports from a young age.

“I started playing with a very close family friend when I was in kindergarten,” Hamilton said. “I just loved it. I have always just had a ball — playing with it, holding it, doesn’t matter. It was normal for me to always have a ball in my hand when I was at home.”

Now, all these years later, the ball continues to end up in Hamilton’s hand.

Alex Eisen covers Minot State athletics, the Minot Minotauros and high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @AEisen13.