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<p>As the volleyball season approaches, the spotlight shines on a crop of standout athletes poised to make a significant impact on their teams. Each player brings a unique blend of skill, determination, and game-changing potential that could shape the landscape of Class 3 volleyball. From [player_tooltip player_id='809606' first='Eden' last='Robart']'s record-setting performances to [player_tooltip player_id='464561' first='Ziah' last='Schmutz']'s all-around contributions, these players are not just key figures in their respective programs; they are the heartbeat of their teams. Let's take a closer look at these talented individuals who are ready to rise to the occasion and leave their mark on the court.<strong></strong></p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809606' first='Eden' last='Robart'] – 5'10” – Potosi</strong></p>
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<p>I knew the potential was there for Eden to become a big-time player for the Class 3 champs, and when her team needed her most, she came through massively. At one point last season, with a shortened bench, Eden helped her team with a five-set win over DeSoto, putting down a career high 33 kills. If Potosi wants to defend its title, Eden will need to have another monster season, and passing 1000 career kills will help.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464561' first='Ziah' last='Schmutz'] – 5'8” - Mt. Vernon</strong></p>
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<p>The stat stuffer for the Mountaineers had a big club season with [program_tooltip program_id='490801' first='Missouri' last='Juniors'], and she will carry the gained experience to lead her high school team. Ziah plays on the outside and helps run the offense, putting down 419 kills, 203 digs, and 346 assists. Her ability to score is relentless, and her ability to put her teammates in successful positions to score makes Ziah a big-time player.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='837462' first='Ryenn' last='Gordon'] – 5'7” – Centralia</strong></p>
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<p>The 5'7” basketball star also excels in volleyball, having doubled up her kill total from her first season to put down 366 this past season. The six rotation outside is pure athleticism, and with her jumping ability, she finds ways to score.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='830138' first='Avery' last='Sperling'] – 5'8” - Osage</strong></p>
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<p>Avery had a nice second season in the books, almost doubling her kill total from her freshman season, putting down 298 kills. The left pin attacker has a high reach and contact point, which allows her to hit a ton of balls in the campfire defense.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='485574' first='Eva' last='Alexander'] – 5'9” - Oak Grove</strong></p>
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<p>Eva is as strong a player as you will find in Class 3. She's a heavy ball hitter who sees the court extremely well and loves to use the high hands of the block. Finished her sophomore year with 249 kills to go along with 223 digs. The wrestling and track star has hopes of getting her Panthers to a final four this year.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='488383' first='Miley' last='Layton'] – 5'9” – Pleasant Hill</strong></p>
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<p>I watched Miley as a freshman at the final four, and she was playing middle and held her own. Once moved to the left pin, her numbers doubled as she finished with 310 kills and 189 digs last season. Miley will once again be the top Chick attacker, and we're excited to see what she brings to the court this year.</p>
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As the volleyball season approaches, the spotlight shines on a crop of standout athletes poised to make a significant impact on their teams. Each player brings a unique blend of skill, determination, and game-changing potential that could shape the landscape of Class 3 volleyball. From Eden RobartEdenRobart
6'0" | MB MO
's record-setting performances to Ziah SchmutzZiahSchmutz
5'8" | S Mt. Vernon | 2027StateMO
's all-around contributions, these players are not just key figures in their respective programs; they are the heartbeat of their teams. Let's take a closer look at these talented individuals who are ready to rise to the occasion and leave their mark on the court.