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With seven of the top eight seeds advancing to Saturday’s quarterfinals of the Nike TOC Southwest tournament in the greater Phoenix area, you knew a climatic conclusion was coming. The way it played out left top-seeded Cornerstone Christian TX opposite of second-seeded Mira Costa CA in the championship match. As the teams prepped for the third and final set, there were national rankings and national championship implications on the line. When Cornerstone Christian prevailed in three, 25-23, 26-28, 15-8, not only did the Warriors capture the coveted trophy but they kept themselves in the mix for vballrecruiter.com’s national championship race as well. “It was such an amazing group of teams they put together,” Cornerstone coach Mike Carter said. “The level of play was unbelievable. The opportunity these high schools girls get to play kids from all over the country is amazing.” Cornerstone came into the two-day event ranked No. 5 nationally, one spot behind No. 4 Mira Costa. The Warriors – a private school from San Antonio – only has a handful of matches left in its season and barring a massive, massive upset will finish in the Top 5 in our final rankings. While Cathedral Catholic CA and Westminster Christian FL have the inside track toward our national championship over Cornerstone, should either stumble in their remaining matches it opens the door for the Warriors, who pushed their record to 49-2 overall after topping Mira Costa. One of Cornerstone’s losses came in early August to The Woodlands TX, the same team Cornerstone beat in the finals of that tournament to avenge the defeat. The other setback came against Westminster Christian in the finals of the Nike TOC Southeast in Tampa Bay in September. That’s another reason beating Mira Costa felt so good for the Warriors because it would’ve been hard to stomach another second-place showing and losing in three sets once more in a tournament championship. “Our ball control was really good,” Carter said. “We are a large team and down the stretch we really controlled the net. Our setting was on point and we have some powerful hitters. I actually thought we got two blocks at the end of the second set that against anyone else would’ve ended the match but they picked them up and scored points and sent it to a third. I was glad to see our block made a difference at the end.” Cornerstone was holding onto an 8-5 advantage midway through the final set when the Warriors recorded five consecutive blocks. Four came at the hands of senior setter Taylor Anderson – who hadn’t played across the front row very much at all during the tournament – and one from senior middle blocker Nayeli Gonzalez, whose offense overpowered Mira Costa at times. “I think that was the best team we played all year,” Mira Costa coach Cam Green said. “They passed great and they have girls who absolutely bomb balls. To scrap and win the second set and put ourselves in a position to win the match was giant. That team was really, really good and well-coached. It could’ve gone either way but they had a couple big plays and stretched it out a little too far at the end.” It was the first tournament action for the Mustangs since winning the Ann Kang Invitational in Hawaii back in August. There, Mira Costa lost to Sierra Canyon CA in pool play before beating the Trailblazers in a rematch in the final. This past weekend in Phoenix, Mira Costa avenged its only other loss of the year before facing Cornerstone when the Mustangs topped Mater Dei CA in the semifinals, 22-25, 25-18, 15-8. Mater Dei swept Mira Costa in the Mustangs’ first match after getting back from Hawaii, when the Mustangs had five players sitting out for disciplinary reasons. Additionally, Mira Costa played Saturday without its top outside hitter in senior Drew Wright, who was taking her SATs. Losing to Cornerstone – Mira Costa’s third loss of the year – all but eliminated the Mustangs from national championship contention. Had Mira Costa defeated Cornerstone and won out on the season – which would mean winning CIF-SS Div. 1 and CIF State Open Division titles – the Mustangs would have an argument, especially if they were able to beat No. 1 and undefeated Cathedral Catholic CA during the state playoffs. “To say I’m incredibly proud of this group is an understatement,” Green said. “They show so much fight and grit and never lose their composure. It always feels like we have a chance and that’s pretty cool even without our No. 1 outside hitter. It was huge for us to beat Mater Dei without her. It’s the way we played all season.” Mira Costa was the only team to take a set off of Cornerstone during the weekend. After sweeping pool play on Friday, Cornerstone took care of Faith Lutheran NV in morning qualifying Saturday before downing Horizon AZ in the quarters and Marymount CA in the semis. Mira Costa topped Queen Creek AZ in qualifying before outlasting Millennium AZ in three in the quarters. “Every kid had a chance to play and contribute to earning a medal,” Carter said. “It’s a good feeling.”

Ever eaten chips and salsa and there’s that one bite that seems to have all the spiciness? That was Notre Dame Prep AZ in the National Division on Day 1 of the Nike TOC Southwest tournament in the greater Phoenix area. While all the heavy hitters (top seeds) advanced into the 16-team qualifying round Saturday morning, it was the Saints pulling the surprise and forging their way into the mix in unexpected fashion. Could they be one of the eight teams to advance to the platinum bracket and continue to shock everyone when play continues Saturday? Why not? I mean, as a No. 4 team there was no way Notre Dame was supposed to break ranks and remain in contention. And not only did the Saints go to bed Friday night knowing they still had a chance to continue their underdog run, they will do so having won their Day 1 pool as the No. 4 team! That happens about as often as a blood moon. However, it was in the stars Friday for Notre Dame Prep, which upset No. 6 Hamilton AZ, 22-25, 25-17, 15-9, on its way to a 3-0 showing in Pool F. The Saints also took care of Dunbar KY and Santa Fe Christian CA, both in straight sets, to come out of the pool unscathed and make waves as the only No. 4 team in any pool to stay in the hunt for the championship. Notre Dame Prep was the lowest seed to advance but not the only team to pull an upset to move on. Faith Lutheran NV, Sacred Heart Academy KY and Vista Murrieta CA – all Nos. 3 teams in their respective pools – each finished second behind the Nos. 1 teams and are in the Top 16 Saturday morning. As for the top eight seeds, outside of Hamilton they fared very well. Of the remaining seven top seeds, only Mater Dei CA dropped a set. It came in a three-set victory, 25-21, 23-25, 15-12, over Xavier Prep AZ. The third set was tied at 12 before the Monarchs rolled off the final three points on a kill from Babi Gubbins followed by a kill from Cymarah Gordon and block by Gordon and Preston Johnson. Outside of that, Cornerstone Christian TX, Mira Costa CA, Marymount CA, Corona del Sol AZ, Millennium AZ and Horizon AZ – all Nos. 1 teams in their pool – each went 6-0 in winning their pools. Here’s how Saturday’s morning matches to get to the final eight stack up: *** TEAM SPOTLIGHTS In our preview earlier this week, we took a look at the top eight seeds. Here’s a closer look at a few of the other teams to make it to the Top 16. Notre Dame Prep AZ – The Saints have done well riding the arm of junior outside Evan Hendrix and the dishing ability of senior setter Lexi Yoza. They have helped the team to a 17-4 mark after Friday’s play. The team has also received solid play from rookie libero Cassidy Graninger. The freshman is averaging 3.3 digs per set. Meanwhile, senior middle Kennedy Graninger is second on the team in kills. Queen Creek AZ – The Bulldogs survived a tough pool Friday, beating a strong Timpview UT squad in the 2 v 3 match to advance. It was the same Timpview team that made the Top 16 at the Durango Fall Classic two weekends ago. Leading the way is junior outside Blaykli Bobik. Queen Creek has also received major contributions from freshman outside Madisyn Crnjac, who is second in kills. The Bulldogs also rely on an underclassman in the backrow in sophomore libero Izzy Mahaffey. Sunnyslope AZ – The Vikings have turned in a few impressive wins this season, including victories over Horizon, Millennium and Corona del Sol. They took care of Desert Vista AZ and Bishop’s CA before losing to Marymount in the last contest. Most of the players the Vikings rely on are non-seniors. It includes sophomore setter Kaia Pixler, junior libero Andie Purdy, sophomore outside Georgi Stein, junior outside Mikayla Shepston and sophomore right side Laney Wilson. Bishop Gorman NV – The Gaels clinched a spot in the Top 16 with victories against Sunrise Mountain AZ and Mead WA before going down to Corona del Sol in the 1 v 2 matchup. Bishop Gorman has a tremendous freshman talent in outside Ayanna Watson. Both middles in senior Katelyn Eberwein and junior Ashley Duckworth hit at high percentage while junior outside Leilia Toailoa is the team’s kill leader. Faith Lutheran NV – The Crusaders swept Ontario Christian CA in their first match then held off Arcadia AZ in three to earn second place. The day ended with a loss to Mira Costa. Junior outside Bianca Richardson is the go-to hitter who the Crusaders rely on to produce a lot of offense. Senior Haylee Strong is a reliable option in the middle as well while junior Italya Cloyd chips in on the right side. *** UNDER THE RADAR PLAYERS Erin Clark FR L Corona del Sol AZ Ella Lomigora MB SR Corona del Sol AZ Maggie Beauer JR RS Corona del Sol AZ Genesis Casillas SR OH Cornerstone Christian TX Natalie Adams SR S Cornerstone Christian TX Sydney Metcalf JR OH Queen Creek AZ Lucinda Scheurn MB SR Queen Creek AZ Olivia Lenz SO L Xavier Prep AZ Ava Larkin SR S/RS Xavier Prep AZ Rebecca Liu FR MB Bishop’s CA Shelby Gorospe MB SR Sunrise Mountain AZ Emily Pruitt JR OH Sunrise Mountain AZ Angie Cooper SR OH Santa Fe Christian CA Gia Rivera FR RS Notre Dame Belmont CA Talea Mitchell JR MB Millennium AZ GG Greenlee SR MB Horizon AZ Brielle Wilson SO S Mead WA Cassie Moeller JR OH Mead WA Danikah Johnson JR MB Mead WA Italya Cloyd JR RS Faith Lutheran NV Bianca Richardson JR OH Faith Lutheran NV Madison Baker SR OH Ontario Christian CA Silina Damuni SR S Timpview UT Taylah Kaufusi

Hello Chicago! Day 1 of the McAuley Asics Challenge definitely did not disappoint. Covering this tournament I was limited to one location so for Day 1 I was at Mother McAuley HS covering Pools 1, 2 and 8. Here’s a preview of the McAuley Asics Challenge that highlighted the athletes and programs that would be in attendance.  Let’s take a quick look at the top headlines from Friday, followed by under the radar players.  vballrecruiter.com Nationally-Ranked Teams No. 15 Mother McAuley IL No. 20 Assumption KY No. 21 Huntley IL Highlights/Bracket Update The gold bracket is set. Despite a tough Pool 2 start against Joliet Catholic, Assumption captured that match in three and took first in the pool. Hamilton upset the first seed in Pool 8 in Metairie Park. In Pools 4-7 the top seeds — Notre Dame Academy, Skutt Catholic, Divine Savior, Marist and Huntley — all advanced to the gold bracket.  UNDER THE RADAR PLAYERS Bailey Blair, SO MB, Assumption KY Emma Barnett, SO OH, Assumption KY Emma Koceja, SO OH, Brookfield Central WI Emily Lavin, SR OH, Brookfield Central WI Rylee Duessler, SR OH, Hamilton WI Eva Finnessy, SO OH/Opp, Hamilton WI Olivia Chovanec, SO OH, Joliet Catholic IL Allie Wuestenfeld, SR L, Joliet Catholic IL Gig Dazet, JR OH/Opp, Metairie Park IL Lia Beverly, SO MB, Metairie Park IL Lily King, SR S/OH, Minooka IL Sophia Boumans, JR L, Montini Catholic IL Hailey Goetz, JR S, Montini Catholic IL Alicen Bainbridge, JR MB, Wahlert IO Sydney Buchanan, SO OH, Mother McAuley IL Mary Kate Sheehan, SR Opp, Mother McAuley IL

Tournament season is winding down but isn’t over yet. Lucky for us, because one of the premier events has yet to be played. That’ll change this coming Friday and Saturday as 32 teams from nine states participate in the National Division of the Nike TOC Southwest tournament in the greater Phoenix area. The two-day extravaganza also features a 24-team Premier Division and a 12-school Elite Division. All matches take place at Bell Bank Park in Mesa. The National field features a couple of top-ranked schools in No. 4 Mira Costa CA and No. 5 Cornerstone Christian TX. While they are the favorites the field is certainly strong enough that neither is guaranteed of anything. Plenty teams are good enough to upstage the top two seeds and walk away with the championship. Below we run through the top contenders and players to watch as we get ready for an exciting and entertaining weekend. vballrecruiter.com Nationally-Ranked Teams No. 4 Mira Costa CA No. 5 Cornerstone Christian TX No. 17 Marymount CA No. 29 Corona del Sol AZ No. 44 Mater Dei CA No. 47 Millennium AZ No. 50 Hamilton AZ *** Teams By State Alaska (1) – South Anchorage Arizona (12) – Queen Creek; Arcadia; Xavier Prep; Sunnyslope; Desert Vista; Corona del Sol; Sunrise Mountain; Hamilton; Notre Dame Prep; Millennium; Salpointe Catholic; Horizon California (9) – Mira Costa; Ontario Christian; Mater Dei; Los Alamitos; Marymount; Bishop’s; Santa Fe Christian; Notre Dame Belmont; Vista Murrieta Idaho (1) – Eagle Kentucky (2) – Dunbar; Sacred Heart Academy Nevada (3) – Shadow Ridge; Faith Lutheran; Bishop Gorman Texas (1) – Cornerstone Christian Utah (1) – Timpview Washington (2) – Emerald Ridge; Mead *** TEAM SPOTLIGHTS A look at the top eight seeds (in order): Cornerstone Christian TX – A case can be made for the Warriors playing the toughest schedule in the nation. The Volleypalooza champions also finished runner up at the Nike TOC Southeast tournament, losing in the final to Westminster Christian FL. Up next is the trip to Arizona to test their talent against a slate of West Coast schools. The offense is built around senior Nayeli Gonzalez and sophomore Megan Fitch. Junior Grace Carroll and sophomore Macey Hughes are right side options while senior Rylee Busse is another choice on the left. The Warriors can run a 5-1 with senior Taylor Anderson or utilize a 6-2 with Anderson and sophomore Kaia Thiele. The backrow is taken care of by senior libero Alyssa Manitzas. Mira Costa CA – The Ann Kang Invitational champs haven’t played a tournament since winning in Hawai’i. The Mustangs picked up a key league victory over Redondo Union on Tuesday, winning in five sets. The team is led by junior S/RS Charlie Fuerbringer. Another key component is senior outside Drew Wright. Senior S/RS Tanon Rosenthal and junior Chloe Hynes also will get in on the attack. At libero it’s sophomore Taylor Deckert. Mater Dei CA – Mater Dei finished ninth at the Durango Fall Classic and should factor into the mix here. Junior outsides Isabel Clark and Babi Gubbins see the majority of the sets. Other contributors on offense include junior right side Cymarah Gordon, senior middle Liz Hertzog and freshman right side Layli Ostovar. Defensively, it’s junior Malyssa Cawa suiting up at libero. Marymount CA – The Sailors have played in two tournaments so far, finishing runner up at both Dave Mohs and the Durango Fall Classic. Is another finals appearance on tap here? Leading the charge is senior stud and outside hitter Torrey Stafford. Other options for senior setter Lauren Brooker includes junior outside Kate Martin and freshman right side Samantha Destler. Senior Alexa Trapani holds down the back row playing libero. Corona del Sol AZ – The Aztecs are having a strong year, having only lost once so far. The only team to defeat Corona del Sol is Sunnyslope, a team the Aztecs have also defeated. Senior right side Kierstyn Barton is the big arm defenses need to be most concerned about. She’s backed by senior middle Ella Lomigora and sophomore outside Alyssa Aguayo. Junior Julia Owens directs the offense. Hamilton AZ – The Huskies have a strong mix of upper and underclassmen contributing. Senior outside Neomi Beach is the kill leader. Behind her is freshman outside Mikayla Haner, freshman pin hitter Nia Curry and sophomore middle Ava Anderson. At the setting position is senior Melia Barlow and at libero is senior Lauren Mullings. Millennium AZ – The Tigers started the week having lost just once, to Sunnyslope in tournament action. The main offensive threat is senior outside Eryn Jones. Junior outside Anne Brauckmiller is another player defenses need to key on. The Tigers run a 6-2 with senior Ava Krienitz and junior Allison Wilson splitting the setting duties. Horizon AZ – The Huskies can be a dangerous foe for anybody. Senior outside Kendal Murphy is a big-time player and the team’s kill leader. Also watch for senior outside Sarah Wadsworth and senior middle GG Greenlee to be targets of sophomore setter Avery Ashcraft. *** MORE PLAYERS TO WATCH Kaia Pixler SO S Sunnyslope AZ Mikayla Shepston JR OH Sunnyslope AZ Georgi Stein SO OH Sunnyslope AZ Taliah Lee SR OH Timpview UT Silina Damuni SR S Timpview UT Tiana Mariner SO L Timpview UT Madison Crnjac FR OH Queen Creek AZ Blaykli Bobik JR OH Queen Creek AZ Izzy Mahaffey SO L Queen Creek AZ Alexis Luszeck SR MB Shadow Ridge NV Aivry Makaiwi SR L Shadow Ridge NV Bianca Richardson JR OH Faith Lutheran NV Tatum Longnecker SR S Arcadia AZ Zoe Leonard JR OH Arcadia AZ Elon Milroy JR RS Los Alamitos CA Ashley Repetti SO OH Los Alamitos CA Taylor Hofland SR MB Los Alamitos CA Finley Workman JR OH Xavier Prep AZ Elle McCreery SO MB Xavier Prep AZ Vivian Hickman FR OH Xavier Prep AZ Blythe Manson SR OH Emerald Ridge WA Grace Wesenberg JR OH Emerald Ridge WA Sydney Bold SR L Bishop’s CA Ayanna Watson FR OH

The Asics Challenge hosted by Mother McAuley of Chicago takes place Friday and Saturday at the host school plus two more sites. It features 24 teams spread across eight pools of three. The pool winners from Day 1 meet in an eight-team gold bracket on Day 2. vballrecruiter.com will be on hand providing coverage of the event. Below, we give a rundown of teams and players to watch for. vballrecruiter.com Nationally-Ranked Teams No. 15 Mother McAuley IL No. 20 Assumption KY No. 21 Huntley IL *** TEAM SPOTLIGHTS Taking a look at the top eight seeds in the field (in order): Mother McAuley IL – The Macs, who captured the LIVT championship at the beginning of the month, suffered their first loss in a setback against Marist last week. Junior outside Ellie White is the heartbeat of the team, leading the way with 240 kills and hitting .403. She’s backed by sophomore outside Sydney Buchanan and junior middle Ellery Rees. McAuley runs a 6-2 with senior setters Tess Hayes and Olivia Klapp and is anchored on defense by senior libero Gigi Navarrete. Assumption KY – The Rockets are preparing for their final tournament of the regular season. Before that though, Assumption is set to face Mother McAuley on Thursday in a lone-standing match. Assumption finished runner-up to the Macs at the LIVT and came in sixth at the Durango Fall Classic. The team relies a lot on junior outside Charlotte Moriarty, the team’s kill leader. Senior setter Whitney Woodrow is at her best when she can also get senior middle Gabrielle Gerry and sophomore middle Bailey Blair heavily involved as well. Defensively, the Rockets have a good one at libero in sophomore Kristen Simon. Notre Dame Academy KY – The Pandas were bounced from contention at the LIVT with a loss to Mount Notre Dame OH in the quarterfinals. Now, they’ll take their shot at the Asics Challenge. Senior Sydney Nolan is the big weapon on the outside that defenses must prepare for. Behind her is a pair of sophomore swingers in Riley McCloskey and Ava Tilden. The Pandas also run a 6-2 with senior Lauren Ott and freshman Lizzy Larkins. The team is also strong at libero with senior Kamden Schrand. Skutt Catholic NE – The Skyhawks are about to log more travel miles. They have already attended the Nike TOC Southeast event in Tampa and now head to Chicago to see if they can come out on top there. Before playing Friday and Saturday though, Skutt takes on No. 30 Benet Academy in a stand-alone contest. Senior outside Morgan Burke is the go-to arm while senior Anna Weberg helps steady the backrow defense. Divine Savior Holy Angels WI – This is DSHA’s first time playing competition outside of the state of Wisconsin. DSHA has fared well against some of the best in its state, splitting matches with both Oconomowoc and Appleton North. Among players to keep an eye on is 4-star recruit and sophomore outside Madison Quest. Junior outside Sophia Wendlick is another, as Quest and Wendlick lead the team in kills respectively. Marist IL – After beating Mother McAuley last week, the Redhawks could be on an upswing and ready to make noise this weekend. Senior middle Ufuoma Omene and sophomore outside Bella Bullington are two to keep watch for. Huntley IL – If the Red Raiders can get past Prairie Ridge on Thursday they’ll enter the weekend undefeated. That perfect mark is certainly going to be tested though in such a strong field. Senior outside Ally Panzloff and junior outside Morgan Jones are key offensive pieces for senior setter Maggie Duyos. Metairie Park LA – Unfortunately, we don’t have any pertinent information on the Cajuns but will gain from seeing then in action this coming weekend. *** MORE PLAYERS TO WATCH Sylvie Zgonc SR OH Hamilton WI Alex Kreutzmann SR S Hamilton WI Eva Finnessy SO OH Hamilton WI Gabbie Anderson SO S Crystal Lake Central IL Mykaela Wallen SO OH Crystal Lake Central IL Grace Grocholski SR OH Kettle Moraine WI Briana Binagi JR OH Kettle Moraine WI Jordan Heatherly SR S/RS Montini Catholic IL Sienna Skarda SO MB/RS Montini Catholic IL Izzie Evenson SO OH Montini Catholic IL Emily Lavin SR OH Brookfield Central WI Emma Koceja SO OH Brookfield Central WI Elle Kelleher SR OH Wahlert Catholic IO Ellie Blotnik SO OH Joliet Catholic IL Olivia Chovanec SO OH Joliet Catholic IL Jessica Horn JR S Joliet Catholic IL Emily Clausen SR OH Catholic Memorial WI Emma Barton SR MB Downers Grove North IL Lauren Salata JR OH Nazareth Academy IL Kitty Sandt SR S/RS Nazareth Academy IL

Last week we checked in on our 5-star recruits from the Class of 2023 and how they were faring so far during their respective high school campaigns. This week, we move onto the Class of 2024 to see how those 5-star recruits have been doing to date. Find out below. Zoey Burgess JR OH/MB Lone Peak UT – Burgess entered the week leading the Knights in kills with 174 and is second in hitting percentage at .341. She’s averaging 3.4 kills per set while also leading the roster in blocks with 39. Morgan Gaerte JR OH Angola IN – The 6-4 outside is having a big season so far. First, the Hornets began the week 22-0 and are among the top contenders in Class 3A. Gaerte – who is committed to Notre Dame – is averaging 5.1 kills per set and leads the way with a total of 278. She’s hitting .414. She’s also second in digs with 104. Lola Schumacher JR L Brebeuf Jesuit IN – The recent Wisconsin commit has helped the Braves rise to No. 25 in our national Top 50 rankings. In 46 sets of action she’s recorded 223 digs, averaging 4.8 per frame. Faith Frame JR L Gretna NE – The Dragons started the week undefeated in district play. The defensive stalwart in Frame – who is committed to Cincinnati – has registered 274 digs, averaging 14.4 per match. Ava Utterback JR OH Plainfield IN – The Louisville commit has missed time this season and has played in roughly half of the Quakers’ sets. She has 90 kills, averaging 2.9 per set. Izzy Starck JR S/RS Rampart CO – Starck – a Penn State commit – is turning in an impressive season to date. She leads the Rams in assists with 167. She’s also first in digs with 80 and second in kills at 105, averaging 3.3 per set, while hitting .419. Olivia Mauch JR L Bennington NE – A top-ranked libero committed to Nebraska, Mauch is putting up head-scratching numbers for the Badgers. She’s totaled 394 digs to date, averaging an incredible 23.2 per match and 9.0 per set. She’s also the team’s leader in aces with 28. Skyler Pierce JR OH Olathe Northwest KS – Another Nebraska commit, Pierce and her Ravens teammates are off to a 9-0 mark in district play while sporting an overall record of 12-4. Not surprisingly, Pierce has been a force and leads the team with 136 kills. She’s averaging 5.7 per set and is hitting .350. She’s also second in aces (12) and digs (78). Lauren Harden JR OH Hamilton Southeastern IN – The Royals checked in at No. 12 in our updated Top 50 national rankings this week and Harden has been part of that success. She’s second on the roster in kills with 179, averaging 3.2 per set. She’s also third in blocks with 41. Allie Shondell JR S McCutcheon IN – The Mavericks are up to No. 3 in our latest national rankings, with Shondell guiding the attack. The Purdue commit is averaging 10.4 dimes per set and has dished out a total of 543 assists. Charlie Fuerbringer JR S/RS Mira Costa CA – Fuerbringer – a Wisconsin commit – brings versatility to the Mustangs lineup giving her team the ability to run a 6-2 or a 5-1 with her. She’s been primarily a setter but in limited time as an attacker has but down 45 kills on 87 swings, hitting .448. Ayden Ames JR OH Prosper TX – Committed to Nebraska as a middle blocker, Ames plays on the left for the Eagles. She’s the kill leader, racking up 266 kills entering the week. She’s averaging 3.8 per set and is hitting .347. In addition, Ames is the current block leader with 47. Jaela Auguste JR MB Grand Oaks TX – August – a Florida commit – has been difficult to slow down this year on the attack. She’s hitting a whopping .534 out of the middle and is third overall in kills with 197. She’s also been a menace with her blocking, putting up 101 stuffs entering the week. That’s good for an average of 1.3 per set. She has 40 more blocks than next closet teammate. Alex Acevedo JR OH Skyview ID – Acevedo – who is committed to Oregon – hasn’t been able to swing full-time this season but she’s been very effective when she’s been able to hit across the front row. She’s still recorded 139 kills, an average of 4.2 per set, and is hitting .377. Avery Jackson JR OH The Hockaday School TX – Another 5-star recruit who hasn’t been able to hit full-time, the Stanford beach commit has still found ways to contribute in a major way while on the court. Jackson leads the team in digs with 321, averaging 4.8 per set. She entered the week with 104 kills. Babi Gubbins JR OH Mater Dei CA – The Monarchs have been up-and-down this season and Gubbins has played in all but six sets this season. She’s second on the team in kills with 143. She’s averaging 2.5 per set. She’s also the team’s ace leader with 18. Hannah Benjamin JR OH Fideles Christian GA – Benjamin – a Kentucky commit – is having a huge year to date. She’s amassed 258 kills, averaging 6.3 per set. On top of that, she’s hitting a remarkable .485. She’s also served a team-leading 42 aces and is second overall in digs, only five off of first. Alex Bower JR S Skyview ID – The BYU commit has her hands all over the Hawks’ attack. The junior setter has racked up 297 assists in 34 sets, averaging 8.7 per. She’s also been tough from the service line with a team-high 22 aces. Carlie Cisneros JR OH Liberty North MO – Cisneros – an Arizona commit – is leading the Eagles in kills with 208. She’s averaging 4.7 per set and is hitting .321. She’s also second in digs

As the calendar turns to October late this week we begin approaching the final weeks of the high school season. The state tournaments are what’s going to strong shape the national rankings once those begin but until then we continue on with our weekly release. Top-ranked Cathedral Catholic CA held onto its spot as the Dons remain undefeated. However, Mother McAuley IL suffered its first loss of the season – falling to Marist IL – last week ahead of taking on Assumption KY on Thursday before hosting the Asics Challenge this weekend. Also on top is the Nike TOC Southwest event in Phoenix. We’ll have previews on both. With Mother McAuley falling out of the Top 10 it opened a spot for Oconomowoc WI to join in its place. Additionally, four more schools make their Top 50 debuts. vballrecruiter.com TOP 50 1. Cathedral Catholic CA (1 – last week’s ranking) 2. Westminster Christian FL (3) 3. McCutcheon IN (4) 4. Mira Costa CA (5) 5. Cornerstone Christian TX (6) 6. Marian MI (7) 7. Prestonwood Christian TX (8) 8. St. James Academy KS (9) 9. Santa Fe FL (10) 10. Oconomowoc WI (11) *** 11. Highland Park TX (12) 12. Hamilton Southeastern IN (13) 13. Sierra Canyon CA (14) 14. Washburn Rural KS (15) 15. Mother McAuley IL (2) 16. Cypress Ranch TX (17) 17. Marymount CA (18) 18. Fayetteville AR (20) 19. Aquinas KS (19) 20. Assumption KY (21) *** 21. Huntley IL (n/r) 22. ‘Iolani HI (25) 23. Lincoln Southwest NE (16) 24. Liberty MO (34) 25. Brebeuf Jesuit IN (24) 26. Mercy McAuley OH (23) 27. Ursuline Academy OH (28) 28. Yorktown IN (29) 29. Corona del Sol AZ (32) 30. Benet Academy IL (n/r) *** 31. Magnificat OH (40) 32. Papillion-LaVista South NE (30) 33. Punahou HI (31) 34. Torrey Pines CA (33) 35. Dike-New Hartford IO (27) 36. Mercy MI (37) 37. St. Ursula Academy OH (35) 38. Skyline MI (41) 39. St. Francis/Mountain View CA (42) 40. North Gwinnett GA (n/r) *** 41. Palos Verdes CA (47) 42. Barrington IL (26) 43. Redondo Union CA (36) 44. Mater Dei CA (38) 45. Mountain View UT (45) 46. Plano West TX (45) 47. Millennium AZ (46) 48. Rock Bridge MO (48) 49. Archbishop Mitty CA (49) 50. Hamilton AZ (n/r) Out: Pickens SC; Mount Notre Dame OH; Northfield MN; Wayzata MNIn: North Gwinnett GA; Benet Academy IL; Huntley IL; Hamilton AZ HONORABLE MENTION Xavier IO Lyons IL Marist IL Mount Notre Dame OH Wayzata MN Pickens SC Lake Catholic OH Heritage CO Trinity Catholic FL Blue Valley Northwest KS Northfield MN Horizon AZ Blue Valley North KS Lincoln-Way East IL Vista Murrieta CA Harvard-Westlake CA Perry AZ Queen Creek AZ Calvary Christin FL Blue Valley KS St. Joseph’s Academy MO Ankeny IO Iowa City Liberty IO Tompkins TX Keller TX The Woodlands TX Bridgeland TX Barbers Hill TX Rockwall TX Walton GA Knoxville Christian TN Dorman SC Mercy KY Sequoyah GA Alpharetta GA Pope GA Champlin Park MN Lakeville North MN Brookfield Central WI Olentangy Liberty OH Ardrey Kell NC Millbrook NC Cardinal Newman SC McGill-Toolen AL Brandon MS Moanalua HI Ponte Vedra FL Plant FL Venice FL Marvin Ridge NC St. Henry KY Tampa Prep FL Skutt Catholic NE Buford GA O’Connor AZ Appleton North WI Divine Savior Holy Angels WI Eureka MO Chaparral CO Lincoln East NE Kamehameha HI Cleveland TN Timpview UT

Bouncing from tournament to tournament one weekend to the next is how the high school season starts to fly by. We are almost through September. We are starting to hone in on the top teams in the country, though our National Top 50 Rankings are sure to keep having its share of movement throughout the next month. Some of the top teams in the country feature 5-star recruits from the Class of 2023. Conversely, some of the 5-star recruits play for teams that have faced their share of challenges to begin the year. Below, we check in on our 5-star senior recruits and how they’ve been faring so far. Ramsey Gary SR L Pendleton Heights IN – The Indiana commit is not surprisingly leading her squad in digs. She’s collected 254 as of press time and is averaging 4.0 per set. Gary also has the most aces on the team with 38 to date and has chipped in with 42 assists. Grace Heaney SR RS Elkhorn South NE – Elkhorn South has started the season 13-2 behind the play of Heaney. The only two losses have come against nationally-ranked schools in Lincoln East and Papillion-LaVista South. The Purdue commit has delivered a team-high 183 kills, averaging 4.6 per set, while hitting .333. She also has a team-leading 22 blocks. Sydney Schnichels SR RS Wilmar MN – There’s no denying Schnichels has been carrying a big load for the Cardinals. She’s taken almost 200 more swings then the next closest attacker. She has produced a team-high 210 kills while hitting .313. Laney Choboy SR OH Leesville Road NC – One of the top libero prospects in the country, Choboy is committed to Minnesota but is playing on the outside for the Pride. She’s leading the way offensively with 111 kills and is hitting .226. She’s also second in digs averaging 4.0 per set. Saige Damrow SR OH Howards Grove WI – Like Choboy, Damrow is another top-ranked libero hitting in high school. The Wisconsin commit has helped the Tigers go 23-4 so far, including two losses to nationally-ranked Oconomowoc. Damrow has put down 185 kills and is hitting .366 despite missing nearly half the year. She’s also second in aces and third in total digs, though she’s first in average at 5.0 per set. Ashley Mullen SR S Liberty MO – The UCLA commit has guided the Blue Jays to a 19-1 start and a No. 34 ranking in our national Top 50. The only loss came against No. 19 Aquinas. Mullen has dished out 529 assists so far, averaging 9.6 per set. She’s also second in aces with 36. Eloise Brandewie SR MB Bishop Hartley – With Brandewie leading the charge, the Hawks entered the week a perfect 14-0. In 33 sets of action she’s nailed 136 kills and is hitting a ridiculous .548. The Ohio State commit is also the block leader with 34. Ella Swindle SR S Rock Bridge MO – The Texas commit has her hands all over the Bruins’ 11-1 mark. She’s averaging 7.6 assists per set and has totaled 251 to date. She’s also second in blocks with 34 and is the team’s second leading scorer as well with 67 kills. Bergen Reilly SR OH O’Gorman SD – One of the nation’s top setting prospects who is committed to Nebraska, Reilly is hitting for the Knights. She’s come up with a team-high 85 kills and is averaging 5.3 per set. Jurnee Robinson SR OH Mauldin SC – The LSU commit is having a monster season. That should shock no one. The Mavericks are 20-5 with Robinson giving them 296 kills and hitting .408. Blaire Bayless SR OH Plano West TX – The Pitt commit and her Wolves teammates have been on a roll lately as they are currently enjoying an 18-match winning streak as of this writing. It includes avenging one of their losses to Lovejoy as Plano West made its Top 50 debut this week at No. 45. Bayless leads the way with 295 kills and is averaging 4.2 per set. She also has an incredible 93 aces. Olivia Babcock SR OH Sierra Canyon CA – The Trailblazers are having an amazing season to date on the strength of Babcock’s play. The Pitt commit has sent down 328 kills and is averaging 4.6 per set. She also has a team-high 45 aces and is second in blocks with 58. Caroline Jurevicius SR OH Notre Dame Cathedral OH – At 8-5, it’s been a challenging start to the season for the Lions, who entered their Sept. 22 contest against Lake Catholic having lost three consecutive matches in five games. The powerful arm of Jurevicius – a Nebraska commit – has tallied 200 kills as she’s hitting .323 and averaging 4.3 per set. Torrey Stafford SR OH Marymount CA – The Sailors have found recent tournament success, finishing runner-up at Dave Mohs and the Durango Fall Classic. Stafford – another Pitt commit – is out in front with 132 kills, averaging 4.1 per set and hitting .281. Kyndal Stowers SR OH Guyer TX – The Baylor commit just recently made her debut. She’s appeared in four of her team’s 67 sets. She has come up with 17 kills, averaging 4.3 per set, which tied for top honors. Jordyn Harvey SR OH Bountiful UT – The Stanford commit and company entered the week unbeaten at 13-0. Harvey is having a great senior year so far with 166 kills. She’s averaging 4.9 per set and is hitting .390. Harper Murray SR OH Skyline MI – At 20-3, Skyline has shown itself to be one of the top schools in Michigan behind the play of the Nebraska commit in Murray. She has more than half the team’s total kills with 340. She’s hitting a mind-blowing .434 so far and is averaging an insane 6.1 kills per set. Chloe Chicoine SR OH McCutcheon IN – The only blemish on the schedule so far remains an August loss to Yorktown.