Unfinished Business: 5A Teams Poised to Postseason Return

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking back at some of the deep playoff runs from last season, there are several teams who stood out. Some teams lost heartbreakers early on, and some teams made it all the way to the Regional Semi-Finals and couldn't pull it out, but what they all have in common is that they are primed and ready to make another push this season. Below are 5 teams in 5A that I think we could see something special out of.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Friendswood</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friendswood got all the way to the Regional Quarter Finals before meeting up with cross-town powerhouse Fulshear. The game went to 4 sets, but Friendswood is looking to make a return. They have steadily been in the top 10 in 5A rankings all year. They are currently sitting 2nd place in district 18 standings. They are led by a pair of young pin hitters with sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='179894' first='Sydney' last='Gibson'] </strong>and freshman <strong>Nadi'Ya Shelby</strong>. Sydney is the all-around athlete that Friendswood needs this year to stay successful. Her beach experience has given her so much range on the court and the ability to play tough balls. <strong>Nadi'Ya</strong> just had 20 kills vs. Manvel Tuesday night, and she is becoming more aggressive and relaxed on the court. If Friendswood can get her confidence going into the playoffs, this team will be lethal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Hendrickson</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hendrickson made it all the way to the Regional Semi-Finals before losing to the eventual state Final Four team, Manvel. Although they did lose some key seniors last year, Hendrickson is looking good again this season. They return 3 key players from last year's squad. Senior <strong>Kyra Dove, </strong>who is leading the team in kills and kills per set. She also just surpassed 200 career blocks. With a good connection, Kyra can do some damage to the ball and the opponent's floor. Their only district loss so far has come from a really good Georgetown team. During that loss junior, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177542' first='Morgan' last='Warren']</strong> led both teams in aces with 29. She is quick in transition and jump-sets nearly every ball. She likes to feed her middle hitters and get them in the offense whenever she can. Other influential players include defensive specialist <strong>Cristiana Reyes</strong> and outside hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177543' first='Kara' last='Wynn']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Barbers Hill</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barbers Hill is just having one of those years where everything is clicking. They have not lost to a 5A team yet. All 5 losses on the season have come from 6A schools. They play a very competitive pre-season, and I think that has served them well so far. The team's post-season is really going to come from the leadership of setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='142639' first='Peyton' last='Fadal']</strong>, who leads the team in almost every stat column. She has really developed a connection with her hitters like middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='141251' first='Avery' last='Wilks']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180088' first='Chloe' last='Morgan']</strong>. Barbers Hill has also been on the radar for their fantastic blocking as a team. Avery and Chloe are a huge part of that. Both are very disciplined and quick to the ball. They seal shoulder to shoulder and press over the net. I think this team's disciplined blocking and offense will take them far in the post-season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Colleyville Heritage</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colleyville Heritage made it all the way to the Regional Semi-Finals last year before losing a really tough match to Randall. They may get a chance at redemption this postseason. They have already picked up big district wins over good teams like Argyle and Grapevine. They look to be unstoppable in the 5A picture. Their front row is loaded with sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180469' first='Suli' last='Davis']</strong> who is leading the team in kills. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='141132' first='Ella' last='Busey']</strong> is right behind her and is taking some massive swings this season already. Senior setter <strong>Morgan Howard </strong>is ready for redemption in the postseason. She has been taking control over the court and distributing the ball very evenly for Colleyville. If they can stay intact and in sync, we may very well see this team late in November.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Rouse</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rouse took a tough early exit in the state playoffs last year to Canyon in the Regional Quarterfinal round. The game went to 5 sets with each set going back and forth. Rouse returns a lot from that 2021 squad with big hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177532' first='Jadyn' last='Wilgus']</strong>. She has been hitting lights out recently with a .465. Being a huge part of the offense carries a lot of weight, and Jadyn gladly takes on the challenge. She plays with intensity and purpose. They also return junior setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='124128' first='Savannah' last='Skopal'],</strong> one of the best in the state. Her delivery and setting capabilities are a rare find. Senior <strong>Kayla Lo<a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/kayla-lopez/1YH6HbV4EemA0ZFtwg1OMQ/default.htm">pez</a></strong> is back for some unfinished business as she leads the team in kills and receptions, taking on a lot of responsibility for her team. This may be the year that things come together for Rouse in the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->