Class 1 Preseason Rankings 6-10

Ryan Johnson August 6, 2023 @ 10:28 AM

Class 1 was one of the more exciting classes last year, as a couple of the favorites ended their seasons earlier than expected. Ultimately, a team loaded with youthful talent would take the title. Advance Hornets will look to repeat once again with a loaded squad but will have a massive challenge from a district foe if they want a chance at repeating.      6. New Haven Shamrocks 15-13-4   Not a flashy record, but they play in a very tough conference where they are the only Class 1 team and have to match up with Hermann a couple of times a year. 5'11" Aubri Meyer returns after leading the team with 243 kills and libero Isabella Groner patrolling the backcourt. The Shamrocks are always part of the playoff discussion.   7. Clarkton Reindeer 31-7   The Reindeer lost one win away from a final four to eventual champion Advance. Returning the top two hitters [player_tooltip player_id='737677' first='Angel' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='234483' first='Bree' last='Winchester'], Clarkton should again be in playoff contention.   8. East Atchison Wolves 28-8   A 4th place finish was huge for the tiny northwestern school and had one of the better Class 1 juniors returning in [player_tooltip player_id='737692' first='Lizzie' last='Schlueter']. Getting past Santa Fe again this year will be a monster challenge.   9. Galena Bears 32-5-1   [player_tooltip player_id='234465' first='Kaesha' last='Walter'] and company gave the Bears their best season in school history. The high flyer returns with her 445 kills and brings [player_tooltip player_id='234466' first='Melanie' last='Rice'], the team's second-leading kill leader. It could be the Bear's year to sneak into the final four.   10. Lesterville Bearcats 27-9-1   The Bearcats lost three of the best players in program history but returned enough to remain in contention. They will have to rely on role players to make big jumps in offensive production and two first-year students to make the playoffs. Top returning attacker [player_tooltip player_id='170049' first='Sidney' last='Hawkins'] and returning libero [player_tooltip player_id='213916' first='Sydney' last='Woods'] will need massive years.

Class 1 was one of the more exciting classes last year, as a couple of the favorites ended their seasons earlier than expected. Ultimately, a team loaded with youthful talent would take the title. Advance Hornets will look to repeat once again with a loaded squad but will have a massive challenge from a district foe if they want a chance at repeating.