10 Underrated Teams To Keep Your Eyes On

<p>When it comes to Arizona high school volleyball, powerhouse programs often steal the spotlight — but there are several underrated teams across the state quietly building something special. These programs may not always dominate the headlines, but their grit, growth, and on-court success deserve recognition. From small schools making a name for themselves to rising contenders in tough divisions, these 10 teams are flying under the radar — for now. </p>   <p>Want to know who they are? Read on to find out who we believe are teams that will surprise us come the end of the season in no particular order. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Pinnacle High School </h2>   <p>Pinnacle High School's volleyball team launched their 2025 season with a statement performance at the prestigious House of Payne Tournament, immediately establishing themselves as serious contenders in the 6A conference. Facing off against several of the state's top-ranked programs, Pinnacle held their own in tightly contested matches, demonstrating both resilience and high-level skill across the board.</p>   <p>Now sitting at an impressive 7-2 overall and holding the top spot in their region, Pinnacle has turned heads across Arizona. Their signature win over Horizon early in September served notice to the rest of the conference, signaling that this team is not to be underestimated. Just days later, their intense five-set battle against Desert Vista—one of the state's perennial powerhouses—further reinforced that Pinnacle is a legitimate force this season.</p>   <p>The team is led by a trio of standout juniors who bring experience, athleticism, and leadership to the court. [player_tooltip player_id='879916' first='Addison' last='Nicks'], a University of Washington commit, commands the floor with poise and precision. [player_tooltip player_id='881055' first='Emma' last='Elbert'], known for her powerful presence at the net, continues to dominate offensively. Meanwhile, defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='877567' first='Anela' last='Wailani']—currently ranked 11th in Arizona for digs—anchors the backcourt with consistency and grit.</p>   <p>Ranked 11th in the initial state rankings, Pinnacle has already proven they deserve to be in the conversation among Arizona's elite. With momentum on their side and a roster stacked with talent, it's only a matter of time before they climb even higher. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Ironwood Ridge</h2>   <p>Ironwood Ridge has long been recognized as a strong and disciplined volleyball program, but this season, they've truly taken things to the next level. The Nighthawks continue to challenge themselves by stepping outside their comfort zone—and it's paying off.</p>   <p>One of the clearest examples of their ambition came when they traveled to Las Vegas to compete in the prestigious Durango Fall Classic. As one of the smallest Arizona schools in attendance, Ironwood Ridge faced elite national competition head-on, proving they're not afraid to test themselves against the very best. And it's clear those experiences have sharpened them for their in-state battles.</p>   <p>As of the end of September, Ironwood Ridge has secured the #6 spot in the 4A rankings. They've already made waves this season with a thrilling five-set victory over Estrella Foothills, the reigning 4A State Champions. Even their narrow losses to top-ranked Salpointe Catholic and #3 ALA Queen Creek were proof that the Nighthawks are more than capable of competing with the very best.</p>   <p>The team's success is fueled by a roster full of standout talent. Florida State commit [player_tooltip player_id='749268' first='Ashlyn' last='Quiri'] brings high-level experience and athleticism to the court, while sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='833602' first='Kallie' last='George'] continues to emerge as a dynamic offensive threat. Running the show is senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='891311' first='Lydia' last='Litkenhus'], whose leadership and consistency have her on track to surpass 2,000 career assists.</p>   <p>With a challenging schedule behind them and momentum building, the ceiling is high for Ironwood Ridge. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Payson </h2>   <p>When it comes to 3A volleyball, Payson has long been a name to watch. But over the past few seasons, the Longhorns have evolved from consistent contenders into one of the top teams to beat—and 2025 is proving to be no exception.</p>   <p>The Longhorns kicked off their season by hosting the annual Longhorn Invitational, where they faced off against tough competition from across divisions. Their performance turned heads as they secured key victories over two top 2A powerhouses Scottsdale Christian and North Valley Christian. Even in their narrow loss to 5A's Campo Verde, Payson demonstrated their ability to hang with teams from higher divisions, showcasing grit and high-level execution. One of the most telling signs of the team's growth came in their rematch against Ben Franklin. After suffering a sweep earlier in the season, the Longhorns came back stronger, adjusting and responding with a hard-fought 3-1 victory the second time around. It's the kind of resilience and development that has come to define this year's squad.</p>   <p>Leading the charge is senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='889511' first='Madi' last='Plain'], who is currently ranked 12th in the state for assists and 4th in 3A, with an impressive 440 assists so far this season. Her consistency and leadership on the court have been key to Payson's success. Alongside her is offensive standout [player_tooltip player_id='811438' first='Ava' last='Sopeland'], who is making waves with a .430 hitting percentage, currently ranked 3rd in 3A. </p>   <p>Currently sitting at #6 in the 3A rankings, Payson has proven they'll to continue climbing. With a competitive schedule under their belt and a roster full of top-performing talent, the Longhorns are proving they're not just contenders—they're threats. If their current trajectory is any indication, Payson could be making a serious run as the postseason approaches.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Ironwood High School</h2>   <p>Ironwood High School has consistently caught our attention this season with their competitive play and close matchups—proving that this young squad is one to watch. Despite a roster filled with underclassmen, the Eagles have shown maturity, grit, and a level of competitiveness that signals a bright future for the program.</p>   <p>Their season may have opened with two losses, but the scores told a much different story. In a hard-fought 1-3 battle against Horizon and a nail-biting three-set match that pushed past 25 points, Ironwood showed early on that they could hang with high-caliber teams. That momentum quickly translated into a strong 3-1 victory over Canyon View.</p>   <p>At the Westwood Tournament of Champions, the Eagles continued to prove their potential. They notched impressive wins over Red Mountain, Desert Mountain, and Boulder Creek, while narrowly falling to elite programs like Basha, Sunnyslope, and Perry. These tight matches solidified Ironwood's reputation as a team that can go the distance with anyone on the court.</p>   <p>Following a tough loss to Verrado in early September, Ironwood bounced back with a four-game winning streak, showcasing their ability to regroup and improve. That streak was eventually halted by 5A powerhouse Sunrise Mountain, but even then, the Eagles kept it close, losing in tight three-set scores.</p>   <p>This team is led by senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='874826' first='Ashley' last='Logan'], whose leadership and experience provide a steady hand on the court, and [player_tooltip player_id='835620' first='Malaya' last='Gibbs'], a dynamic six-rotation player who continues to impress with her versatility and impact on both sides of the ball.</p>   <p>Currently sitting at #9 in the 5A rankings, the Eagles are far from done. With their combination of young talent, senior leadership, and battle-tested experience, Ironwood is a team no one should overlook heading into the back half of the season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Desert Vista </h2>   <p>Desert Vista couldn't have asked for a better start to their season, opening with a dominant 3-0 sweep over Perry—a statement win that immediately turned heads across the state. That early momentum carried into the competitive House of Payne tournament, where DV notched key victories over strong programs like Queen Creek and Higley, proving their hot start was no fluke.</p>   <p>They kept the intensity high heading into the prestigious Westwood Tournament of Champions, finishing with a solid 4-2 record. Among those wins was an especially notable victory over 4A powerhouse ALA Queen Creek—another sign that DV is capable of competing with top-tier talent. Although they suffered a tough three-set loss to Hamilton, it seemed to ignite a fire. In their very next match against Casteel, one of the top programs in the state, DV managed to take a set in a hard-fought 1-3 battle—showcasing resilience and growth even in defeat.</p>   <p>Since then, the Thunder have strung together three consecutive wins, capped by a thrilling five-set victory over a strong Pinnacle squad. At the heart of their success is standout junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='775765' first='Emerson' last='Ortiz'], whose court vision and leadership drive the team's offense. She's backed by a steady and reliable presence on the outside in sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='888759' first='Piper' last='Garvin'], as well as explosive junior hitter [player_tooltip player_id='888921' first='Kenzie' last='Maldonado'], whose attacking power gives DV a constant edge at the net.</p>   <p>Currently sitting at No. 10 in the rankings, Desert Vista is far more than just a team on a streak—they're a legitimate threat. Opponents would be wise not to underestimate them as the season heats up.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. Cactus Shadows</h2>   <p>Cactus Shadows has been quietly building a strong case as one of the most underrated teams in 4A this season. Currently ranked No. 9, the Falcons are flying under the radar—but their record and performance suggest they deserve far more attention. Sitting at 8-1 overall and 2-1 in region play, they've proven they're not just competitive—they're fully capable of taking down top teams when given the chance.</p>   <p>What makes this squad stand out is their experience and composure. This is a mature roster that doesn't fold under pressure, which has been a key factor in their success during tight matches. Leading the charge is senior middle [player_tooltip player_id='826675' first='Karease' last='Broeker'], a dominant presence at the net who makes opposing hitters think twice. On the outside, senior pin [player_tooltip player_id='805171' first='Claire' last='Albaugh'] brings consistency and power, delivering crucial points and providing the kind of steady leadership that anchors a team.</p>   <p>The Falcons opened their season with a hard-fought five-set win over the Paradise Honors squad, immediately signaling their intent to be a serious contender. That win set the tone for a string of strong performances, including back-to-back 3-1 victories over Bradshaw Mountain and Thunderbird—both solid opponents in their own right.</p>   <p>Their momentum carried into the Westwood Tournament of Champions, where they earned a place in the prestigious Gold Bracket thanks to their gritty play and consistent execution. That tournament success sparked a six-match winning streak, highlighting their ability to not just win, but to sustain high-level play across multiple matches and formats.</p>   <p>While their streak recently ended in a tough battle against Arcadia, it's clear that Cactus Shadows isn't done. If anything, that loss is likely to serve as motivation as they head into the final stretch of regular-season play and prepare for the postseason. With a battle-tested roster, strong leadership, and a proven ability to rise to the occasion, the Falcons are a team no one should underestimate come October.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. ALA Gilbert North</h2>   <p>It's been a thrill to watch this talented squad go head-to-head with some of the top programs in the state. They kicked off the season with a string of high-intensity matchups, including a five-set thriller against 4A powerhouse Mica Mountain, a competitive 3-1 loss to Ironwood Ridge, and another nail-biting five-set battle against 5A contender Centennial. While some teams might have folded under that early pressure and disappointment, this group chose to rise.</p>   <p>Their resilience paid off in a big way during the AZ Epic Tournament, where they finished in the top half of the highest division—proving they can finish on top. That momentum carried over into regular season play, as they earned redemption in a five-set rematch win over Estrella Foothills and followed it up with a dominant sweep of Crismon.</p>   <p>Although they recently fell in a hard-fought five-set match against 4A ALA Queen Creek, the team is already looking ahead to a highly anticipated rematch on October 15—this time with revenge in mind.</p>   <p>Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='891171' first='Kylie' last='Christiansen'] has been the heart of the team, expertly running a dynamic offense while also providing steady leadership and clutch defense in the back row. Meanwhile, senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='806213' first='Kristyn' last='Grantham'] has been making her presence known with an impressive .350 hitting percentage on the season, consistently delivering when it counts.</p>   <p>With their grit, skill, and veteran leadership, this squad isn't just battling—they're building a case as one of the toughest teams to face this season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">8. Canyon View</h2>   <p>In 5A volleyball, Canyon View is proving they're a team you can't afford to overlook. After a tough season opener—a 1-3 loss to Ironwood—the Jaguars used that early setback as motivation and bounced back in a big way at the Westwood Tournament of Champions. There, they notched impressive wins over Willow Canyon, ALA Queen Creek, and Mountain Ridge, showing they have the talent and tenacity to compete with some of the best.</p>   <p>Their momentum carried into regular-season play, where they pushed 5A powerhouse Sunrise Mountain by stealing a set and keeping fans on the edge of their seats. They followed that performance with a five-set thriller against top-ranked Chaparral, proving they can go toe-to-toe with the best in the division.</p>   <p>Now, with the second half of the season underway, Canyon View is locked in and determined to close things out strong. At the core of their success is dynamic junior [player_tooltip player_id='828437' first='Bailey' last='Lambert'], whose powerful presence both in the middle and on the outside makes her one of the toughest hitters to defend. [player_tooltip player_id='877496' first='Molly' last='Wahlen'] adds to the firepower as a true six-rotation threat—providing rock-solid defense in the back row and a sharp offensive vision that keeps opponents guessing. Holding it all together is [player_tooltip player_id='881989' first='Imogen' last='Berus'] a key defensive anchor who also keeps the offense running efficiently with her quick tempo and court awareness.</p>   <p>With a roster full of grit, athleticism, and rising stars, Canyon View is clearly trending upward—and we're excited to see just how far this group can go.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">9. Cactus High School</h2>   <p>Cactus is on fire—and their current 8-game winning streak is proof that they're not just heating up, they're making a serious statement in 4A volleyball. Now ranked No. 10 in the division, the Cobras are not a team anyone should take lightly. They set the tone early in the season with a gritty 3-1 victory over Bradshaw Mountain in their opener, followed by another hard-fought 3-1 win against Shadow Mountain.</p>   <p>What makes Cactus especially dangerous is their dynamic and well-balanced roster, featuring impactful players from every grade level. At the core of it all is standout freshman setter [player_tooltip player_id='883366' first='Addison' last='Martin'], who plays well beyond her years. Her composure, court vision, and fearless leadership have been central to the team's success. Despite being new to the high school scene, Martin runs the floor with confidence and has built strong offensive connections with key hitters. Among those hitters is sophomore middle [player_tooltip player_id='891308' first='Kenli' last='Petty'], whose quick attacks and aggressive presence at the net keep opponents scrambling. Junior outside [player_tooltip player_id='891295' first='Laila' last='Long'] adds even more firepower with her ability to terminate from the pin and keep defenses off balance.</p>   <p>With a roster that blends youth, experience, and pure drive, the Cobras are building serious momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. If their recent play is any indication, Cactus is sure to give us an explosive finish—and they might just shake up the postseason more than anyone expects.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">10. Basha </h2>   <p>Basha has built a dynamic, high-potential roster that's been turning heads this season. With a mix of youthful talent and experienced leadership, the Bears are currently ranked 15th in 6A—a significant leap forward from last year and a clear sign that this program is on the rise.</p>   <p>At the core of their offensive system are two talented young setters: freshman [player_tooltip player_id='885103' first='Chelsea' last='Mayhead'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='886861' first='Kaylie' last='Lynar']. Despite their age, both have stepped into leadership roles with poise and determination, signaling a bright future for the Bears. The early part of the season was a rollercoaster as Basha worked to find its rhythm—starting with a tough 0-3 loss to Corona del Sol, followed by a commanding 3-0 sweep of Queen Creek, and then a hard-fought five-set battle with Arizona College Prep. Each match served as a building block for what would become a solid foundation.</p>   <p>That foundation showed its strength during the Westwood Tournament of Champions, where Basha racked up quality wins over Thunderbird, ALA Queen Creek, Canyon del Oro, Cactus Shadows, and Gilbert. Their strong performance earned them a spot in the Gold Bracket on Day 2, where they held their own against No. 1-ranked Xavier—an impressive feat for a young squad.</p>   <p>One of Basha's standout strengths is their blocking game. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='881962' first='Leiiani' last='Jones'] anchors the middle, while freshman [player_tooltip player_id='885082' first='K'Lei' last='Noah'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='881804' first='Addison' last='Bartnik']—a recent NAU commit—hold down the right side with consistency and force, neutralizing some of the top hitters in the state. Their defensive wall is a key reason why the Bears are able to stay competitive in tough matchups.</p>   <p>Complementing that front-line power are senior outside hitters [player_tooltip player_id='806011' first='Kamryn' last='Moyer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='885154' first='Halle' last='Cocking']. Both are six-rotation players who bring a vital mix of skill, composure, and maturity to the court, helping to steady the team in high-pressure moments.</p>   <p>Most recently, Basha faced a strong Perry squad and fell 1-3, but the match showed flashes of their growing potential. As the regular season winds down, there's no doubt the Bears have the pieces—and the grit—to make a statement. </p>   <p></p>

When it comes to Arizona high school volleyball, powerhouse programs often steal the spotlight — but there are several underrated teams across the state quietly building something special. These programs may not always dominate the headlines, but their grit, growth, and on-court success deserve recognition. From small schools making a name for themselves to rising contenders in tough divisions, these 10 teams are flying under the radar — for now.