Durango Fall Classic Preview: Countdown to September 20th

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PrepDig is thrilled to spotlight one of the nation's premier high school volleyball tournaments, the <strong>Durango Fall Classic</strong>. Known as the pinnacle of high school volleyball competition, this prestigious event will kick off on <strong>Friday, September 20th</strong>, with pool play starting at 1:00 PM across four playing sites. The anticipation is high as elite teams from across the country converge in the desert to battle it out for the coveted championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>According to the <strong>MaxPreps Top 25 Poll (9/10/24)</strong>, eight of the nation's top-25 teams will be competing in this year's tournament, showcasing the finest in high school volleyball talent. Among the top contenders are:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#1 Prestonwood, TX</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#5 Cornerstone Christian, TX</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#6 Assumption, KY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#8 Cathedral Catholic, CA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#11 Mater Dei, CA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#12 Mira Costa, CA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#16 Carrollwood Day, FL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#21 Redondo Union, CA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Also receiving votes: <strong>Skutt Catholic (NE)</strong> and <strong>Archbishop Mitty (CA)</strong>. With powerhouse programs ready to take the stage, the Durango Fall Classic promises to be a high-stakes competition filled with electrifying performances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a closer look at some of the standout teams that will bring the heat in Las Vegas:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Long Beach Poly (CA)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":641749,"width":"265px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/09/image_3fda3f.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-641749" style="width:265px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Gerald Aquiningoc<br><strong>2023 Record</strong>: 32-10 (CIF SS D3 quarter-finalist)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Long Beach Poly enters the tournament following an impressive 32-10 season, positioning them as a formidable contender. Known for their aggressive and multifaceted offensive approach, this team is all about finding gaps and utilizing various tempos to keep opponents on their toes. Defensively, they run a 6-2 system with a middle-middle defense, providing the flexibility to adapt to any situation. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key players to watch include:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Kristen Dear (#4, MB)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Layla Moore (#2, MB)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='328173' first='Cedra' last='Talaga'] (#9, OH/LIB)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Aleeya Salima (#15, OH)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='499433' first='Larissa' last='Foster'] (#5, OPPO)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Hannah Ballungay (#33, Setter)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Lauren Foster (#8, Setter)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Max Prep Roster: Layla Moore, Kristen Dear, Larrissa Foster, Dylan Thomas, [player_tooltip player_id='482045' first='Sydney' last='Mercado'], Maleah Vea, [player_tooltip player_id='328173' first='Cedra' last='Talaga'], Georgia Camandang, Tayler Scott, Taimane Poe, Aleeya Salima, Keyara Noel, Hannah Ballungay, and Emma Holder.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a strong lineup of middle blockers and versatile hitters, Long Beach Poly has the tools to make a deep tournament run and turn heads this season. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>John Paul II High School Cardinals (Plano, TX)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Amanda Lee<br><strong>2023 Record</strong>: 30-12 (District runner-up)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In just her second year, Coach Amanda Lee has transformed John Paul II into a team that's stronger and more cohesive than ever. Coming off a solid 30-12 season, the Cardinals have added two freshmen who have significantly boosted their ball control, alongside a new libero who's already making a massive impact. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their powerful attack game will be led by standout players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='285289' first='Greer' last='Chambless'] (#9, OH, Auburn commit)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='483354' first='Aubrey' last='Easterwood'] (#10, OH)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Bella Howard (#4, MB, USA Volleyball participant)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='185817' first='Summer' last='Hodge'] (#12, LB)</strong> </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='433648' first='Lucy' last='Schwabauer'] (#3, Setter)</strong><br><br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Max Prep Roster: [player_tooltip player_id='321088' first='Sloan' last='Reed'], Chloe Gerlach, [player_tooltip player_id='433648' first='Lucy' last='Schwabauer'], Bella Howard, Caroline Smith, Claire Holcomb, [player_tooltip player_id='556825' first='Ella' last='Peden'], [player_tooltip player_id='285289' first='Greer' last='Chambless'], [player_tooltip player_id='483354' first='Aubrey' last='Easterwood'], Ashley Keith, [player_tooltip player_id='185817' first='Summer' last='Hodge'], and Tenley McBee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both Summer and Bella are projected to make an enormous impact and are hot on the radar of college recruiters. With such a well-rounded squad, John Paul II is poised to make some serious noise at the Durango Classic. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_WU8X7S9Cy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_WU8X7S9Cy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Casteel High School (AZ)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":641750,"width":"338px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/09/image_31bdf7.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-641750" style="width:338px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Cory Chandler<br><strong>Achievements</strong>: Two-time San Tan Region Champs, now competing in 6A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moving up to the 6A division presents new challenges for <strong>Casteel High School</strong>, but they're tackling them head-on with a roster filled with elite talent. Despite early-season challenges—including key players <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='412848' first='Brooke' last='Harwood']</strong> (UCLA commit) and <strong>Bailey Farnes</strong> sitting out—the team remains a force to be reckoned with. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to watch include:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>DyBorrah Johnson (#8, Senior, Middle, Utah commit, All-State, Offensive POY)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Kendall Omoruyi (#18, Sophomore, Middle, USA U19 team)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Sahara Griggs (#10, Junior, Outside)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Kamille Scott (#3, Junior, Opposite)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='520375' first='Fara' last='Bronson'] (#13, Sophomore, Setter)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Kennedy Thompson (#5, Senior, Setter)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Max Prep Roster: Bailey Farnes, Kamille Scott, Paige Thompson, Kennedy Thompson, [player_tooltip player_id='519214' first='Nettie' last='Stokes'], Ella Witte, Dyborrah Johnson, [player_tooltip player_id='412848' first='Brooke' last='Harwood'], Sahara Griggs, Brianna Mitchell, Izzie Penrose, [player_tooltip player_id='520375' first='Fara' last='Bronson'], Evelyn Thompkins, Baylee Furler-Uptgrove, Elsie Cotter, Daycee Pierce, Kendall Omoruyi, and Saydie Vega.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite minimal early-season experience, Casteel is packed with Division I-level talent. Their athleticism and grit make them a team to watch as they adjust to tougher competition in 6A. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Oaks Christian High School (CA)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":641751,"width":"329px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/09/image_9cda27.png?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-641751" style="width:329px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Julie Bennett<br><strong>Achievements</strong>: Two-time CIF SS finalists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oaks Christian is entering the season with a senior class that has years of chemistry and championship experience under its belt. Having competed in two CIF SS finals, this team has proven itself time and time again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key players include:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='206545' first='Manaia' last='Ogbechie'] (#15, MB/OH, U19 USA team)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='706300' first='Hannah' last='Brady'] (#14, Libero)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222053' first='Maggie' last='Rhew'] (#6, Setter)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Brooke Gilmour (#18, MB)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='544254' first='Sadie' last='Kocur'] (#7, OH)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Ellie Hallinan (Sophomore, OH)</strong><br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Max Prep Roster: Catherine McDonough, [player_tooltip player_id='381443' first='Hailey' last='Wilson'], Ellie Hallinan, [player_tooltip player_id='466229' first='Masina' last='Ogbechie'], Jady Mape, [player_tooltip player_id='222053' first='Maggie' last='Rhew'], [player_tooltip player_id='544254' first='Sadie' last='Kocur'], Kiah Wong, Kamryn Tifft, Mckenna Kimbell, [player_tooltip player_id='706300' first='Hannah' last='Brady'], [player_tooltip player_id='206545' first='Manaia' last='Ogbechie'], [player_tooltip player_id='391120' first='Delilah' last='Davis'], and Brooke Gilmour</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fun Fact: Ellie Hallinan, a former club soccer player, has committed fully to volleyball and is already making waves with her athleticism and coachability. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This experienced and well-rounded team will undoubtedly continue their climb through the divisions and remain highly competitive throughout the tournament. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>St. Ignatius College Prep (CA)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":641755,"width":"396px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/09/image_ae5070.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-641755" style="width:396px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Saga Vae</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Ignatius is another team that brings balance and depth to the Durango Classic. With strong leadership and well-rounded ball control, this team is expected to put up a fight in every match. Leading the charge is the versatile <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='537640' first='Carol' last='Manu']</strong> (#10), who not only leads the team in kills but also steps into the setter role when needed. Other notable players include:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Elise Lau (#4, Senior, Libero)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='524357' first='Lauren' last='Nip'] (#3, Junior, Libero)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Eileen Pfeffer (#17, Sophomore, MB, leading blocker)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Max Prep Roster: Hannah Arcilla, [player_tooltip player_id='537940' first='Megan' last='Low'], [player_tooltip player_id='524357' first='Lauren' last='Nip'], Elise Lau, Boyd Killion, Sophia Lucas, Valerie Chu, Criya Mickles, Hayley McGee, [player_tooltip player_id='537640' first='Carol' last='Manu'], Mikaela Hogan, Corey Lemmer, Mia Horak, Eileen Pfeffer, and [player_tooltip player_id='569626' first='Neve' last='Harlan'] - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stay Tuned for More In-depth Previews</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <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> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you loved this article, please follow our Instagram page,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCA</a>&nbsp;for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <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> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To see even more events and athletes featured, spread the word and encourage your friends to subscribe to&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's keep growing this positive player platform and create unforgettable memories and experiences together with your support.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you for creating the journey!</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading -->