Virginia Top 20

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Earlier this week we identified the top 20 teams from the DMV. Below are the top 20 high schools in Virginia. Many of the Virginia high schools from the DMV area have already had a narrative in the DMV writeup so we kept it brief for them, identifying their stars of the future (sophomores or frosh). Below are the top twenty high schools in Virginia for 2023. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["238358"],"_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-656811746c743"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Flint Hill (</strong>33-3) - No team from the Virginia area won a match against them. They went 18-2 in sets against Virginia teams ranked in the top 20. The Huskies also won the VISAA state championship. Stars of the future - libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238358' first='Evie' last='Huang']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437441' first='Hunter' last='Ross']</strong> and right side/middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437446' first='Alli' last='Z Robinson']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["238341"],"_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-656811746c798"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. <strong>Bishop O'Connell</strong> (31-8) - They lost to Flint Hill in the VISAA state championship. The Knights set won-loss record against Virginia teams was 48-6 with three of those losses occurring in the championship match against Flint Hill. The other three set losses came against Virginia Academy. All other matches were sweeps. The Knights were just one of two Virginia teams that took a set off Flint Hill. Stars of the future - outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='484750' first='Ellyson' last='Miller']</strong> and middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238341' first='Teodora' last='Stamenkovic']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["238357"],"_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-656811746c7db"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. <strong> Langley</strong> (27-3) - The Saxons won the VHSL Class 6 State championship. Their only three losses came against Madison. Stars of the future - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238357' first='Claire' last='Mo']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. <strong>First Colonial</strong> (27-1) - This was the Patriots second appearance in the Class 5 VHSL state championship. The second time was the charm as they handed Riverside their first loss of the season. The Patriots only loss came early in the season, in their second match against Colonial Forge. After that they won 26 matches in a row. [player_tooltip player_id='465285' first='Keely' last='Heffelfinger'] churned the offense, leading the team in kills. She had help from [player_tooltip player_id='481863' first='Madison' last='Horn'] in the middle. Libero [player_tooltip player_id='248630' first='Kayla' last='Foley'] proved to be a defensive savant, digging everything hit her way. [player_tooltip player_id='465293' first='Jules' last='Dooren'] ran the offense setting a 5/1. She also played a pretty good defense, finishing second on the team in digs. MVP [player_tooltip player_id='248630' first='Kayla' last='Foley']. Surprise player [player_tooltip player_id='465293' first='Jules' last='Dooren']. Stars of the future - outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='485079' first='Grace' last='Davies-Hackenberg']</strong>, outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='249294' first='Teagan' last='Emdadi']</strong>. </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-656811746c819"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. <strong>Hidden Valley </strong>(33-1) - The Titans won the Class 3 VHSL state championship. While they may be only class 3 they were able to take down ranked teams from higher classes, such as Riverbend, Briar Woods and James Wood. Their only loss of the season came against Flint Hill in the Endless Summer tournament. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='196556' first='Caleigh' last='Ponn']</strong> led the team in kills and actually finished second in Virginia, despite standing just 5'7" and playing libero for her travel team. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='464576' first='Sophie' last='Arnold']</strong> also contributed from the left side. At 5'10" she brings the height to the left side, finishing third on the team in blocks. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235285' first='Calli' last='Anderson']</strong> ran the offense setting a 5/1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233482' first='Lauren' last='Whitaker']</strong> does a solid job as the libero. MVP [player_tooltip player_id='196556' first='Caleigh' last='Ponn']. Surprise player<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='464576' first='Sophie' last='Arnold'].</strong> Stars of the Future - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["333651"],"_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-656811746c854"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. <strong>Riverside</strong> (26-1) - They went into the finals of the VHSL Class 5 state championship against First Colonial undefeated. They lost in four. Along the way they beat Battlefield, Woodson, Rock Ridge, Briar Woods three times and Riverbend twice. Stars of the Future - setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='333651' first='Sydney' last='Ray']</strong>. right side<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='333652' first='Gabriella' last='Vizek'],</strong> left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464556' first='Kennedy' last='Peyton']</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. <strong>Battlefield</strong> (19-6) - The Bobcats lost their first three matches. The rest of the season they went 19-3. Ultimately, they lost to Langley in the VHSL class 6 state championship. Stars of the Future - right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='484960' first='Kinsley' last='Zebatto']</strong>.</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-656811746c88f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. <strong>James Wood</strong> (27-2) - For the second straight year the Colonels won the Class 4 VHSL state championship. Their only two losses came in the Endless Summer tournament against Hidden Valley and Flint Hill. Stars of the Future - left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid']</strong>, libero/left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320815' first='Tenley' last='Mattison']</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["397536"],"_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-656811746c8c9"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. <strong>Riverbend</strong> (27-3) - They failed to get past Riverside in the VHSL class 5 playoffs, losing to them in both the Regionals and finally in the semi-finals of the state championship. Their only other loss came against Hidden Valley. Stars of the Future - setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='397536' first='Aubrey' last='Parker']</strong></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-656811746c902"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10. <strong>Colonial Forge</strong> (21-7) - The Eagles lost in five in the semi-finals of the VHSL Class 6 state championship to eventual champion Langley. They lost the fifth set 17-15. In the opening round of the state championship against Woodson they won in five, taking the fifth set 16-14. Stars of the Future - Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='397397' first='Jasmine' last='Williams']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["190541"],"_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-656811746c93c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11.<strong> Midlothian</strong> (21-2) - This was one of two teams I did not see play from this top 20 list. Last year they won the VHSL Class 5 state championship. This year they fell short, losing to Riverbend in the first round of the state playoffs. [player_tooltip player_id='190541' first='Hannah' last='Ball'] is the offensive force for this team. <strong>Madelyn Eslinger</strong> took over the libero spot that was previously played by her sister Brooke. MVP [player_tooltip player_id='190541' first='Hannah' last='Ball']. Surprise player unknown. Stars of the Future - unknown. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["238365"],"_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-656811746c975"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> 12. <strong>Briar Woods</strong> (23-5) - They landed in a tough region to advance to the state championship, with both Riverside and Riverbend in their bracket. Four of their five losses came against Riverside (3) and Riverbend. The other loss was to Hidden Valley. Stars of the Future - Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238365' first='Molly' last='Gardner']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["204152"],"_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-656811746c9ad"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>13. <strong>Woodson</strong> (22-2) - The Cavaliers did well to advance to state. They lost the fifth set in the Class 6 state championship first round 16-14 to Colonial Forge, despite the 33 combined kills from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233000' first='Maura' last='Fay'] </strong>(17) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='210539' first='Emma' last='Gardner']</strong> (16). Riverside was their only other loss during the season. Stars of the Future - left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='210539' first='Emma' last='Gardner']</strong>, Libero<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='238862' first='Livia' last='Lee']</strong>, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='204152' first='Sofie' last='Ferrell']</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>14. <strong>Kellam</strong> (21-6) - The Knights were one of two Virginia teams to take a set against Flint Hill. They were swept by eventual state champions First Colonial in the first round of the Class 6 state championship. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='246935' first='Avery' last='Hanly'] </strong>from the outside and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465308' first='Blakely' last='Barnes']</strong> from the middle were their two offensive stalwarts. Both Avery and libero [player_tooltip player_id='242358' first='Megan' last='Stone'] played solid defense in the back row. MVP [player_tooltip player_id='246935' first='Avery' last='Hanly']. Surprise player sophomore setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='484751' first='Riley' last='Erwin']</strong>, who finished second on the team in blocks. Stars of the Future - setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='484751' first='Riley' last='Erwin']</strong>, right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='484970' first='Sofia' last='Barnes']</strong> and middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='484971' first='McKenna' last='Calkins']</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["455177"],"_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-656811746c9e6"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>15. <strong>Madison</strong> (25-4) - The Warhawks were the one team wrecking crew to class 6 state champion Langley, beating them all three times they played. Unfortunately, they lost to Battlefield in the semi-finals of the state playoffs. If they had won they would have faced Langley for a fourth time, with another win giving them a state championship. They had entered that Battlefield match with a 13 match winning streak. Stars of the Future - left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick']</strong>, setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='455177' first='Briana' last='Vo']</strong>, right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='359401' first='Chloe' last='Barth']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["238593"],"_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-656811746ca1e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>16. <strong>Colgan</strong> (20-4) - The Sharks had earned their way to the finals of the last two Class 6 state championships, winning in 2021 but falling short to Alexandria City last year after battling for five sets. Despite losing some important pieces to graduation, they advanced to the Regionals before succumbing to Battlefield in a sweep. Stars of the Future - setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464563' first='Elizabeth' last='Robinson']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333653' first='Elizabeth' last='York']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238593' first='Tehillah' last='Garrison']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>17. <strong>Stonebridge</strong> (35-1) - They beat Chelsea Academy in the VISAA Class III state championships in five. This avenged an earlier loss to Chelsea during the Endless Summer tournament, their only loss during the season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='478383' first='Amelia' last='Matson']</strong> led the charge with 29 kills. The 5'8" outside finished fourth in the State in kills. <strong>Emily Hinton</strong> runs the offense setting a 5/1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='478383' first='Amelia' last='Matson']</strong> is my MVP and surprise player. Up until this year I only knew her name. Watching her play in the Endless Summer tournament and the VISAA championships confirmed to me she is a strong player. She hits the ball hard from both the back row and the front row and has a good feel for the game. It would be interesting to watch how she competes against stronger competition. Stars of the Future - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='887032' first='Payton' last='Weatherford']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>18. <strong>St Catherines</strong> (25-4) - The Saints lost to Bishop O'Connell in the semi-finals of the VISAA state championship. They lost the first set 26-24 after coming back from a 24-19 deficit. That changed the complexion of the match and they were swept in three. Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464566' first='Taylor' last='Meredith'] </strong>is their big offensive presence. She led the team in kills with quick sets in the middle, but when the team got out of system their offense struggled. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='297528' first='Anne' last='Fielding Croft']</strong> ran a 5/1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='248635' first='Campbell' last='Wood'] </strong>played a strong libero. MVP [player_tooltip player_id='464566' first='Taylor' last='Meredith']. When she is cranking the kills from the middle the team is difficult to beat. Surprise player [player_tooltip player_id='248635' first='Campbell' last='Wood']. I was impressed with her libero play for [program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club'] two years ago. She disappeared from my line of sight but returned with her smooth libero play for the Saints. Stars of the Future - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='322106' first='Bailey' last='Loving']</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["455102"],"_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-656811746ca57"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>19. <strong>Chantilly</strong> (15-4) - They may have the top hitter in the state of Virginia in [player_tooltip player_id='181297' first='Lameen' last='Mambu']. Mimi was not enough to get them to the States. They were swept in a regional round against Langley. Stars of the Future - outside<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='455102' first='Erin' last='Green']</strong>, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='292644' first='Caycee' last='Chhum']</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>20. <strong>Rock Ridge</strong> (18-5) - This is the second team I did not get to see play that is ranked in the top 20. The Phoenix were able to bounce back after a slow start to the season when they lost four of their first six matches. A 16 game winning streak followed, with a loss to Blacksburg in the first round of the Class 4 VHSL state championship putting an end to their season. Stars of the Future - Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437984' first='Asiya' last='Bakr']</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->