Virginia High Schools Qualifying for States

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The regional playoffs for Virginia have almost been completed, but the high schools that have qualified for State have been decided. Only the host team has yet to be determined. We are ready to rock and roll. Fortunately, all of my state winners for Classes 3 - 6 have qualified for States. Below are the elite eight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["397397"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-654bb68c94f4c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Langley</strong> (24-2) - My pick to win the States. They easily rolled past a strong Chantilly team. They play Madison to see who hosts a first round playoff match. The only two losses for Langley have come against Madison. Players to watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181298' first='Ana' last='Toumazatos']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181307' first='Leni' last='Stanton-Parker']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180284' first='Chloe' last='Hokenson']</strong>. State championships two - 2017 and 2013</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Woodson</strong> (21-1)- They had to battle to five sets to take down West Potomac. The only team they have lost to is the undefeated Riverside. The Cavaliers lost their libero [player_tooltip player_id='338991' first='Eve' last='McLaury'] for the year but they have turned to last year's libero [player_tooltip player_id='233014' first='Stella' last='Gilligan'] to replace her. Players to watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233000' first='Maura' last='Fay']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='210539' first='Emma' last='Gardner']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='204152' first='Sofie' last='Ferrell']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='469251' first='Nora' last='Gilmer']</strong>. State championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Battlefield </strong> (16-5)- They struggled early losing their first three matches. They avenged an earlier loss by defeating Colonial Forge in a regional final. They have gone 16-2 since those first three matches. Players to watch -<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='182776' first='Brianna' last='Clay']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181311' first='Skyler' last='Tennant']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235275' first='Grace' last='Bianchi']</strong>.. State championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Colonial Forge</strong> (20-5) - Three of their losses have been to Riverbend while a fourth was to Flint Hill. They lost to Battlefield in their Regional final. Players to watch -<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='182753' first='Isabel' last='Ostvig']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='397397' first='Jasmine' last='Williams']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465296' first='Claire' last='Wortman']</strong> State championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Springfield </strong>(13-7) - They pulled a minor upset by taking down defending champion Alexandria City in the semifinals of the Regionals, a team that had beaten them twice during the regular season. They also lost to Woodson twice, a team they will play in the finals of Regionals. Players to watch -<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='181243' first='Evelyn' last='Jurden']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438046' first='Anna' last='Dierks']</strong>, <strong>Isabelle Choi</strong>, <strong>Lela Swisher</strong>. State championships - None </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Madison </strong>(23-3)- They seem to bring their game up when they play top competition such as Langley and Chantilly. Players to watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='183606' first='Camille' last='Pomeroy']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209800' first='Sydney' last='Pham'] .</strong> State Championships - one 2015.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Deep Run</strong> (19-5) - They will host a first round match up in the state tournament after beating Cosby in four in a Regional final. It was the second time they have beaten Cosby this year. Players to Watch - Not seen them play. State Championships - two, 2006 and 2007</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cosby </strong>(16-7) - Four of their seven losses have been to Midlothian and Deep Run (two each). Players to watch - Another team I have yet to see play. State championships - None </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181309"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-654bb68c94fb6"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riverside </strong>(21-0) - My pre-season pick to win the Class 5 State championship. So far they have yet to lose a game having beaten Battlefield, Loudoun County, Woodson and Rock Ridge, all of whom have qualified for States. It took them five but they also beat Riverbend in the Regional finals earning a right to host a first round matchup. Players to watch -<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='225187' first='Simone' last='Schaefer']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192587' first='Adriana' last='Perodin']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181309' first='Brianna' last='Holladay']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181240' first='Natalie' last='Carlin']</strong>. State championships - None </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riverbend</strong> (26-1) - Their only loss came at the hands of Hidden Valley. They have beaten Colonial Forge three times and Courtland, two teams qualifying for States. They recently lost to Riverside in a five set match. Players to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309022' first='Peri' last='Linterman']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309023' first='Allison' last='Lach']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='397536' first='Aubrey' last='Parker']</strong>. State championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Midlothian</strong> (20-1) - They are the defending champions. Their only loss has been to St. Catherines high school, which is playing in the state championships for Independent schools. Players to watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='190541' first='Hannah' last='Ball']</strong>, <strong>Madelyn Eslinger,</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='248631' first='Alex' last='Mazulewicz'].</strong> State championships - one, 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Patrick Henry (Roanoke</strong>) (15-10) - They have a number of losses on their schedule, but many of them have been to competitive teams such as Hidden Valley (three times), Christianburg (twice) and Riverbend. Players to watch - <strong>Sallie Boxley</strong>, <strong>Bailey Barker,</strong> <strong>Taylor Prillaman</strong>. State championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Woodside (</strong>21-1) -Their only loss was to Menchville. That loss was repeated in the Regional tournament. Players to Watch - Have not seen them play. State championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Menchville</strong> (19-4) - They have beaten Woodside twice now, the second time was in the Regionals for the right to host a first round regional match. They had split with Woodside during the regular season. Players to Watch - Not seen them play. State championships - none</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>First Colonial</strong> (23-1) - Their only loss has been to Colonial Forge. Last year they lost in the state final to Midlothian. Yesterday they beat Kellam in four to earn a hosting spot for the first round. Players to watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465285' first='Keely' last='Heffelfinger']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465293' first='Jules' last='Dooren']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='248630' first='Kayla' last='Foley']</strong>. State championships. - three, 2014, 2002 and 2000.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kellam</strong> (20-4) - They lost to First Colonial the first match of the season and then later on in a match that went five. That did not change in the Regional match. Flint Hill was also another loss. Players to watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='246935' first='Avery' last='Hanly']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='242358' first='Megan' last='Stone']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465308' first='Blakely' last='Barnes']</strong>. State championships 5, 2019, 2016, 2010-2012 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181280"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-654bb68c9500c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Wood </strong>(24-2) - The defending champion and my pick to repeat as State champion. There only two losses came at the Endless Summer tournament at the hands of Flint Hill and Hidden Valley. Players to Watch -<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180282' first='Paige' last='Ahakuelo']</strong>. State championships - 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rock Ridge</strong> (19-4) - They lost four of their first six games. A nice bounce back to end the season brought a 13 game winning streak. They have beaten Loudoun County three times. Players to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209791' first='Grace' last='Tucker']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238098' first='Ankita' last='Kamath']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='242126' first='Isha' last='Uppalli']</strong>. State Championships - None.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Loudoun County</strong> (17-6) - Last year broke a 10 year streak of state championships. They have lost to Rock Ridge three times, Perhaps the fourth time will be the charm. Players to Watch -<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='523308' first='Madison' last='LaRue'], Isabelle DeWan</strong>, <strong>Maddie Moskal,</strong> State Championships - 13, - 2013 - 2021, 2012, 2007 - 2010.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blacksberg</strong> (17-7) They won their first nine games but went 8-7 the rest of the year. They lost to James Wood in the finals of the Class 4 D Regional. Players to Watch - We have not watched this team. State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Courtland</strong> ((18-8) - They struggled at the start of the season with a five game losing streak at one point. They have a 10 match winning streak as the schedule winds down. Players to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438125' first='Sophie' last='Manriquez']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='246318' first='Maddie' last='Smith']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='397539' first='Carolina' last='Eastlake']</strong>, State championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hanover</strong> (18-3) - Their three losses have been to quality teams, Atlee, Midlothian and Deep Run. Players to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='232998' first='Campbell' last='Woods']</strong>, State Championships - None.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jamestown </strong>(22-3) - Lost to Grafton twice and to Massaponax. They have beaten Smithfield twice, including once in the Regional finals. Players to Watch - We have not watched this team. State championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Smithfield</strong> (12-11) - While they have a losing record in conference a six game winning streak has put a positive spin to th season. A recent Regional loss to Jamestown in the finals put an end to that streak. Players to watch - We have not watched this team. State championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 3 D</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["235285"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-654bb68c9505e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hidden Valley </strong>(30-1) - Despite being class 3D they may have one of the better teams in Virginia. Their only loss has been to Flint Hill, while they have beaten power houses like Briar Woods, Riverbend, Georgetown Day and James Wood. They beat Christianburg yesterday in four to earn hosting rights in the first round. Players to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='196556' first='Caleigh' last='Ponn']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235285' first='Calli' last='Anderson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233482' first='Lauren' last='Whitaker']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464576' first='Sophie' last='Arnold']</strong>. State championships, two - 2016 and 2013.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grafton (22-4) - Always the bridesmaid but never the bride. That has been the case for the Clippers. While they have no State championships they have finished second nine times, eight of those to Loudoun County. They have dropped from Class 4 to Class 3 so maybe things will change. Players to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233007' first='Alexis' last='Keeter']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238858' first='Allyson' last='Burke']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='248636' first='Ellie' last='Duer'].</strong> State Championships - none </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other State Championship Results</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181313"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-654bb68c950aa"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the DC state championships St Johns was given a seventh seed. They may actually be the second best team in the tourney. That means their sweep over School Without Walls gives them an early match against second seeded Georgetown Day. The first seed Jacson-Reed received a bye and should waltz into the finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the Virginia Independent Athletic Association (VISAA) state championships, the top four seeds in Division I, Flint Hill, Collegiate, Bishop O'Connell and St. Catherines swept their way into the semifinals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My Division II pick for the State championship Virginia Academy swept past Cape Henry. <strong>Sydney Douglas </strong>finished with 13 kills and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333650' first='Louise' last='Neuhart'] </strong>11. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181313' first='Alexandra' last='Moore']</strong> tallied four blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My Division III pick Chelsea Academy swept past Westover Christian Academy. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233008' first='Greta' last='Barvick']</strong> collected 14 kills and seven aces. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> <br>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->