2026 Rankings: Some Top-5 Movement
In this article:
#1 Mallory Matheny Mallory Matheny 5'11" | S Bishop Hartley | 2026 State OH – MintonetteThe top position in this class is such a tough task given the talent across multiple positions. Matheny gets the nod to stay at the…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading#1
Mallory Matheny
Mallory
Matheny
5'11" | S
Bishop Hartley | 2026
State
OH
– Mintonette
The top position in this class is such a tough task given the talent across multiple positions. Matheny gets the nod to stay at the top slot given her value, experience, and quality success on the national stage with her club team. She is so good at leading an offense with precision, composure, and savvy decisions. She has an army of options available to her with her Mintonette squad and she utilizes them more effectively than any other setter, which has led to the core group of this team being considered one of the elite teams in their age group nationally for multiple seasons. She and her team started the season off with a good statement in winning the Nike Classic 9-0 without dropping a set.
#2
Kendall Northern
Kendall
Northern
6'1" | MB
Summit Country Day | 2026
State
OH
–
Elevation
Northern makes a big jump and could eventually take over the top spot as this class continues to move forward. Her athleticism and physicality at the net are currently unmatched in this group. She continues to get better, which is super scary for the opposition given her range, versatility, and ability to get well above the net. She is equally impressive as a middle or on the pins with her footwork, lift, and arm while also putting up a huge block. She has elite qualities to her game in multiple phases and this season will certainly be one that many take notice and elevated interest in who she is and where she’ll be in a couple of years at the next level. She was very impressive at the recent Nike Classic as she and her team placed 5th.
#3
Sara Snowbarger
Sara
Snowbarger
6'0" | OH
Wooster | 2026
State
OH
– Mintonette
Snowbarger was an all-Ohio 1st team member in 2023, the only sophomore selected to the highest group in Division I and among two selected to the 1st team across all divisions. She has been a consistent threat for this Mintonette team that has a bunch of offensive weapons. For her Wooster team this past fall she led them to an unbeaten league record and a 24-1 overall season. At 5.3 k/s, she is a high level point scorer among all Ohio classes. After two varsity seasons she has nearly 850 total kills on a career efficiency of .342. Her numbers in 2023 increased from her freshman season as she terminated at a 50% rate and with a .365 efficiency. She also has a career average over two seasons of 14 digs per match.
#4
Cara Richter
Cara
Richter
6'0" | OH
MND | 2026
State
OH
–
Elevation
The MND product remains in the top-five as she has solidified herself as one of the best point scorers across the state. She jumps well and can bring big power. However, one of the most impressive aspects is her vision and range to be able to score with the same pace in a variety of situations and options. The only sophomore among the top-10 offensively in the GGCL, the state’s toughest league, she makes a big impact every time she’s on the floor. With the increased presence of club teammates such as Northern and other arms in the middle and the pins, her production may come with decreased pressure and attention from opponents given this squad’s depth of options around the floor.
#5
Alia Schoonover
Alia
Schoonover
6'0" | MB
Buckeye Valley | 2026
State
OH
– Mintonette
After two varsity seasons for Buckeye Valley, Schoonover is averaging 4.5 k/s for her career. Her best numbers so far came in 2023 as she increased her production and effectiveness at 4.9 k/s and .334 efficiency. She also increased her defense with 10 digs per match. She has made a big impact for this elite Mintonette team for a couple of seasons and will continue to be their primary presence in the quicker part of their offense around the setter. She moves efficiently combined with a great offensive relationship with her setter Matheny that creates high quality scoring opportunities for her.