Class 5 Preseason Rankings 1-5

Here's where I start getting into more trouble. Class 5 is loaded with D1 talent, and it's hard for me to decide who goes where so I base my rankings on who is returning and where—my reasoning for doing the rankings is because the state doesn't do rankings for volleyball. The success factor for privates plays big in Class 5, making it harder to do until districts are released. My favorite part is reading the comments from fans of each team. This is done for fun and to get more people talking about high school volleyball—my top five.     1. Lafayette Lancers 32-5-1   Lafayette, in my opinion, was upset in last year's playoffs, but this school is stacked with talent from varsity to the freshman team. Everywhere you look, they have kids ranked in all classes and return the most talent of any team in the state. Top-rated players line this team up for a special season.   Key Returners:   [player_tooltip player_id='153929' first='Maya' last='Witherspoon'] 252 kills and 210 digs   [player_tooltip player_id='124219' first='Alyssa' last='Nelson'] 1114 assists and 318 digs   [player_tooltip player_id='123472' first='Caitlyn' last='Little'] 269 kills   2. Liberty Blue Jays 26-5   Can you imagine Liberty's team if there were still just one high school? It would be ridiculous! They return one of the best 2025 players in the country, a setter going to UCLA next year, and a core of 2023 top-notch players. This team will be tough to beat, but a crosstown rival might have other ideas.   [player_tooltip player_id='153930' first='Abigail' last='Mullen'] 368 kills and 199 digs   [player_tooltip player_id='99216' first='Ashley' last='Mullen'] 2333 career assists   [player_tooltip player_id='99215' first='Brooklyn' last='Young'] 213 kills and 62 blocks   3. Eureka Wildcats 30-4   The Wildcats got knocked off by Lafayette in the district final 2-3 but returned talent all over the court. They lost a big-time outside that team but returned enough to get my nod at a 3. I can't wait for the 9/13 date with Lafayette, and the list of teams coming to the Eureka Tournament is impressive.   [player_tooltip player_id='124215' first='Olivia' last='Hasbrook'] 436 digs   [player_tooltip player_id='102554' first='Juliette' last='Myrick'] 135 kills and 531 assists   [player_tooltip player_id='150048' first='Rylie' last='Cepicky'] 210 kills   4. Liberty North Eagles 32-4   Again not sure what's going on in Liberty, MO, but it's a volleyball hotbed. The team lost a D1 player to graduation but returned enough to be a contender once again. Having the best 2024 players in the state is impressive, but the best 2024 player in the country is incredible. The schedule is impressive and should prepare the Eagles come playoffs. A date with Liberty for town bragging rights on 9/27 is a can't miss event in Liberty.   Key Returners:   [player_tooltip player_id='119226' first='Carlie' last='Cisneros'] 389 kills and 306 digs   [player_tooltip player_id='119225' first='Abigail' last='Christian'] 433 digs   5. Rock Bridge Bruins 34-6   Last year's 4th place finisher returns one of the top setters in the country and is headed off to Texas. She's not the only one on the team that heads off to a D1 program. A high flying outside hitter gives the setter a top-notch target. A beefed-up schedule will help prepare the Bruins for the playoffs and a return trip to the final four.   Key Returners:   [player_tooltip player_id='101566' first='Ella' last='Swindle'] 141 kills and 690 assists   [player_tooltip player_id='119220' first='Lily' last='Dudley'] 258 digs and 388 kills   [player_tooltip player_id='152146' first='Kyra' last='Thomas'] 174 kills and 81 blocks

Here's where I start getting into more trouble. Class 5 is loaded with D1 talent, and it's hard for me to decide who goes where so I base my rankings on who is returning and where—my reasoning for doing the rankings is because the state doesn't do rankings for volleyball. The success factor for privates plays big in Class 5, making it harder to do until districts are released. My favorite part is reading the comments from fans of each team. This is done for fun and to get more people talking about high school volleyball—my top five.