Class 5 Preseason Rankings 1-5
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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…
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Continue ReadingHere’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:
Maya Witherspoon Maya Witherspoon 5'11" | OH Lafayette | 2025 State #44 Nation MO 252 kills and 210 digs
Alyssa Nelson Alyssa Nelson 5'8" | S Wildwood | 2024 State MO 1114 assists and 318 digs
Caitlyn Little Caitlyn Little 5'10" | OH Lafayette | 2023 State MO 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.
Abigail Mullen Abigail Mullen 6'3" | RS Liberty | 2025 State #3 Nation MO 368 kills and 199 digs
Ashley Mullen Ashley Mullen 5'10" | S Liberty | 2023 State #9 Nation MO 2333 career assists
Brooklyn Young Brooklyn Young 6'0" | MB Liberty | 2023 State MO 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.
Olivia Hasbrook Olivia Hasbrook 5'9" | DS/L Eureka | 2024 State #56 Nation MO 436 digs
Juliette Myrick Juliette Myrick 5'11" | S Eureka | 2023 State #100 Nation MO 135 kills and 531 assists
Rylie Cepicky Rylie Cepicky 6'0" | OH Eureka | 2024 State MO 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:
Carlie Cisneros Carlie Cisneros 6'0" | OH Liberty North | 2024 State #7 Nation MO 389 kills and 306 digs
Abigail Christian Abigail Christian 5'9" | DS/L Liberty North | 2023 State MO 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:
Ella Swindle Ella Swindle 6'2" | S Rock Bridge | 2023 State #6 Nation MO 141 kills and 690 assists
Lily Dudley Lily Dudley 5'10" | OH Rock Bridge | 2023 State #192 Nation MO 258 digs and 388 kills
Kyra Thomas Kyra Thomas 6'0" | MB Rock Bridge | 2023 State MO 174 kills and 81 blocks