Class 4 Final Four Preview

Nerinx Hall Markers 21-10-4 vs. Westminster Christian Wildcats 24-8 Here’s a match-up I’m excited about watching. Nerinx Hall is making a repeat trip to the final four after taking 4th last year. Westminister hasn’t been here in a decade. Nerinx Hall has a wicked libero, and Westminster has a couple of big right-side hitters. They both have lost to the same teams, and Westminster has knocked off a couple that Nerinx lost to and vice versa. It will be middle and libero versus outside and right-side hitters in this match-up.   Common Opponents: Nerinx Hall 6-2-1 Westminster 5-4   Key Players: Katie Boston (2022) | Nerinx Hall She might be the best middle remaining in the group. It should be interesting to see what she can do containing the pins that Westminster has. Ella Gaona (2023) | Nerinx Hall Now I know this one is the best libero remaining in this class. Ella can flat-out pass and play defense with the best and will need a big game to give Nerinx a chance at the title. Alli Bishop (2023) | Westminster With the line shot, the 6’0 lefty right-side hitter can be deadly, so it should be a great battle between her and Nerinx libero. [player_tooltip player_id="152125" first="Shelby" last="Truitt"] (2023) |Westminster Another junior on this Westminster team can rip it on the three-ball to the outside. Look for her to have a big game if Westminister wants to advance. [player_tooltip player_id="152141" first="Emma" last="Fairchild"] (2023) | Westminster This junior class should be in the hunt next year, but Fairchild wants the title now. The hard-hitting outside leads her team with 231 kills on the season.   Prediction: Westminster might be a year away from winning the title, but I think Nerinx Hall has an outstanding libero and middle blocker that will keep the ball from hitting the ground. If Westminster can get the pins going and through in the middle hitters once in a while, they could keep Nerinx off-balance enough to steal the win. Nerinx Hall in 4 because of the libero play.       Logan-Rogersville 22-11-1 vs. Pembroke Hill Raiders 17-11-2 So, the records are not flashy in Class 4, but most of these teams play competition about their class. Logan-Rogersville knocked off the defending state champion Willard. I knew Logan-Rogersville was tough, and the schedule proves it. Losses to Willard, Nixa, Borgia, Eureka, Webb City, and a couple of Arkansas and one from Kansas. This team is legit and will push for the title. Pembroke Hill is no slouch either and just knocked off Pleasant Hill 3-1, a team that beat Pembroke Hill earlier in the year, and then St. Pius X in the quarterfinals, another team that beat the Raiders earlier this year.   Common Opponents: None   Key Players: Brianna Linehan (2022) | Logan-Rogersville The 6’0 outside hitter for Rogersville is the team leader in kills with 269. They give her the ball often on the pin, and she loves the line shot. [player_tooltip player_id="123463" first="Zoe" last="Reel"] (2023) | Logan-Rogersville Transfer from Crane has stepped into the line-up and gave Rogersville the missing pieces to get them back to the final four. 2nd on the team in kills with 212. [player_tooltip player_id="152121" first="Lauren" last="Tyler"] (2023) | Logan-Rogersville The 5’9 lefty setter has been running the show all season and done it well. Watch out for those nasty dumps. [player_tooltip player_id="119183" first="Sarah" last="Lattan"] (2022) | Pembroke Hill At 6’3, this middle has the footwork to get to the pins and transitions of the net nicely to run 3’s and slides. With her height and wingspan, it will be crucial for Lattan to help shut down the big hitters for Rogersville. Paige Edwards (2022) | Pembroke Hill Another 6’0 outside hitter does most of the damage for the Raiders and is the kill leader. Another long and high contact point hitter that loves to hit the deep court for the kills. [player_tooltip player_id="98678" first="Sydney" last="Draper"] (2023) | Pembroke Hill Offensive minded setter that loves to send the ball to the deep left-back for the kill after kill. Torched St. Pius X with nine kills in the quarterfinals, and she will need another solid offensive match to get by Rogersville.   Prediction: After talking and watching a video of Pembroke Hill, I’ve been impressed with what I’ve heard and seen. I watched Rogersville earlier in the year and was impressed with them as well. Rogersville has been here before, and Pembroke Hill is making its first appearance. I think the atmosphere will get to Pembroke Hill, and Rogersville will take it in 5.