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It was a great opening day for a pair of local high schools and one which made the trek to Honolulu for the first time as the Ann Kang Invitational kicked off Thursday in Hawaii. Host school ‘Iolani was one of three teams to post a 3-0 mark, with Punahou and Cornerstone Christian TX also making it out of Day 1 without a loss. Punahou arguably had the best day of the trio, as the Honolulu school upset Mira Costa CA – which is ranked No. 4 in vballrecruiter.com’s initial Top 50 National High School Rankings. Mira Costa is playing without setter and 5-star Wisconsin commit Charlie Fuerbringer, who is away playing with the U19 USAV squad. Punahou pulled out one of the more dramatic victories Thursday as it clipped Mira Costa in three, 15-25, 27-25, 18-16. Punahou also beat Oaks Christian CA and Baldwin HI to finish 3-0. Baldwin is located on Maui and was able to make it to O’ahu despite the wildfires devastating the island. Punahou, the only team in Pool A at 3-0, also narrowly escaped against Oaks Christian, winning in three, 25-16, 16-25, 16-14. Cornerstone Christian, which is making its Ann Kang debut, joins Mira Costa as another Top-10 school in the field. Cornerstone opened the season at No. 8 in our Top 50 National Rankings. The San Antonio school finished last season ranked No. 2 overall in the nation. Despite losing three high-level Division 1 players, the program remains strong with 5-star junior outside Megan Fitch (Texas AM) and 4-star senior right side Grace Carroll (Baylor) helping leading the charge. Cornerstone finished off its day with a tight victory over No. 17 Sierra Canyon CA in three, 26-28, 28-26, 15-12. ‘Iolani joined Cornerstone in going 3-0 in Pool B after beating Huntington Beach CA, Kapolei HI and Orange Lutheran CA. ‘Iolani and Cornerstone are not set to play each other however until the final match of pool play on Saturday morning. *** TEAM SPOTLIGHTS Cornerstone Christian TX: The Warriors were among the top teams in the country last year, winning both Volleypalooza and the Nike TOC Southwest tournaments. Their only loss came to Westminster Christian FL in the final of the Nike TOC Southeast tournament. The school also handed Prestonwood Christian TX – which opens this year ranked No. 1 in the nation – its only loss of the season. The team lost three key pieces in middle Nayeli Gonzalez, setter Taylor Anderson and libero Alyssa Manzitas, but as we stated above does have Fitch and Carroll back among others. Other contributors returning also include junior 3-star setter Kaia Thiele and junior 3-star right side Macey Hughes. Maria Avendano, a senior, was suiting up at a libero to help fill out the lineup, as well as junior 3-star outside Aniya Hall. Hall could be a key piece as she can really help elevate the attack. The Warriors used three players in the middle in seniors Savannah Smith and Olivia Parker and junior Elly Stewart. Thiele was running a 6-2 along with senior setter Natalia Jackson. Cornerstone might not quite be competing for a national championship last season, but with the schedule they are facing it’s not out of the question if they could somehow run the table. The program is not only playing here at Ann Kang, but is also set to travel to both Nike TOC events as well as the Durango Fall Classic, plus another yet-to-be-announced event. Not many schools can match that type of schedule. Sierra Canyon CA: The biggest loss for the Trailblazers from a season ago was 5-star right side Olivia Babcock, who is at Pitt. They also lost their other outside in Jaida Sione but mostly everyone else returns and that’s good news. The back row is anchored by 4-star libero Lauren Lynch (San Diego). The offense is still directed by 3-star setter Sade Ilawole, and the middle still has a key part in 3-star Hawaii commit Madeline Way. Also back is 3-star Boston College outside Danica Rach. That alone is enough to keep Sierra Canyon very competitive, but there’s more pieces that will play a role this fall. Among them are three newcomers in Halie and Hanna McGinest and Taylor Treahy. Hanna, a freshman, was playing Thursday on Day 1 on the outside and already making an impact. As for her older sister, Halie, the CIF Southern Section is still ruling on whether or not she’ll need to sit out the 30-day period or not. The CIF-SS office has already ruled that Treahy, a 6-4 lefty right side transfer, will need to sit out the 30 days and will be eligible on Sept. 12. No matter what happens with Halie, Sierra Canyon will have both available by then and will add plenty of depth to the roster. As for Thursday, senior Lola Brown was making contributions in the middle, and 6-0 sophomore right side Mia Stewart was making plays in her role too. Like Cornerstone, Sierra Canyon will also be attending the Durango Fall Classic next month. *** DAY 1 SHOW STOPPERS Keoni Williams SO MB Boswell TX: Boswell went 1-2 on the first day. Williams, a 5-star recruit who helped Skyline 15 Royal to the 15 Open USAV gold medal this summer, was impactful at the net. Boswell struggled passing at times and getting Williams clean looks, but she made up for it with her length and size to still be a factor with her blocking and out-of-system plays. Rylinn Roberts SO RS Boswell TX: Roberts was another bright spot for Boswell. The sophomore is lanky with a nice arm and was contributing nicely to the offense when called upon. Kennedy Caton SR S Boswell TX: Caton was showing she can move the ball around and put her hitters in a good spot when in system. Olivia Foye JR L Huntington Beach CA: Foye – a 3-star Princeton commit – is among the standout liberos in the field. She had a breakout club season starring

The 2023 high school volleyball season kicked off with the MISD Methodist Mansfield Medical Center Invitational. This annual event was spread across five high schools, and I got the chance to watch the pools at Mansfield and Lake Ridge high schools on the first day. The atmosphere was electric as teams competed fiercely, showcasing their skills and teamwork. The matches were intense, filled with remarkable displays of athleticism.  One team that I was excited to see was the El Paso Franklin High School squad. Despite their smaller stature, these athletes brought the heat with their incredible athleticism. Setter Hannah Finn was dishing well for her squad, while senior outside Jordan Imperial unleashed a barrage of powerful hits from the outside. Defensive specialist Ireanna Carrasco showcased her defensive prowess with some superb plays. Victoria Bailey swung with confidence, pressuring opposing defenses, while Lindsay Herrera stood tall as a formidable blocker in the middle. Their fearless swings against big blocks and never say die defense was fun to watch. The match between Waxahachie and Frisco Memorial was a great match to finish Day 1. Tionna Owens from Waxahachie dominated the middle with her wall-like defense and powerful hits. The Waxahachie libero Brennan Ramirez showcased incredible speed and serve receive passing, while their outside hitter Migdaly Bernal delivered explosive hits. Frisco Memorial’s Ava Steffe swung with precision, and setter Kiana Babaei distributed excellent balls. Julianna Hernandez, Frisco Memorial’s libero, was a scrapper in the backcourt. Teams that went 3-0 on Day 1 included Mansfield, Colleyville Heritage, Lake Ridge, Waxahachie, Bushland, El Paso Franklin, El Paso Coronado and Canyon West Plains. *** DAY 1 SHOW STOPPERS Rachel Resta, SR S, Mansfield- Resta, a 3-star recruit committed to Oral Roberts, was dishing with authority. She quarterbacks her team well. Kylie Meche, SO OH, Mansfield- Meche jumps incredibly well and when she connects she can crank on the outside.  Landri Jay, JR L, Canyon- Jay was literally everywhere. She was also passing well in serve receive all day. Cali Mckinley, JR OH, Canyon- Mckinley is an undersized outside who is a firecracker. She swings with fire and plays scrappy defense.  Mira Klem, SR S/RS, Coppell- Klem, normally a setter/rightside, is actually playing everywhere on the court for her squad. She has a huge block at the net and is an offensive threat to opposing teams.  Hannah Finn, JR S, El Paso Franklin- Finn is strong and moves the ball well for her squad. She also has no fear in running down balls to keep her team in the match.  Jordan Imperial, SR OH, El Paso Franklin- Imperial is a bit undersized on the outside but she doesn’t care. She fires through the block with ease. Defensively she is scrappy.  Grace Sweeney, SR OH, Midlothian Heritage- Sweeney, an undersized outside, is a handful for defenses and she can unload on the ball well. Caitlin Beckham, JR S, Midland Legacy- Beckham, a 5-1 setter, was doing a great job dishing the entire court. She connected well with her hitters. Sarah Philley, SR MB, Midland Legacy- Philley is a wall defensively at the net. She also makes smart plays offensively.  Dawn Moore, SO S/RS, Lake Ridge- Lefty Moore, a 3 star-recruit, cranks on the ball when she is on the pins. She splits roles and does a great job dishing her teammates. Mckenzie Charles, JR MB, Lake Ridge- Charles, an undersized but incredibly athletic middle, runs the quicks with authority. Madelyn Ross, JR S/RS, South Grand Prairie- Ross is a competitor. She swings with aggression in the front row and dishes the ball effectively in the back row.  London Baker, SR S/RS, Hereford- Baker is a setter who has a lively arm in the front row and sets smoothly in the back row. Tionna Owens, SR MB, Waxahachie- Owens, was a constant force at the net. Her wingspan helped her seal the net against anything tight with her huge block. Migdaly Bernal, SR OH, Waxahachie- Bernal is a six-rotation outside who both swings and blocks well.\ Ava Steffe, JR OH, Frisco Memorial- Steffe is the do-it-all six-rotation outside. She is explosive and consistent all the way around. Julianna Hernandez, SO L, Frisco Memorial- Hernandez, a 3-star recruit, was everywhere in the back court. She is smooth in serve receive and digs anything thrown her way. Freshman Standouts Laney Jones, S/RS Canyon Madison Hatley, OH South Grand Prairie Scarlett Young, MB South Grand Prairie Brooklyn Ross, L Lake Ridge Brielle Smith, RS Lake Ridge Kensli Holley-Tyler, S Lake Ridge

Are we in for a repeat of sorts when it comes to the 2023 high school season and the national championship race? The first-ever vballrecruiter.com high school rankings last year saw Cathedral Catholic CA open the year in the No. 1 spot before going undefeated – dropping just one set – and ending the season on top as the undisputed national champion. The wire-to-wire performance was an impressive feat. It takes an effort on that level to beat out all the other teams in the country to earn the label as national champion. It’s not always so simple as having a team like Cathedral Catholic dominate so handily where the choice becomes such an obvious and clear one. However, we could be in for another majestic season when it comes to this year’s fall campaign. All eyes begin on Prestonwood Christian TX, which is stacked with Division 1 athletes. Among them are 5-star junior outside and last season’s HS Sophomore of the Year Cari Spears, 5-star senior right side Jadyn Livings (USC), 5-star senior setter Camille Edwards (Michigan), 4-star senior middle Kennedy Washington, 5-star junior libero Gillian Pitts (Houston), 4-star senior outside Mikala Young (TCU) and newcomer in 4-star junior right side Taylor Clarke. On top of that, Prestonwood is challenging itself with a beefed-up schedule that includes traveling to the prestigious Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas in September. Prestonwood is also competing in Volleypalooza in Austin in August. That tournament features California powers Mater Dei and Cathedral Catholic making the trek. Playing a national schedule is an important element when it comes to winning a national championship. Not only are we looking for teams to make it through the year undefeated, but doing so playing against other top teams in the nation is one of the best measurements of a team’s strength. There’s no doubt that if Prestonwood Christian runs the table like Cathedral Catholic accomplished a season ago the school is going to finish No. 1 in the nation. The biggest question would be what if Prestonwood losses and/or no other team is able to go undefeated playing against a national schedule? There are certainly programs worthy of winning the national championship that will go undefeated without playing a national schedule. In that case, anointing a national champion becomes much more subjective, as we use our knowledge from the club season about individual players to select which team we think is most deserving. All we have to do now is wait and see which scenario plays out. We’ll release our next Top 50 rankings update at the beginning of September, as teams will have time to get their seasons underway and the Top 50 can start to be formed based off results rather than speculation. By then, a few major tournaments will have taken place, as well as lots of local ones. Among the biggest tournaments scheduled for August include the Ann Kang Invitational in Honolulu as well as the previously-mentioned Volleypalooza, both of which vballrecruiter.com will be on hand covering. Looking ahead to September, the calendar is packed with more national events with the Nike TOC Southeast (Sept. 1-2) and Southwest (29-30) events, the Louisville Invitational Volleyball Tournament (Sept. 8-9), and of course Durango (Sept. 22-23). All these events will heavily influence the Top 50. Until then, you can find our initial Top 50 National Rankings below. vballrecruiter.com TOP 50 NATIONAL HS RANKINGS 1. Prestonwood Christian TX 2. Mater Dei CA 3. Mother McAuley IL 4. Mira Costa CA 5. Notre Dame Academy KY 6. St. James Academy KS 7. Cathedral Catholic CA 8. Cornerstone Christian TX 9. Papillion-La Vista South NE 10. Prosper TX *** 11. Hamilton Southeastern IN 12. St. Francis Mountain View CA 13. Divine Savior Holy Angels WI 14. St. Thomas Aquinas KS 15. Benet Academy IL 16. Assumption KY 17. Sierra Canyon CA 18. Marymount CA 19. Dripping Springs TX 20. Wayzata MN *** 21. Marian MI 22. Millbrook NC 23. Washburn Rural KS 24. Yorktown IN 25. Lovejoy TX 26. Torrey Pines CA 27. Oconomowoc WI 28. Westminster Christian FL 29. Colleyville Heritage TX 30. Corona del Sol AZ *** 31. Bishop Gorman NV 32. Liberty North MO 33. Ursuline Academy OH 34. Lafayette MO 35. McCutcheon IN 36. Keller TX 37. Marist IL 38. Horizon AZ 39. Byron Nelson TX 40. Palos Verdes CA *** 41. Flint Hill VA 42. Clearwater Central Catholic FL 43. Mount Notre Dame OH 44. Cleveland TN 45. Millennium AZ 46. Magnificat OH 47. Liberty MO 48. St. Ursula Academy OH 49. Iolani HI 50. Lake Highland Prep FL *** ON THE CUSP Valor Christian CO Santa Fe FL Northville MI Timpview UT Redondo Union CA Archbishop Mitty CA Ridge Point TX Lambert GA Pace Academy GA North Gwinnett GA Boca Raton FL Hagerty FL Ankeny IA Bridgeland TX Cinco Ranch TX Southlake Carroll TX Mountain View UT Middle Creek NC Cardinal Gibbons NC Barrington IL Branson CA Lakewood CA Eureka MO Walton GA Brebeuf Jesuit IN Dike-New Hartford IA North Raleigh Christian Academy NC Tompkins TX Venice FL The Woodlands TX Lake Travis TX Boswell TX Rouse TX Wakeland TX Appleton North WI Buford GA Punahou HI

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