Road to the Finals: Exciting Sectional Matchups in Class 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year, we have a lineup of formidable contenders, including powerhouse squads like the Gideon Bulldogs and Bismarck Indians, alongside underdogs ready to surprise and make their mark. In this article, we'll break down each sectional matchup, highlighting the paths these teams took to reach this stage, key players to watch, and predictions for who will advance to the next round. Get ready for an exciting tournament filled with unforgettable moments and fierce competition!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gideon Bulldogs (31-3)</strong> vs. Holcomb Hornets 25-11-1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Got Here:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Gideon:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defeated Richland 3-0</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defeated Bloomfield 3-0</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defeated Bernie 3-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponents: Gideon went 10-1, Holcomb went 7-3-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head to Head: Gideon is 3-0 and 11-0 in sets.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Aubree Sharp (2026):</strong> 1,026 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='815709' first='Layla' last='Watkins'] (2028):</strong> 507 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Karli Ashabranner (2028):</strong> 413 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Holcomb: Provides no roster or stats.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gideon has yet to drop a set to Holcomb, winning their previous encounters 3-0, 2-0, and 3-0. I don't foresee the Bulldogs losing a set as they advance to the quarterfinals with a decisive 3-0 victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bismarck Indians (35-3) vs. Leopold Wildcats (27-7-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Got Here:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leopold:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defeated Meadow Heights 3-0</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defeated Advance 3-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Bismarck:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Swept through districts against St. Paul Lutheran and Crystal City</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponents:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Bismarck:</strong> 7-1 record</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leopold:</strong> 6-2 record</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Bismarck:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807849' first='Ashley' last='Hawkins'] (2026):</strong> 400 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='811547' first='Ayla' last='Hawkins'] (2028):</strong> 289 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809752' first='Loryn' last='Pierson'] (2028):</strong> 250 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Leopold:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='485611' first='Ashtyn' last='Van De Ven'] (2027):</strong> 816 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='485590' first='Rylie' last='Schreiner'] (2027):</strong> 563 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828494' first='Piper' last='Lincoln'] (2026):</strong> 274 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two key games to analyze for this matchup are Advance and Ste. Genevieve. St. Genevieve swept Leopold, while Bismarck swept Ste. Genevieve. Leopold has shown strength by beating Advance twice (3-2 and 3-1), while Bismarck defeated Advance decisively (25-13, 25-22, 25-21). Both teams feature excellent pin hitters, with Bismarck boasting two strong 6'0" middles and Leopold showcasing one of the best setters in the SEMO area. I predict Bismarck will triumph in a thrilling sectional match, winning 3-2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Calvary Lutheran Lions (16-9-2) vs. Ellington Whippets (30-4-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Got Here:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Calvary Lutheran:</strong> Advanced by defeating Christian Fellowship 3-0 and Columbia Independent 3-1.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Ellington:</strong> Swept South Iron 3-0 and narrowly escaped against Eminence with a 3-2 victory.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponents:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>None</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Ellington:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828319' first='Megan' last='Copeland'] (2027):</strong> 354 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='830286' first='Bella' last='Pogue'] (2028):</strong> 252 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Lilyanah Tisdale (2027):</strong> 225 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Calvary Lutheran:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Sydney Foutes (2028):</strong> 189 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Ailyn McDonald (2028):</strong> 127 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Teagan Foley (2028):</strong> 179 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A strong sense of purpose drives Ellington and has the depth to overwhelm Calvary. Expect a sweep, sending Ellington to the school's first-ever quarterfinal appearance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Winona Wildcats (34-4) vs. School of the Ozarks Patriots (19-8-6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Got Here:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Winona:</strong> Swept through its district, defeating Bakersfield and then Summersville in the finals.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>School of the Ozarks:</strong> Also swept their district, winning against Chadwick and Bradleyville.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponents:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Crane and Sarcoxie:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Winona defeated both in straight sets.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>School of the Ozarks swept Crane but split with Sarcoxie.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Winona:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828367' first='Taylor' last='Williams'] (2026):</strong> 465 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827737' first='Sadie' last='Kile'] (2028):</strong> 444 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='232323' first='Lexi' last='Lindsey'] (2026):</strong> 1,066 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>School of the Ozarks:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Ashlynn Saffle (2028):</strong> 239 digs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Lulu Robbins (2028):</strong> 518 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Bennett Houston (2029):</strong> 201 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Winona will likely dominate and breeze through the sectionals with a clean sweep of the Patriots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Billings Wildcats (24-10-4) vs. New Heights Christian Cougars (19-9-5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Got Here:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Billings:</strong> Defeated Hurley 3-0, Galena 3-1, and Blue Eye 3-1.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>New Heights:</strong> Bested Golden City 3-0, Thomas Jefferson 3-1, and Greenfield 3-1.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponents:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Billings:</strong> 2-4-3 record</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>New Heights:</strong> 3-2-4 record</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>New Heights:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800483' first='Lilly' last='Plassman'] (2026):</strong> 526 digs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Caitlin Meppelink (2028):</strong> 674 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='816152' first='Lydia' last='Hipple'] (2027):</strong> 322 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Billings:</strong> No statistics available.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New Heights boasts the best libero on the court and is favored to defeat Billings 3-1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Liberal Bulldogs (16-8) vs. Archie Whirlwinds (25-4-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Got Here:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Liberal:</strong> Defeated Hume 3-0 and edged out Jasper 3-2.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Archie:</strong> Beat Midway 3-1 and Appleton City 3-0.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponents:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Liberal:</strong> 5-3 record</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Archie:</strong> 6-2 record</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Liberal:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='810735' first='Ally' last='Barton'] (2027):</strong> 253 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='792455' first='Braylen' last='Frieden'] (2028):</strong> 294 digs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Sadie Meadows (2027):</strong> 419 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Archie:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='485602' first='Reagan' last='Tenholder'] (2027):</strong> 552 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='835023' first='Lizzy' last='Thompson'] (2026):</strong> 271 digs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='796709' first='Madison' last='Wilson'] (2027):</strong> 710 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Tenholder in the mix, Archie will be difficult for Liberal to stop. Expect Archie to win decisively, sweeping.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Osceola Indians (19-9-6) vs. Crest Ridge Cougars (20-11)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Got Here:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Osceola:</strong> Defeated Smithton 3-1 and Sacred Heart 3-0.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Crest Ridge:</strong> As the #3 seed, they beat Sweet Springs 3-0, Northwest 3-1, and Santa Fe 3-2.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponents:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Osceola:</strong> 6-1-1 record</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Crest Ridge:</strong> 4-4 record</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Osceola:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809993' first='Brynn' last='Belisle'] (2027):</strong> 232 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Taryn Wood (2028):</strong> 228 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800402' first='Jadyn' last='Guerin'] (2026):</strong> 531 digs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Crest Ridge:</strong> No statistics provided.<!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Shelby Stoff (2026)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='815612' first='Laney' last='Wilhite'] (2026)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Willa Moylan (2028)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Osceola has the best libero on the court and a more well-rounded team. Expect Osceola to win 3-1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Northland Christian Trailblazers (23-5-3) vs. Rock Port Blue Jays (28-5-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Got Here:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Northland:</strong> Swept their district, defeating Faith Christian and Lutheran KC.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Rock Port:</strong> Swept North Nodaway and West Nodaway before winning against Mound City in five sets.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponents:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>North Platte, Plattsburg, Summit Christian, and West Platte:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Northland: 4-0 record</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Rock Port: 3-0-1 record</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Northland:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809806' first='Molly' last='Day'] (2026):</strong> 246 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='897295' first='Hadyn' last='Howie'] (2029):</strong> 208 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='729548' first='Kinley' last='Carr'] (2028):</strong> 712 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Rock Port:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Braylyn Wood (2028):</strong> 288 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Kinley Lair (2028):</strong> 206 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Stevie Gaines (2029):</strong> 445 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams are well-balanced, but Northland's strong middle will be challenging to stop. Rock Port is young and talented, making this an exciting match. Expect Northland Christian to secure a close 3-2 victory over Rock Port.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->