Prospects Impacting 2026 Maryland State Playoffs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state playoffs in Maryland have also begun. Below are some of the prospects to watch in Class 3 and 4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 4</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Walt Whitman</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754662"],"_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-6af6a2662dcb5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='750047' first='Caroline' last='Conroy'] at 6'4" may be their most imposing player. She leads the team in hitting percentage at .466 and blocks. She also has been invited to the National Team Development Program (NTDP) by USA volleyball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">However, Abby is the player who leads with the most kills per set. She impressed when I watched her play for MOCO, showing skills in the front row as well as the back row with her passing. She brings a strong whip like action with her arm swing when taking a strike at the ball. To think she has only been playing for a couple years given more years of play she could rise quickly. At 5'10" she brings good height to the front row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a young team filled with promise with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='750047' first='Caroline' last='Conroy'] and frosh setter [player_tooltip player_id='1064357' first='Kaitlin' last='Lee'] contributing to the starting lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year Whitman lost in four to Churchill in the playoffs. This year they were able to beat them in four. The last time they won the state championship was in 1998. That has been there only championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Richard Montgomery</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["557876"],"_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-6af6a2662dd27"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Just like [player_tooltip player_id='750047' first='Caroline' last='Conroy'] for Walt Whitman, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536719' first='Katherine' last='Mitchell']</strong> is their impact player who participates with the U.S. National team with the NTDP. She easily leads the team in kills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">However, Kinsley is one of those unheralded players who makes significant contributions to a team's ability to win. She leads the team in blocking while also sitting second in kills. Running an effective middle can give the outside more freedom to hit with a one person block or a late two person block. That improves the stats for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536719' first='Katherine' last='Mitchell'].</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kinsly joined the team last year after moving from Southern Virginia. She previously played for Norfolk Academy. She brings an approach jump that hits 10'3". </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A frosh to keep an eye on is setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1041321' first='Charlotte' last='Kim'].</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Richard Montgomery won their first two state championships back to back in 2023 and 2024. Kinsley would like to contribute to a championship in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Montgomery Blair</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["849619"],"_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-6af74e5a22a7f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anyone standing 6'4" on the volleyball court will get your attention. Kiya is having another solid year for the Blazers. She leads the team in kills and blocks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year Blair was eliminated by Urbana in the semifinals of the Class 4 state championships. This year in a quarter final match they will face Richard Montgomery. A win would certainly set them towards the right path for a championship. That semi-final appearance was the farthest the Blazers had appeared in the playoffs since 1999 when they reached the finals. They have yet to win a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kiya hopes her presence in the middle will give them that championship opportunity. She has committed to Coppin State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wise</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["536728"],"_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-6af768b973172"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='536728' first='Lalah' last='Washington'] will lead the Wise offense as they go against Severn Run in the quarterfinals of the Class 4 Maryland playoffs. She is one of our Prep Dig top performers who leads her team in kills, blocks and digs. She lists at 6'1" with an approach jump that reaches close to 10 feet. Lalah played for the [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 16 team that ended up winning the gold in the National Division at Junior Nationals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lalah played mainly right side for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']. For Wise she plays both left and right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wise has yet to win a state championship. They will play Severna Park in the quarter finals, who has won six state championships, the last one in 2014. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Severn Park</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["753065"],"_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-6af768b9731b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Isabella is a 6'3" middle who played for the loaded [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 17 team. While they qualified for Open play in Junior Nationals they fell short of reaching the gold. Surprisingly, Isabella is not the dominant offensive force on the team. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='857977' first='Savannah' last='Smith']</strong> leads the team in kills while Isabella slides into the number two slot. Isabella does lead the team in blocks. She can pose a dominating presence at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Severn will do battle with Wise. They have won six state championships, the last one in 2014. They did reach the semi-finals in 2015. These last ten years they have faced a drought. If they win they will have to face the winner of Richard Montgomery and Blair in the semi-finals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isabella has committed to Rider.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Broadneck</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["478903"],"_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-6af7cf5a9c357"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The biggest strength for Broadneck is their setting duo with Barrett and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='766895' first='Neely' last='Olish']</strong> running a 6/2. During club season Neely ran a 5/1 but when operating a 6/2 it gives her an opportunity to hit right side. Last year Broadneck used their setter in the middle during the playoffs when they won the state championship. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='766895' first='Neely' last='Olish']</strong> was a middle blocker her frosh season before she changed her position to setter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Broadneck has only lost two matches all season, one to Musselman and the other to Holy Cross. The way the brackets have been set up it could be a Richard Montgomery versus Broadneck final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Broadneck has won seven state championships, the fifth most in Maryland, however the most among class 4 schools. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Barrett has committed to Stony Brook. It would be nice to finish her high school season with two consecutive state championships.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 3</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wooten</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["438097"],"_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-6af7cf5a9c3b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Haile is one of the top left side hitters in Maryland. She combines height with intelligence to consistently put balls away. She also plays a strong six rotations. She ranks as the 10th ranked left side hitter in the class of 2027, however eight of those outside hitters have committed to strong Division I programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wooton has won seven state championships, the fifth most in Maryland, tied with Broadneck and Catonsville. Unfortunately, their last state championship was in 1989. They did appear in the finals in 2024 but lost to North Hagerstown. Last year they lost to Arundel in the quarter finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year Haile was named volleyball player of the week by the Washington Sun for averaging 15 kills per match. Perhaps a playoff run will get her some exposure in the recruiting ranks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sherwood</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["536724"],"_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-6af7cf5a9c3fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ariel is the third ranked setter in the class of 2028. Last year she set for Virginia Juniors after setting the previous year for Metro. Also, last year Sherwood was knocked out of the playoffs by Reservoir in five in the Regional finals. This year they were able to beat Reservoir in four to advance to the quarterfinal round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sherwood has won four championships, the last one in 2012. They reached the semi-finals in 2021. If they reach the semi-final this year they will play the winner of the Howard/Tuscarora match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A good opportunity for Ariel to put her game in the spotlight by appearing in the semi-finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Howard</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["698761"],"_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-6af7cf5a9c441"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of my favorite setters in the DMV area. It is not often when I watch a match where my focus stays with the setters. Imagine runs a 5/1 for Howard. She has some height at 5'11" allowing her to make an impact playing the front row. Her jump sets arrive with consistent location.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last year Howard won the class three state championship with a perfect 25-0 record. They finished as the number one ranked team by Prep Dig in the DMV area. This year has been a bit of a struggle with four losses to the season. However, the playoffs have begun and with that what occurred in the past is forgotten.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Imagine still sets a 5/1. She has accumulated over 2,000 assists in her high school career. The 2025 championship was only the second in the history for Howard, after coming close and reaching the semi-finals in 2024.. The only other state championship occurred in 1980, again after reaching the semi-finals in 1979. A third top four state appearance would be a huge accomplishment for Imagine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She has committed to Middle Tennessee State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Severna Park</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["961813"],"_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-6af7cf5a9c489"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hannah played right side for BAVA in the Junior Nationals. An injury forced her to move to left side. She hammered the ball just as easily from the left side as she did from the right side. Only a sophomore she leads her team in kills. She also can play a strong six rotations. When she is not playing volleyball she plays a strong lacrosse. She combines her height with athleticism to create a pretty dynamic package.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Severna Park has won six state championships, the last occurring in 2014. It has been a decade since they reached the semi-finals. One more win over Great Mills would get them there. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Great Mills</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1064686"],"_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-6af7cf5a9c4cd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sometimes you just don't know who will come out of nowhere to lead their high school team to the state playoffs. Last year Great Mills was a vanilla like 8-7. This year they only lost one match in 18. That loss was to Calvert. They now appear in the quarter finals of the Maryland state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top hitter for the team is the 5'10" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1064686' first='Kate' last='Torgesen']</strong>, who bangs balls from the front row or back row. She leads her team in kills while also playing a solid back row. What is most impressive about Kate is that she has no club footprint. She plays tennis in the spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The last time Great Mills won a state championship was in 1983, their second state championship. In 1988 and 1989 they lost in the finals. They have been absent from the spot light since.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chesapeake</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1064697"],"_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-6af7cf5a9c50f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another unranked player who is leading her Maryland team to a state championship run. At 5'8" she is a bit undersized, but she gets good arm extension to hit high over the net to achieve good velocity on her spikes. She also plays six rotations. While she does not have a club footprint she has video for Capital Hill classic play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chesapeake has reached the quarterfinal but they will need to get past a strong Wooten team to advance. If they can get past Wooten they will be that much closer to their first state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->