Class 2: New Contenders Emerge for the State Crown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year's Class 2 competition showcased a thrilling Final Four clash between Hermann and St. Vincent, culminating in a title match that lived up to expectations. However, the landscape has changed dramatically for the upcoming season, with St. Vincent moving up a class and Hermann losing key players from their core. This shift opens the door for fresh contenders to emerge and vie for the state championship. Below, we'll explore some of the top teams that have solid chances of making a deep playoff run and capturing the coveted title this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Butler Bears 28-2-2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Butler returns one of the most potent middle attacks in Class 2, as 2027 Tandee Hiser and Kylee Dubray return with 858 kills and 545 digs between them. The big issue will be replacing a setter who graduated and took with her 2800 career assists and the team's dig leader. 2027<strong> Kadyn Cook</strong> could fill a void at libero, and a healthy 2029 outside hitter/setter <strong>Kiersten Dubray</strong> could help fill the setting void and add the offensive output that is needed. Two interesting matchups come in the third week of the season: Butler takes on Archie and then district rival Adrian.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Valle Catholic Warriors 28-7-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If Valle stays in Class 2, they will be one of the top teams in Class 2, hands down. Both middles return in 2027: Lexie Rayoum, a Murray State commit, and Ada Bley, who combined for 650 kills last season. The returning dig leader is 2027 Mara Hoog. Both setters are 2028 <strong>Reece Weiler </strong>and 2027 <strong>Payton Naeger</strong>. The top three passers will also be back on the court, dishing dimes. The Warriors play in the MAAA conference, which is loaded with Class 3, 4, and 5 teams, and Valle usually fights for the conference title. This year will be no different.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Covenant Academy Warriors 28-5-3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NCA made a surprising run to the Final Four and did it on the backs of 2029 Kiera Edwards, who finished with 284 kills on the outside. Also returning are the twin towers, 2028 6'1” Gabriela Gaumer and 2027 6'2” Tina Voznyarska, who finished with 160 blocks. 2028 <strong>Addy Mouery</strong> should take full control of the offense after leading the team with 405 assists. 2027 Jenna Jackson and <strong>Myah Vinson</strong> return to take the defense, with one earning the different-colored jersey this year. Schedule-wise, it's pretty close to the same, so I would have liked to see them add a couple more larger schools to the schedule. With the offseason club experience they gained, NCA is on track for a return trip to St. Joe.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Buchanan Bulldogs 27-12-3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>EB made a great run to the final four, then lost to Hermann 2-3 in the semifinals. Hermann pulled off a reverse sweep and then lost to New Covenant in 5 in the third-place match. So calling the Bulldogs hungry is an understatement. They return two of their 3 top hitters, 2027's Kamryn Werle and Kourtney Keling, who combined for over 600 kills. Replacing their big-time libero could fall to 2027 <strong>Piper Jacobs</strong> or Maggie Whitt. 2027 setter Kendyl Edwards will look to set the team to the final four again. A 10/1 date with Mid-Buchanan would carry a lot of weight in the district seeding if they are again put in the same district.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mid-Buchanan Dragons 20-12-4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Dragons lost to East Buchanan for the district title, 1-3, but it was a battle. The good news is that they return all but one player from that team, and the talent is strong. Top returning kill leaders are Tatum Moss 350, Bailey Coman 219, Myla Flinn 215, and Camryn Atha 145. Add in 2029 <strong>Bintley Barton</strong> with 108 kills, and that totals 1057 kills returning. Setter Myia Dillman returns for her final season, and 2029 <strong>Farrah Walters</strong> could end up wearing a different color jersey after the graduation loss of their libero.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Honorable Menton:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jefferson Blue Jays 18-12-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arcadia Valley Tigers 19-15</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fatima Comets 25-9-1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cabool Bulldogs 26-8-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->