The Dark Horses: Which Teams to Watch Out for in the Post Season

<p>As we inch closer and closer to playoffs, several teams emerge themselves as teams to watch. Not only are these teams stacked in skill, but they bring something extra to the table like grit, hard work, determination, stability under pressure, or high team volleyball IQ. Some teams have a history of deep playoff runs, others are itching for the opportunity. Each time has its own reasons for going the extra mile. Below we will highlight 5 teams from around the state, who we believe could make a real shake-up in the playoff brackets and pull out some big wins. </p>   <h2>Klein Oak</h2>   <p>Klein Oak volleyball has already won more games this year than the program did last year all season. They are in Region II District 15, which is a very competitive district just north of Houston. Last season they just barely missed the playoffs, but this season they have made some changes and are playing more competitively. Senior outside hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='141246' first='Gracie' last='Campbell']</strong> just recently surpassed 1,000 career kills. She has been playing lights out for the Lady Panthers. New head coach DaVette McCall has come in and made some changes defensively, starting with libero<strong> Tatum Lockhardt</strong>. Moving her to middle back has allowed her to grab 360 digs so far this season for an average of almost 5 digs per set. They have a very well-rounded offense with<strong> Catherine Singletary </strong>and <strong>Hannah Akala</strong> on the pins. Kate has grown into a great 6 rotation option for the Lady Panthers, and Hannah not only brings a huge block but can dig the ball very well out of right back. They play a very structured game and have very high expectations for themselves. If they gain a little momentum that could mean bad news for the opposing team, as they will not back down from a fight.</p>   <h2>Marcus</h2>   <p>Last season, Marcus went three rounds deep into the playoffs after finishing 3rd in their gauntlet of a district. They have already beat Flower Mound in the first round of district play, which puts them at 2-0 so far. They are led by new head coach Lindsey Petzold, bringing her expertise as well. A sophomore is leading the way offensively for Marcus, pin hitter <strong>Halle Jameson</strong>. While Halle might not be the heaviest hitter out there, she remains calm and collected and is able to make plays on the toughest sets. Senior setter <strong>Lexi Godbey</strong> had been a consistent piece of the rotation setting and hitting. She just reached the 1,000 assists milestone, and she seems to be using a lot of her volleyball IQ to make tough decisions on the court. Marcus still has a tough district schedule ahead of them, but if they can find a way to stay competitive, that will prepare them for the post-season long haul.</p>   <h2>Stratford</h2>   <p>Stratford is in a really good spot this season to make some waves in the playoffs. Stratford has always been a team that has shown grit and hustle, and they make you work to score on them. This year they have experience on their side as well. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176640' first='Skylar' last='George']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='87582' first='Olivia' last='Abbott']</strong> lead the way for Stratford as they head into district play. Both of these players want it and this can be dangerous for opposing teams. Junior pin hitter <strong>Sophie Corbeil </strong>has been crushing balls in the pre-season, and a lot of teams did not have an answer for her. Stratford's gritty effort plays in combination with their size, strength, and experience could set them up to upset some teams in the post-season.</p>   <h2>Lake Travis</h2>   <p>Lake Travis is a really solid team to watch out for. Currently sitting 5-0 in district play, senior <strong>Logan Brannan</strong> leads the way with 362 kills. <strong>Emily Contreras</strong> leads the back row for Lake Travis. She is a digging machine and allows the pin hitters to get to work on offense. Lake Travis has a history of deep playoff runs, last season going 3 rounds deep. A lot of key players are back from that team and will really pose a threat going into the post-season. Their block is big and disciplined, and that makes a huge difference when you look at teams that go the extra mile. </p>   <h2>Clear Creek</h2>   <p>Clear Creek's hashtag from the beginning of the season has been #notrebuilding. We love to see players feel confident in themselves and their program. This is evidenced by Clear Creek's pre-season play, where they matched up with the best of the best in the state to see where they fall. They took a lot of tournament games to 3 sets, and a lot of pre-season games to 5, mentally preparing themselves for a long post-season. Libero <strong>Mia Sauers</strong> is about to surpass 500 digs, and for good reason. She doesn't let the ball hit the floor, and she is constantly making great defensive plays to keep her team in it. Sophomore <strong>Olivia Jone </strong>has been solid for Clear Creek, averaging 4.4 kills a set. This team is determined and with their solid team play, this team could repeat that deep playoff run from last season.</p>

As we inch closer and closer to playoffs, several teams emerge themselves as teams to watch. Not only are these teams stacked in skill, but they bring something extra to the table like grit, hard work, determination, stability under pressure, or high team volleyball IQ. Some teams have a history of deep playoff runs, others are itching for the opportunity. Each time has its own reasons for going the extra mile. Below we will highlight 5 teams from around the state, who we believe could make a real shake-up in the playoff brackets and pull out some big wins.