Class 4 Rankings: Contenders and Challengers

As the Class 4 volleyball season approaches its climax, three teams stand out as the primary contenders for the state title: the St. Pius X Lancers, St. Michael Guardians, and Rockwood Summit Falcons. However, the competition doesn't stop there. Dark horses like Webb City, Borgia, Holt, Belton, and Parkway Central are all eyeing upsets as they vie for the remaining playoff spots. With districts just around the corner, here's a look at the final top 10 teams in Class 4 and their prospects heading into the postseason.   1. St. Pius X Lancers 18-4   The Lancers boast two of the most formidable hitters in Class 4: [player_tooltip player_id='221230' first='Bennett' last='Raterman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='475322' first='Kate' last='Sherry']. With a record of 4000 assists from setter [player_tooltip player_id='221231' first='Elena' last='Ruble'] and a tenacious libero in [player_tooltip player_id='801940' first='Harper' last='Gass'], this core looks poised for a repeat Class 4 title. Notably, their only losses have come from teams in Missouri's Class 5. With a strong district championship showing expected, the Lancers are a team to beat.   2. St. Michael Guardians 25-7-0   The Guardians have solidified their place as the second-best Class 4 team, with their only loss to the top-ranked St. Pius in a 0-2 sweep. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='232325' first='Addi' last='MacLean'] has surpassed 3500 career assists and is on track to reach 4000 if she finishes the season strong. As the top seed in the upcoming district, St. Michael is a formidable opponent.   3. Rockwood Summit Falcons 24-8-1   Setting a new season record for wins, the Falcons have shown resilience with two recent five-set victories over Webster Groves and Lutheran. [player_tooltip player_id='389497' first='Hannah' last='Patton'] leads the defense with an impressive 495 digs this season. However, a potential matchup against St. Pius X looms large, making their path to the Final Four challenging.   4. Webb City Cardinals 20-7-0   After losing one of its top players early in the season, Webb City has bounced back remarkably, winning 20 games and positioning itself for another district title. [player_tooltip player_id='792185' first='Avery' last='Gardner'] and Jaylee Van Becelaere have anchored the defense, combining for 743 digs, providing stability as they head into the postseason.   5. Borgia Knights 19-12-2   Despite a tough stretch of 2-5 during the Ozark Tournament, Borgia has faced strong competition from Class 5 teams. With losses to [program_tooltip program_id='428790' first='Park' last='Hills'] South, Ozark, Nixa, Fayetteville (AR), and St. Pius X, they remain the top seed in their district. Players [player_tooltip player_id='218556' first='Joanna' last='Gillen'], [player_tooltip player_id='797080' first='Mia' last='Klak'], [player_tooltip player_id='544208' first='Isabella' last='Richardson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='821915' first='Alexis' last='Straatmann'] are eager to make a statement and secure a district title.   6. Marshfield Bluejays 25-8-2   Marshfield started the season strong at 13-1-1, but has since cooled off. Their recent wins over West Plains give them an edge as they head into districts. With [player_tooltip player_id='725291' first='Quinn' last='Aldridge'] and [player_tooltip player_id='735547' first='Gracelyn' last='Bull'] contributing significantly with a combined 490 digs, 706 assists, and 433 kills, they could turn the tide in the playoffs.   7. Belton Pirates 24-9   As a dark horse in the race for a final four spot, Belton will need to overcome St. Michael's in the districts. With a recent 3-1 win over Ray-Pec and key players like [player_tooltip player_id='261314' first='Phoenix' last='Fogel'] and [player_tooltip player_id='831489' first='Dreya' last='Scherfenberg'] returning to full strength, they are poised to make a strong push in the postseason.   8. Parkway Central Colts 19-9-2   The Colts feature one of the top 2027 pins in Class 4 with [player_tooltip player_id='485600' first='Madelyn' last='Schaefer'], who has amassed 431 kills this season. As the number one seed in their district, Parkway Central is well-positioned to advance, but they will need other players to step up and share the scoring load.   9. Holt Indians 16-3-3   Despite losses to Hannibal, Winfield, and Timberland, Holt is enjoying a solid season, currently on an 11-game winning streak. They recently avenged a loss to Winfield with a 3-1 victory. [player_tooltip player_id='545003' first='Eden' last='Wilson'] and Ashlyn Winans have been instrumental in maintaining the team's momentum.   10. Windsor Owls 21-6-2   Achieving 20+ wins for the fifth consecutive season, the Owls continue to reload with fresh talent each year. However, their path to a district championship is daunting, as they would need to defeat both #3 Summit and #1 St. Pius X. Key players like [player_tooltip player_id='833329' first='Jordan' last='Rosvall'], [player_tooltip player_id='827949' first='Tessa' last='Whitney'], and [player_tooltip player_id='825082' first='Ella' last='Shedron'] will need to rise to the occasion.

As the Class 4 volleyball season approaches its climax, three teams stand out as the primary contenders for the state title: the St. Pius X Lancers, St. Michael Guardians, and Rockwood Summit Falcons. However, the competition doesn't stop there. Dark horses like Webb City, Borgia, Holt, Belton, and Parkway Central are all eyeing upsets as they vie for the remaining playoff spots. With districts just around the corner, here's a look at the final top 10 teams in Class 4 and their prospects heading into the postseason.