Class 1 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the volleyball season heats up, the Class 1 rankings are taking shape, showcasing some fierce competition among the top teams. The Winona Wildcats, boasting an impressive 18-0 record, are leading the charge with their sights set on another postseason run. Meanwhile, the Bismarck Indians and Leopold Wildcats are proving to be formidable challengers, each with strong performances that keep them in the mix. With key matchups on the horizon and standout players emerging across the board, let's dive into the current standings and highlights of each team making waves in Class 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1.<strong>Winona Wildcats 18-0</strong><br>The Wildcats are in exceptional form this season, cruising through Class 1. After a commanding performance at the Dig for Life Tournament, where they defeated Advance, [player_tooltip player_id='232323' first='Lexi' last='Lindsey'] is expertly positioning her team for another strong postseason run</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. <strong>Bismarck Indians 13-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bismarck didn't compete in the Red Bracket at Dig for Life, as I was hoping for a rematch with Winona. The Indians' only loss this season came against the defending Class 3 champions, Potosi. The dynamic sister duo, [player_tooltip player_id='807849' first='Ashley' last='Hawkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='811547' first='Ayla' last='Hawkins'], has powered the offense with an impressive total of 240 kills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. <strong>Leopold Wildcats 8-1-2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leopold was another team I hoped would face Winona at the Dig for Life Tournament. Their only defeat came at the hands of Class 5 &nbsp;Cape Central. A highly anticipated matchup with district rival Advance is on the horizon. [player_tooltip player_id='485590' first='Rylie' last='Schreiner'] leads the offense with 59 kills to date.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. <strong>Bell City Cubs 11-3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cubs have faced tough competition, losing to Leopold (0-3), Portageville (0-3, and Bismarck in a close match (25-27, 25-11, 25-22). However, they managed to edge out district rival Advance (26-24, 27-25, 26-28, 25-23), which could significantly impact their seeding in the district. Team captains <strong>Molly Yarbrough</strong> and <strong>Emmalee Garner</strong> are key leaders on and off the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. <strong>Jasper Eagles 7-4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jasper started the season strong at 7-0 but has since dropped four consecutive matches. The Eagles faced tough opponents, including Neosho (1-2) and Kansas teams Chanute, St. Mary's-Colgan, and Girard. [player_tooltip player_id='829244' first='Alivea' last='Roberts'] and [player_tooltip player_id='812448' first='Chloe' last='Storm'] have combined for 89 kills this season, looking to turn things around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. <strong>Advance Hornets 5-4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't let the record deceive you! The Class 1 powerhouse has lost to formidable teams like Winona, Valle Catholic, Bell City, and Saxony Lutheran. A crucial game against Leopold is on the horizon. Offensively, middles [player_tooltip player_id='475335' first='Olivia' last='Kennedy'] and [player_tooltip player_id='812240' first='Cashlynn' last='Sturgeon'] are stepping up to lead the charge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. Tigers 10-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Youth is a strong theme for Lockwood this season, with only one senior in the playing rotation alongside four talented 2028s. Setters <strong>Gracyn Clawson</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id='840362' first='Hadley' last='Abbiatti'] are effectively orchestrating the offense, ensuring their big hitters are well-fed with opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. Port Blue Jays 12-2-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rock Port is making waves with a youthful roster that has been instrumental in their success. Their losses came against Mound City 2-3 and Mid-Buchanan 1-2, but they avenged a previous defeat against Mound City with a decisive 2-0 victory at the East Atchison Tournament. <strong>Braylyn Wood,</strong> <strong>Kinley Lair</strong>, and <strong>Raylynn Jenkins</strong> are off to fantastic starts this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. <strong>Northland Christian Trailblazers 8-0-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trailblazers, led by 6'1” middle [player_tooltip player_id='809806' first='Molly' last='Day'], have maintained an undefeated start with 67 kills. A significant matchup against Plattsburg is scheduled for next month, which could be pivotal for their season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10. <strong>Plattsburg Tigers 10-3-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers suffered a narrow loss to Rock Port 1-2 but secured a crucial win over Mid-Buchanan, bolstering their ranking. [player_tooltip player_id='829312' first='Allie' last='Stockdale'] 2027 and middle [player_tooltip player_id='485626' first='Ava' last='Norton'] are making a considerable impact for Plattsburg as they continue their campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->