Surprising Developments as Virginia State Brackets Finalized

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three of the defending champs have advanced to the Virginia state bracket while three defending champs have been eliminated. Riverside, James Wood and Auburn have advanced while two time state champs Langley and Hidden Valley as well as Ridgeview were all eliminated in the Regional semifinal. Below previews the final eight high schools competing in classes 4 through 6. I will finish with classes 1 through 3 in a later post.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 6A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Colgan </strong>(25-4) - They pulled a reverse sweep in the Regional semi-finals over a strong Colonial Forge team to advance to the finals, winning the last three matches 25-20, 25-15 and 15-13. This will be Colgan's fourth trip to the States in the last five years. They swept Patriot in the Regional finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State championships - 2021</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238593' first='Tehillah' last='Garrison']</strong> is the player they rely on the most for offense, however opposite her <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='550688' first='Sienna' last='Mitchell']</strong> gets her share of kills. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333653' first='Elizabeth' last='York']</strong> can play middle or right side and is their third most effective offensive player, leading the team in hitting percentage at .338. She also ranks second in blocks. Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='813491' first='Gabrielle' last='Cherry']</strong> ranks first in blocks, while the smaller but athletic <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809716' first='Kennedy' last='Buchanan']</strong> can handle the middle if York goes right side. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='609533' first='Madeline' last='Dumais']</strong> proves potent on the right side. The setting is shared by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464563' first='Elizabeth' last='Robinson']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='643810' first='Jasmine' last='Belle Carrasco']</strong>. Younger sister <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747458' first='Angelie' last='Rose Carrasco']</strong> plays an excellent libero, one of the best in the DMV region, even as a frosh.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":904177,"width":"309px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/11/IMG_6507.jpg?w=480" alt="" class="wp-image-904177" style="width:309px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: [player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>J<strong>ames Madison </strong>(26-3-1) - James Madison swept South Lakes to advance to the Regional finals. The two teams split during the regular season with South Lakes upsetting them during their early undefeated run. In the finals of the Regionals Madison swept Marshall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2015</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick']</strong> is a libero for travel but an offense weapon in high school. She leads the team in kills and is second in digs. The other two big contributors on offense include right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='359401' first='Chloe' last='Barth']</strong> and middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753047' first='Olivia' last='Schulz']</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455177' first='Briana' last='Vo']</strong> normally sets a 5/1 but they have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='893325' first='Bella' last='Pham']</strong> who can come in if they need height in the front row. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='696415' first='Jenna' last='Swale']</strong> covers the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Patriot </strong>(24-3) - After losing to Mountain View in the first set they swept them in the next three to advance to the finals in the Region against Colgan. The Sharks swept Patriot in the finals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Player of the year for the Cedar Run District <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='220923' first='Soleil' last='Rancourt']</strong> is the main offensive force. They have three players who can play middle or hit right side. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238850' first='Sydney' last='Bennett']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523664' first='Reese' last='Roberts']</strong> both have hitting percentage above .400 while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464562' first='Elizabeth' last='Gordon']</strong> ranks second on the team in kills. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='448705' first='Danika' last='Swanson'] </strong>is a quality setter who runs a 5/1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747302' first='Kayleigh' last='Francis']</strong> blocks well from the right side. The defensive side of the house is handled by sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='898881' first='Aubrey' last='Shelton'].</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Springfield</strong> (26-2) - After losing the first set 25-23 the Spartans easily rambled through the last three sets to down the upstart Lake Braddock. They then swept West Potomac in the finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - none</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - They are more balanced on offense this year than last year with left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='354086' first='Nina' last='Schweigert']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='720348' first='Milena' last='Kibret']</strong> as well as right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='890257' first='Ryleigh' last='McGowen']</strong> each splitting the offensive responsibilities. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438046' first='Anna' last='Dierks']</strong> is the main setter, running a 5/1, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725456' first='Audrey' last='Busch']</strong> plays a quality defense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='693144' first='Layla' last='Babiker'] </strong>is also a threat on the left side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>George Marshall</strong> (18-11) - Perhaps in the biggest upset of the year the Statesmen eliminated two time defending champ Langley from the state playoffs in a five set win. The fact that this is the second time this year they have beaten Langley makes you question the upset talk. They started the season 1-8 and have rolled to 17-3 since then, though Madison did sweep them in the Regional finals..</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438068' first='Ayla' last='Sayd']</strong> is their top offensive performer from the left side. Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238341' first='Teodora' last='Stamenkovic']</strong> transferred from Bishop O'Connell and has been a presence for the Statesmen up the middle. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='562335' first='Zeynep' last='Anaz']</strong> switched from left side to setting. The last time I watched them play she was injured. with shin splits and could not play. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='369730' first='Gracie' last='Froemling']</strong> does well at the libero position to keep the team in system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":589269,"width":"375px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/128-Olivia-Garey.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589269" style="width:375px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Olivia garey</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Potomac</strong> (12-11-1) - Fairfax carried the better record so for the Wolverines to win in four it would have to be a minor upset. The two times they played Fairfax during the season they only won one set. Currently, the Wolverines record for teams in the state bracket is 1-14. In the Regional finals they were swept by West Springfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - none</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='469197' first='Olivia' last='Garey']</strong> provides the bulk of the offense from the left side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grassfield</strong> (18-5) - The Grizzlies won Region 6A by sweeping past Landstown and Thomas Dale. They are on a role, winning their last 9 matches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='734796' first='Benisa' last='Moore'] </strong>may lack height but she brings good velocity to her hits from the left side. One of the top liberos in the DMV area may be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='471714' first='Ryann' last='Bothof'].</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thomas Dale</strong> (18-7) - They were swept by Grassfield to finish second in Class 6A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - They have one of the most potent offensive players in sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536717' first='London' last='Jones']</strong>, who is ranked number 8 in our class of 2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 5A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riverside</strong> (25-2) - They won their region with a sweep over Potomac Falls. They are the defending state champions. Two years ago the only match they lost was in the finals of the state championship, otherwise they would be going for the three peat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301696' first='Nadiya' last='Johnson']</strong> is rostered on the U.S. Junior National team. She transferred to Riverside last year as a sophomore and became a critical piece to their championship season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333651' first='Sydney' last='Ray']</strong> runs the offense with her setting. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333652' first='Gabriella' last='Vizek'] </strong>is a force up the middle. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377335' first='Mackenzie' last='Davis']</strong> has returned from a year of absence to set and hit right side. At 6'0" she is a presence in the front row. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='464556' first='Kennedy' last='Peyton']</strong> is a solid six rotation left side. One of the top liberos in the area is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438070' first='Camryn' last='Coulther']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kellam</strong> (20-3) - As teams so often do in the Beach conference Kellam beat Ocean Lakes in five to win their Regional bracket. Kellam won the last two 25-23, 17-15. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='484751' first='Riley' last='Erwin']</strong> brought her usual triple double with 14 kills, 12 digs and 22 assists as well as 6 blocks. This is the third time Kellam has beaten Ocean Lakes and all three matches have gone to five sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2019, 2016, 2010 - 2012,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - They have two extremely talented players in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='484970' first='Sofia' last='Barnes']</strong> and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='484751' first='Riley' last='Erwin']</strong> who provide close to 50% of the team kills. The uncommitted 6'2" [player_tooltip player_id='484751' first='Riley' last='Erwin'] is a triple double machine with her kills, assists and digs. Riley hits right side and shares setting duties with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='643814' first='Emma' last='Irving']</strong>. Middle <strong>Skylar Witte</strong> leads the team in blocking. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='544609' first='Giulia' last='Allison']</strong> carries a lot of Brazilian Olympic genes to the court, inherited from her grandfather with his eight Olympic golds. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='608979' first='Mia' last='Schmidt']</strong> is another left side who can put the ball away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ocean Lakes</strong> (18-8) - Ocean Lakes swept by Cox before their five set loss to Kellam in the finals of the Regional. Five of their 8 losses have come against either Cox or Kellam.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - The 6'1" Virginia Tech commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333654' first='Santina' last='Martcheva']</strong> is a difference maker hitting left side. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='618590' first='Lyla' last='Shannon']</strong> is a force up the middle. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='664960' first='Carmela' last='Mendoza']</strong> leads the offense setting a 5/1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='671315' first='Sienna' last='Carr']</strong> can bring it from the right side Taking care of the back row is libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='518167' first='Alexis' last='Broggin']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Midlothian</strong> (23-1) - They knocked off Deep Run in a five set battle. This is the second time they have beaten them this season. Their only loss this season came against St. Catherines, who played in the private school state championship (VISAA).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2022</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - No rosters for Midlothian, however players who are ranked by Prep Dig include outsides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='519343' first='Dylan' last='Cline']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='710426' first='Emerson' last='Combs']</strong>, as well as setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='601731' first='Cassidy' last='Zalinski']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Deep Run</strong> (19-4) - For Deep Run the losses to Midlothian in the finals of the Regionals forces them to open against defending champion Riverside. They had lost to Midlothian earlier in the season as well as to Atlee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Championship Seasons - 2006 and 2007</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Deep Run also lacks roster information but the rankings have the Dodge sisters. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='526878' first='MacKenzie' last='Dodge']</strong> sets while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='808369' first='Anika' last='Dodge'] </strong>takes care of the back row as the libero,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":729633,"width":"296px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/25-Ela-Yilmaz.jpg?w=906" alt="" class="wp-image-729633" style="width:296px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='706453' first='Ela' last='Yilmaz'] [program_tooltip program_id='498081' first='Loudoun' last='Elite'] Tony</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Potomac Falls</strong> (20-6) - Potomac Falls qualified for the state championship despite their loss to Riverside in the finals. It was their fourth loss to Riverside this season. Against other teams they stand 20-2. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Championship Seasons - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Their most potent offensive player is the undersized left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536741' first='Lacey' last='Bogues']</strong>. Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324765' first='Camille' last='Ciambruschini'] </strong>reached 1,000 assists this year setting a 5/1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='545717' first='Ellie' last='Brumback']</strong> can also provide damage hitting from the left side. On defense and serve receive they are strong with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='706453' first='Ela' last='Yilmaz']</strong> patrolling the back row. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Menchville</strong> (19-4) - Yesterday they beat Woodside in four to advance to the state bracket. They also swept past the previously undefeated Maury in the Regional finals. They had beaten Woodside twice earlier this season, but each time they played them they lost an extra game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Championship Seasons - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746353' first='Caroline' last='Clements']</strong> is their masher from the left side. She leads her team in kills. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='875298' first='Emma' last='Wade']</strong> is the player that runs the offense, setting a 5/1. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maury</strong> (20-1) - The Commodores swept past Granby in the Regional semifinals. Ultimately, a loss to Menchville in the Regional finals spoiled their perfect record. They can still temper that disappointment with a state championship win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Championship Seasons - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - No rosters and no players who appear in the Prep Dig Virginia rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 4A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":764515,"width":"404px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/IMG_1908.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-764515" style="width:404px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: [player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid'] and [player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Wood</strong> (27-2) - The three time defending champion again eliminated Millbrook in the semi-finals. The last two years they have won the championship the Colonels have eliminated Millbrook in the semifinals. James Wood swept past Glass in the Regional finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2022 - 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Prior to the arrival of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin']</strong> the Colonels had come close to winning a championship but fell usually to Loudoun County. Since their arrival they have not failed to win one. Last year they needed five sets to beat Courtland. While <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin']</strong> plays libero for club, the 5'5" James Madison commit can fly when hitting left side. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='845377' first='Claire' last='Keefer']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827679' first='Reese' last='Justice']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='806216' first='Kyla' last='Wilhelm']</strong> all contribute from the middle/right side. Setting duties are shared by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='621440' first='Kylee' last='Plumb']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='720415' first='Bella' last='Middleton'].</strong> They normally play without a libero.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Glass </strong>(17-5) - The Hilltoppers have swept past their opponents to get to the Regional semi-finals. James Wood then swept them in the finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829847' first='Aubri' last='Willis']</strong> is the player to stop. She accounts for close to 50 percent of her teams kills. The 6'0" frosh middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904879' first='Sofia' last='Richards']</strong> leads the team in blocks. Ultimately, she could be the difference in stopping <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid']</strong>. Despite her 5'4" height <strong>Elleri Turille</strong> runs the offense setting a 5/1 Surprisingly, she does have three solo blocks to her credit. Outside <strong>Sara Wesley</strong> seems to do it all, leading the team in digs and aces while ranking second in kills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Loudoun County</strong> (14-5) - Loudon County won a five setter against Heritage to advance to the finals, including a 33-31 fourth set victory. That followed a 28-26 third set victory by Heritage. The second set was also won by Heritage 31-29. Talk about epic. Loudoun County then beat Dominion in the finals in four in a less spectacular fashion..</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2012 - 2021, 2007 - 2010</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='249330' first='Charlotte' last='Arrington']</strong> won player of the year for the Catocin Conference. The other left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377334' first='Josephine' last='Seekford'] </strong>earned first team honors as did setter <strong>Claire Popish</strong>. Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='485504' first='Sydney' last='Miller']</strong> was the fourth member of the Captains to make the first team. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='279856' first='Kayla' last='Luther'] </strong>can play the pins but she has also resolved that her short stature makes playing libero in the back row a better alternative. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":789512,"width":"310px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/229-Amaya-Bowles.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-789512" style="width:310px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='475397' first='Amaya' last='Bowles']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dominion </strong>(18-9-1) - The Titans lost for the third time to Loudoun County in the finals of the Regional playoff. They had a slow start to their season, losing five of their first six matches. That would make them 17-3-1 towards the end of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - [player_tooltip player_id='352831' first='Megan' last='Hiltner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='475397' first='Amaya' last='Bowles'] provide much of the offense for the Titans. [player_tooltip player_id='298857' first='Ingrid' last='Smith'] runs the offense setting a 5/1. [player_tooltip player_id='740769' first='Gabriela' last='Galova'] and <strong>Gabriella Elkar</strong>i share the back row responsibilities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":516124,"width":"317px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/03/89-Aubrey-Parker-rotated.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-516124" style="width:317px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='397536' first='Aubrey' last='Parker']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Courtland</strong> (26-1) - The Cougars continue to roll defeating Atlee in their Regional finals. Courtland last year took James Wood to five in the Class 4 state finals last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='397536' first='Aubrey' last='Parker']</strong> runs this offense, sometimes setting a 5/1 and at other times setting a 6/2. When the team runs a 6/2 her offense is used quite a bit on the right side. At 6'1" she is the tallest player on the team. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='397539' first='Carolina' last='Eastlake']</strong> is an offensive presence on the left side while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='524421' first='Chelsea' last='Quaye']</strong> provides the offense on the right side. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725446' first='Allison' last='Meyer']</strong> plugs up the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Atlee</strong> (19-2) -Atlee lost to Courtland in the Regional final. Their only other loss during the season was to Courtland as well. They have been to a number of final fours, but only played in one State championship in 2012 when they lost to Kellam. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464573' first='Blake' last='Crawford']</strong> may be a bit undersized but she packs a wallop when she swings at the ball. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809388' first='Heidi' last='Engel'] </strong>plays a solid back row. Those are the two players on their roster who appear in our rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grafton </strong>(23-0) - Grafton is back up in 4A after playing two years down in 3A. Regardless of the Division they play in they have reached the finals of the state championship for eight consecutive seasons and failed to win a championship. In total they have reached the finals eleven times and failed to win one. As the saying goes always the bridesmaid never the bride.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - This is one of their taller teams with the 6'2" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='810003' first='Kenzie' last='Smith']</strong> sharing the ability to play middle or right side. She leads the team in kills and blocks. You also have the two sisters, 6'1" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465315' first='Ana' last='Breckons'] </strong>who can also play middle or right side and her younger sister 5'11" frosh<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='883712' first='Alivia' last='Breckons']</strong>, who hits left side. You also have the short with the 5'1" setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='797517' first='Olivia' last='De La Cruz'].</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238858' first='Allyson' last='Burke']</strong> fills the libero role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jamestown (16-7) - Jamestown had swept their two previous opponents until being swept by Grafton in the finals. They had also played Grafton twice earlier in the season and lost to them both times. They have appeared in fourteen final fours and five finals but they have yet to win a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championship - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Outsides <strong>Nicole Haywood</strong> and <strong>Sophia Mays </strong>provides the bulk of the offense. The 6'1" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705565' first='Senah' last='Drazdowski']</strong> shares setting duties with <strong>Peyton Tilley,</strong> but also provides offense when hitting from the right side. Senah also ranks second on the team in blocks. Libero <strong>Kira Van Deusen</strong> takes care of the defense and passing responsibilities. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->