Durango Fall Classic Preview: CA Teams to Face Elite Competition

<p>PrepDig is thrilled to spotlight one of the nation's premier high school volleyball tournaments, the Durango Fall Classic. Known as the pinnacle of high school volleyball competition, this prestigious event will kick off on Friday, September 20th, with pool play starting at 1:00 PM across four playing sites in Las Vegas, Nevada. The anticipation is high as elite teams from across the country converge to battle it out for the coveted championship. </p>   <p>Let's take a look at a few of the top-tier teams that California's finest could face during this competitive tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mercy Academy (Kentucky)</strong></h2>   <p>Coaches: Connie Hulsmeyer, Johnny Bancroft, Denise Ranney</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/09/image_fdca75.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-662451" style="width:453px;height:auto" /></figure>   <p>MaxPreps Roster: Alli Riegling, Kaitlyn Huelsman, Mady Yaden, Nalani Derringer, Maia Marin, Reese Houston, Jenna Hawkins, Nora Smith, Elliott Sharpe, Addison Randol, Addison Davis, Kinsley Cummings, Madisyn Green, Emma Cronen, Allison O'Shea, Kayla Kolb, and Alyssa Carter.</p>   <p>Returning from an impressive third-place finish in Kentucky's 2023 State Championship, Mercy Academy boasts a young yet talented roster. Led by Middle Blocker turned Outside Hitter Mady Yaden, the 2023 6th Region Player of the Year, the Jaguars are poised for another standout season. Freshmen Nalani Derringer has quickly emerged as a key offensive threat, while Maddie Green, a 2023 All-State Honorable Mention Libero, anchors the defense. The team's mix of underclassmen and experienced upperclassmen will be a challenging matchup for any opponent. - Mcihelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Skyview High School (Idaho)</strong></h2>   <p>Coach: Kevin Murphy</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/09/image_be2536.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-662452" style="width:457px;height:auto" /></figure>   <p>MaxPreps Roster: Hailey Seward, Madison Chambers, Kensie Seward, Indie Tooley, Malia Anderson, Aivry Bobo, Bellamie Beus, Gabby Buckley, Adeline Murray, Quincy Murphy, Elizabeth Bower, Chloe Lin, Kate Svaty, Berkleigh Minnick, Jillian Deatherage, and Nina Ferraro.</p>   <p>With nine consecutive appearances in the Idaho State Championship match, Skyview High School is no stranger to elite-level play. Winning six of those championships, the Hawks have established themselves as a force. This year's roster features standout players like Junior Outside Hitter Bellamie Beus, a two-time First-Team All-State player committed to Kentucky, and Sophomore Libero Lizzie Bower, already earning Second-Team All-State honors as a freshman. With a solid core of juniors and seniors with college potential, Skyview's well-rounded squad will be one to watch in the tournament. - Mcihelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Skutt Catholic (Nebraska)</strong></h2>   <p>Coach: Renee Saunders</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/09/image_740a92.png?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-662453" style="width:436px;height:auto" /></figure>   <p><br>MaxPreps Roster: Marin Brummund, Addison West, Ellie Ortmeier, Nikki Ott, Meghan Anderson, Kiera Link, Kayelyn Liebentritt, Rachel Gwinn, Amelia Boone, Paige Meister, Anya Kolli, Abbie Hagedorn, Avery White, and Mia Stevens.</p>   <p>Dominance is the word to describe Skutt Catholic's volleyball program, having won nine straight Class B State Championships in Nebraska. Returning key players include Outside Hitters Abbie Hagedorn, committed to Sacred Heart, and Addison West, headed to North Carolina. Both hitters are off to a strong start this season, combining for nearly 100 kills in six matches. The SkyHawks are a balanced team with multiple uncommitted players like Avery White and Meghan Anderson, making them a dangerous opponent at Durango. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Queen Creek High School (Arizona)</strong></h2>   <p>Coaches: Erica Crismon and Claudia Wilson</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/09/image_51b351.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-662454" style="width:517px;height:auto" /></figure>   <p>MaxPreps Roster: Izzy Mahaffey, Grace Johnson, Ella Nuenke, Tatum Riggs, Emmie Ray, McKenna Kehoe, Madisyn Crnjac, Miley Hakes, Leeya Svendson, Haleina Bowers, Kiana Landers, and Jayden Arrington.</p>   <p>Coming off a semifinal run in Arizona's 6A State Tournament, Queen Creek High School is looking to build on last year's success. The team recently defeated the defending state champions, Sandra Day O'Connor, and finished third in a prestigious local tournament. Leading the charge is Senior Libero Izzy Mahaffey, while uncommitted Junior Outside Hitter Madi Crnjac has become a pivotal player despite being overlooked due to her smaller stature. Senior Opposite Jayden Arrington also returns after focusing on beach volleyball for the last two years, adding a powerful arm to Queen Creek's offense. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Corner Canyon (Utah)</strong></h2>   <p>Coach: Mindy Ricks</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/09/image_3171b7.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-662457" style="width:525px;height:auto" /></figure>   <p></p>   <p>MaxPreps Roster: Brooke Stauffer, Libby Taylor, Sadie Brown, [player_tooltip player_id='524282' first='Reagan' last='Williams'], Jules Barber, Maia Schwalger, Maija Mortensen, Ava Morgan, Kathryn Armendariz, Leah Schaub, Victoria Page, Madi Newbold, Saryn Kirkham, Torri Hildebrandt, Kallee Klingler, Faith Kittel, Halle Bills, and Maicyn Allan.</p>   <p>Corner Canyon finished third in Utah's 6A division last year and continues to field an exceptionally talented team. Junior Outside Hitter Halle Bills, committed to Baylor, leads the Chargers' offense with a hitting percentage over .400. Uncommitted Setter Brooke Stauffer has multiple offers and runs a smooth 5/1 offense, while Freshman Maija Mortensen is a rising star with college-level potential, following in the footsteps of her older sister, a BYU player. With a blend of veteran leadership and fresh talent, Corner Canyon will be a fierce competitor at the Durango Fall Classic. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Carrollwood Day School (Florida)</strong></h2>   <p>Coach: Douglas Chinchar</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/09/image_9c897e.png?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-662461" style="width:402px;height:auto" /></figure>   <p></p>   <p>MaxPreps Roster: Olivia Badyna, Jansen Warbritton, Giselle White, Soraia Bradshaw, Elena Dibbs-Frantz, Sarah Dibbs-Frantz, Bianca Schwab, Mattea Casale, Evelyn McRory, Lydia Chinchar, Cailyn McCullers, Fion Zheng, Bennet Trutter, and Lorelei Church.</p>   <p>Carrollwood Day School enters the tournament riding high after a 31-2 season that ended with a Florida 3A State Championship. Their recent second-place finish at the Nike TOC Southeast shows that the Patriots are once again contenders. Sophomore Right-Side Lydia Chinchar, named National Freshman of the Year in 2027, and Junior Elana Frantz Dibbs, committed to Ole Miss, lead the offensive charge. With Senior Libero Mattea Casale (Purdue commit) anchoring the defense and Middle Blocker Loreli Church emerging as one of the most underrated players in the nation, Carrollwood's depth will be tough to match. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stay Tuned for More...</h2>   <p>With powerhouse teams and elite athletes gathering in Las Vegas, the Durango Fall Classic is sure to provide a weekend filled with high-level competition and unforgettable performances. This year's tournament promises to be one of the best yet. As these teams bring their unique strengths and dynamic rosters to the court, volleyball fans can expect fast-paced, hard-hitting action from start to finish.</p>   <p>If you loved this article, please follow our Instagram page, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCA</a> for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes action.</p>   <p>By subscribing to PrepDig, you're not just supporting coverage of your favorite events – you're also helping to shine a spotlight on talented prospects.</p>   <p>To see even more events and athletes featured, spread the word and encourage your friends to subscribe to <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com</a>.</p>   <p>Let's keep growing this positive player platform and create unforgettable memories and experiences together with your support.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you for creating the journey!</em></strong></h2>

PrepDig is thrilled to spotlight one of the nation's premier high school volleyball tournaments, the Durango Fall Classic. Known as the pinnacle of high school volleyball competition, this prestigious event will kick off on Friday, September 20th, with pool play starting at 1:00 PM across four playing sites in Las Vegas, Nevada. The anticipation is high as elite teams from across the country converge to battle it out for the coveted championship.