Class 3 Favorites

Blair Oaks has created a little dynasty over the last three years, winning consecutive state titles even under new leadership last fall. Pleasant Hill has also been a familiar face in the final four. As we head into a new season, here are some of my teams I expect to play a factor come November.   Blair Oaks   Two of the most storied players in Blair Oaks are gone but a successful program reloads and a championship program breeds expectations. The good thing is the cupboard isn't completely bare with [player_tooltip player_id='476879' first='Gabby' last='Horn'] and her 350 kills returning. She will be counted on to produce at even higher levels but some young players will be counted on to replace the close to 800 kills of Bax and Braun. Blair Oaks was a senior-heavy team besides Horn but a couple of other seniors ready to be the next woman up will be Chloe Heislen and Maddy Jones. This team will have question marks defensively and in the setter position. Is this the year we have a new champion?   Ursuline Academy   They were a set away from claiming the state title and will look to bring it all home in 2024. Unlike Blair Oaks, Ursuline was young a year ago and their deep tournament run gives them tons of confidence heading into a new season. Back are [player_tooltip player_id='207581' first='Jillian' last='Raterman'], [player_tooltip player_id='490580' first='Katie' last='Krus'], Elizabeth Koening, Bella Becker, Mia Lato, [player_tooltip player_id='490582' first='Courtney' last='Houston'], and [player_tooltip player_id='490583' first='Lucy' last='Ellsworth']. Yes, I named all of them intentionally to show the depth returning. They have all the pieces to hold the top trophy in November.   Pleasant Hill   The Chicks will be in the mix when the smoke clears. They lost some firepower in graduation but they return just enough to make them a team to watch as the season progresses. [player_tooltip player_id='219766' first='Riley' last='Hays'] and her 265 kills are back for a final season. Also looking to provide some senior leadership will be [player_tooltip player_id='737588' first='Ella' last='Crain'], who shared the setting duties a year ago. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='475332' first='Miley' last='Layton'] had a productive freshman season and will be counted on more. Izzy Kietzmann is a key passer and defender back in 2024.   Clever   The Blue Jays made it to the final four last year and can make a return this year if things go their way. They are another team who gelled at the right time and looks to return many of those pieces that make it happen. [player_tooltip player_id='493018' first='Addie' last='Gilmore'] tip-toed on the 300-kill mark as a junior. Classmate Chandlyn Friend also had over 260 kills to give a solid one-two punch. Audrey Riley, another senior had 180 kills and 274 digs. Sydney Bollenbach was lights out defensively with 481 digs. With both setters returning in their system, expect the offense to flow seamlessly.   Notre Dame (Cape)   Notre Dame was knocked off in the district finals by Saxony Lutheran in straight sets. The bitter taste of that loss and an experienced team returning should make them a contender this fall. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='225325' first='Kate' last='Rubel'] and her 400 kills are back a year older and stronger. [player_tooltip player_id='708439' first='Courtney' last='Tatum'] dropped over 300 kills herself along with 300+ digs. [player_tooltip player_id='225326' first='Brie' last='Rubel'] was strong defensively a year ago and will look to keep the floor clean again. [player_tooltip player_id='232326' first='Claudia' last='Jones'] was good as a sophomore and will be even better entering her junior campaign as the setter.   Southern Boone   Blair Oaks has been the roadblock but is this the year where the more experienced Sothern Boone team can blast through it? A 3-1 defeat in the district final shows Boone was able to compete and with a roster that returns [player_tooltip player_id='493013' first='Taylor' last='Germann'] and Zoey Williams, we won't be surprised if this is the year. Senior Cami Herin will look to pace the back row after tallying over 300 digs last season. The team will depend on some inexperience in the setting position but Kate Taylor got some touches and could fill that void.   St. Clair   When we discuss offensive output returning, St. Clair is near the top of that list with 92% of their scoring back in 2024. Emma Thompson led the way with 360 kills followed by senior [player_tooltip player_id='353645' first='Rylea' last='Black'] and junior Kylee Brandit with 255 and 230 respectively. The back row returns some key players and Kaitlynn Van De Wiele dished 847 assists. The District Nine champions will look to repeat and make it back to the state quarterfinal round.   Who else?   Fredericktown   Mountain Grove

Blair Oaks has created a little dynasty over the last three years, winning consecutive state titles even under new leadership last fall. Pleasant Hill has also been a familiar face in the final four. As we head into a new season, here are some of my teams I expect to play a factor come November.