Kansas Teams Looking Strong

<p>A couple of weeks ago we highlighted some teams strong out the gate around the state. Heading into this week, we again browse the sunflower state to see which teams and players are looking good.</p> <p><strong>St. Thomas Aquinas: 8-0</strong></p> <p>It’s still early but has there been a more impressive team in the state than St. Thomas Aquinas? They defeated Nebraska state powerhouse Skutt Catholic last week. They then went on to win the Mo/Kan Tournament defeating Liberty North and Liberty along the way. [player_tooltip player_id="119689" first="Ava" last="Martin"] is making her early case for player of the year averaging over 5 kills a set thus far. [player_tooltip player_id="152165" first="Reagan" last="Anderson"] is digging up everything that comes her way.  [player_tooltip player_id="119692" first="Sophia" last="Bond"] and Kelsey Schenck have been excellent running the 6-2. </p> <p><strong>Lansing: 8-1</strong></p> <p>The Lions dropped their first match of the year at the St. James Jam and haven’t looked back rattling off 8 straight wins. In this run, they knocked off a good Platte County team from across the state line. [player_tooltip player_id="120076" first="Olivia" last="Mae Van Der Werff"] has 85 kills to lead Lansing. Backcourt leader [player_tooltip player_id="105685" first="Kamryn" last="Farris"] is pacing the defense with 105 digs. Senior [player_tooltip player_id="123106" first="Caitlin" last="Bishop"] has been one of the best in the state the last couple of years and has dished out 195 assists. </p> <p><strong>Blue Valley North: 14-1</strong></p> <p>The one hiccup on the Mustangs schedule so far has been at the hands of St. James. That is nothing to be ashamed of and they are making their case to be a team we talk about come late October. They have the pieces to make a deep tournament run. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id="154041" first="Logan" last="Parks"] has introduced herself to her high school opponents with 116 kills in her debut season. The team has over 100 aces so far this season led by [player_tooltip player_id="105633" first="Jasmine" last="Dulan"] with 23 and [player_tooltip player_id="119693" first="Janelle" last="Green"] and Parks with 20 each. [player_tooltip player_id="120030" first="Nora" last="Carlsen"] has been steady defensively with 118 digs. </p> <p><strong>Circle: 10-1</strong></p> <p>The Thunderbirds have opened the 2021 campaign strong with 10 wins. Those wins include knocking off McPherson. They don’t upload their stats to Maxpreps. </p> <p><strong>Cheney:  12-1</strong></p> <p>The Cardinals have been impressive early in 2021. They have knocked off teams like Rose Hill and Garden City to prove they are a team to be discussed as a favorite in 3A. Olivia Albers and Anna Martin are leading the offensive threat with 74 and 62 kills in 2021. [player_tooltip player_id="105672" first="Brooklyn" last="Wewe"] has been excellent in setting up her favorite hitters and has 182 assists. </p> <p><strong>Wichita Northwest: 12-0</strong></p> <p>We highlighted this team preseason as a team to keep an eye on. They can’t sneak up on anyone now with a 12-0 start. They were impressive in the defeat of Bishop Carroll. Their stats aren’t up to date but early in the year [player_tooltip player_id="105645" first="Caiya" last="Stucky"] and Daetyn Bogle were leading the team in kills. </p>