Top Teams of the Week: Five Programs Heating Up for Districts

The postseason is almost here, and these five Missouri teams are hitting their stride. Jackson has won 11 straight, New Covenant Academy has dropped just one match all season, and Oak Grove is chasing a return trip to the state tournament. West Plains and Leopold have plenty of momentum, too—but Leopold faces one of the state's toughest district paths. Here's a closer look at five teams to watch as districts begin.   Jackson Indians — 34–3   Jackson has made a habit of winning big. In six of the past seven seasons, the Indians have earned at least 30 victories and five district titles. This season looks like more of the same: they're the top seed in their district and have a strong shot at another title.   Jackson's last loss came in late September, when Lafayette swept the Indians at the Rockwood Tournament. Since then, Jackson has swept 11 straight opponents, including Farmington, Lindbergh, Kirkwood and Incarnate Word—twice. Those wins helped the Indians claim titles at both the SEMO Conference Tournament and the Jackson Tournament. Their two sweeps of Incarnate Word stand out as especially impressive.   The Indians are among the state's hottest teams, and their only in-state loss came against Lafayette. They're led by two of Missouri's top 2028 players, Lauren Dorey and Avery Brune, who can contribute in nearly any role—from setter or middle to either pin. Jackson's versatility and all-around play make it a tough matchup for anyone.   The Indians' regular-season test against Eureka on the 15th is their final tune-up before districts. Jackson looks poised to make another title run.   West Plains Zizzers — 29–4–1   West Plains has put together an excellent season, and even a challenging stretch of recent matches hasn't dimmed the Zizzers' postseason outlook. Their losses include a 0–2 result against Helias and matches against Class 5 powers Nixa and Eureka at the Ozark Grand Slam, as well as Lutheran St. Charles.   The Zizzers are the top seed in their district and have a good opportunity to play for the title. Their last regular-season match, against second-seeded Carl Junction, should be a valuable test before the postseason.   2028 pin Violet Hafer has been a force on both sides of the ball. She leads the team in kills with 276 and aces, ranks second in digs with 297, and leads in both kills per set and aces per set. Libero Emmie Brunson, a 2029, has anchored the defense with 463 digs, the team high.   West Plains also gets important contributions from 2030 Kinley Smith, 2027 Ashlyn Tinsley, and 2029 Natalie Ell. At setter, 2027 Aubrey Tidwell is closing in on 1,000 career assists. If this young group keeps playing at its current level, the Zizzers could be in position to capture a district title.   Oak Grove Panthers — 24–3   Oak Grove is back on the hunt. After finishing third in Class 3 last year, the Panthers are looking to return to St. Joseph—and they appear ready to make another postseason push.   Their most recent loss came on October 1 against St. Michael. Since then, Oak Grove has swept every opponent, including St. Dominic, Pembroke Hill, and Pleasant Hill. The Panthers' final regular-season match should be compelling: they'll face Clinton, which enters at 24–2–2 and is the second seed in its district.   Oak Grove's offense is loaded. Paisley Hudson attacks from the left pin, while Piper Hudson brings power from the right. The Panthers will also lean on 2027 players Keiyana Lamell and Eva Alexander to help lead a talented, young roster. 2029s Emmy Brown and Ava Chrisco have the setter and libero positions locked down.   With its offensive firepower and one of the state's strongest defenses, Oak Grove looks built for a deep run. First, the Panthers will need to take care of business in their district.   New Covenant Academy Warriors — 28–1–1   New Covenant Academy is playing some of its best volleyball of the season at exactly the right time. The Warriors' only loss came on September 12, when Blair Oaks swept them. Since then, they've swept 21 of their last 23 opponents.   That run includes a championship at the Mt. Vernon October Aces Tournament, where NCA defeated Nevada—a team with just five losses—and Class 5 Branson. The Warriors close the regular season against Springfield Central before entering districts as the top seed.   If the seeds hold, NCA could face 30–2 Blue Eye in the district final. The Warriors have plenty of firepower to take on that challenge. 2027 libero Jenna Jackson recently reached 1,000 career digs; outside hitter Lexi Burks leads the team with 223 kills; and 6-foot-1 middle Tina Voznyarska leads in blocks while ranking among the team's top three in kills.   New Covenant Academy is aiming for a second straight trip to the Final Four—and a better finish than last year's third place. The Warriors have the talent and momentum to contend for the top spot.   Leopold Wildcats — 26–4–2   Leopold has the pieces to make a deep Class 1 run, but the Wildcats' district may be one of the toughest in the state. They'll face tradition-rich programs Valle Catholic and Advance, along with Oak Ridge and Meadow Heights. Four of the district's top five seeds have at least 20 wins.   Before the postseason, Leopold will face Winona. The teams split their meetings at the Dig for Life Tournament in September, making this a useful final test before districts.   Two standout players from Class 1 lead the Wildcats. 2027 setter Ashtyn Van De Ven has more than 3,200 career assists and 410 kills, giving the Wildcats an offensive edge at the position. Rylie Schreiner is another major threat, averaging six kills per set.   For Leopold to make a run, 2030 outside hitter Peyton Van De Ven and 2027 libero Malia VanderMierden will be key. In Class 1, a couple of standout players, supported by dependable role players, can take a team far. Leopold has that potential—but first, the Wildcats will have to navigate a district loaded with contenders.

The postseason is almost here, and these five Missouri teams are hitting their stride. Jackson has won 11 straight, New Covenant Academy has dropped just one match all season, and Oak Grove is chasing a return trip to the state tournament. West Plains and Leopold have plenty of momentum, too—but Leopold faces one of the state's toughest district paths. Here's a closer look at five teams to watch as districts begin.