Who Has the Most to Prove at State

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ten Teams, Five Classifications and One Final Destination</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today is the day. The State Playoffs kick off and we are here to cover it all. My one question is, who has the most to prove? Last year's state tournament gives us plenty to think about. Hackett won the 2A championship, Mansfield took 3A, Pulaski Academy claimed 4A, Marion won 5A and Conway brought home the 6A title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of those champions have changed classifications. Mansfield has moved down to 2A, while Pulaski Academy has moved up to 5A. That guarantees new champions in both 3A and 4A. Then there are the teams that came so close. Taylor lost to Hackett in the 2A final. Westside fell to Pulaski Academy in 4A. And Farmington came within one set of winning the 5A championship before falling to Marion in five. I have one team above all that I think has the most to prove overall but let's break it down!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2A</strong> Cotter | Is this their year?</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've written a lot lately about this small town club with big time aspirations. Last season Cotter fell in the semi finals to eventual runner up Taylor( Taylor also ended their 2024 run) and that is when coach Nikkie Guthrie knew she had start competing in the off season and preseason if the Warriors were going to take that next step. As I have written before, She took the team down to Gulf Shores this summer to play against some tougher competition and this preseason they played in play days with Farmington. Took their lumps, but learned how to battle. Cotter also picked up some tougher competition in the regular season playing Harrison. [player_tooltip player_id='1046053' first='Reagan' last='Cowart'] and the McNutt sisters have lead the way this season. Both [player_tooltip player_id='1046675' first='Lily' last='McNutt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='883421' first='Myah' last='McNutt'] have provided a one two punch, that is a challenge for most teams. Cowart has been the key to driving offense with her setting. The Lady Warriors enter as a No. 1 seed, but Mansfield is lurking on the same side of the bracket. A potential semifinal between those two would be worth watching.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1046053"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf90af10fec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While the two McNutt sisters provide a bulk of the offense, it is up to the talented junior setter to get them the ball. Cotter plays with a nine player roster, so everyone is going to have to be ready and willing to do what is needed. Cowart has proven this season that she can distribute the ball and has worked hard to be better at reading the defense better. The step up in competition this summer really helped.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kaydence Kawell is also going to be a major key. Her serve receive is going to have to be on point to make sure the offense flows in system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2A Mansfield | A Different Classification, Same Expectations</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mansfield won the 3A state championship a year ago, defeating Harding Academy in the final. Now the Lady Tigers are competing in 2A, where the road hasn't been quite as smooth. Hackett and Mansfield split their regular-season meetings, but the Lady Hornets took both the district and regional championships, including a 3-0 sweep in the regional final. That's not exactly how Mansfield wanted to enter the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But this is a program that knows how to win in October. Coach Heydenreich knows the Lady Tigers have championship experience, and losing twice to Hackett with trophies on the line should provide plenty of motivation. Mansfield enters as a No. 2 seed, meaning the path won't be easy. Cotter could be waiting in the semifinals, and Hackett could be waiting on the other side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Can Mansfield prove that last year's championship experience translates to another classification?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1007098"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf90af11048"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lady Tigers' captain has been busy this season. Whether it's kills, digs, aces or assists, Adeline finds her way into the stat sheet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But her value goes beyond the numbers. Mansfield needs her leadership as much as her production heading into the state tournament. The Lady Tigers will also need big performances from middles [player_tooltip player_id='1020026' first='Danielle' last='Lowery'] and outside [player_tooltip player_id='1003628' first='Miley' last='Clopton'] if they want to make another championship run. Godwin facilitates a powerful offense and when they are all connecting, they can be unstoppable. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2A classification might be the toughest to predict this year. Several teams have the talent, and plenty are battle-tested. It may come down to which team plays with the most confidence and grit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That pretty much describes Adeline and the way she's played all season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">3A Conway Christian | Can the Lady Eagles Finish the Job?</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conway Christian has been one of the teams to watch in 3A, and there's a reason many people have viewed the Lady Eagles as a championship contender. But Fountain Lake gave them something to think about in the 3A South Regional championship. Conway Christian jumped out to a two-set lead before Fountain Lake came roaring back to win the next three, taking the deciding set 15-10. That's a tough one to let get away, especially this close to state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With defending champion Mansfield now in 2A, the door is open for someone new to take the 3A crown. Conway Christian enters as a No. 2 seed with an opening-round bye. The Lady Eagles have an opportunity to regroup, but the regional loss raises an interesting question. Can they put that disappointment behind them and play their best volleyball when it matters most? Who is going to step out and lead this talented group?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["995786"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf90af11091"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Of course the hitters are going to have to step up, but Conway Christian plays strong defense and [player_tooltip player_id='995786' first='Hannah' last='Swenson'] is one the best young defensive players in the state. She has a very strong platform and makes great first ball contact. For a sophomore, she reads the opposing team's offensive options well and gets herself in the right position to get the Eagles on the attack. Maybe a rematch with Fountain Lake is on the table.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">3A Charleston | From Fourth Place to Regional Champions</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Charleston might have one of the more interesting stories heading into state. The Lady Tigers finished fourth in the 3A-1 conference with a 7-5 record. Not exactly the kind of regular-season finish that screams state championship contender. But somebody forgot to tell Charleston.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lady Tigers have won seven of their last eight matches, including three straight to capture the 3A North Regional championship. They rallied from two sets down to defeat host Paris in five sets, surviving a 28-26 third set and winning the fifth 16-14. Sophomore co-captain [player_tooltip player_id='1045216' first='Anna' last='Kate Lovett'] has been a big part of the turnaround, leading the team with 221 kills while averaging 5.1 per set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Charleston has gone from a fourth-place conference finish to a No. 1 regional seed. Now comes the question. Was that regional run a great week of volleyball, or are the Lady Tigers becoming a legitimate championship threat?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1045216"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf90af110d7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lovett has been the main weapon this season and she has turned in big performances all year. Her best was a 29 kill performance against Ozark in a five set battle. She's been strong down the stretch this season and the team has responded around her. Lovett has the size and the shot selection to take over a game. Anna Kate has turned it up at the service line as well. Can the Lady Tigers keep it going and make a run at the title? They will face the winner of the 3/4 game between CAC and Bregman with Fountain Lake looming large for the semifinals. One step at a time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">4A Brookland | The Door Is Open</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brookland has been one of the better programs in Arkansas volleyball, and this year's 4A bracket presents an opportunity. Last year, the Lady Bearcats reached the state semifinals before falling to Westside. Pulaski Academy eventually won the championship, but with the Lady Bruins moving to 5A, somebody new is going to take home the 4A title. Why not Brookland?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lady Bearcats survived a five-set battle with Westside to claim the 4A East Regional championship. Lynley was tremendous, finishing with 20 kills and 33 digs, while Finley Lawless added 14 kills. Brookland enters state as a No. 1 seed with a first-round bye. But this classification is far from settled. Bauxite, Pottsville, Harrison and several others have the ability to make things interesting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brookland was close last season. Is this the year the Lady Bearcats take that final step?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1017936"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf90af1111e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I am looking for Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1017936' first='Lilly' last='Gilbow'] to be a key factor for Brookland in this tournament. She has the size to match up with anyone, hits at a high percentage (.304), leads the team in blocks and can take the pressure off [player_tooltip player_id='1008021' first='Lynley' last='Seyler'] and Finley Lawless. If the front row can hold up, I don't see anyone standing in Brookland's way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gilbow has played well all season and has continued to improve. With the early loss of [player_tooltip player_id='806194' first='Kinley' last='Hammett'] other players had to take on the load in different ways for this Lady Bearcat team. Lilly has taken a big step forward. Will it help Brookland take home the title? We will see when the kick things off vs the winner of Clarksville and Baptist Prep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">4A Bauxite | Defending Their Home Court</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hosting can be a blessing and curse. It's great to be in your home gym, your locker room, get to sleep in your bed and have a great fan turnout. But the curse can be the distractions that come with it. But I don't expect Bauxite to lose any focus for the task at hand. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lady Miners enter as a No. 1 seed, with [player_tooltip player_id='769825' first='Asa' last='Perry'] and [player_tooltip player_id='764421' first='Rylee' last='Ferrell'] giving them two players who can run the offense and put balls away. Add AJ Barnes and Arabella McClure in the middle, and Bauxite has plenty of weapons. The challenge for Bauxite will be keeping its focus on volleyball. The Lady Miners have the talent, but can they block out the distractions and take advantage of playing on their home court? With the 4A championship wide open, they will get a HUGE test in the second round as they most likely will be taking on last season's runner up, Westside who battled Brookland for five sets this year for the number one seed on the other side of the bracket. This is a tall order for the host team. Harrison is also on their side of the bracket. There is no easy path for Miners.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["769825"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf90af11162"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There is no doubt who the leader of the Miners is. With all that comes with hosting a tournament, it will be up to Perry to keep everyone focused. She has been there. Winning a Liberty Division National Championship with [program_tooltip program_id='581540' first='501' last='Volley'] last season has given her the ability to take in the situation at hand and deliver. She has the talent around her, but it will be Perry leading the troops on the road to Hot Springs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">5A Benton | An Outstanding Season, But Can They Finish?</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a season Benton has put together. The Lady Panthers entered the postseason at 24-2-1 overall and unbeaten in 5A-South conference play. They've been consistent, they've beaten quality competition and they've shown they can win close matches. But this 5A bracket is no joke.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Benton joins Farmington, Valley View and Marion as the four No. 1 seeds. And the Panthers could face Greenwood in the second round, assuming both teams advance. That's the same Greenwood team that recently knocked off Farmington in five sets. Benton has plenty of offensive options with [player_tooltip player_id='759815' first='Kaitlyn' last='White'], [player_tooltip player_id='749859' first='Isabella' last='Gonzalez'] and [player_tooltip player_id='774111' first='Vivian' last='Hope']. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='773165' first='Aniston' last='Fox'] has also been a major contributor, giving the Panthers another important piece. Last year, Benton's state tournament ended in the opening round against Shiloh Christian. This year's group has an opportunity to write a much different ending. The Lady Panthers have already proven they belong among the state's best.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now comes the challenge of beating those teams when there isn't another match tomorrow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1056352"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf90af111a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Here is a name that hasn't shown up in one of my articles, but Morgan is someone I feel is going to surprise folks in the state tournament. [player_tooltip player_id='759815' first='Kaitlyn' last='White'] and [player_tooltip player_id='749859' first='Isabella' last='Gonzalez'] have gotten a lot of the credit, rightfully so, But Mcintire has produced from the right side all season. She contributed in 53 sets last season with 70 kills. This season she's raised her hitting % and in 77 sets has 164 kills, 20 blocks, and 40 digs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morgan and the Panther middles are going to have their work cut out for them with hitters like [player_tooltip player_id='775399' first='Riley' last='Kaminshine'], [player_tooltip player_id='746203' first='Taylor' last='Wherry'], and [player_tooltip player_id='809961' first='Kendall' last='Brown'] on their side of the bracket. Not to mention all the power that could be waiting for them in the finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Farmington | The Most to Prove</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're asking me which team has the most to prove at this year's state tournament, my answer is Farmington. Think about how last season ended. The Cardinals reached the 5A state championship match against Marion, only to come up short in five sets. They were that close. And everything I said earlier about Bauxite hosting...add that here as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now that talented senior group is back for one final run. With [player_tooltip player_id='569597' first='Emmerson' last='Rehkopf'], [player_tooltip player_id='818366' first='Sadie' last='Morrison'] and [player_tooltip player_id='765621' first='Laney' last='Brisiel'] leading the attack, Farmington has the experience and offensive firepower to compete with anyone in 5A. But there's a difference between being a championship contender and becoming a state champion. We've already seen that Farmington can be beaten. Greenwood proved it earlier this month, knocking off the Cardinals in five sets on their home court. But that could have been a wake up for the Cardinals. They had been on an incredible winning streak streak when Greenwood caught them. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That loss doesn't erase what Farmington has accomplished, but it does show how small the margin can be against quality competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And here's where things get interesting. Marion, the team that ended Farmington's championship hopes last year, is sitting on the opposite side of the bracket. Both enter as No. 1 seeds. Could we see a rematch of last year's championship? For Farmington's seniors, this is about more than putting together another outstanding season. They've already done that. They've experienced the disappointment of coming so close, and now they have one more opportunity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Can they finish what they started?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["569597"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf9320e2cbb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I don't think there is any doubt who will lead this team to the title. Averaging 5.5 kills per set on a team full of weapons, Rehkopf is the premier outside hitter in the state. But their half of the 5A bracket has hitters like [player_tooltip player_id='859443' first='Ava' last='Beasley'], London Jackson, [player_tooltip player_id='807048' first='Peyton' last='Prater'], [player_tooltip player_id='1008480' first='Kate' last='Calhoon'], Tristen Mosely, [player_tooltip player_id='761815' first='Elizabeth' last='Castillo'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1016003' first='Braelyn' last='Herring'] all ready be the ones to take Farmington down. It starts with last year's 4A state title winner, Pulaski Academy. That will be a battle of two very balanced teams. IF they can get by the Bruins, its going to be tough sledding defending their home floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fayetteville | A Championship Left Unfinished</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fayetteville came within one match of winning the 6A state championship last year, falling to Conway in four sets in the final. For a program accustomed to competing for championships, that loss had to sting. Now the Lady Bulldogs are back as a No. 1 seed from the 6A-West, with another opportunity to finish the job. But the road won't be easy. Cabot, Conway and several talented teams from Northwest Arkansas are standing in the way. They are 28-1-1, in my view they are the best in the state. The mix of [player_tooltip player_id='749906' first='Molly' last='Miller'], [player_tooltip player_id='749872' first='Eva' last='McPike'], [player_tooltip player_id='749917' first='Kenzy' last='Hogue'], [player_tooltip player_id='749911' first='Avah' last='Brown'] and youngsters [player_tooltip player_id='1018463' first='Lydia' last='Washington'], [player_tooltip player_id='772494' first='Kassidy' last='Lucas'], Ivy Kirkconnell and [player_tooltip player_id='755253' first='Sloan' last='Campbell'] means Fayetteville could easily make another three year run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6A-West has plenty to prove after watching Conway take home the last two titles after Fayetteville's string of three straight. Fayetteville knows what it takes to reach the championship match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Can the Lady Bulldogs take that final step and bring the trophy back to Northwest Arkansas?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749911"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf97569a69a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ava is a killer on the court, soft spoken off of it. She shows up in big games like you would hope a star would. In a span of two days against Bentonville and Bentonville -West she had 41 kills in 9 sets that propelled the Lady Bulldogs to victory. As a right side, the lefty has hit a blistering .349 this season with 310 kills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As I mentioned before, the Lady Bulldogs have plenty of weapons, but when the game is on the line. It is Brown who will always deliver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">6A Cabot | Can the 6A-Central Bring Home Another Title?</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's been plenty of talk about the strength of the 6A-West, and rightfully so. But Cabot has spent the season showing that the 6A-Central deserves some attention of its own. Last year, Conway knocked off Fayetteville in four sets to capture the 6A championship. Now Cabot would love to keep that trophy in Central Arkansas. The Lady Panthers have a balanced attack led by [player_tooltip player_id='547495' first='Olivia' last='Ambeau'], [player_tooltip player_id='746512' first='Izzie' last='Duncan'], [player_tooltip player_id='749857' first='Brylee' last='Passmore'] and [player_tooltip player_id='749851' first='Alexa' last='Robertson']. They've shown they can win close matches, including a five-set victory over Bryant in one of the biggest conference matchups of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cabot enters the state tournament as a No. 1 seed with an opening-round bye. But tomorrow they are already to take on a Bentonville squad who could easily win the whole thing. The west was a monster this season. But can Cabot handle the pressure of the postseason and keep the title in Central Arkansas?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["547495"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adf97569a6d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've talked about [player_tooltip player_id='547495' first='Olivia' last='Ambeau'] plenty this season, and for good reason. The Cabot senior is one of the most versatile players in Arkansas and a legitimate Prep Dig Player of the Year candidate. Already a National Champion in club, can she add state champion to her impressive resume?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whether she's attacking, setting, blocking or playing defense, Ambeau finds a way to impact the match. She's the kind of player who can fill up a stat sheet without you realizing just how much she's doing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What I like about Olivia is her ability to take on different responsibilities without losing her effectiveness. She can put balls away from the right side, distribute the ball when needed and make big plays at the net. The Lady Panthers have their sights set on a 6A state championship, and Ambeau has an opportunity to put the top prize on an outstanding high school career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">So Who Really Has the Most to Prove?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every team entering the state tournament has something at stake. For Cotter, it's about turning a special season into a championship. Mansfield and Conway are trying to defend titles in very different circumstances. Charleston wants to show its regional championship wasn't a fluke, while Brookland and Westside have an opportunity to take advantage of a wide-open 4A field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Benton wants to turn a tremendous regular season into a deep postseason run. Cabot wants to keep the 6A championship in Central Arkansas. But for me, nobody has more to prove than Farmington. This is a group of talented seniors who came within one set of winning a state championship last year. They've put in the work, they've gained the experience, and they've given themselves another opportunity. They know what it feels like to get close. Now they have one final chance to experience what it feels like to finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That's what makes the state tournament so much fun. The regular season tells us who's good. The postseason tells us who can get it done when everything is on the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Five state championships will be decided Saturday, October 31, at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And by the end of the night, we'll have our answers. I'll be there for all the action!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Robert Birch, Scout-Prep Dig Arkansas. Reach out to me at <a href="mailto:bdsrecruiting10@gmail.com"><strong>bdsrecruiting10@gmail.com</strong></a> or connect with me on <strong>X</strong> (@predigRob) <strong>Tik Tok</strong>(@prepdigrob) and <strong>Instagram</strong>(@prepdigarrob)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->