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<p>Class 3 has been unpredictable this season, with teams like Helias, Oak Grove, Rogersville, and Potosi remaining steady, so these four are likely the top contenders. Join us as we explore the current rankings and spotlight the teams prepared to compete in the district and state playoffs.</p>
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<li><strong>Helias Crusaders (29-1-1)</strong></li>
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<p>The Helias Crusaders have had a remarkable season, with their only loss coming at the hands of Class 4 Borgia in a 0-3 match. Beyond that setback, they have recorded impressive wins over teams such as Strafford, West Plains, Marshfield, Nixa, Kickapoo, and Rock Bridge. A victory over Eldon next week would mark Helias' 30th win before heading into districts. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828196' first='Claire' last='Carel']</strong> has been a standout player, leading the team with her exceptional blocking skills.</p>
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<li><strong>Oak Grove Panthers (29-0-1)</strong></li>
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<p><br>The Oak Grove Panthers have dominated this season, remaining undefeated with only three sets dropped—one against Notre Dame de Sion and one against Liberty North—while tying Bishop LeBlond. As the last remaining undefeated team in the state, they have their eyes set on the final four. <strong>Ava Chrisco</strong> is a crucial player, dedicated to keeping the ball off the floor and enabling her teammates to score.</p>
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<li><strong>Rogersville Wildcats (24-6-1)</strong></li>
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<p><br>The Rogersville Wildcats faced tough competition at the Ozark Tournament, suffering losses to Greenwood, AR, Lafayette, and Jefferson City. However, they bounced back with a hard-fought 3-2 victory against a strong California team. For a successful district title run, the performance of middles [player_tooltip player_id='809647' first='Hailey' last='Buckman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='817589' first='Paige' last='Algren'] will be vital.</p>
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<li><strong>Potosi Trojans (24-4-2)</strong></li>
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<p><br>The defending Class 3 champions, the Potosi Trojans, have achieved a milestone this year by winning the Large School MAAA Conference for the first time. They are now aiming to add the MAAA Conference Tournament title to their accolades. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='544678' first='Adalynn' last='Gibson']</strong> has been instrumental in the offense, racking up an impressive 758 assists this season.</p>
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<li><strong>Bishop LeBlond Golden Eagles (24-4-1)</strong></li>
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<p><br>After moving up to Class 3 this year, Bishop LeBlond is poised to face a challenging district with two formidable 25-win teams, Chillicothe and Maryville. [player_tooltip player_id='735235' first='Kendall' last='Cathcart'] and [player_tooltip player_id='729553' first='Emily' last='Conz'] are gearing up to lead their offense ahead of the district tournament.</p>
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<li><strong>Chillicothe Hornets (25-4)</strong></li>
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<p><br>Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='808022' first='Lyla' last='Beetsma'], [player_tooltip player_id='825683' first='Emerson' last='Staton'], and [player_tooltip player_id='807861' first='Ava' last='Leamer'] are determined to cap off their high school careers with a district title, a feat the program has yet to achieve. With a tough district that includes Maryville, Savannah, and LeBlond, the Hornets have their work cut out for them.</p>
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<li><strong>Hollister Tigers (25-4-1)</strong></li>
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<p><br>The Hollister Tigers have made their way into the rankings after a hard-fought victory over Strafford, with standout performances from [player_tooltip player_id='830257' first='Bella' last='Cavins'] (17 kills) and [player_tooltip player_id='791477' first='Alyssa' last='Danielson'] (27 digs). To secure their first district title since 2010, they will need to overcome Mountain View Liberty, a consistent playoff contender.</p>
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<li><strong>Eldon Mustangs (21-9)</strong></li>
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<p><br>The Eldon Mustangs re-enter the rankings following a solid performance in which they defeated Strafford 25-20, 21-25, 25-23 during their tournament last weekend. In that match, 2026 players [player_tooltip player_id='828199' first='Corin' last='Davis'] and Sara McCoy contributed significantly with 10 and 12 kills, respectively.</p>
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<li><strong>Nevada Tigers (23-6-2)</strong></li>
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<p><br>Despite facing six losses this season, none have come against teams with a losing record. Freshman Natalie Hope is making her mark alongside 2026 left pin [player_tooltip player_id='735226' first='Kimber' last='Eaton'], together accumulating an impressive 467 kills. Nevada stands as the only team in their district with more than 15 wins, positioning them favorably for the playoffs.</p>
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<li><strong>Strafford Indians (27-4-2)</strong></li>
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<p><br>The Strafford Indians have seen a slip in the rankings following a recent loss to Eldon (1-2). To reclaim their spot and pursue a district title, they will have to face the #3 Rogersville Wildcats in a challenging matchup. In their earlier contest against Rogersville, the 2028 players [player_tooltip player_id='729492' first='Trista' last='Vanhorn'], [player_tooltip player_id='770347' first='Ava' last='Lane'], and [player_tooltip player_id='729521' first='Blair' last='Bough'] combined for 40 kills.</p>
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Class 3 has been unpredictable this season, with teams like Helias, Oak Grove, Rogersville, and Potosi remaining steady, so these four are likely the top contenders. Join us as we explore the current rankings and spotlight the teams prepared to compete in the district and state playoffs.
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