Class 5 Preseason Rankings 6-10

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. Look at my picks for 6-10 and 1-5 coming out next week.     6. St. Dominic Crusaders 26-11-3   This program has taken off the last couple of years and is now a mainstay in the playoffs. Last year 3rd place finisher with a win over Rock Bridge lost an outside, right-side, and setter but returned several D1 recruits and a newcomer setter that's one of the best in the 2025 class.   Key Returners:   [player_tooltip player_id='168903' first='Kayla' last='Robertson'] 292 kills   [player_tooltip player_id='152149' first='Faith' last='Henke'] 150 kills and 62 blocks   7. Kickapoo Chiefs 26-8   Kickapoo lost four to graduation, has the returning core led by an outstanding outside hitter, and should be the team to beat in the Springfield area. Plenty return to make them a dangerous opponent.   Key Returners:   Bella Faria 295 kills and 276 digs   Reagan Greenway 151 digs and 571 assists   Grace Gardner 55 blocks and 155 kills   8. St. Joseph's Academy Angels 16-10-1   The Angels have Mizzou commit on the outside, slamming balls, a great setter, and some big blocking middles and right sides returning. They lost to Francis Howell Central in 5 in the state playoffs.   Key Returners:   [player_tooltip player_id='124216' first='Claire' last='Morrissey'] 307 kills and 180 digs   Abbie Raga 180 digs and 633 assists   [player_tooltip player_id='207583' first='Kayla' last='Jansen'] 76 kills and 51 blocks   9. Francis Howell Central Spartans 20-10-3   Returning two of the top young hitters in the state and country is impressive and should make Central a tough team beat. Last year, a 2-3 defeat to St. Dominic in the playoffs should spark Central to return with a vengeance.   Key Returners:   [player_tooltip player_id='123471' first='Emma' last='Blaine'] 271 kills and 129 blocks   [player_tooltip player_id='153933' first='Jordan' last='Smith'] 363 kills, 44 blocks, and 150 digs   La [player_tooltip player_id='150050' first='Shae' last='Pearson'] 149 digs and 239 kills   Faith Rekosh 235 kills and 200 digs   10. Francis Howell Vikings 16-14-4   Howell was a young but talented team last year and only lost one starter from last year. Stuck in a district with Eureka, Borgia, and Lafayette doesn't do them any favors. The schedule is a monster, but it should prepare them to come playoffs, and if they can get into another district, they could be tough to stop.   Key Returners:   [player_tooltip player_id='174285' first='Avery' last='Helms'] 423 digs   [player_tooltip player_id='153928' first='Morgan' last='Dumm'] 605 assists   [player_tooltip player_id='170047' first='Danielle' last='Moore'] 110 kills

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. Look at my picks for 6-10 and 1-5 coming out next week.