Three 4A High School Programs to Watch in 2021

With the high school season (FINALLY) right around the corner, these three 5A teams are sure to dominate their way to the 4A State Tournament. But just how far will they go? Disclaimer: We are aware that the State tournament is going to look very different this year, and are waiting to hear what the OSAA decides. However, we are going to pretend, just for a moment, that this season will lead to a normal post-season with the culmination of a State tournament. <img class="alignleft" src="https://www.osaa.org/images/school_logos/128x128/Sisters.png" alt="" width="128" height="128" />Sisters High School The Sisters High School Outlaws have consistently been a top 4A volleyball program in the state, finishing fourth in 2019, third in 2018, and second in 2017. Having only lost two seniors last season, it is safe to say they will be a dominant program again. They will be returning 4A Second Team All-State and Oregon West First Team All-League Great Davis, their dominant six rotation outside hitter. Also returning is [player_tooltip player_id="91148" first="Ellie" last="Rush"], who received 4A All-State Honorable Mention and Oregon West First Team All-League accolades, their starting setter since her freshman year. [player_tooltip player_id="91159" first="Sophie" last="Silva"], who was one of the teams starting middle blockers, will be back. However, she spent the offseason training with Central Oregon Volleyball Club working on all aspects of her game, front and back row, so she may be seen in a different position with the Outlaws. Their libero, [player_tooltip player_id="91225" first="Sydney" last="Myhre"], only a junior and an Oregon West All-League Honorable mention, will be back to dominate in the back row. Their head coach Rory Rush, and setter [player_tooltip player_id="91148" first="Ellie" last="Rush"]’s mom, will be back to mentor the Outlaws. It will be exciting to see if the Outlaws will have another top-five finish for the fourth year in a row. Key Players: 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="91148" first="Ellie" last="Rush"], 5’5", S, Central Oregon Volleyball Club [player_tooltip player_id="91159" first="Sophie" last="Silva"], 5’8", MB, Central Oregon Volleyball Club 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="91218" first="Greta" last="Davis"], 5’11", OH, North Pacific Juniors [player_tooltip player_id="91225" first="Sydney" last="Myhre"], DS, North Pacific Juniors <img class="alignleft" src="https://www.osaa.org/images/school_logos/128x128/SweetHome.png" alt="" width="128" height="128" />Sweet Home High School Although the Sweet Home High School Huskies lost to the Valley Catholic High School Valiants last season in the 4A State Championship, they only graduated three seniors last year so they have a good chance of competing for a state title again. They will be returning 4A First Team All-State, Oregon West First Team All-League, and Oregon West Player of the Year [player_tooltip player_id="91143" first="Bailee" last="Hartsook"]. She was absolutely vital to the Huskies’ success last season as a go-to attacker for the team. Spending the offseason training with North Pacific Juniors, competing at a high level, and making the 18-1 Forefront team, it is safe to say she will be ready to make an impact during the high school season. She recently committed to Western Oregon University. Also returning are Linn-Benton Community College commits [player_tooltip player_id="91203" first="Savannah" last="Hutchins"], [player_tooltip player_id="91149" first="Graci" last="Zanona"], and Shelby Nichol. Hutchins was awarded 4A All-State Honorable Mention as well as Oregon West First Team All-League last season and will be running the offense for the Huskies this season as their starting setter. Zanona received 4A All-State Honorable Mention as well as Oregon West First Team All-League last season as their starting libero. Nichol, an Oregon West Second Team All-League selection, will be another option for the Huskies in the front row. Also coming back this season is Oregon West Honorable Mention [player_tooltip player_id="91259" first="Jamie" last="Seward"]. This senior spent a bulk of the off-season training on the sand for Oregon Sand Volleyball Club. A talented right side with an explosive approach, she will be another impact player for the Huskies. Their coach, Mary Hutchins, was awarded Oregon West Coach of the Year and will be back to guide the Huskies. With most of their starting line-up returning, it will be exciting to see what the Huskies can do this season. Key Players: 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="91143" first="Bailee" last="Hartsook"], 5’10", OH/MB, North Pacific Juniors, Western Oregon University [player_tooltip player_id="91203" first="Savannah" last="Hutchins"], 5’5", S, Sweet Home Volleyball Club, Linn-Benton Community College [player_tooltip player_id="91149" first="Graci" last="Zanona"], 5’4”, DS, Sweet Home Volleyball Club, Linn-Benton Community College Shelby Nichol, OH, Sweet Home Volleyball Club, Linn-Benton Community College <img class="alignleft" src="https://www.osaa.org/images/school_logos/128x128/ValleyCatholic.png" alt="" width="128" height="128" /> Valley Catholic High School After winning two consecutive 4A State titles in 2018 and 2019, the Valley Catholic High School Valiants have a good shot at winning yet another state title in 2021. Even though they graduated six seniors, they are still returning some key players to their line-up. One of their middle blockers, Maddie Klopcic, a Cowapa All-League, and 4A Second Team All-State selection, will be returning, having recently committed to University of Puget Sound. Also in the front row, [player_tooltip player_id="91163" first="Gretchen" last="Kibbe"], a Cowapa All-League Honorable Mention, was a strong blocker and attacker on their right side. Last season freshmen [player_tooltip player_id="91320" first="Frances" last="Eisenhardt"] and [player_tooltip player_id="91314" first="Naima" last="Foster"] took on a big role for the Valiants. Foster was a go-to attacker for the team, showcasing her athleticism on the outside attack. Her play during the State tournament was notable, receiving 4A First Team All-Tournament, a huge nod for a freshman. Eisenhardt was a six-rotation standout, garnering the most aces and the highest perfect pass percentage. Last season’s starting libero was 2020 Zoey VanVleet (Brooklyn College), however, defensive specialist and starter for the Valiants since her freshman year, 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="91235" first="Kylee" last="King"], could definitely take the reins. King was a Cowapa All-League Honorable Mention last season and spent the club season training with Athena 16-1 National. The biggest hole in their lineup will be the setter, previously held by Alli Merz, Cowapa and 4A Player of the Year, and current Long Island University player. Luckily, the Valiants have options. They will be returning 2021 Emma Milton who saw some court time running the offense. Also on the rise, is freshman setter Katiya Blas-Arellano, who is definitely a contender for the position. Their coach Becky Kemper was awarded Cowapa Conference Coach of the Year. OACA 4A Volleyball Coach of the year, and National Federation of State High School Associations Northwest Sectional Coach of the Year last season and will be returning to lead the Valiants. With a stacked roster, it will be exciting to see how far the Valiants go.   Key Players: 2021: [player_tooltip player_id="91127" first="Madeline" last="Klopcic"], 6’1", MB, Athena Volleyball Academy, University of Puget Sound [player_tooltip player_id="91163" first="Gretchen" last="Kibbe"], 5’10", RS, Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy Emma Milton, 5’3”, S/DS 2022: [player_tooltip player_id="91235" first="Kylee" last="King"], 5’4", DS, Athena Volleyball Academy 2023: [player_tooltip player_id="91320" first="Frances" last="Eisenhardt"], 5’8", DS, Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy [player_tooltip player_id="91314" first="Naima" last="Foster"], 5’10", OH/RS, Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy 2024: Katiya Blas-Arellano, 5’2”, S, Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy