Class 4 Preview: New Contenders Emerge in a Shifting Landscape

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 4 volleyball last year featured two standout teams, culminating in a thrilling championship where St. Michael edged out St. Pius X for the title. With both teams likely moving up to Class 5 this season, the landscape is set to change dramatically. This shift opens the door for teams from Class 5 to potentially drop into Class 4, creating an exciting mix of competition. As we await the official class updates from MSHSAA this Friday, here's a look at some of the top contenders poised to make a significant impact in Class 4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hannibal Pirates 29-10-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hannibal went on a run at the end of October and made the program's first trip to the final four, finishing in 3rd place. The team lost only one starter, but it was a big loss, as the team will have to find a replacement at setter. 2028's <strong>Marissa Falconer</strong> and <strong>Lyla Dorsey</strong> return after leading the team in kills with 862 combined and were the top two in digs with 702. This dynamic duo will once again anchor the left pin. 2028 <strong>Brooke Hess</strong> and 2027 <strong>Ryann Borden</strong> should be the returning middles, as they both had great seasons last year. 2029 <strong>Tessa Janes</strong> will move to more of a hitting option after being the libero, and <strong>Audrey Deien</strong> will step into the libero position. Hannibal isn't a tall team by any means, but their speed to the pins caught many teams off guard, allowing them to score at a high level. The higher competition this season should play well for Hannibal, and a date with Oak Grove at the beginning of the season should be a battle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Plains Zizzers 27-7-3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Zizzers lost one of the program's best setters to graduation, but their returning class looks very promising. The second-leading attacker returns in 2028, <strong>Violet Hafer</strong>, with 234 kills; 2027 middle <strong>Ashlyn Tinsley</strong>; 2029 <strong>Emma Wiedemann</strong>; 2029 pin <strong>Natalie Ell</strong>; and 2027 setter <strong>Aubrey Tidwell</strong>, who could finally get the chance to run the Zizzers' offense solo. A meeting with Saxony, Notre Dame and Marshfield during the season could give you a better idea of how tough this team could be.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pembroke Hill Raiders 21-7-4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pembroke Hill has a couple of big-time players returning, headlined by Pacific commit <strong>Lochlar O'Bleness, </strong>who will pass 1000 career digs midway through the season. 2028 6'3” pin hitter <strong>Elizabeth Weaver</strong> returns after putting away 413 kills last season. Add in 2028 middle <strong>Gabby Winn </strong>and 2029<strong> Caroline Pope</strong>, and the middle positions are covered. 2028 returning setter <strong>Isabel Janes</strong> could reach the 2000-assist milestone before the season ends. So they have five players returning and will need to find replacements on the outside. A meeting with Kearney, which ended the Raiders' season last year in the district championship on 9/14, is one matchup to mark on your calendar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rockwood Summit Falcons 29-10-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Summit returns a heavy offensive load, led by <strong>Jayla Williams</strong> and <strong>Layla Robinson</strong>, who combined for 570 kills, and libero <strong>MacKenzie Pancer</strong>, who had a huge club season with NLVA. Both setters return in 2029: <strong>Delaney Pye</strong> and 2028: <strong>Kennedy Fowler</strong>, who will most likely run a 6-2 again. 2028 middle <strong>Zoey Zweifel</strong> will be back after finishing 2nd on the team in blocks. 2027 outside hitter Lucy Vanderheyden returns, giving Summit four of the top hitters from last year. Defense will not be the issue for Summit, as <strong>Morgan Pyles</strong> will help keep the ball off the floor. Add transfer <strong>Maya Davis</strong>, and Summit has all the pieces for a title run. With the loaded schedule, Summit might take some lumps, but I see their loss column decreasing this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Webb City Cardinals 25-12</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Webb City won its fifth straight district title and reached the final four, returning a loaded 2027 class. Triplets <strong>Jocelyn, Adalyn</strong>, and<strong> Kaelyn Maxwell</strong> return with 576 kills and 216 blocks. This trio gives the team a huge edge at the net. Six-rotation outside <strong>Jaylee VanBecelaere</strong> returns, along with DS <strong>Allie Collard</strong>. Finding a replacement for a three-year starting setter will be tough, but someone will be waiting to step in. This team has all the tools for a sixth straight district title and a return trip to the final four. With the stacked schedule, Webb City plays; losses could mount, but what matters is how they play come late October.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->