Preview Of Maryland State Volleyball Championships

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eight high schools find themselves still competing for a state championship broken out into four classes. Two state champions from last year have been eliminated. Two state champions have survived. This Saturday they play it out at Hartford Community College. Crash the atmosphere to witness some future volleyball stars compete in the four Maryland state championship classes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 4A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":589251,"width":"420px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/111-Barrett-Bolter.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589251" style="width:420px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='478903' first='Barrett' last='Bolter']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Broadneck </strong>(18-3) - Churchill eliminated defending champion Richard Montgomery and then Broadneck knocked out Churchill. A while back I mentioned a number of high schools trying to win championships with an influx of frosh. Annapolis Area Christian was one school and they won the bracket A IAAM championship. Broadneck was another. Now Broadneck finds itself in the finals against Urbana. Last year Broadneck lost to Richard Montgomery in the finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2007 - 2009,, 2004, 2002 and 2001</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - The 6'1" left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='721753' first='Kennedy' last='Smith']</strong> provides the bulk of the offense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='478903' first='Barrett' last='Bolter']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='721762' first='Sydney' last='Lawrence']</strong> are quality setters. While I have not watcedh Broadneck play Jeremy has indicated a use of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='721762' first='Sydney' last='Lawrence']</strong> in the middle. The four frosh on the roster are sisters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747047' first='Ella' last='Luscomb']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750053' first='Alexis' last='Luscomb']</strong>. Ella lists as a middle/opposite while Alexis identifies as a setter/defensive specialist. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='766895' first='Neely' last='Olish']</strong> is a 6'0" middle/opposite while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='787925' first='Camryn' last='Bedell']</strong> is an outside/opposite. It will be interesting to see how these frosh are used in such an important match. They have the talent to play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Urbana </strong>(17-4) - Some could argue that the Hawks received the easy part of the Regional and state bracket. They have swept past all their opponents. Early in their schedule they beat Richard Montgomery but they followed that up with a loss to Churchill. The Hawks are only two years removed from their first state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2022</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='321680' first='Talia' last='DoCarmo']</strong> is an undersized left side who can put the ball away. Another undersized player for her position is middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='321679' first='Simone' last='Assasie']</strong>. She lists at only 5'9" but she brings excellent arm length in her blocks. The George Washington commit also brings good timing to the quick tempo sets. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='321677' first='Charis' last='Burge']</strong> is a quality setter who has committed to Syracuse. She can set a 5/1 or hit right side with a 6/2. At 5'10 she has height for the setter's position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 3A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":589257,"width":"464px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/117-Mariska-Ordonez.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589257" style="width:464px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='577516' first='Mariska' last='Ordonez']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Howard</strong> (24-0) - Last year Howard was unbeaten until they lost in the semi-finals to Wootten. This year they are again unbeaten, but they will go against the defending champion North Hagerstown, who is also unbeaten. When was the last time two unbeaten powerhouses battled each other in a championship match? Unfortunately, I do not have the answer, but this match should be worth the watch. It has been over 40 years since Howard last won a championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 1980 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - When I recently watched them play sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829552' first='Anna' last='Fiedler']</strong> seemed to provide much of the offense. However, if you focus too much on her they have senior veteran <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='835938' first='Mckenna' last='Brown'] </strong>who can do some damage on the left side as well as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='577516' first='Mariska' last='Ordonez']</strong> who can punish teams on the right side. It would be nice if they had <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506629' first='Dylann' last='Loggins']</strong> for the middle but she did not suit up for one of her more recent matches. Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698761' first='Imagine' last='Peltier'] </strong>knows how to run an offense and if you don't keep track of her when she is in the front row she can dump it to the floor. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='374421' first='Miranda' last='Ball']</strong> is a very capable libero. Miranda will be going to Frostburg State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>North Hagerstown</strong> (19-0) - Ever since [player_tooltip player_id='303701' first='Caydence' last='Doolan'] has arrived at the school to play for the varsity the Hubs have won the State Championship. On the road to this state championship they have swept everyone in District, Regional and State bracket play. During the regular season they have beaten Urbana twice, three time Virginia state champion James Wood in a sweep, Williamsport and Clear Spring. What do these schools all have in common? They too are playing in state championships in different classes or states.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2022 - 2024, 2014, 2012 and 2011</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - The Marquette bound <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='303701' first='Caydence' last='Doolan']</strong> provides over 50 percent of the Hub's kills. Whether it is back row or front row she can put the ball away. She hits at an amazing .447 hitting percentage. She has some help from her 6'1" frosh middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='787919' first='Charlotte' last='Booth']. </strong> That is in essence their one/two punch. Sophomore libero<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='731631' first='Zalikah' last='Pabalan'] </strong>keeps them in system with her passing and defense. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='889251' first='Mia' last='Johnson'] </strong>and <strong>Lauren Ly</strong> share the setting responsibilities. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 2A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":589247,"width":"445px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/106-Jessica-Li.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589247" style="width:445px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='529251' first='Jessica' last='Li']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Williamsport</strong> (16-3) - They are the defending champions who have not had much trouble reaching the state finals, sweeping past all their opponents. The Wildcats stand out as the high school with the most state championships with 17. Their three losses this season are to James Wood, North Hagerstown and Spring Mills (West Virginia), all quality opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2024, 2021, 2018, 2016, 2012, 2002 - 2005, 1999, 1995, 1992, 1991, 1988, 1987, 1985 and 1981</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - The two left sides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309027' first='Skylar' last='Norris']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='830996' first='Catherine' last='Warren']</strong> provide the bulk of the offense. Middle <strong>Elliana Schwartz</strong> requires a little bit of attention with the quick tempo sets. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800474' first='Leigha' last='Harsh']</strong> provides the assistance in the back row while <strong>McKenna Murphy </strong>and <strong>Cali McClung</strong> share the setting duties.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Glenelg</strong> (14-4) - The Wildcats have fought two five set matches to get to the finals. One of their four losses has been against Howard. They should not be confused with Glenelg Conty, which recently won the Bracket B IAAM championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2021, 2005, 2002, 1995, 1993</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346815' first='Isard' last='Bernades']</strong> leads the team in offense. When playing club she suits up in a different colored jersey however for the Wildcats she hits left side. Right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346816' first='Avery' last='Hubbard'] </strong>ranks second in kills but her hitting accuracy sits at a team high .306. At 5'10" she has the height to put up a good block on the right side. She is actually second on the team in blocks. Frosh middle<strong> Ivy Jones </strong>leads the team in blocks despite her diminutive 5'9" height. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='588468' first='Bella' last='Chen']</strong> stands out as the libero while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529251' first='Jessica' last='Li']</strong> runs the offense with her setting. Isard's younger sister <strong>Aran Bernades </strong>helps on the left side as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 1A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clear Spring </strong>(15-6) - Two of their six losses have been to Williamsport. Another loss came against North Hagerstown. Those half of their losses came against teams vying for a state championship. After winning championships in 2022 and 2023 they have a longing to get back on the podium again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2023, 2022, 2018, 1994, 1993</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - They have two smaller sized outsides that drive their offense in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='721737' first='Kaisy' last='Custer']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='525340' first='Olivia' last='Smith']</strong>. Both play 6-rotations, fitting in the top three in serving aces, digs and receptions. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='890262' first='Malea' last='Shingleton']</strong> runs the offense with her setting while libero <strong>Calle Hose</strong> tops the team in digs and serve receive. Middle <strong>Juliet Hodge</strong> stands out as their tallest player at 5'10". This allows her to lead the team in blocks and rank third in kills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Patterson Mill</strong> (17-3-2) - They made it to one final in 2019 and reached the semi-finals the last three years, while also winning their Region the last four years. Some would say their time is due. Two of their three losses this year have come against Bel Air while the third came against Howard in a tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Unfortunately, not a lot is known about this team. None of the players appear in the Prep Dig rankings. They have two tall middles who measure just over 6 feet in <strong>Keely Glowacki</strong> and <strong>Rylie Madsen</strong>. <strong>Mia Jelen</strong> is a 5'10" outside who I suspect can do some damage. Her HUDL videos shows she can put the ball away. Left side <strong>Sophie Lopano</strong> and libero <strong>Angela Kim </strong>were named to the all selection team at the start of th year, as was <strong>Mia Jelen.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->