Class 4 Preseason Rankings 1-5
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Class 4 was entertaining, with Westminster Christian taking the title over Incarnate Word Academy. These rankings are based on last year’s classification and will change once the new multiplier takes effect and MSHSAA releases the teams in each class. The…
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Continue ReadingClass 4 was entertaining, with Westminster Christian taking the title over Incarnate Word Academy. These rankings are based on last year’s classification and will change once the new multiplier takes effect and MSHSAA releases the teams in each class. The moving and shaking of Class 4 could completely change the Class 4 rankings, but at this point, we will go with what we have. If Class 4 stays as is, we will have a two-horse race to the title, as Incarnate Word is a heavy favorite as long as they get to stay in Class 4. The Lancers from St. Pius X could have much to say about that, as they are also a loaded team. Platte County returns a solid core, and Marshfield returns enough talent to make noise. I’m anxiously awaiting the release of Class 4.
1. Incarnate Word Academy Red Knights 29-13
IWA returns a nasty frontcourt led by 6’3″ middle Tara Greenberry Tara Greenberry 6'3" | MB Incarnate Word | 2025 State #117 Nation MO and her 550 kills. Uber competitor Sammi Bergjans Sammi Bergjans 5'9" | S Incarnate Word Academy | 2024 State MO will run the offense and has two of the best defenders, Ally Fuchs Ally Fuchs 5'5" | DS/L Incarnate Word | 2025 State MO and Abby Freund Abby Freund 5'5" | DS/L Incarnate Word Academy | 2024 State MO , keeping the ball off the court.
2. St. Pius X (Festus) Lancers 23-5
Hannah Leftridge Hannah Leftridge 5'10" | OH St. Pius X (Festus) | 2025 State MO returns on the outside after leading the team in kills with 339, and 6’4″ Bennett Raterman Bennett Raterman 6'4" | MB St. Pius X (Festus) | 2026 State MO , one of the best 2026 players in the state, returns in the middle. 2026 Elena Ruble Elena Ruble 5'7" | S St. Pius X (Festus) | 2026 State MO will guide the offense after a sensation freshman campaign.
3. Parkway West Longhorns 20-11-2
2026 6’5″ opposite Katherine Byergo Katherine Byergo 6'5" | MB Parkway West | 2026 State MO had a fantastic first year and will be a force at the net for the Longhorns. Move her to the outside, and she will be deadly. Replacing a stud libero lost to graduation, and the Longhorns should push for a long playoff run.
4. Platte County Pirates 27-10
The Class 4 third-place finisher Pirates return 3 of the top 4 hitters, all of their defense and setter. Emma Harned will rerun the show, and Kendall Johnson Kendall Johnson 5'10" | MB Platte County | 2024 State MO and Karlee Riggs Karlee Riggs 5'11" | RS Platte County | 2025 State MO will light up on the outside. A showdown with St. Michael in the quarters again?
5. St. Michael the Archangel Guardians 27-6-1
Lily Vanbebber Lily Vanbebber 5'9" | OH St. Michael the Archangel | 2024 State MO and Mikalah Davis Mikalah Davis 5'9" | OH St. Michael The Archangel | 2024 State MO return to lead the offense for the Guardians, but the team is more than those two. 2026 Addi Maclean runs a fantastic offense, and her setter dumps can be vicious.