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.
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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.
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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 set.
Cleveland TN – The Blue Raiders (48-5) could be the team to beat in Class 3A. They have a 1-2 force on the outside with sophomore Lauren Hurst (4.3 killsand 2.4 digs per set) and senior Addison Hurst (4.0, 2.6). Running the offense effectively has been junior setter Kinslee McGowan, who is averaging 8.4 assists per set.
Pope GA – The Greyhounds (41-5) are part of the competitive Class 6A state championships. They are among a handful of schools capable of winning it all. Junior Sophia Harvey, a 6-1 outside, 6-3 junior sophomore middle Ellis Crawford and senior outside Becky Blaydes are a vital part of the offense.
