Class 5 Preseason Rankings 1-5

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lafayette's track record as Class 5 champions definitely makes them a strong contender, especially with a standout outside hitter returning. However, the challenge of integrating new talent can be significant, and it's interesting to see how that will play out. With teams like Nixa, Westminster, Park Hill South, and Lee's Summit West also having strong rosters, it's shaping up to be a competitive year. The depth of talent across these teams could lead to some thrilling matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Westminster Christian Wildcats 29-6-2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WCA has a solid pipeline of quality 2027 players coming through the ranks, including <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='489911' first='Emory' last='Freesmeier'], [player_tooltip player_id='766296' first='Lyric' last='Hughes'], [player_tooltip player_id='512842' first='Rachel' last='Buchanan']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='830251' first='Bella' last='Blanchard']</strong> will headline the front line, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827988' first='Vivian' last='Sharlow']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492630' first='Sophia' last='Arana']</strong> return to run the offense. That is 446 kills, 702 digs, and 943 assists returning for the Wildcats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Lee's Summit West Titans 21-11</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm not sure Titans are never in the final four conversations, and this year is not different. With two of the top three kill leaders running in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='446328' first='Tori' last='Massengill']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237013' first='Natalie' last='Hawthorne']</strong>, who combined for 438 kills, mix in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='729590' first='Briley' last='Zerbe']</strong> in the middle, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='815662' first='Lauren' last='Newbold']</strong>, the offense is loaded. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='729549' first='Jaelyn' last='Jordan']</strong> will get the nod to run the offense or help run a 6-2 and do some hitting. The Titans are notorious for starting freshmen, so I'm excited to see who this year's newbie will be.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Park Hill South Panthers 29-9</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='812634' first='Dakota' last='Owenby'],</strong> 6'0” middle, returns after&nbsp;racking up 63 blocks last season in her first season on varsity. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='838860' first='Sydni' last='Lafasciano'],</strong> 419 kills, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='357573' first='Vada' last='Brattin']</strong>, 232 kills, are the top returning pins, and top-notch libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800323' first='Brynna' last='Fox']'s</strong> 519 digs. The key to a great season is finding a setter replacement, but South always has great setters coming through the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. &nbsp;Nixa Eagles 32-4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After losing two big offensive players to graduation, the Eagles return a rigid core. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='805621' first='Gwen' last='Kubik']</strong> 360 kills, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='839111' first='Taylor' last='Wood']</strong> 171 kills, &nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='791106' first='Addy' last='Bybee']</strong> 137&nbsp;kills, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807840' first='Alivia' last='Wood']</strong> 99 kills will be the hot arms up front. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='612171' first='Peyton' last='Creed']</strong> returns after a solid freshman year as a setter, and digs leader <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='487562' first='Mara' last='Coulter']</strong> will keep the ball off the floor. Nixa has a great chance at a final four trip if it can get out of a brutal district.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1.&nbsp;Lafayette Lancers 32-5-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending Class 5 champions graduated eight players from last year's team, but it returns the best player in the state in 2027, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='475339' first='Shaye' last='Witherspoon'],</strong> who recently committed to Nebraska. She finished last year with 449 kills to lead the team. 6'0” [player_tooltip player_id='812524' first='Claire' last='Ulrich'] could move into a starting middle role, as well as 2027 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='776733' first='Peyton' last='Dolley'].</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800749' first='Addy' last='Wiese']</strong> returns to control the defense along with <strong>Aubrey</strong> <strong>Dumstorff</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='808645' first='Emma' last='Watson']</strong>. This could be the time for [player_tooltip player_id='272167' first='Hailey' last='Lowery'] to make her move to run the high-powered Lancers offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->