Players Impacting the VHSL Class 6 Playoff Race

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finally, we take a look at the larger schools in the Class 6 VHSL playoff chase. A number of new schools are entering the playoff picture after a long absence, however the defending champ is still lurking to ruin a hope or dream of a first championship. Each team has a story to tell.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Landstown</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746325"],"_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-6af1fb95ae5d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This will be Landstown's first appearance in the state bracket in quite some time. They have yet to win a state championship with just one final four appearance in 2008 when they lost a semi-final match to Westfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Dig top performer [player_tooltip player_id='746325' first='Cheyenne' last='Wright'] has been driving their success. She leads the team in kills hitting balls from both the back row and front row. At 5'10" she brings the athleticism that allows her to rise above her opponents. Her back row play has improved to the point where she participates in the serve receive rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cheyenne gets help from middle [player_tooltip player_id='894199' first='Alyssa' last='Ellerbe'] who leads the team in blocks while slotting second in kills with a team best .433 hitting percentage. While she hits primarily middle for Landstown she also can play outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cheyenne has committed to Campbell. Alyssa is still on the open market.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Grassfield</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["471714"],"_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-6af208663d7f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Grassfield has made it to the States the last three seasons. They have fallen short of a championship in all three. Last year they reached the semi-finals before getting swept by eventual champion West Springfield. They are still looking for their first state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They have two excellent seniors driving this team. Ryann takes care of the back row. She leads the team in digs. Only Gatorade Player of the Year [player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick'] is rated higher than her in the class of 2027 for liberos. She covers a lot of ground, communicates well and is one of my top liberos to watch. Ryann has committed to Ole Miss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='734796' first='Benisa' last='Moore'] </strong>is a bit undersized at 5'7" but she can put the ball away. She won a top performer award at our Prep Dig showcase in Richmond last year. Her high volleyball IQ allows her to use the block or find an open area of the court to generate her kills. Put one block on her and she can put the ball to the floor with good velocity. She and Ryann have risen together with this team creating the success it has achieved over the last three years. A championship in their senior season would be nice. Benisa has committed to Bridgwater.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frosh setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1008294' first='Brooklyn' last='Cassidy']</strong> is also a player to watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Colonial Forge</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["778444"],"_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-6af208663d832"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Eagles have a talented roster with a number of seniors they can place on the court. However, one of their most impactful players could be sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='778444' first='Zari' last='Northam']. At 5'8" her height lacks what you expect from a middle. However, her timing for putting up a block is excellent. She can also hit right side with a 10' approach jump that compensates for her smaller stature. She also hit left side for [program_tooltip program_id='489547' first='540' last='Volleyball Academy']. Her versatility allows you to mix and match to put the best players on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Veteran senior middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='581553' first='Karinne' last='Goodrum']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='537906' first='Jalyn' last='Barnes'], right side [player_tooltip player_id='443570' first='Lexiana' last='Everetts'] </strong>and setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888906' first='Ella' last='Sloan']</strong> also drive this team to success. They were all frosh the last time the Eagles made the state playoffs, reaching the semi-finals before losing in five to eventual state champion Langley. They have yet to win a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Woodbridge</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["747560"],"_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-6af3590312101"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'1" Elliot brings excellent height to the position. It assists in her hitting over blocks however, more importantly it gives her an excellent jump serve. The ball flies over the net in a downward trajectory giving passers fits as they try to pass it. She leads the team in kills and is second to [player_tooltip player_id='747031' first='Braylin' last='Coacher'] in service aces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='747031' first='Braylin' last='Coacher'] is also critical to the team's advance in the state bracket playoffs. She sets a 5/1 for the Vikings. Her 697 assists is ninth in the state of Virginia. She plays the conductor in this offense while the hitters follow her lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Woodbridge, this is the first time they have advanced to the state playoff bracket since 1998. They have yet to win a state championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fairfax</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["888542"],"_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-6af359031219a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fairfax has had some dismal seasons over the years. They have yet to win a state championship or finish in the final four. They certainly have an excellent gym for playing the sport. Now they appear to have the team to support the gym.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nina is the setter for Fairfax. She sets a 5/1. Her 5'10" height gives her the ability to play front row. As she gains experience the more adept she will get at running an offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two talented frosh hitters have been added to her tool box in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='785509' first='Pia' last='Pardikar']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='892908' first='Maya' last='Zadafshar']</strong>. The "experienced" veterans are junior outsides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='768530' first='Ellen' last='Verwys'] </strong>and middler<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='888546' first='Scarlett' last='Sikorski']</strong>. This is a young team whose future looks brighter than the present, however the present was strong enough to get them to the states. Sometimes a roster full of young players brings a team good fortune. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">West Springfield</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["438046"],"_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-6af37efedec10"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It has come to my attention that the actual stat number for assists for Anna hangs around 2,760. She perhaps could have reached 3,000 assists sometime during the season if West Springfield would not continually sweep their opponents. So far, they have won 27 of their 29 matches by sweeps. She strung together 33 assists against South County in the Regional semi-final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her favorite targets are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='720348' first='Milena' last='Kibret']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='693144' first='Layla' last='Babiker']</strong>. Milena normally plays middle for club but with West Springfield she plays left side. On occasion she sneaks into the middle to take a swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anna also leads the team in service aces, getting twice as many as the next best player. Her 117 aces are second in the state of Virginia but Anna has played in 20 less sets than the leader in aces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Surprisingly, Anna has yet to commit, the highest ranked player in the class of 2027 not to commit. The Spartans are 89-4 since her sophomore year as a setter and currently carry the fifth longest winning streak in the country according to Max Preps. You would think some college would take interest in that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">James Madison</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["265167"],"_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-6af3e2ee6d656"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She won the Gatorade player of the year award as a Junior for Madison. She normally plays libero for Metro but she hits left side for the Warhawks. She leads the team in kills, just ahead of her co-partner in offense [player_tooltip player_id='359401' first='Chloe' last='Barth'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year Madison lost to Colgan in five in the Class 6 semi-finals. They won their first and only state championship in 2015 when their current coach was their setter and her mom was their coach. The previous year their only loss of the season came in the finals, losing to First Colonial 25-23 in the fifth set. Those are their top two performances in state championships.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of the three losses for Madison this year have been against West Springfield and First Colonial, two high schools they may have to face in States. They also lost to George Marshal who was recently eliminated by Oakton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Laila has committed to Oklahoma.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Oakton</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754650"],"_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-6af3e2ee6d7a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Madison strung together 14 kills in two sets before she sprained her ankle against George Marshall. Oakton still won the match winning two sets without her. Her availability is not known for the finals in the Regionals against Madison High but win or lose Oakton still qualifies for States.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madison leads her team in kills and digs. She plays six rotations but her passing still needs work. She plays some excellent defense in the back row but hard serves that dance give her trouble. Only a sophomore, she is the youngest player to make the first team in the Northern Region .</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oakton reached the semi-finals in states in 2016, when they lost to Kellam. They have yet to win a State championship. At the beginning of the year they were my pick to win the Class 6 state championship. That may be more difficult without their starting middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='814457' first='Jocelynn' last='Kinlaw']</strong> and a hobbled <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754650' first='Madison' last='Meiring']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">VISAA Playoffs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state championships for Virginia private schools have started and the Northern Virginia schools have dominated in the Division I. The top seed Bishop O'Connell swept past a young Saint Gertrude team with frosh [player_tooltip player_id='753097' first='Nadia' last='Wooten'] leading the team in kills with 11. Saint Gertrude started a couple frosh of their own in left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1063685' first='Lily' last='Perini']</strong> and middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1063688' first='Maddie' last='Dexter']</strong>. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='968779' first='Olivia' last='Perini'] </strong>played a strong libero. She impressed last year for Richmond Volleyball club for her defense and appears on the watch list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second seed in the tournament Flint Hill swept past St. Catherines. [player_tooltip player_id='437441' first='Hunter' last='Ross'] led the team in kills with 11 with [player_tooltip player_id='728971' first='Mandela' last='Masimini'] close behind with 10.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The third seed Paul VI swept past Norfolk Academy while Potomac swept past Catholic. The Potomac sweep over Catholic avenged a five set loss during the regular season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='935939' first='Maya' last='Peery']</strong> led Potomac with 11 kills, three aces and 16 digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Division II also brought four sweeps to Regional play with defending champion Stonebridge taking three straight against Virginia Academy. [player_tooltip player_id='887040' first='Libbie' last='Plumlee'] led the team in kills with 16 with [player_tooltip player_id='887042' first='Madalyn' last='Wartick'] close behind at 14. [player_tooltip player_id='887038' first='Selah' last='Telfer'] handed out 36 assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It could be a rematch in the finals as Fredericksburg Christian swept past North Cross. The Covenant School did the same to Peninsula Catholic while Cape Henry Collegiate swept Norfolk Christian. Last year Stonebridge defeated Fredericksburg Christian in five in the finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Division III also saw four sweeps, with New Covenant, Greenbrier Christian, Timberlake and Chelsea Academy advancing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["752075"],"_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-6af4ce85f2f91"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Denbigh Baptist Christian school is a small school with attendance of less than 300. That includes children from kindergarten to 12th grade. Getting 12 girls interested in playing volleyball to create a competitive team always creates a challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since Julia's sophomore season Denbigh Baptist has had a winning record. Last year Julia led the state of Virginia in kills. This year she again leads the state of Virginia in kills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Denbigh has advanced to the playoffs all four of Julia's years at the school. They lost once in the finals and the other two years in the semi-finals. As a senior this will be Julia's last opportunity to win them a championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Julia has yet to commit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Division IV ended with three sweeps, Denbeigh Baptist, The Carmel School and Broadwater Academy with the wins. Fuqua took four to take down Guardian Christian. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='752075' first='Julia' last='Kinney'] </strong>buried 14 balls to the floor for Denbeigh Baptist. She has over 2,000 kills in her career and for the second year in a row leads all Virginia players in kills with 527. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->