Virginia 2024 State Bracket Review

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The finals for the Maryland State playoffs are this Saturday. The Virginia State brackets also begins on Saturday. Below is a breakdown of the six classes for Virginia.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":618911,"width":"660px","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/IMG_3525.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-618911" style="width:660px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">langley</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Favorite - Madison just got eliminated. They were my preseason pick. The team that looks hot now is Chantilly with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181297' first='Lameen' last='Mambu']</strong> hitting left side and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455102' first='Erin' last='Green']</strong> taking charge of the right side. The middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377344' first='Julia' last='Horan']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='245601' first='Gabrielle' last='Nelson'] </strong>are looking good as well. Though <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='292644' first='Caycee' last='Chhum']</strong> transferred to Georgetown Day the duo of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='240899' first='Sarah' last='Kim']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='664141' first='Hala' last='Younes']</strong> have been doing the job. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181284' first='Nola' last='Murphy']</strong> played some incredible defense against Langley to help them win the Regional. The other left side to watch is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='716365' first='Skyler' last='Riley']</strong>. Mambu gets the attention, but Skyler can surprise. They have won their last 13 matches, including wins over Langley and Madison.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sleeper Picks - Langley has <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181298' first='Ana' last='Toumazatos']</strong> who is difficult to stop on the left side. Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238357' first='Claire' last='Mo'] </strong>may be the best setter in the area. She won the MVP award for the District and the Region. West Springfield has an unstoppable hitter in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181243' first='Evelyn' last='Jurden']</strong>. They also have a quality setter in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438046' first='Anna' last='Dierks']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others - Colgan just keeps on winning with their two undersized lefts sides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238593' first='Tehillah' last='Garrison']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='223581' first='Skylar' last='Johnson']</strong> banging away. Alexandria City brings offensive fire power with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464589' first='Julia' last='Kelly']</strong> on the outside. Patriot has the big banger<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='220923' first='Soleil' last='Rancourt']</strong> on the outside while setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='448705' first='Danika' last='Swanson']</strong> takes responsibility for orchestrating the offense. For Grassfield sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='734796' first='Benisa' last='Moore'] </strong>is a player to watch while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='471714' first='Ryann' last='Bothof'] </strong>plays some incredible defense. Unfortunately I am not familair with the Glen Allen roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["333651"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6736b3aeefb85"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='301696' first='Nadiya' last='Johnson'] transferred to Riverside. This summer she earned a roster spot on the USA junior national team. She plays right side, clearly standing out as one of the more dominating hitters in the Virginia area. When the Potomac all district team was announced Nadiya made the first team along with middle [player_tooltip player_id='181309' first='Brianna' last='Holladay'] and left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='225187' first='Simone' last='Schaefer']</strong>. In somewhat of a surprise the player of the year despite all that talent on the Rams roster was [player_tooltip player_id='333651' first='Sydney' last='Ray'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">That says a lot about what the team thinks about her setting. She runs a 5/1 with five different hitters on the court who can mash the ball. Sydney somehow has to please them all. At 5'7" some may think she is undersized to play the front row. But she brings a good vertical allowing her to get her hands over the net when forming a block.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Favorite - Still have to go with my preseason pick Riverside. They are solid at every position with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301696' first='Nadiya' last='Johnson']</strong> a terminator on the right side. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181309' first='Brianna' last='Holladay']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333652' first='Gabriella' last='Vizek']</strong> cover the middle. Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333651' first='Sydney' last='Ray'] </strong>surprised everyone by winning Player of the year award in the Potomac District. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438070' first='Camryn' last='Coulther'] </strong>moves well at the libero position. The left sides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464556' first='Kennedy' last='Peyton'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='225187' first='Simone' last='Schaefer']</strong> are consistent offensive players. Last year they were undefeated up until the finals when they lost their first game. This year they have taken a loss but at 25-1 they plan to win it this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sleeper Picks - Kellam seems to be on a roll after back to back losses to Ocean Lakes and Cox. They knocked Ocean Lakes out of the playoffs. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='484970' first='Sofia' last='Barnes'] </strong>is their top offensive presence but setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='484751' first='Riley' last='Erwin']</strong> can also bring the offense from the right side. Independence gave Riverside their only loss so they should be watched. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='290176' first='Kieran' last='Rhoton']</strong> puts a lot of balls away from the left side even though she lines up on the right side for club. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235296' first='Makenzie' last='Dvorznak']</strong> can whack the ball as well providing a second weapon on the left side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others - Midlothian has <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='519343' first='Dylan' last='Cline']</strong> to watch on the left side. They won the championship in 2022. First Colonial are the defending champs, but they have lacked consistency this year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='485079' first='Grace' last='Davies-Hackenberg']</strong> leads the offense also from the left side. Menchville has<strong> Lillian Abbitt </strong>leading the offense, a third hitter from the left side to be watched while setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='875298' first='Emma' last='Wade']</strong> has the responsibility of getting the ball to her. The rosters for Maury and Albermarle are unknown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Favorite - Still going with my preseason pick James Wood. They are led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid']</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin'] from the left sides. The two are juniors now but they have already won two state championships. [player_tooltip player_id='621440' first='Kylee' last='Plumb'] does most of the setting while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320815' first='Tenley' last='Mattison']</strong> plays the middle well. They have a tough first match in Dominion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sleeper Picks - Before James Wood came along there was Loudoun County who had won ten straight championships. They have a strong roster with pins <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523337' first='Ana' last='Smithson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='249330' first='Charlotte' last='Arrington']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377334' first='Josephine' last='Seekford']</strong>. Courtland has lost only two matches all year, one of those to Langley. With <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='397536' first='Aubrey' last='Parker']</strong> setting this team will be tough.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others - Dominion only has three losses. One was to James Wood in their first match of the year, the other two were to Loudoun County. They start the bracket off with James Wood. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='298857' first='Ingrid' last='Smith']</strong> runs the offense with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='240025' first='Abigail' last='Vasak']</strong> one of her favorite targets in the middle. They have a very balanced attack. Glass has <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='734377' first='Aubri' last='Willis']</strong> on the left side while setter <strong>Isabella Dow</strong> runs the offense for Smithfield but is also third on the team in kills. The offensive force for Jamestown is <strong>Allison Trogdon</strong>, though <strong>Sophia Mayes</strong> needs to be watched from the middle. Atlee has the lefthanded <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464573' first='Blake' last='Crawford']</strong>, who can do damage from both pins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":720953,"width":"569px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/11/IMG_5806.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-720953" style="width:569px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Liberty Christian</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Favorite - Christiansburg was my preseason pick. They have played defending champion Hidden Valley in four matches and split with them two games apiece. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='495264' first='Ela' last='Shepherd']</strong> sets but is also second on the team in kills. At 5'10" she can do it all while running a 6/2 teaming with sophomore <strong>Blair Self</strong> works as the other setter. <strong>Addison Reasor</strong> is their leading offensive player. At 6'1" <strong>Blyth Akers</strong> is a force at the middle, leading the team in blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sleeper Picks - Hard to call the defending champs Hidden Valley a sleeper pick. Not with one of the top offensive players in Virginia <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='196556' first='Caleigh' last='Ponn']</strong> hitting outside. Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235285' first='Calli' last='Anderson']</strong> has returned from her knee injury so that gives the Titans a jolt. The 6'0" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464576' first='Sophie' last='Arnold']</strong> continues to lesson the load for Caleigh, operating opposite her. Liberty Christian (not the Liberty Eagles as listed on the MaxPreps bracket) will be the opponent for Hidden Valley to start things off. They have the 6'1" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='229773' first='Evie' last='Ballengee']</strong> up the middle. Both Evie and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='196556' first='Caleigh' last='Ponn']</strong> played for Academy in North Carolina. last year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='722276' first='Kenstin' last='Phelps']</strong> can both set and hit. She leads the team in assists and kills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others - You can never rule out Grafton, who have finished second in states for the last decade or so. They dropped down to Class 3 last year but continue their bridesmaid finishes. The 6'2" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='707593' first='Kenzie' last='Smith'] </strong>leads the team in kills and blocks. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='248639' first='Alana' last='Washington']</strong> is an offensive force from the left side while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238858' first='Allyson' last='Burke'] </strong>takes care of business in the back row with her libero play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kettle Run has lost only two matches all season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705537' first='Maddie' last='Stubblefield']</strong> impressed me at libero. I have yet to see the 6'0" frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755134' first='Ava' last='Ewald']</strong> play. Warren County has <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='290899' first='Ava' last='Dickerson'] </strong>to sling it from the left side. She played middle for club but last year won player of the year swinging from the left side. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='752065' first='Leah' last='Rounds']</strong> leads the team in kills and digs while setter <strong>Makenzie Loveland</strong> runs the offense. <strong>Kaiya Lian </strong>plays six rotations, leading the team in kills and digs while setter <strong>Kendra Dressler </strong>makes sure she gets the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Favorite - I had no preseason pick for this class. Fort Defiance was upset by Clarke County in the Regional, but at 24-2 they had a good year. The team relies on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='720606' first='Maecy' last='Frizzelle']</strong> for offensive production from the left side. Frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='845331' first='Caroline' last='Hanger']</strong> and<strong> Riley Davis</strong> share the setter role. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='818658' first='Savannah' last='Crookshanks']</strong> leads the team in blocks while defending the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sleeper Picks - Clarke County has to be considered. They delivered victories in their last 15 matches while losing just two sets, including a sweep over Fort Defiance. Not familiar with their roster. Bruton has the Faw sisters, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='601140' first='Jolie' last='Faw']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='574200' first='Mina' last='Faw']</strong>. Jolie leads the team in kills and blocks while Mina falls second in both categories.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others - Don't know enough about the rosters of James River, Ridgeview, Radford, Poquoson and Marion rosters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Favorite - Preseason pick Giles. At 6'1" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='452562' first='Sophie' last='Taylor'] </strong>can dominate from the left side and plays a good back row. The Ole Miss commit not only leads her team in kills but the state of Virginia as well with 662. They have lost to Auburn three times this year, which accounts for three of their four losses. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='803190' first='Peyton' last='Evans']</strong> takes responsibility for the back row as the libero while setter <strong>Kylee Snider </strong>fills the setter role. On the roster they list her as the middle but at 5'1" that would be a bit of a challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sleeper - Auburn as a sleeper pick is not much of a sleeper after beating Giles three times now this season. Not familiar with their roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others - Rural Retreat has three different Umbergers on the team from three different classes. You have senior <strong>Alayna Umberger</strong>, junior<strong> Chloe Umberger</strong> and sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='791094' first='Addison' last='Umberger']</strong>. Not familiar with the rosters of Northwood, Altavista, Middlesex, Rappahannock and Rappahannock County. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->