Sixteen Players to Watch from the 5A West Conference

<p>The wait is almost over: the 5A State Tournament tips off next week, bringing together some of the most talented teams and players from the 5A West conference for a shot at a 5A State Championship. From seniors chasing one last title run to underclassmen ready to make their mark on the biggest stage, this year is loaded. Here are 16 players to watch who could shape the outcome of the 5A State Tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Shiloh Christian</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">A key offensive threat for SCHS, [player_tooltip player_id='808122' first='Chloe' last='Blessing'] powered through the season with 413 kills in 106 sets (3.9 per set). She also proved strong at the net defensively, adding 45 total blocks (27 solo, 18 assists). She has registered 445 digs this season. Chloe hit 1,000 career kills earlier this season, and 1,000 career digs earlier this month. Blessing's all-around skill and high-impact play made her a go-to scorer and leader for the Saints.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='750224' first='Caroline' last='Stallbaumer'] is an anchor in the middle for SCHS, currently she has landed 272 kills across 107 sets (2.5 per set) and a .307 hitting percentage. She also contributed 55 total blocks (14 solo, 41 assists), averaging 1.7 per match, showcasing her value as a two-way player who could score efficiently and control the net defensively.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Defensively, [player_tooltip player_id='763687' first='Bristol' last='Bonanno'] is the heart of SCHS's backcourt, leading the State and conference with 556 digs in 107 sets (5.2 per set). Her quick reactions, strong serve-receive, and vocal leadership has anchored the team's defense. She has landed 41 service aces as well. Bonanno's consistency and confidence under pressure made her one of the top liberos in the area despite being only a freshman. Bristol's future is extremely bright.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">A versatile contributor for Shiloh Christian's Varsity, [player_tooltip player_id='889184' first='Harper' last='Davie'] has tallied 170 kills in 98 sets (1.7 per set). She has also added 38 total blocks (14 solo, 24 assists). Davie's ability to transition between opposite and outside roles has given her team valuable flexibility and reliable production in both front-row and defensive rotations. Davie can also contribute to her team as a setter, if needed. Harper has set for her previous club teams and earned valuable reps during the JV season this year. Harper is only a freshman, so as she continues to improve, her future has no ceiling.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Farmington</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">A dominant six-rotation performer, [player_tooltip player_id='839946' first='Emmerson' last='Rehkopf'] is Farmington's offensive leader and a defensive standout. She posted 481 kills in 92 sets (5.2 per set) with an astonishing .349 hitting percentage, while adding 293 digs (3.2 per set). Rehkopf's combination of power, efficiency, and consistency made her one of the most complete outside hitters in the state. She is a player capable of changing the game from any area of the court.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Running Farmington's offense with precision, [player_tooltip player_id='883787' first='Kolie' last='Beach'] has totaled 681 assists over 92 sets, averaging 7.4 per set, along with 195 digs (2.1 per set). Her leadership, quick decision-making, and ability to distribute effectively to multiple hitters has kept the Lady Cardinals' offense unpredictable and efficient all season long.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='765621' first='Laney' last='Brisiel'] is dominating the middle for Farmington with both offensive and defensive precision. She has recorded 214 kills in 89 sets (2.4 per set), while also contributing 63 total blocks, including 37 solo and 26 assists, averaging 0.7 blocks per set. Brisiel's net presence and efficiency has made her one of the most well-rounded middle blockers in the region.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='818366' first='Sadie' last='Morrison'] has provided reliability and control at the net for Farmington, tallying 148 kills over 92 sets (1.6 per set). Defensively, she is a key middle force, collecting 94 total blocks (47 solo, 47 assists) for an average of 1.04 blocks per set. Morrison's steady play and strong net defense made her an invaluable contributor to the Lady Cardinals' success.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Siloam Springs</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='412444' first='Haley' last='Thomas'] has played a vital role as a setter and QB1, recording 572 assists in 71 sets (8.1 per set) while also contributing defensively with 167 digs. What sets Haley apart from others in her position is her offense. Thomas has 164 kills this season on a .330 hitting percentage. Her leadership, precise ball distribution, and versatility has made her a dual threat, elevating Siloam Springs' offensive rhythm. [player_tooltip player_id='412444' first='Haley' last='Thomas'] is one of the best setters in the State of Arkansas.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Cenzi Johnson is a defensive leader for Siloam Springs, posting 350 digs in 69 sets (5.1 per set). Her court vision, quick reaction time, and ability to read hitters allowed her to neutralize opposing offenses. Johnson's defensive consistency is critical to the Panthers' back-row success. Cenzi reached 1,000 career digs this season.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">A two-way standout for Siloam Springs, [player_tooltip player_id='828474' first='Erika' last='Ellis'] has posted 262 kills (3.5 per set), and 230 digs (3.1 per set) over 74 sets. Her play and all-around reliability made her one of the Lady Panthers' most trusted and impactful athletes on both sides of the net.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='749843' first='Isabel' last='Suarez'] is a force for Siloam Springs, tallying 191 kills (2.6 per set), and 229 digs (3.1 per set) across 74 sets. Her adaptability and strong instincts has made her an essential part of the Lady Panthers' system, contributing consistently in every moment.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Van Buren</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='761791' first='Aubrie' last='McGhee'] has showcased her all-around game with 255 kills (3.4 per set), along with 266 digs (3.5 per set) in 75 sets. Her consistent scoring and presence has made her one of Van Buren's most dependable players. McGhee's leadership has provided a steady influence throughout the season. Aubrie has surpassed the 1,000 career kill milestone, and continues to add onto her personal record.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">A reliable playmaker, [player_tooltip player_id='763693' first='Matilyn' last='Dunn'] is guiding Van Buren's offense with 440 assists in 75 sets, averaging 5.9 per set. Her accuracy and court awareness allows her to feed the offense efficiently, while her calm demeanor has kept the Lady Pointers composed during tight matches. Dunn has also added 172 digs to her stat line this season.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='794683' first='Jada' last='Perryman'] has anchored Van Buren's defense with 345 digs in 75 sets (4.6 per set). Her quickness, anticipation, and strong passing under pressure gives her team confidence in the backcourt. Perryman's leadership and presence have been instrumental in the Lady Pointers' defensive success.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='813066' first='Emberly' last='Kimes'] has made a strong impact as a junior, recording 169 kills (2.3 per set). She added 64 blocks (15 solo). Kimes' play at the net has made her a solid contributor on both offense and defense.</p>    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <p>Stay tuned for upcoming ranking updates, state tournament coverage, conference write-ups, etc! Thank you for your patience and grace over the last several weeks.</p>   <p>- Hannah Watkins, Prep Dig Arkansas Lead Scout, @prepdighannah on IG/X.</p>

The wait is almost over: the 5A State Tournament tips off next week, bringing together some of the most talented teams and players from the 5A West conference for a shot at a 5A State Championship. From seniors chasing one last title run to underclassmen ready to make their mark on the biggest stage, this year is loaded. Here are 16 players to watch who could shape the outcome of the 5A State Tournament.