Class 2 District Previews: Predictions and Key Players

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 2 district play begins this week, with teams across the state chasing a district title and a chance to keep their postseason hopes alive. Several districts feature close matchups and familiar rivals, while others have a clear favorite. Here's a look at each district, the teams to watch, and my predictions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Malden — 17-4-3</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>New Madrid County Central — 18-9-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Portageville — 14-15-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Senath — 9-13</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Twin Rivers — 5-16</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Caruthersville — 7-11</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Malden is enjoying one of its best seasons and should reach the final. New Madrid County Central and Portageville recently played a five-set match, with NMCC coming out on top, but Portageville has a history of winning this district. I'll take Portageville to win the semifinal, 3-1, and advance to face Malden. Led by a trio of 2028s—<strong>Harper Murphy, Bella Fowler</strong>, and <strong>Mynena Thornton</strong>—Malden wins the district, 3-1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Woodland — 18-7-2</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Scott City — 21-10-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Puxico — 22-8-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>East Prairie — 15-10</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bloomfield — 3-21-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Kelly — 3-14</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Charleston — 0-20</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> This one should come down to Woodland and the winner of the Puxico–Scott City matchup. In their previous meeting, <strong>Skylar Watson</strong> led Scott City with 13 kills, while <strong>Layla Estes</strong> led Puxico with 21 digs. Scott City is young but has improved since that early-September meeting. I'll take the Rams to sweep Puxico and reach the final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Woodland and Scott City will meet for the title. Woodland swept their previous matchup, and I expect 2030 <strong>Keira Melendy</strong> and 2027 <strong>Makayla Altenthal</strong> to lead the way again. Woodland wins the district with another sweep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Arcadia Valley — 13-14-4</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Jefferson — 16-14-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>West County — 8-15-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Kingston — 10-19-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Grandview — 4-18-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Clearwater — 4-24-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Greenville — 6-21</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> This is one of the weaker Class 2 districts, with only one team entering with a winning record. Arcadia Valley and Jefferson will meet again this season after Arcadia Valley won the first matchup, 3-1. With the Tigers now fully healthy, I see them sweeping Jefferson and advancing. 2030 <strong>Hayden Adams</strong> will have a stronger match and help Arcadia Valley move on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District 4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Collegiate — 13-12</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Hancock — 11-11-1</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>McKinley — 19-14</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>DuBourg — 5-11</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Miller Career — 5-10</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>KIPP — 1-4</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Believe Academy — 0-6</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Collegiate and Hancock should meet in the final. Hancock has already swept Collegiate and should do it again, led by sisters <strong>Alana</strong> and <strong>Lilly Wagner</strong>. Hancock takes the district title with another sweep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District 5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Metro — 16-8-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Brentwood — 16-3-3</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Whitfield — 8-12</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Principia — 10-10-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lutheran North — 15-18-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Rosati — 5-16</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Valley Park — 6-13-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Metro and Brentwood are the two best teams in this district and should meet in the final. Neither team provides complete stats or updated schedules, but from what I've seen, Brentwood relies on <strong>Olive Curdt</strong> and <strong>Brooklyn Hunter</strong> for much of its offense. I'll take Brentwood in a close five-set match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District 6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Linn — 22-5-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Hermann — 5-23-3</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Fatima — 12-14</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>North Callaway — 20-7-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Montgomery County — 11-16-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Veritas — 3-18</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>New Bloomfield — 3-21</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Hermann has dominated this district for decades, and I expect that trend to continue. The Bearcats play one of the toughest schedules among Class 2 teams, so their record may not tell the whole story. The common opponents are worth noting: Hermann swept Fatima, while Fatima swept Linn.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hermann and Linn should meet in the final, with Hermann taking a 3-1 win to continue its district-tournament dominance. Hermann will be led by 2029s Brynlee Ash at libero and middle Kallie Landolt. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District 7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Licking — 21-10-5</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Steelville — 16-7-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Plato — 15-11-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bourbon — 10-17-5</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Belle — 10-15-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Dixon — 5-18</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Licking should reach the final with a Bourbon sweep, while Steelville should sweep Plato again to set up a rematch with the Wildcats. In their previous meeting, 2029 pin hitter <strong>Penelope Huff </strong>led Licking to a 3-1 win over Steelville with 16 kills. I expect Huff to get more help from 2028 <strong>Paxten Keeney</strong> as Licking sweeps Steelville and wins another district title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District 8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Mountain View Liberty — 17-10-4</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Cabool — 25-6-1</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Houston — 17-10-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Thayer — 11-14-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Gainesville — 23-6-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Willow Springs — 4-19-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Liberty and Cabool are the top teams in this district and should meet in the final for the fourth time this season. They've split their first two wins, and this time I'll take Cabool to beat Liberty when it matters most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Liberty won their most recent matchup, 25-22, 16-25, 25-21, 25-22. 2029 <strong>Natalie Hunter</strong>, 2027 <strong>Jayli Tharp, </strong>and 2028 <strong>Brinley Duckett</strong> combined for 46 of Liberty's 57 kills. 2028 <strong>Jayne Thompson</strong> led Cabool with 21 kills. This time, <strong>Ahsha Fleming</strong> distributed the ball more evenly, and Cabool won the title in five sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District 9</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Springfield Catholic — 14-13-3</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Pleasant Hope — 13-14-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Conway — 14-14-5</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Fordland — 10-12-4</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Seymour — 10-18-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sparta — 2-20-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Marion C. Early — 1-14</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Springfield Catholic should have a clear path to the district title, while Pleasant Hope and Conway look set for a competitive semifinal. I'll take Pleasant Hope to sweep Conway and advance to face Catholic. Catholic has played a more demanding schedule and will win the title, led by 2030 <strong>Molly Strecker</strong> and 2029 middle A<strong>dali Gottman</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District 10</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>New Covenant Academy — 29-1-1</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Spokane — 19-8-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Blue Eye — 31-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Pierce City — 9-13-6</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Marionville — 13-14-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Southwest — 8-24-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> New Covenant Academy will keep its Final Four hopes alive with a sweep of Pierce City. Spokane has already beaten Blue Eye, 3-1, and I'll take the Owls again—but this time in five sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New Covenant swept Spokane in their last meeting, holding the Owls to 13 points or fewer in every set. 2028s <strong>Lillie Chapey</strong> and <strong>Addy Mouery</strong> should run the offense effectively again as New Covenant sweeps its way to the district title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District 11</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ash Grove — 24-8-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Miller — 19-11-2</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sarcoxie — 13-15-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Stockton — 13-14-5</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>New Heights — 15-11-7</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Diamond — 7-20-4</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Ash Grove and Miller should meet again for the district title. Miller already has a 3-1 win over Ash Grove. In that match, 2030 <strong>Hadley Dean </strong>and 2027 <strong>Bristol Lathrop</strong> combined for 31 kills for Ash Grove. Miller had a more balanced attack, led by 2029s <strong>Madeline Estes</strong> and A<strong>ddi Hohenfeldt</strong>, along with 2028 <strong>Layne Johnson</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miller has played the tougher schedule, and I think that gives the Cardinals the edge again. Miller wins the district championship, 3-1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District 12</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Cole Camp — 25-5-2</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Stover — 26-6</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Warsaw — 20-5-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Skyline — 15-13-4</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Tipton — 13-13-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Eugene — 11-15-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Windsor — 3-17</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Cole Camp should reach the final with a 3-1 semifinal win over Skyline. Stover and Warsaw will meet in the other semifinal, which could be the district's most intriguing matchup. Both have lost to Cole Camp, but Warsaw lost in its first game of the season, while Stover has lost to Cole Camp twice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stover is led by 2028 libero <strong>Lainee Menning</strong>, while Warsaw counters with 2029 <strong>Kenyan Beck</strong>. I'll give Warsaw the edge to reach the final. Cole Camp swept Warsaw in their previous meeting, led by <strong>Madilynn Ogle</strong> and <strong>Kodi</strong>, with <strong>Andrea Dieckman</strong> also contributing. I expect them to lead the way again as Cole Camp sweeps Warsaw for the district title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District 13</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Adrian — 22-7-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Butler — 21-8-1</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lone Jack — 23-6-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Barstow — 14-10</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>University Academy — 11-7-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sherwood — 4-22-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>El Dorado Springs — 6-23</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Adrian should reach the final without much trouble. Butler and Lone Jack are likely to meet in the other semifinal, with Butler sweeping the Mules to set up a title matchup with Adrian.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adrian beat Butler in a five-set thriller, winning the deciding set 15-8. <strong>Grace Engeman</strong> had a double-double with 38 assists and 17 digs, while <strong>Tandee Hiser</strong> led Butler with 32 kills. I expect another five-set battle, but Butler gets its redemption for last year's district-title loss and advances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District 14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Lafayette County — 22-9-1</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Crossroads Prep — 10-10-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Carrollton — 8-12-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Cristo Rey — 13-7</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lexington — 7-23</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>KIPP — 7-12-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hogan Prep — 0-20</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Lafayette County should have a smooth path to the title and beat Carrollton in the final. Libero <strong>Claudia Kouril</strong> and setter <strong>Makenna Riekhof</strong> will lead the way in a sweep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District 15</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Mid-Buchanan — 34-1</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>East Buchanan — 24-6-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>West Platte — 14-10-4</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Plattsburg — 14-12</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lathrop — 10-19-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>North Platte — 6-20-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Mid-Buchanan and East Buchanan should meet again, with the Dragons looking to repeat their 3-1 win from earlier this season. East Buchanan has been a thorn in Mid-Buchanan's side for several years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the previous matchup, East Buchanan had two players with 12 kills each: <strong>Kourtney Keling</strong> and <strong>Kamryn Werle</strong>. Mid-Buchanan responded with five players in double figures: <strong>Myia Flinn</strong> and <strong>Tatum Moss</strong> each had 15 kills, <strong>Devyn Admire</strong> and <strong>Bailey Coman</strong> each had 13, and <strong>Camryn Atha</strong> added 11.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup should be closer, as both teams tend to bring out the best in each other in district play. Mid-Buchanan wins in five sets to keep its hopes of a trip to St. Joseph alive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 2 District 16</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Bishop LeBlond — 18-12-3</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>St. Joseph Christian — 21-8-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>South Harrison — 14-10-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Trenton — 5-21-4</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Maysville — 7-16-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Brookfield — 6-13</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Penney — 0-21</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> This district should come down to Bishop LeBlond and St. Joseph Christian, who are on course to meet in the final. Bishop LeBlond will be led by 2030 <strong>Kansas Miljavac</strong> and 2028s <strong>Maya Acosta</strong> and <strong>Emily Conz</strong>. I'll take LeBlond to a sweep of the district championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->