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A couple weeks back we checked in on 30 freshmen making impacts for their respective high school teams. We’re back with Round 2. Below, we highlight another 30 ninth-graders who have played key roles and been instrumental to their team’s success this fall. Charlotte Nowak OH JSerra CA – The Lions’ season came to a conclusion Saturday with a loss to Harvard-Westlake in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs. Nowak had a strong run in her first year with JSerra. She finished second in kills with 223, averaging 2.1 per set. She was also second in aces at 34. She delivered a season-high 15 kills and hit .414 in a four-set victory over Orange Lutheran in mid-October. Erin Clark L Corona del Sol AZ – The Aztecs’ regular season ends this week as they gear up for a run at the 6A state title. Clark has filled a valuable role with her production at libero. She started the week with 324 digs, averaging 3.9 per set. It includes a season-best 30 saves in a five-set triumph against Xavier Prep in mid-October. She also had 23 digs against Queen Creek and 21 against Highland in late September. Kennedy Crayton OH Allen TX – Crayton has starred during her rookie campaign for the Eagles. She’s second in kills with 379, averaging 3.1 per set. Crayton is also second in aces with 38. She recorded a season-high 19 kills in a victory over Richardson in early September. It was one of 19 times Crayton reached double digits in kills. Nadiya Shelby OH Friendswood Christian TX – The Mustangs close out district play Tuesday. Shelby’s turned in a tremendous regular season. She entered the week second in kills at 262, averaging 2.4 per set. The 6-0 freshman registered a season-best 20 kills in a five-set loss to Manvel in late September. She had another big match against Angleton in mid-September when Shelby sent down 16 kills and hit .462. Gabby DiVita OH Grosse Point South MI – The 6-1, 5-star freshman is leading the way for the Blue Devils.  She led off the week with a team-high 182 kills and 27 aces, which also leads the team. Brooke Harwood RS Eastmark AZ – The Firebirds are trying to work their way into the 4A state playoffs. Regardless of what happens, it’s been a fabulous rookie season for Harwood, a 6-3 right side. She began the week leading the offense with 290 kills. She’s averaging 4.0 kills per set and is also second in blocks with 51. Four times Harwood has hit 20 kills or more, including a season-high 27 in a sweep of American Leadership last week. Macy McAmis L Jupiter FL – McAmis and her Warriors teammates begin the 7A state playoffs Wednesday. The freshman has been key defensively this fall. She leads the team with 313 digs, averaging 4.5 per set. She’s had a few big outings, including a season-best 31 save in a four-game loss to Benjamin on Oct. 13. McAmis also had 28 digs against Suncoast in August and 25 against Central last week. Haley Burgdorf OH St. Charles North IL – Burgdorf – a 6-0 outside – has added punch to the North Stars’ (27-8) attack. She’s second in kills with 230, averaging 3.0 per set. She sent down a season-high 15 kills in a loss to Naperville North in late September. Four times she’s notched 12 kills. Peyton Carlson OH Waupaca WI – The Comets were bumped from the postseason with a loss last week to Shawano Community in the regional playoffs. It capped a terrific season for Carlson, a 5-11 outside. She put up 363 kills. She averaged 4.8 per set and hit .400. She was also second in digs and aces. Twice Carlson recorded 30 or more kills. She set a season-best with 34 winners against Freedom in early October. She also had 31 kills in a five-set victory against Oconto Falls in mid-October. Alaina Pollard MB Lincoln-Way East IL – The Griffins (29-6) have been a Top 10 team in 4A. While Pollard hasn’t been a big piece of the offense averaging 0.8 kills per set, she’s been instrumental at the net on defense. She’s leading the team in blocks with 54, averaging 0.8 per set. Twice she’s recorded five blocks to match her season high. *** Morgan Sears MB Blue Valley Northwest KS – The Huskies were knocked from the postseason with a loss to Olathe North on Saturday. Sears, a 5-10 middle, was a key part of the lineup. She finished third in kills with 225, averaging 2.5 per set and hitting .303. Eight times she reached double-digit kills, including a season-high 17 in a five-set victory against Lansing on Oct. 11. Morgan Heater OH Ryle KY – Ryle is getting ready for the district playoffs. The 6-0 Heater has played her role well this fall. Her 282 kills are second on the roster. Heater is averaging 2.7 per set. She had a season-high 18 kills in a five-set win against Cooper back on Sept.  13. Madison Brown S Noblesville IN – The Millers were upset by Fishers in the sectional semifinals two weeks ago to conclude their season. It was a strong rookie campaign from Brown. She finished with 815 assists, averaging 8.5 per set. She tied her season-best 46 assists against Fishers in that playoff loss. She also had 46 dimes in a victory over Westfield in early September. Karen Dutro MB Columbus North IN – It was a tough season for the Bull Dogs (11-17) but the play of Dutro, a 6-1 middle, stood out. She led the roster in kills with 218. She averaged 2.9 per set. She also averaged an impressive 2.5 blocks per set, leading the team with 185. Kalyssa Taggart S/RS Lambert GA – The Longhorns (34-7) face Brookwood in the 7A state quarterfinals Tuesday. Taggart, a 5-11 S/RS, has played a vital role and contributed mightily during her ninth-grade season. She’s

A few states are wrapping up their respective regular seasons this week before the postseason begins. Many others are well into their state championships, including Indiana. There was a big-time result from one of the early round 4A state matches as Hamilton Southeastern topped McCutcheon last week. It ended McCutcheon’s season. The Mavericks had previously defeated HSE and its lone loss prior to last week came against Yorktown in tournament play. Downing McCutcheon allowed HSE to avenge its only loss of the season and as a result the Royals climbed to a season-high No. 4. Meanwhile, McCutcheon fell to No. 17, behind No. 13 Yorktown. Yorktown also avenged an earlier loss this season by eliminating Brebeuf Jesuit in the first round of state. Outside of those developments, there was little movement elsewhere. Top-ranked Cathedral Catholic CA closed out its regular season last week and starts its sectional playoffs this week. The Dons still haven’t dropped a set this season. Westminster Christian FL, ranked No. 2, has started its 3A state playoffs as it looks to finish out the year undefeated as well. Cornerstone Christian TX has completed its schedule. The Dons control their fate, meaning if they win out they’ll remain No. 1 and win the HS national championship. Westminster Christian is next in line should Cathedral Catholic stumble. If both Cathedral and Westminster tumble, then Cornerstone is in line for the national championship. We’ll know all these things for sure in a few more weeks. vballrecruiter.com TOP 50 1. Cathedral Catholic CA (1 – last week’s ranking) 2. Westminster Christian FL (2) 3. Cornerstone Christian TX (4) 4. Hamilton Southeastern IN (9) 5. Prestonwood Christian TX (5) 6. Mira Costa CA (6) 7. Oconomowoc WI (7) 8. Highland Park TX (8) 9. Washburn Rural (10) 10. Marian MI (11) *** 11. Cypress Ranch TX (12) 12. Marymount CA (13) 13. Yorktown IN (20) 14. Aquinas KS (14) 15. Sierra Canyon CA (15) 16. Barrington IL (16) 17. McCutcheon IN (3) 18. Fayetteville AR (18) 19. ‘Iolani HI (19) 20. St. Francis/Mountain View CA (21) *** 21. Lincoln Southwest NE (22) 22. Santa Fe FL (23) 23. Lafayette MO (24) 24. Mother McAuley IL (25) 25. St. James Academy KS (26) 26. North Gwinnett GA (27) 27. Papillion-LaVista South NE (28) 28. Liberty MO (29) 29. Dike-New Hartford IO (30) 30. Plano West TX (31) *** 31. Ursuline Academy OH (32) 32. Brebeuf Jesuit IN (17) 33. Valor Christian CO (33) 34. Reagan NC (34) 35. Mater Dei CA (41) 36. Eureka MO (36) 37. Magnificat OH (37) 38. Palos Verdes CA (35) 39. Punahou HI (38) 40. Corona del Sol AZ (39) *** 41. Redondo Union CA (40) 42. Assumption KY (42) 43. Millennium AZ (43) 44. Liberty North MO (45) 45. Torrey Pines CA (44) 46. Flint Hill VA (46) 47. Jesuit OR (47) 48. Archbishop Mitty CA (48) 49. Mountain View UT (49) 50. Millbrook NC (n/r) Out: St. Ursula Academy OH In: Millbrook NC *** HONORABLE MENTION Middle Creek NC St. Ursula Academy OH Benet Academy IL Horizon AZ Liberty AZ Huntley IL Mercy McAuley OH Rock Bridge MO Hamilton AZ Mount Notre Dame OH Mercy MI Skyline MI Xavier IO Ankeny IO Lyons IL Notre Dame Academy KY Mercy KY Wayzata MN Lakeville North MN Northfield MN Marshall MN Skutt Catholic NE Pickens SC Dorman SC Cardinal Newman SC Nolensville TN Knoxville Catholic TN Cleveland TN Pope GA Buford GA Alpharetta GA Sequoyah GA Lake Catholic OH Rock Canyon CO Heritage CO Legend CO Chaparral CO Trinity Catholic FL Olathe Northwest KS Lincoln-Way East IL Vista Murrieta CA Harvard-Westlake CA Alemany CA Calvary Christian FL Tampa Prep FL Tompkins TX Bryon Nelson TX Bishop Watterson OH Ardrey Kell NC Kamehameha HI Moanalua HI Jackson Academy MS Ponte Vedra FL Venice FL O’Connor AZ Divine Savior Holy Angels WI Appleton North WI Burlington WI Hamilton WI Timpview UT

In this edition of our team spotlights we take a look at 15 schools who are either top contenders or possible sleepers when it comes to their respective state playoffs. We selected programs from around the country to see where they stand and who is shining for them. North Raleigh Christian Academy NC – The Knights are 24-0 and heavy favorites for the NCISAA 4A state title. Grace Mitchener, a 5-11 senior outside, is having a strong year. Her 361 kills leads the team as she’s averaging 5.5 per set while hitting .383. Senior libero Megan Murray is averaging 7.3 digs per set. Calvary Christian FL – The Warriors (22-3) are part of a competitive 3A division that includes national No. 2 Westminster Christian. All three of Calvary’s losses this season have come against nationally-ranked teams in Santa Fe FL, Lafayette MO and Flint Hill VA. Senior outside Deanna Dollar has been key, putting up a team-high 214 kills. She’s averaging 3.8 per set and is hitting .303. Junior setter Taylor Parks – a 4-star Florida commit – is averaging 11.4 assists and 2.2 digs per set. Junior libero Ava Bonin has a team-high 247 digs, averaging 4.3 per set. Bob Jones AL – One of the top teams in 7A, the Patriots are led by sophomores Kennedy Vaughn and Riley Lovell. Lovell is averaging 10.0 assists per set while Vaughn is putting down 4.4 kills per set. Together, they have helped the Patriots go 46-6 so far. Liberty AZ – The Lions (22-6) can’t be overlooked in the 6A playoffs. They have recent wins over favorite Corona del Sol and 5A favorite Horizon and are capable of creating upsets. The 1-2 punch of junior outside Ellie Trimble and sophomore outside Tristen Raymond have been the main targets of junior setter Alyssa Forelli, who is averaging 7.7 assists per set. Trimble has a team-leading 237 kills to date, while Raymond follows with 217. Benton AR – The Panthers (27-0) are chasing an undefeated mark and would need to finish on top of the 5A playoffs to make it happen. The Panthers do own a victory over one of the top 6A contenders in Conway. Making it happen is senior Abigail Lagemann. The 5-11 outside is pacing the offense with 227 kills, averaging 3.2 per set and hitting .324. *** Palmer Ridge CO – The Bears (17-1) are riding a 17-match winning streak and are seeking to finish with a 4A state championship. The lone loss came to undefeated and nationally-ranked Valor Christian, a 5A top contender, in the opening match of the season. Junior Corrie Anderson, a 6-1 outside committed to Dayton, has been terrific. She’s averaging 4.8 kills per set and his hitting .385. Senior setter Kyra Kisting is averaging 9.8 assists per set and has also found success with junior outside Eva Larochelle and sophomore outside Amelia Hansen. Pace Academy GA – The Knights (38-1) are the team to beat in 4A, with their only loss coming to 6A Pope. Among those contributing have been junior Grace Agolli. The 6-1 S/IG has recorded 292 kills to date and is averaging 3.8 per set while hitting .319. She’s also part of the setting duo and is averaging 5.0 assists per set. The other half includes freshman setter Olivia Siskin, who is putting up 4.9 assists per set. Junior outside Ellie Siskin is averaging 2.7 kills per set. Akeny IO – The Hawks are 33-4 and one of the top contenders for the state title in 5A. Ankeny fell to the top-ranked team in 2A in Dike-New Harford and is 2-1 against 5A Liberty and 2-2 5A Dowling Catholic. Senior setter Jesa Wallace – who is averaging 9.5 assists per set – has found junior outside Aowyn Schrader often. Schrader is leading the attack with 295 kills, averaging 3.1 per set. Junior middle Ava Wille leads the team with 87 blocks while senior liber Sydney Otto is averaging 3.9 digs per set. La Cueva NM – The Bears (18-0) are main contender in 5A as they look to put together a perfect season. Sophomore setter Karyna Werley has directed the offense, averaging 10.2 assists per set. Senior outside Ella Sanders, junior Victoria Marthaler and junior outside Tea Kaladjzic have been steady providers to the attack. Elkhorn North NE – Elkhorn North and Skutt Catholic are the favorites in Class B. The sides didn’t play during the regular season as all four of Elkhorn North’s losses came against Class A schools. Senior right side Grace Heaney – a 6-2, 5-star Purdue commit – is putting together a huge season. She’s recorded 358 kills, averaging 4.5 per set. Sophomore Shay Heaney – a 6-2, 3-star outside – is second in kills with 187 followed by junior middle Ava Spies with 176. Junior setter Reese Booth is averaging 10.3 assists per set. *** Millbrook NC – The Wildcats (23-1) are on the hunt for a 4A title and have had a remarkable year to date. Junior Kiarrah Horne – a 5-11, 4-star outside – is powering the offense. She’s has a team-high 350 kills and is averaging 5.4 per set while hitting .481. Sophomore and 3-star recruit Brianna McMillan has contributed in key ways as well. She’s second in both kills (1.4 per set) and assists (4.0 per set). Jenks OK – The Trojans (28-4) are on their quest for a 6A state championship. Junior Maren Johnson, a 6-0 outside, has brought juice to the attack. She has 341 kills, averaging 3.6 per set and hitting .338. Senior setter Brynn Roberts is averaging 8.6 assists per set and junior libero Caroline Wood is recording 3.6 digs per set. River Bluff SC – There’s no doubt the Gators (37-5) are among the top contenders in Class 5A. They are a combined 7-2 against Mauldin, Dorman and Wando. Senior outsides Ava Reeves (3.4 kills per set) and Sarah Lawrence (3.0) have been a strong duo with freshman setter Alexis Jodie averaging 8.3 assists per

Back in August we checked in on the Class of 2024 and how the recruiting classes were beginning to shape up. Then, it had been two months since players could begin committing to schools. There was a flurry of action, as 18 of our 29 5-star recruits already found new homes. Since then six more 5-star recruits have announced their future colleges. Another eight 4-star recruits have announced theirs. Below, we take another dive into the Class of 2024 to see how the recruiting classes are stacking up to date. 5-star recruits to commit since last update: Lola Schumacher, L/DS, Brebeuf HS, Munciana – Wisconsin Lauren Harden, OH, Hamilton Southeastern HS, Rev – Florida Ava Utterback, OH, Plainfield HS, Circle City – Louisville Jadyn Livings, OH, Prestonwood HS, TAV – USC Favor Anyanwu, MB, Sasche HS, TAV – USC Emerson Sellman, OH, Holy Cross HS, Metro – Ohio State Zoey Burgess, MB/OH, Lone Peak HS, Club V – Kansas *** 4-star recruits to commit since last update: Molly Kate Patten, RS, Lambert HS, A5 – Georgia Lolo Lambert, OH, Bishop Lynch HS, Drive Nation – Arkansas Blaykli Bobik, OH, Queen Creek HS, Arizona Storm – BYU Mallory Bohl, MB, Saline HS, Legacy – Notre Dame Mikala Young, OH, Prestonwood HS, TAV – TCU Julia Hunt, MB, Holy Cross HS, NKYVC – Washington Fallon Stewart, OH, Winter Park HS, OTVA – Cincinnati Sarah Brodner, OH/RS, Jupiter HS, High Tide – Virginia Madison Maxwell, S/RS, Saugus HS, Legacy – Long Beach State *** NEBRASKA      Skyler Pierce OH Dynasty (5-star) Olivia Mauch L/DS Premier Neb (5-star) Ayden Ames MB Drive Nation (5-star) Note: The Cornhuskers came out of the gate quickly, landing three 5-star recruits but no new updates since then. They remain in the conversation for best class to date.   Last Update: Skyler Pierce is arguably the top-rated outside from the class. Nebraska also did well getting Ayden Ames from the state of Texas. She’s one of the top-rated middles who could play on the right side or even eventually move to the outside. Rounding it out is 5-star defender Olivia Mauch, an in-state get. There’s still another year to go but it’s already going to be hard-pressed for any program to move ahead of Nebraska. *** FLORIDA         Lauren Harden OH Rev (5-star)*new Jaela Auguste MB Hou Skyline (5-star) Taylor Parks S OTVA (4-star) Ella Vogel L/DS Co Jrs (3-star)*new Bella Lee L/DS OTVA Note: Nebraska is the only school with commitments from three 5-star recruits, with Florida, Louisville, USC and Wisconsin the only other ones with commitments from two 5-star recruits. The Gators’ class took another step upward with the addition of 6-3 outside Lauren Harden. She’s long with the type of frame to excel at the next level. Tending to the defensive side, the Gators also are bringing aboard Ella Vogel, who starred for Co Jrs last spring. Last Update: The Gators were one of 14 schools to have already received a commitment from at least one 5-star recruit. Theirs came from the 6-1 Jaela Auguste. The Texas stud highlights the class so far and will continue the athleticism for the Gators in the middle. Florida also gets a couple of local players, including 4-star recruit and setter Taylor Parks. Parks was solid for OTVA this past club season and seems destined to fit in well with the Gators. *** USC Jadyn Livings OH TAV (5-star)*new Favor Anyanwu MB TAV (5-star)*new Brooklyn Tealer OH Gainesville (4-star) Paisley Douglas L VCNebraska *new Note: The Trojans are making a charge. They started off with a commitment from 4-star outside Brooklyn Tealer, a 6-1 hard-hitting, high-flying hitter from Florida. She wasn’t quite enough to get USC mentioned in our first update but the Trojans have reaped benefits from their recruiting efforts with recent yeses from 5-star outside Jadyn Livings and 5-star middle Favor Anyanwu. The TAV teammates no doubt boost USC up in our watch list as they have big arms coming aboard down the road. *** LOUISVILLE     Nayelis Cabello S/RS Top Select (5-star) Ava Utterback OH Circle City (5-star)*new Payton Petersen OH Six Pack (3-star)*new Note: The Cardinals have climbed the chart thanks to a pair of commitments they’ve added since our last update. Ava Utterback, a 6-0 high-flying outside with a big arm, is the second 5-star recruit to say yes. The class also was boosted by the addition of Payton Petersen, a 6-0 outside with solid all-around game. Last update: Louisville is part of the conversation thanks to a commit from Nayelis Cabello, a 5-star setter/RS from Florida. She projects as a 5-1 setter at the next level because of her 6-1 frame, but she could hit if her versatility is to be utilized. *** WISCONSIN    Lola Schumacher L/DS Munciana (5-star)*new Charlie Fuerbringer S/RS Long Beach (5-star) Note: The Badgers continue to build a strong class. Lola Schumacher is one of the top liberos in the class and coming from a club like Munciana seems to be a natural fit at a program like Wisconsin. Having commitments from two 5-star recruits surely places the Badgers in the running for a Top 5 class to date. Moreover, Wisconsin has also received commitments from international players in Tosia Serafinowska (Poland) and Trinity Shadd-Ceres (Canada). Last update: We must say, given Charlie Fuerbringer’s ability on the sand, it was surprising to see her go out of state and commit to a school like Wisconsin. However, given her indoor ability, she was a sure thing to land at a top program like the Badgers offer. She’s one of the highest IQ players in the class and a dynamic setter. More players are surely to be added to the recruiting haul, but what a centerpiece to begin with. *** MICHIGAN      Camille Edwards S TAV (5-star) Ella Demetrician OH FC Elite (4-star) Ellie White S 1st Alliance (4-star) Jenna Hanes MB Wave (4-star) Lauren Evans OH Munciana (3-star) Note: There’s been no change with Michigan’s class since last checking in. With the number of

Even though the Top 50 HS National Rankings have been taking shape in recent weeks, the biggest determination in our final standings is how teams fare in their respective state playoffs. Most of the 15 teams we spotlight below for our most recent Top 50 have already began that pursuit while others are closing out their regular seasons in the next week or two before doing so. Prestonwood Christian TX (5) – The Lions, who are 32-1, are nearing the end of their regular season and will enter the TAPPS 6A playoffs as the favorite to win state. The lone setback came to fourth-ranked Cornerstone Christian TX in the final of Volleypalooza in late August. The Lions own two victories over No. 8 Highland Park TX, the top-ranked team in UIL 6A (public schools). The loaded lineup includes 5-star recruit and 6-3 sophomore Macaria Spears, who leads the roster currently with 420 kills. She’s averaging 4.8 per set and is hitting .471. Junior outside and recent 5-star USC commit Jadyn Livings (310 kills), junior 4-star recruit Mikala Young (269)(TCU) and 4-star recruit Kennedy Washington (135) are other targets of junior 5-star recruit Camille Edwards (Michigan) and 4-star sophomore Taylor Cook. Defensively, sophomore 5-star recruit Gillian Pitts is holding down, averaging 5.4 digs per set and leading the way with 480. Oconomowoc WI (7) – The Lions earned a 40-1 mark during the regular season and open up sectional play Saturday in pursuit of a Division 1 state title. Cordelia Kearns, a 6-1 senior outside committed to Florida Tech, has been an integral part of the attack. She enters the playoffs leading the team with 255 kills, averaging 4.3 per set and hitting .305. Junior Anna Bjork, a 6-3 middle committed to Notre Dame, is another the Lions have leaned on. Bjork has 201 kills and is hitting .335. Freshman Marlee Sivak, a 5-11 outside, and junior Olivia Kwiatkowski, a 6-0 outside, have recorded 188 and 134 kills respectively with junior setter and 4-star Maryland recruit Lilly Wagner directing it all. Barrington IL (16) – At 33-1, Barrington announced itself as a 4A contender with its recent victory over then-ranked No. 17 Mother McAuley IL over the weekend. The upset helped Barrington return to the Top 50. Barrington fell out of the Top 50 after losing to unranked Huntley IL in September. Senior outside Jessica Horwath has been clutch this fall. She’s put up a team-leading 296 kills. She’s averaging 4.2 per set and is hitting .316 with junior setters Gwen Adler and Jenna Meitzler running the offense in a 6-2. Meitzler is also third in kills with 171. Brebeuf Jesuit IN (17) – Like many others around the country, the Braves are into their postseason after going 23-3 during the regular season. Two of the losses came against No. 9 Hamilton Southeastern IN and the other to No. 3 McCutcheon. The Braves have a victory over No. 20 Yorktown IN as well. Wisconsin commit and 5-star libero Lola Schumacher is a defensive stalwart. She’s paced the defense with 379 digs, averaging 5.1 per set. Senior outside Sydney Robinson has carried a sizable load on offense, leading the way with 296 kills. Yorktown IN (20) – Like the Braves above, Yorktown is into the sectional playoffs. In fact, at 31-2, one of the Tigers’ defeat came to Brebeuf back in August. Hamilton Southeastern is the only other school to top Yorktown so far this fall. The Tigers also own a victory over No. 3 McCutcheon. Helping power the charge has been 6-2 sophomore Charlotte Vinson, who leads the offense with 397 kills. Seniors Emilee Hill and Gretchen Moore have been effective as well scoring. Hill also leads the team in assists. Meanwhile, sophomore libero Addison Applegate has been exceptional in the back row averaging 4.0 digs per set and totaling 387 so far. *** Santa Fe FL (23) – The Raiders started their sectional playoffs Tuesday. At 23-2, Santa Fe fell from No. 8 last week to No. 23 after losing for just the second time. It came to Trinity Catholic, a school the Raiders defeated in their first match of the season. The only other team to beat Santa Fe this fall was No. 4 Cornerstone Christian at the Nike TOC Southeast tournament. Senior S/RS Jalyn Stout (Coastal Carolina) has done it all. She’s leading the squad in kills with 443 while hitting .419 and is second in aces at 293. Senior libero Miya Thomas leads the Raiders in both digs (361) and aces (41). Lafayette MO (24) – The Lancers started the season in the Top 50 but fell out after suffering a four-loss stretch. However, Lafayette has been on a hot upward trend after beating ranked opponents St. James Academy KS and Liberty North MO two weekends ago and ranked foes in Eureka MO and Liberty MO this most recent weekend. Maya Witherspoon – a 5-10, 4-star sophomore outside – has teamed with Caitlyn Little – a 5-10, 3-star senior outside – and Allison Risley – a 5-10, 3-star junior outside committed to Northern Kentucky – to provide a formidable attack. Junior setter Alyssa Nelson is averaging 8.4 assists per set. North Gwinnett GA (27) – The Bulldogs are 39-1 to date, with their only loss to Buford GA. Joya Screen – a 6-4 senior outside committed to Baylor – is having a tremendous season. She’s registered 426 kills, averaging 4.9 per set while hitting .362. Senior setter Abby Taylor is averaging 8.2 assists per set and senior libero Katherine Mollette is averaging 5.5 digs per set. Papillion-LaVista South NE (28) – The Titans wrap up district play this week before beginning their charge at the Class A state championship. At 27-5, four of the five losses have come to higher-ranked teams. The Titans have lost twice to Lincoln Southwest NE and once each to St. James Academy KS and top-ranked Cathedral Catholic CA. Junior outside Lauren Medeck (South Dakota) has been a spark plug, leading the

We’ve spent the past few weeks highlighting some of the top recruits in the country. There were posts about 5-star athletes from the 2023, 2024 and 2025 classes as well as 30 impact freshman who have been big-time contributors this fall. Below, we check in on 20 4-star recruits from the Class of 2025 to see how they’ve been doing for their respective teams. Lauren Hurst OH Cleveland TN – The Raiders are having a stellar campaign, posting a 44-5 mark with the 6-2 Hurst leading in kills. She’s put away 552 and is averaging 4.2 per set. She’s also currently the team leader in blocks and second in digs. Lily Davis OH Westlake TX – The 6-2 Davis and her Chaparrals teammates are currently 31-11. She’s put up a team-high 364 kills, averaging 4.1 per set. Davis is also averaging 3.5 digs per set. Ava Tilden OH Notre Dame Academy KY – It’s been a good season so far for the 24-5 Pandas. Tilden, a 6-1 pin, is among the kill leaders, currently second with 196. She’s averaging 2. 3per set. Sydney Bryant OH George Ranch TX – The 6-3 free-swinging Bryant is having a big year for the Longhorns. Her 488 kills are more than her next two closest teammates combined. She’s averaging 4.5 per set and is hitting .288. Logan Bell OH Roncali IN – The Royals have certainly leaned on Bell and her ability to deliver. The 5-10 outside is pacing the offense with 263 kills, averaging 3.1 per set. She’s also chipped in with 3.3 digs per set. Kenna Cogill MB Perry AZ – The 6-4 sophomore is third in both kills and swings. She’s put down 116 balls while hitting an impressive .459. Cogill leads the team in blocks with 68, averaging 1.1 per set. Francesca Popescu L Lambert GA – Popescu has been in control of the back row for the Longhorns. She’s scooped up a team-high 416 digs. That’s an average of 4.4 per set as Lambert sits at 32-7 overall. Charlotte Vinson OH Yorktown IN – The Tigers have been among the best teams in Indiana this fall, riding a 28-2 record to date. Vinson has been the leader in kills, registering 363 so far. She’s averaging 4.3 per set and is hitting .322. She’s also the team leader in aces with 56. Addison Applegate L Yorktown IN – The Tigers have benefitted greatly from another sophomore on the roster in Applegate. She’s been a defensive stalwart, recording 354 digs so far and averaging 4.1 per set. Ashlyn Paymal OH Burke NE – The Bulldogs have a good one in the 6-3 sophomore. Paymal is the leader in kills with 197. That’s an average of 2.9 per set. She’s also third in blocks and fourth in aces.   *** Lauren Lynch L Sierra Canyon CA – The Trailblazers are riding a 27-4 record as they prepare for sectional and state playoffs that are upcoming. Lynch has been a defensive anchor and given Sierra Canyon a reliable back row option. She’s put up a team-high 361 digs, averaging 3.9 per set. Madison Quest OH Divine Savior Holy Angels WI – Quest, a 6-3 outside, has been a handful for opponents as DSHA is 37-6. Her 417 winners leads the roster. She’s put down 4.2 kills per set and is hitting .321. Addison Gaido OH Georgetown TX – The 6-5 Gaido has established herself as the go-to hitter for the Eagles. She’s produced a team-leading 348 kills. She’s scoring at a rate of 3.4 per kills per set while hitting .327. She’s also currently tied for the team lead in blocks with 56. Maya Witherspoon OH Lafayette MO – The 5-11 outside has been a steady presence in the Lancers’ attack. She’s been among the kill leaders all year, averaging 2.9 per set. Izzy Mogridge S/RS Steinbrenner FL – The 5-11 Mogridge sets and hits for the Warriors. She’s currently second in kills and first in assists. She’s averaging 1.9 kills and 4.1 assists per set. Sydney Peterson OH Bryon Nelson TX – The Bobcat have relied heavily on a trio of hitters that include Peterson. The sophomore is currently second in kills, recording 362 while averaging 3.6 per set and hitting .259. Peterson is also second in both digs and aces. Riley McCloskey RS Notre Dame Academy KY – The 6-1 McCloskey has missed a bit of time but is still among the kill leaders for the Pandas this fall. She’s currently third in kills with 166 but is second in kills per set at 2.4. Callie Krueger L Cedar Park TX – The Timberwolves knew what they had in Krueger as she led the team in digs last year as a freshman. She’s back and starring in her defensive role once more, as she’s again leading the team in digs with 394. She’s averaging 3.6 per set and 10.1 per match. Kennedi Rogers RS/OH Ridge Point TX – The Panthers are having a strong year as they are 34-6 overall and remain undefeated in district play. Rogers is currently second in kills with 265. She’s averaging 2.6 per set and his hitting .280. Abigail Li S Walton GA – Li – a 6-0 setter – is in charge of the Raiders’ offense. She’s handed out 600 assists to date and is averaging 8.3 per set. She’s also second in aces.

This time next month we’ll be entering the final weekend of the high school season. How much will the rankings change or not in that span? We’re about to find out. There was some movement in the Top 10 this week. Marian MI – ranked No. 5 last week – lost for the first time this season. Santa Fe FL was another Top-10 team to fall last week. Remaining the same was Cathedral Catholic’s grip on the top spot. The Dons have this week left before entering sectional and presumably state playoffs. While there was movement elsewhere in the Top 50 there was little change overall in terms of teams going in and out. Only two teams joined this week, meaning two fell out. vballrecruiter.com TOP 50 1. Cathedral Catholic CA (1 – last week’s ranking) 2. Westminster Christian FL (2) 3. McCutcheon IN (3) 4. Cornerstone Christian TX (4) 5. Prestonwood Christian TX (6) 6. Mira Costa CA (4) 7. Oconomowoc WI (9) 8. Highland Park TX (10) 9. Hamilton Southeastern IN (11) 10. Washburn Rural KS (12) *** 11. Marian MI (5) 12. Cypress Ranch TX (13) 13. Marymount CA (14) 14. Aquinas KS (15) 15. Sierra Canyon CA (18) 16. Barrington IL (n/r) 17. Brebeuf Jesuit IN (20) 18. Fayetteville AR (21) 19. ‘Iolani HI (22) 20. Yorktown IN (23) *** 21. St. Francis/Mountain View CA (24) 22. Lincoln Southwest NE (18) 23. Santa Fe FL (8) 24. Lafayette MO (n/r) 25. Mother McAuley IL (17) 26. St. James Academy KS (25) 27. North Gwinnett GA (26) 28. Papillion-LaVista South NE (27) 29. Liberty MO (19) 30. Dike-New Hartford IO (30) *** 31. Plano West TX (31) 32. Ursuline Academy OH (32) 33. Valor Christian CO (33) 34. Reagan NC (35) 35. Palos Verdes CA (36) 36. Eureka MO (40) 37. Magnificat OH (38) 38. Punahou HI (37) 39. Corona del Sol AZ (29) 40. Redondo Union CA (39) *** 41. Mater Dei CA (41) 42. Assumption KY (28) 43. Millennium AZ (34) 44. Torrey Pines CA (42) 45. Liberty North MO (44) 46. Flint Hill VA (46) 47. Jesuit OR (48) 48. Archbishop Mitty CA (50) 49. Mountain View UT (45) 50. St. Ursula Academy OH (49) Out: Benet Academy IL; Horizon AZ In: Barrington IL; Lafayette MO *** HONORABLE MENTION Benet Academy IL Horizon AZ Liberty AZ Huntley IL Mercy McAuley OH Rock Bridge MO Hamilton AZ Mount Notre Dame OH Mercy MI Skyline MI Xavier IO Ankeny IO Lyons IL Notre Dame Academy KY Mercy KY Wayzata MN Lakeville North MN Northfield MN Marshall MN Skutt Catholic NE Pickens SC Dorman SC Cardinal Newman SC Nolensville TN Knoxville Catholic TN Cleveland TN Pope GA Buford GA Alpharetta GA Sequoyah GA Lake Catholic OH Rock Canyon CO Heritage CO Legend CO Chaparral CO Trinity Catholic FL Olathe Northwest KS Lincoln-Way East IL Vista Murrieta CA Harvard-Westlake CA Alemany CA Calvary Christian FL Tampa Prep FL Tompkins TX Bryon Nelson TX Bishop Watterson OH Ardrey Kell NC Millbrook NC Kamehameha HI Moanalua HI Jackson Academy MS Ponte Vedra FL Venice FL O’Connor AZ Divine Savior Holy Angels WI Appleton North WI Burlington WI Hamilton WI Timpview UT

Let’s get to freshmen who are making impacts for their respective high school teams. Below, we feature 30 ninth-graders who have made valuable contributions to date this fall. Kayla Nwabueze MB Bloomfield Hills MI – The Blackhawks are 17-11 on the season as the 6-0, 5-star recruit in Nwabueze has shined as the team’s kill leader. She’s totaled 296 to date and is averaging 3.9 per set. On top of that, she’s recorded 117 blocks and counting. Riley Malloy OH Austin TX – Malloy is another 5-star recruit doing big things as a freshman. The 6-4 outside leads the Maroons in kills, putting away 287 while averaging 3.8 per set and hitting .289. She’s also second in blocks. Kinsley Young MB Southlake Carroll TX – The 6-3, 5-star recruit has made her biggest impact on defense. The freshman is leading the way with 67 blocks, averaging 0.6 per set. On the other side of the ball, Young is fifth in kills with 173, averaging 16 per set. Layla Austin OH Southlake Carroll TX – The schedule has been rough on the Dragons this fall as they sit at 16-19. However, Austin has been a bright spot with her play. She leads the team in kills with 227. She’s averaging 2.8 per set. Finley Krystkowiak OH Torrey Pines CA – Another 5-star recruit, Krystkowiak was leading the Falcons in kills until missing time recently. While her 189 kills no longer is tops on the roster, her 3.6 kills per set is. Ella Florez S/RS Mill Valley KS – This 5-star recruit is setting and hitting for the Jaguars. To date, she’s the assists leader with 355, averaging 5.1 per set. When it comes to hitting, Florez is currently third in kills at 149, averaging 2.1 per set. Bennett Raterman MB St. Pius X MO – At 19-3, the Lancers are having a strong year. So is Raterman, a 5-star recruit. She’s second in kills with 213, averaging 3.2 per set while hitting .374. She’s also second in blocks with 31, averaging 0.5 per frame. Elena Ruble S St. Pius X MO – The Lancers have also benefitted from the play of Ruble. The freshman setter has played a vital role in running a 5-1. She’s dished out 600 assists and is averaging 9.1 per set. Ellie Hepler L Warsaw IN – Hepler has helped the Tigers to a 20-8 mark while holding down back row responsibilities. Her 376 digs are almost 200 more than the next closest teammate. She’s averaging 4.4 per set. She’s also made an impact from the service line, leading the team in aces with 45. Willow Weninger OH/RS Blue Valley Southwest KS – A 6-0, 4-star recruit, Weninger has brought her skill set to the Timberwolves’ lineup. The freshman is leading the way, putting up 212 kills and averaging 3.0 per set. *** Henley Anderson OH Dripping Springs TX – Anderson – a 6-4 rising prospect – has played a valuable role for the Tigers. She’s second in kills with 366. She’s averaging 3.2 per set and hitting .311. She’s also third in blocks with 61. Sydney Lund S Dripping Springs TX – Lund is part of a setting duo that also includes junior Presley Alford. Lund is second in assists at 555 and is averaging 5.1 per set. She’s also third in aces. Emma Cugino L Olentangy Orange OH – Coming off her 14 Open gold medal with Mintonette Sports m.41, Cugino has stepped right in and taken over defensive duties for the Pioneers. She’s currently registered a team-high 324 digs. She’s averaging 6.2 per set. Mia Gold OH Pine Crest FL – The 5-11 freshman outside is leading the Panthers in putaways. She’s tallied 294 kills so far, averaging 4.6 per set. Ava McBride OH Notre Dame Academy CA – McBride – a 6-0 pin – has been part of a 1-2 punch with senior outside Maura McAusland. Both are averaging 3.8 kills per set. McBride is doing it while hitting .252. Paisley Pavliska OH Floresville TX – Pavliska is turning in a monster year for the Jaguars. She has nearly 200 more kills than second with 431. She’s averaging 4.6 pet set. She’s also second in digs with 364, an average of 3.9 per set. Catherine Palmi OH Osceola FL – The Cowboys are currently 20-4 with Palmi playing an integral role. She leads the Cowboys with 427 kills and is hitting .347. She’s producing 5.5 kills per set and she’s also second in both digs and aces. Halle Dolliver OH Malcolm NE – The Clippers are a Class C1 contender with Dolliver powering the attack. She has a team-best 419 kills, averaging 5.8 per set. Dolliver is also contributing with 3.1 digs per set. Halle Thompson OH Grand Oaks TX – Thompson has been a 1-2 dynamic with sophomore outside Samara Coleman. Thompson is second in kills with 367. She’s averaging 3.6 per set and is third in digs. Sara Snowbarger OH Wooster OH – The Generals are sitting at 17-4 behind the play of Snowbarger. The rookie is pacing the offense with 356 kills. That’s an average of 5.4 per set while hitting .318. Snowbarger also has a team-leading 313 digs, averaging 4.7 per set. *** Kylie Kleckner OH Bryon Nelson TX – Kleckner has helped make up a trio of hitters the Bobcats have heavily relied on this fall. Kleckner – a 5-10 outside – has delivered 353 kills, third most on the roster. She’s averaging 3.3 per set. Ayanna Watson OH Bishop Gorman NV – Another rising star, the 6-2 Watson brings the heat to the attack. She’s among the kill leaders with 295, averaging 3.4 per set while hitting at a high rate of .382. Watson is also second in both blocks and digs. Amirra Bailey MB Bowling Green KY – Bailey has played a key role as the Purples have built a 31-2 record. The freshman is second in kills with 285. She leads the team in

If you’ve been wondering how the Class of 2025 5-star recruits have been performing this fall then wonder no longer. After checking in on the Classes of 2023 and 2024 5-star recruits we turn our attention to the sophomores. Below, we highlight how each of them are doing for their respective teams. Suli Davis OH Colleyville Heritage TX – The big-hitting outside leads the Panthers in kills. She’s put up 386 kills in 92 sets, averaging 4.2 per. She’s taken more swings combined than the second and third kill leaders on the team in seniors Ella Busey and Reagan Bleiler. As a team, the Panthers figure to be in the mix for the 5A state title. Liliana Brisco S Clark TX – The Cougars remain undefeated in district action. It included surviving a five-game slugfest with Johnson earlier this week. Brisco has missed time, playing in 78 of the 116 sets to date. She’s dished out 304 assists, second on the roster behind senior Trinity Gomez. Ryan Hunter RS Mallard Creek NC – This high-flying lefty dazzled during the club season when she flashed major Division 1 potential and not surprisingly has carried a big offensive load this fall for the Mavericks. She’s taken more swings than the next two kill leaders on the team as Hunter has ripped down 238 kills on 566 swings. She’s averaging 4.0 kill per set. Hunter is also the team’s ace leader (47) and second in digs (110). Logan Parks S/RS Blue Valley North KS – The Mustangs have faced a challenging schedule so far as they look to get into the 6A state playoffs and make noise. Parks has run a 6-2 with junior standout Janelle Green, a 4-star recruit committed to Cincinnati. She’s averaging 4.0 sets per frame. Parks also leads the Mustangs in kills, averaging 4.0 of those per set. Natalie Wardlow MB Lincoln Southeast NE – It’s been a challenging year so far for the Knights. As expected though, Wardlow has fared well. She’s leading the team in kills, averaging 2.4 per set, and blocks with .6 per set. Kelly Kinney OH King’s Academy FL – Kinney has missed more than half her team’s sets this year. Still, when she’s been in the lineup she’s produced at a high clip. She’s hitting .303 and averaging 5.3 kills per set. Mak Miller MB Liberty North MO – The Eagles are having a strong season, led by 5-star junior outside and Arizona commit Carlie Cisneros. Miller has factored in as well, as she is third in kills despite missing time this season. She’s averaging 1.8 per set. Amina N’diaye OH Lake Brantley FL – The Patriots have their share of pin hitters to take advantage of, including senior Sarah Gooch and junior Samantha Bowron. Then there’s the sophomore N’diaye as well. She’s third on the roster in kills, averaging 2.7 per set and hitting .273. Kassidy O’Brien SR Cinco Ranch TX – The 6-0 disher has been as good as expected. The Cougars are currently 22-12 overall as O’Brien has recorded 790 assists. That’s good for an average of 9.3 per set. Bayleigh Minor OH Fort Bend Christian TX – A 6-0, high-flying outside, Minor is having a spectacular season to date. She leads the Eagles in kills with 253. She’s averaging 3.1 per set but is hitting a remarkable .463! On top of that, she’s been the team’s most effective blocker, leading the Eagles as well with 58. *** Kirra Musgrove S/RS Lutheran South TX – The 6-2 two-way player is leaving her marks all over the court. Musgrove has been the team’s most impactful and consistent attacker. She’s leading the way with 349 kills, averaging 3.9 per set. She’s hitting .326. She’s also second in assists behind freshman Aniston Collins and second in digs behind junior libero Taylor Crain. Jordan Taylor MB Langham Creek TX – The 6-5 middle has been efficient so far though the Lobos have been very pin heavy in their attack. Taylor is third on the roster with 298 kills, averaging 2.8 per set while hitting .378. She’s also been a force at the net defensively, handing out 156 blocks so far, good for an average of 1.5 per set. Campbell Flynn S/OH Mercy MI – The 6-2 Flynn has played an instrumental role for the Marlins with her hitting and setting. She runs a 6-2 with senior setter Erin Kline, with Flynn dishing out 474 assists to date. As for hitting, Flynn leads the Marlins with 228 kills, averaging 3.0 per set while hitting .383. Charlotte Glass S Saint Andrew’s FL – The smooth setting Glass has been doing her thing for the Scots. She’s averaging 6.3 assists per set. She’s also second in kills, averaging 2.2 per set and leading the team with a .349 hitting percentage. Addison Tindall OH Homestead IN – No doubt the Spartans have been riding the arm of Tindall. The 6-2 outside has registered 329 kills thus far. She’s averaging 3.9 per set and is hitting .289. Tindall is also second in blocks. Navea Gauthier OH Shelby MI – Gauthier – a 6-2 high-flying outside – has taken more than half of her team’s total swings. She’s sent down 645 of them for winners and is hitting .330 while averaging 8.5 per set. Gauthier is also first in blocks and second in digs. Annabelle Groomes S/OH St. Joseph OH – The Jaguars have relied heavily on Groomes. The 6-0 sophomore leads the offense averaging 2.3 kills per set. She’s also part of a setting duo that includes junior Olivia Castelluccio and is averaging 3.7 assists per set.   Taylor Harvey MB Bountiful UT – Harvey and her Red Hawks teammates were undefeated until suffering their first loss of the season when they fell to Mountain View over the weekend. The 6-4 Harvey has been a key part of the attack, along with older sister and 5-star Stanford commit Jordyn Harvey. The younger Harvey has put down 196 kills,