1-3A Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're officially into the heart of the high school season, and the 1A-3A landscape is starting to take shape. We've seen returning contenders continue to make their case, while several programs have made significant moves and proven they deserve to be part of the conversation. With more matches under our belts, we're getting a much clearer picture of which teams are separating themselves from the pack—and which ones are beginning to climb. Tomorrow the AIA power rankings come out, and it will be interesting to see how Prep Digs compare.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's still plenty of volleyball left to play, but it's time to take another look at where things stand. Here's our latest <strong>1A-3A Rankings Update</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Cicero Prep (1)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Patagonia Union (9)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>St. David (4)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>BASIS Flagstaff (NR)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>North Phoenix Prep (3)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Red Mesa (NR)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ash Fork (8)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Rock Point (NR)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Mogollon (10)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Williams (9)<br><br>I was pretty accurate about half of my pre-season predictions, but three new contenders showed that they deserve to be part of the conversation. For this update, we looked beyond overall records and considered strength of schedule, head-to-head results, quality wins, performances against teams outside of 1A, and how teams have responded in their biggest matches. Results like Rock Point's win over Mogollon, St. David's sweep of Mogollon, and North Phoenix Prep's statement win over Ash Fork have helped give us some important measuring sticks. However, no one has touched Cicero and it's clear to see they're the top runner, even taking down 2A powerhouses. With several programs still unbeaten or beginning to hit their stride, there's plenty that can change before the postseason, but based on the big matches, standout performances, and overall body of work we've seen so far, these are the ten teams that have made the strongest case in 1A.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Scottsdale Christian (2)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Chandler Prep (NR)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Phoenix Country Day (4)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Glendale Prep (NR)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Benson (NR)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>North Valley Christian (5)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>San Tan Charter (1)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Scottsdale Prep (NR)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Gilbert Classical (NR)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Horizon Honors (8)<br><br>The 2A landscape continues to be incredibly competitive, with several teams building strong résumés as we move deeper into the season. Chandler Prep takes over the top spot after continuing to stack wins and proving itself against quality competition, while Scottsdale Christian and Phoenix Country Day remain firmly in the top-tier conversation. Glendale Prep and Benson have been two of the biggest risers, putting together impressive stretches and making it difficult to overlook their consistency. North Valley Christian continues to battle through a challenging schedule, while San Tan Charter, Scottsdale Prep, Gilbert Classical, and Horizon Honors round out a top 10 where head-to-head results and strength of schedule are becoming increasingly important. With plenty of volleyball still ahead, there isn't much separation between several of these teams.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Gilbert Christian (2)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Valley Christian (1)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Snowflake (4)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Thatcher (5)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Tanque Verde (NR)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Blue Ridge (NR)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Yuma Catholic (8)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Pusch Ridge (NR)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Northwest Christian (3)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Seton Catholic (NR)<br><br>The battle at the top of 3A continues to heat up, with Gilbert Christian taking over the No. 1 spot after an impressive start and a statement win over Valley Christian. Valley remains firmly at No. 2 with a strong résumé and plenty of quality wins against tough competition, especially this weekend at the Epic Tourney where they beat 6A program Basha High School. From there, the field gets much tighter, as Snowflake, Thatcher, Tanque Verde, and Blue Ridge have all shown they can compete at a high level. Head-to-head results are becoming increasingly important as the season progresses, and with several teams capable of beating one another on any given night, there is still plenty of room for movement in this top 10.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've officially hit the heart of the school season, and with the playoffs quickly approaching, there is still plenty of volleyball left to be played. The next few weeks will be huge as teams battle for positioning and athletes continue to make their mark across Arizona.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we continue covering athletes and programs throughout the fall, make sure your <strong>Prep Dig profile is updated</strong> with your current school, position, height, graduation year, and any other important information. Keeping your profile current helps our scouts have the most accurate information when evaluating and writing throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Want to stay on our radar? <strong>Tag us in your highlights, match schedules, big performances, milestones, and anything else you want us to see.</strong> As the postseason gets closer, we want to know where you're playing, how you're performing, and which athletes and teams we need to have our eyes on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to follow <strong>Prep Dig Arizona and our Arizona scouts on Instagram</strong> for even more coverage:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🏐 @PrepDigArizona<br>📸 @CoachMarissaMorah<br>📸 @PrepDigAnthony</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The postseason will be here before we know it. <strong>Keep working, keep competing, and keep us updated.</strong> We can't wait to see which teams make a run and which athletes rise to the occasion when it matters most!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->