State Coverage: The Class 6A Final Four

Photo: KSHAA

Jeremy Deckard November 1, 2024 @ 03:08 PM

The first day of the Class 6A State Championship did not disappoint with multiple matches going three sets and with a tie-breaker needed to determine the fourth semifinal team.   Here is a look at two prospects from each of the final four teams with Blue Valley West, Mill Valley, Olathe West, and Manhattan advancing to Saturday action at Tony's Pizza Event Center in Salina.   [player_tooltip player_id='173371' first='Ella' last='Davidson'], 5'10”, OH, Blue Valley West, ‘25   Davidson is ranked No. 63 overall and might be one of the best-uncommitted talents left in the class of 2025 from Kansas. She is long and mean. She has a smooth approach and can play six rotations. She has had conversations with some small Division I programs.   [player_tooltip player_id='480396' first='Peyton' last='Kubik'], 6'1”, OH, Blue Valley West, ‘27   Kubik leads the Jaguars in kills and she excels against elite competition. She has a huge reach and jumps like a scared Tween on Halloween. She is currently ranked No. 2 overall in the Kansas Class of 2027 rankings and could arguably be ranked No. 1. Blue Valley West is the No. 1 Seed and went a perfect 3-0 on Day One. The Jags will Olathe West in the semifinal round.   [player_tooltip player_id='436201' first='Riley' last='Riggs'], 6'0”, OH, Mill Valley, ‘27   Prep Dig has Riggs ranked No. 3 overall in the Kansas Class of 2027 and she had the kind of match that puts her into consideration to move into the top slot.  She is physical and has a smooth approach. She adjusts well to imperfect sets and plays with high energy.   [player_tooltip player_id='714718' first='Leilah' last='Perry'], 6'0”, MB/OH, Mill Valley, ‘26   An unranked prospect who caught my eye was Mill Valley's Perry. I saw Mill Valley play early in the season, but Perry has improved a ton since then. She played a pivotal role in the Jags opening win over Blue Valley North contributing three kills and one block. Mill Valley is the No. 3 Seed and went 3-0 on the first day, and will face Manhattan in the semifinal round.   [player_tooltip player_id='222099' first='Ella' last='Stowell'], 5'10”, MB, Olathe West, ‘26   Stowell is currently ranked No. 41 overall in the class of 2026. She had a consistent tournament. I learned she has verbally committed to play for Division I Colorado State. She is as physically imposing at the net as all villains and killers who horror film fans watched this week.   [player_tooltip player_id='355651' first='Neely' last='Leathers'], 5'10”, S, Olathe West, ‘26   Leathers is ranked No. 25 overall. She had one of the best performances I have seen from her. She has several solid options to set and she does a nice job of keeping all of her hitters engaged. She is just a junior so she has plans to return to state next year as well. Olathe West is the No. 2 Seed and went 2-1 losing to Mill Valley in straight sets.   [player_tooltip player_id='483908' first='Bailey' last='Busch'], 5'7”, OH, Manhattan, ‘27   Busch is currently ranked No. 32 overall in the Kansas Class of 2027. This was the first time since club season that I have seen her play. Her swing is tight and she moves well. She is a floor leader and an athlete who could climb up the rankings a couple of slots when they are updated next week.   Caitlyn Woods, 5'11”, OH, Manhattan, ‘25   An unranked hitter from Manhattan was super impressive during the state tournament. Woods has a physical frame and hits the ball with authority she had a solid match against Washburn Rural in the team's second match of the day! She is an uncommitted prospect and one I would recommend to NAIA and JUCO programs. Manhattan is the No. 8 Seed, finished with a 1-2 record, and advanced to the semifinals via a tie-breaking process. The Indians will face Mill Valley in the semifinal round.

The first day of the Class 6A State Championship did not disappoint with multiple matches going three sets and with a tie-breaker needed to determine the fourth semifinal team.