Class 3 Preseason Rankings 1-5

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In Class 3, it's highly likely that we'll see the same four teams — Potosi, Rogersville, Odessa, and Eldon — make a strong bid for a return to the final four. However, they will face fierce competition from formidable challengers like Strafford, MICDS, and Pleasant Hill. With a wealth of talent and a balanced field, Class 3 promises to be an electrifying showdown this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. <strong>Pleasant Hill Chicks 26-8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Having to replace four of the top six hitters could pose a problem, but I haven't known the Chicks struggle to reload lately. With <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='488383' first='Miley' last='Layton']</strong> returning to the pin the teams kill leader last year as a sophomore, the future is looking good. Toss in middles, 6'3” <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='815610' first='Laney' last='Rowe']</strong> and 6'0” <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='816854' first='Matti' last='Manford']</strong>, and&nbsp;the frontline is looking solid. Two issues that could derail the season are having to replace lost setters and the libero.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. <strong>MICDS Rams 22-10</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After last season's run to a district title and coming one win away from a first-time trip to the final four, the Rams are here to stay for a while. Led by one of the best middles in Class 3 in 6'3” <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828205' first='Dorothy' last='Durrill']</strong>. With 420 kills and 86 blocks, Durrill is the real deal. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832887' first='Izzy' last='Chao']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800224' first='Maha' last='Devrapally']</strong> return to the left pins, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='733021' first='Kendall' last='Lay']</strong> should get a chance to run the potent offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. <strong>Strafford Indians 30-6-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The kiddie corps is a year older and better. 2028s, <strong>Ava Lane, [player_tooltip player_id='828408' first='Trista' last='Vanhorn']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='729521' first='Blair' last='Bough']</strong> all return after playing massive roles on a very successful team. All three played great club seasons. [player_tooltip player_id='490211' first='Reese' last='Darnell'] and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800362' first='Elsie' last='Larsen']</strong> will solidify the lineup. Strafford wants a trip back into the playoffs; they must get by pesky Rogersville.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. <strong>Odessa Bulldogs 26-8-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another team looking to return to the final four and has a solid core returning. Leading the way is a trio of 6'1” hitters in outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828531' first='Kali' last='Adamec']</strong> with 398 kills, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='818245' first='Rylee' last='Hicklin']'s</strong> 209 kills, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='811607' first='Balie' last='Ailor']'s</strong> 164 kills. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800493' first='Maddie' last='Breitling']</strong> should put on a different color jersey, but the key will be replacing the program's best setter. If they can do that, they have another solid chance at a final four.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1.&nbsp;<strong>Potosi Trojans 27-9-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending Class 3 champions made a massive push during the&nbsp;playoffs to secure the first state championship. If they want to repeat, they will have to replace the best player in program history, but her replacement is her younger sister. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809606' first='Eden' last='Robart']</strong> has developed into a massive presence on the outside, finishing with 495 kills. Add in a fantastic libero in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='515744' first='Macyn' last='McCarthy']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='813375' first='Eve' last='Litton']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='544678' first='Adalynn' last='Gibson']</strong>, who should slide in to run the offense. The potential is there, but it will be a bigger challenge to repeat this year as it was to win it all last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->