Class 3 District Previews: Predictions and Key Players

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 3 has become one of the state's most competitive classes, with an undefeated team still in the mix and several programs chasing a return trip to the Final Four. District play is heating up, and the matchups promise plenty of drama. Here are my previews and predictions for Districts 1–8.</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>Saxony Lutheran — 23-8-1</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Notre Dame — 17-12-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Dexter — 14-9-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Fredericktown — 18-12</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Kennett — 6-20</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Doniphan — 12-14-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Semifinal 1:</strong> Saxony Lutheran and Fredericktown should meet in the first semifinal. Saxony has a commanding edge against common opponents and should sweep the Black Cats. The Crusaders are looking to return to the Final Four, led by three big-time hitters: 2028 6-foot-2 <strong>Kinley Couch</strong>, 2029 6-foot-3<strong> Brielyn Korn,</strong> and 2030 6-foot opposite <strong>Brissa Boyd</strong>. The trio has combined for 762 kills. Add outside hitter <strong>Kadence Turner</strong>, 2030 libero <strong>Emmie Debrower</strong>, and all-around contributor <strong>Kendall McDowell</strong>, and Saxony has a deep lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fredericktown's standout is 2027 <strong>Maggie Wood</strong>, who has 447 kills. The Black Cats also rely on 2030s <strong>Lorelei Collier</strong> and libero <strong>Kalli Stephens</strong>. Saxony gets the sweep and advances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Semifinal 2:</strong> Notre Dame and Dexter meet in a rematch of their match from a couple of weeks ago, when Notre Dame won 14-25, 25-16, 25-13, 25-18. Dexter's <strong>Mauriona Menley</strong> had 17 kills in the loss; no other Bearcat had more than six. Notre Dame counters with a trio of tough hitters: 2028 <strong>Payton Lynch</strong> and 2027s <strong>Morgan LeGrand</strong> and <strong>Olivia Cox</strong>. I'll take Notre Dame to sweep Dexter and earn a shot at the title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final:</strong> Saxony is 3-0 against Notre Dame this season and has won all seven sets they've played. The Crusaders sweep the Bulldogs again to claim back-to-back district titles.</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>Potosi — 34-0-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Perryville — 20-6-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ste. Genevieve — 19-9-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>North County — 9-10</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>St. Vincent — 6-13-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Park Hills Central — 8-15-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Semifinal 1:</strong> Potosi and North County meet in the first semifinal. Potosi has already handled the Raiders decisively, winning 25-15, 25-14, and 25-7. I expect another dominant performance as Potosi advances to the final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Semifinal 2:</strong> Perryville and Ste. Genevieve should have a much closer match. Perryville won their previous five-set battle, 20-25, 25-19, 18-25, 25-23, 15-11. 2030 <strong>Kaeli Klaus</strong> had a double-double with 17 kills and 10 digs, while<strong> Paige Berkbigler</strong> recorded a triple-double with 13 kills, 20 digs, and 18 assists. Ste. Genevieve was led by 2029s <strong>Ally Gegg</strong> (17 kills, 20 assists) and <strong>Emma Jokerst</strong> (13 kills, 25 assists). I'll stick with Perryville to win again in five.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final:</strong> Potosi is the only unbeaten team left in Class 3, and I don't expect that to change in the district championship. The Trojans have beaten all their common opponents, most recently Festus. Festus swept Perryville, while Potosi has beaten Festus twice, including a 3-1 win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In that victory, Eden Robart had 34 kills, hit .342, and added 11 digs for a double-double. Adalynn Gibson also had a double-double, with 14 digs and 47 assists. Potosi sweeps Perryville and keeps its unbeaten season alive.</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>Lutheran South — 9-13-5</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Notre Dame — 16-14</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bayless — 15-9-1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Herculaneum — 6-20</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lift for Life — 6-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Gateway — 8-8</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> This one looks straightforward. Lutheran South plays a tough schedule to prepare for districts, and Notre Dame should face the Lancers in the final. Lutheran South won their earlier meeting, 15-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-19. <strong>Claire Nelson</strong> and <strong>Isabella Barber</strong> combined for 25 kills, while Notre Dame's <strong>Leslie Russell </strong>had 10. I'll take the Lancers to a sweep in the rematch.</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>Maplewood — 19-7-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>STEAM Academy — 19-10</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Burroughs — 16-8-1</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Vashon — 9-8</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Cardinal Ritter — 6-12</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Jennings — 8-20</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Burroughs may be the No. 3 seed, but the Bombers have played a tough schedule and look capable of making a run. I see them meeting Maplewood in the final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A comparison against common opponent MICDS stands out. MICDS swept Maplewood, 25-11, 25-11, 25-10. Burroughs pushed MICDS in a 3-1 loss, 27-25, 22-25, 25-18, 25-21, and later lost another close match, 26-24, 24-26, 15-10. With <strong>Ries Schnuck, Salem Rhodes, Penny Glosier</strong>, and <strong>Kaitlyn Ahn</strong> leading the way, Burroughs has the firepower to take the district title.</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><strong>Lutheran St. Charles — 16-17</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Duchesne — 14-14</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>St. Charles West — 14-13-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Visitation Academy — 1-5</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Villa Duchesne — 7-15</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Winfield — 14-9-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Semifinal 1:</strong> Lutheran St. Charles faces Visitation Academy. Lutheran has already beaten Visitation 3-0 and should do it again. In the earlier match, 2029 Kinslie Leonard led Lutheran with six kills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Semifinal 2:</strong> St. Charles West should get past Winfield and advance to face Duchesne. Duchesne won their earlier meeting, 25-21, 25-17, 15-25, 25-20, but I'll take St. Charles West in the rematch. <strong>Zoey Hollander</strong> and <strong>Caroline Quinn</strong> lead the way as the Warriors pull off the upset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final:</strong> Lutheran St. Charles has faced a much tougher schedule than St. Charles West and should be ready for this moment. Lutheran sweeps the district title.</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><strong>Borgia — 21-13-1</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Wright City — 18-8</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Fulton — 11-15-4</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bowling Green — 7-13-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Mexico — 6-18</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Semifinal 1:</strong> Borgia should have little trouble with Mexico and advance with a sweep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Semifinal 2:</strong> Wright City and Fulton should have a closer matchup. Against common opponents, Wright City is 5-1, while Fulton is 2-3-1. <strong>Jaiden Walch</strong> and <strong>Marli Burkhardt</strong> deliver big plays as Wright City wins 3-1 and advances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final:</strong> Borgia and Wright City meet for the title. Borgia has played a tougher schedule and has the better record against common opponents. <strong>Gabby Schwoeppe, Mya Riegel, Cece Becker</strong>, and <strong>Emma Hurst</strong> will look to finish their careers with a district title. Borgia wins in a sweep.</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>Southern Boone — 20-3</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hallsville — 19-9-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Boonville — 16-7-5</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Tolton — 14-14-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Centralia — 4-19-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Semifinal 1:</strong> Southern Boone sweeps Tolton and advances to the final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Semifinal 2:</strong> Hallsville and Boonville meet in the other semifinal. Boonville won their previous matchup, 25-22, 26-24, 25-23. 2029 <strong>Harper Lowe</strong> led Boonville with 11 kills, while <strong>Phinley Williamson</strong> led Hallsville with 13. I'll take Hallsville to turn the tables with a 3-1 win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final:</strong> Southern Boone faces Hallsville in a rematch of a five-set match Southern Boone won, 22-25, 25-12, 16-25, 25-16, 15-9. Kailey March led Hallsville with 11 kills, while Southern Boone relied on 2029 libero <strong>Kindle</strong> <strong>Himes</strong> and 2028 setters <strong>Lilah Hinton</strong> and <strong>Payton Germann </strong>for key contributions. Southern Boone wins another close one, 3-2, to claim the 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>Blair Oaks — 22-11</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Osage — 25-1-1</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>California — 16-11-4</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Versailles — 8-10-2</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Eldon — 4-22-6</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Semifinal 1:</strong> Blair Oaks takes on Versailles. <strong>Mallory Strope</strong>, <strong>Hannah Lackman</strong>, and <strong>Quinn Maassen</strong> lead the attack as Blair Oaks sweeps Versailles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Semifinal 2:</strong> Osage and California meet in the other semifinal. Osage has a 13-1 record against common opponents, compared with California's 7-6-1. Osage handled California 25-15, 25-18, 25-10 in their earlier meeting, and I expect another sweep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final:</strong> Blair Oaks and Osage meet in a rematch of a match Blair Oaks won, 25-18, 25-15, 20-25, 31-29. <strong>Mallory Strope</strong> led Blair Oaks with 14 kills, followed by <strong>Avery Trinklein</strong> and <strong>Hannah Lackman</strong> with 11 each. <strong>Avery Sperling</strong> led Osage with 10 kills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This time, Osage's <strong>Claire Sallee</strong> comes alive in the middle and increases her production from the previous matchup. Osage wins in five sets to claim the district title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->