5A-6A Finals Edition: The Athletes Who Left Their Mark

The stage was set for the biggest games for arguably the strongest divisions in the UHSAA volleyball scene and they did not disappoint. Athletes across all positions proved what it takes to shine on the grand stage and, more importantly, what it takes to bring the championship home.   From the beginning of the season, fans and players knew one thing for certain, the Wildcats were going to be in the finals -- and they did not disappoint. However, the Eagles from Skyline, showed they weren't just there as a supporting role -- they put on a show of their own. Despite walking in as the underdogs after taking the 5A title last year, they came ready to fight. Regardless of the result, there was no denying that this match was epic. The 5-set thriller kept everyone in the arena on the edge of their seats as they watched the teams duke it out. The Wildcats may have won, but there were several athletes on Skyline who proved their championship pedigree even in defeat.    Of course, the star of the 5A championship game was [player_tooltip player_id='830129' first='Avery' last='Poulton']. She hit an impressive .328 with 24 kills and 16 digs. Her athleticism and ability to score at will separate her amongst the other pins in the '26 class. In the finals match, Poulton played with a confidence that translated to every facet of her game leading to the Wildcats taking home the state title and trophy for 5A.     Alisi was a standout performer in this game for the Wildcats. She hit a .400 with 14 kills and 5 blocks, showcasing both her power and consistency. I've already talked about her strengths as a middle, but this match reinforced just how dominant she can be at the net. It didn't really matter who was across the net or what kind of block was put in front of her, she found her kills and left a couple dents in the floor. From start to finish, Alisi delivered a commanding, steady performance.     Christensen is a competitor and will do whatever it takes to win. She totaled 48 assists, 12 digs, and 3 blocks for the match. She does a great job knowing where her hitters are and who she needs to get the ball to in the right moments. She is effective in the front and back row and proves to be a solid 5-1 setter capable of dictating an offense and keeping the fire running.     On a team that's filled with stellar talent, it's hard to find a way to stand out, however, [player_tooltip player_id='894153' first='Brylee' last='Howard'] was an impressive force for the Wildcats this season. She hit .258 on the season and was a reliable option for her team. She has great range and ability to score with a double or a single block in front of her. She elevates well and has a fast arm that can find floor or tool high off the block. As a blocker, Howard demonstrates good decision making at the net in terms of where to set up and has good ball control to play defense and manage tough sets.     Regardless of the result of the game, [player_tooltip player_id='892938' first='Isa' last='Taylor'] proved herself to be a true leader and competitor in the fight for the state title. On the match, she hit a .271 with 17 kills along with 12 digs. Her serve receive was solid and remained steady throughout the 5 sets. She lead with confidence and fire that inspired her teammates in the right moments to take leads and close out sets.     Evageline recorded a double-double with 43 assists and 11 digs. This might've been her first season, but her growth has been exciting to watch. Entering into her first state finals match as the starting Freshman setter, she helped push her team to go 5 sets with the stacked Wildcats lineup. She showcased her range and her ability to reverse off of tough passes to keep her offense dynamic and the blockers disciplined. Skyline might've lost, but with her return the Eagles will continue to excel.     [player_tooltip player_id='809035' first='Maya' last='Grant'] recorded 16 digs with 3 aces in her last game and last season with the Eagles. She made big plays on defense and made great passes against tough balls. Her size and speed helped her track and get under off speed shots and tips. Maya has good defensive range that helped her make good digs in the sharp cross and deep 5/6 corner and her energy and communication helped retain order and play tough defense.    Just like the two teams mentioned above, these teams were also no strangers as they headed into the grand finale. Many assumed that the undefeated Skyridge Falcons were the clear winner for the 6A division. Competing in one of the toughest regions in 6A, the Falcons proved themselves time and time again. However, in their conquest for the title, the Mustangs erased any doubts and left behind a dominant performance that encapsulated the meaning of what it takes to be a champion.    Nua proved why she is the top setter in this class. She ran a very stable, spread out offense that kept her hitters firing and the defense guessing. I've already discussed her strengths as a player, but she continues to prove why she is one of the top prospects in '27 class. She competes with energy, drive, and confidence that the Mustangs thrive on.     For the finals match, Berkleigh totaled 11 kills and was a defensive force at the net. She had an effective shot selection and range that helped her score in different areas of the court from the middle and outside. Because she works hard in transition, she continued to establish herself as an option that helped free up the pins. The power she puts behind the ball and IQ she uses to find her kills made her an offensive force that the Falcons had to respect when she was at the net.     [player_tooltip player_id='894190' first='Maija' last='Mortensen'] was one of the key components for the Mustangs shocking everyone in the finals. She totaled 9 kills and finished off the season with a .323. Her height and reach on the ball make it easier for her to find ways to score and she's not afraid to use off-speed shots when needed or swing full force when she sees the opportunity. The scariest thing about Mortensen is that she has two more years for the Mustangs and she is just beginning the ascent toward her ceiling.     With 18 digs on the match, Estelle showcased her defensive range that helped the Falcons build momentum in the right moments. Her ability to remain calm in stressful points in the game helped her make good reads and remain stable in serve receive. She makes great plays when she's off balance and is fast to get under off-speed shots or deflections off the block. Her control and precision help keep her team in system and take leads.     [player_tooltip player_id='894174' first='Lily' last='Grant'] totaled 40 assists for the match and was a stable force for the Falcons even though they suffered a disappointing result. She has good location and tempo paired with the ability to run a variety of different sets effectively which creates an dynamic offense. Even when she's off balance she is still putting up great balls that keep her hitters in rhythm. She's fast and athletic which makes it easier for her to track passes and play defense. She has great, consistent energy that contribute to the passion of the game.     Kylie recorded a double-double on the match with 13 kills and 17 digs. She delivered a steady performance in the front and back row that kept her team competitive throughout the match. She has good control and paired with the ability to use various shots she continued to score in and out of system. She remained solid in serve receive and made good reads in defense to keep the ball up and in a good location for her setter to run an offense.

The stage was set for the biggest games for arguably the strongest divisions in the UHSAA volleyball scene and they did not disappoint. Athletes across all positions proved what it takes to shine on the grand stage and, more importantly, what it takes to bring the championship home.