Games of the Week: Week 7

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are on the homestretch now for a lot of teams. Today the 3/4A regional assignments should get posted and we will know which teams get to stay home and who has to travel. This is also the final week for 5/6A teams to build their resume to help their chances on regionals placements. Let's take a look at some big matchups this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/22 5A #11 Collinsville @ 5A #2 Claremore</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We got what seems to be the conference title on the line! If Claremore wins, they will go undefeated in conference play 3 out of the past 4 years and add another ranked win to the resume. If Collinsville can get the upset on the road, they will open the door for themselves to win the conference and add a much needed top 5 win right at the finish line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach</strong> at Claremore, Derek Jackson. “They stole a set from us last season when we went to their place. They are always a tough conference opponent and ranked, so its never an easy match. We WANT tough matches though down the stretch to help us prepare for playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Our coaching staff is blessed to have this amazing group of players. They have worked their tail off all season to get where they are today. We are looking to do something that has never been done in school history."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong> Ella Armstrong is a strong left handed hitter for Collinsville who can make plays when they need it most. [player_tooltip player_id='666302' first='Addison' last='Doyle'] and [player_tooltip player_id='734803' first='Bella' last='Hoisington'] have been big time blockers this past couple weeks for Claremore. Sienna Gebhard and [player_tooltip player_id='933577' first='Natalee' last='Hammonds'] will help shoulder the scoring load for the Cardinals. [player_tooltip player_id='285769' first='Grace' last='Baughman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='736675' first='Madison' last='Godding'] are both players who are some of the best at their positions within the conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/22 5A #8 Lawton Mac @ 5A #12 Duncan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This has huge playoff implications for both teams. Mac is trying to hold on to that last spot for hosting, meanwhile Duncan is right on the cusp and could make a jump up. Hosting is a massive benefit and statistically gives teams a massive advantage in making it to state. Duncan did just beat them a little over a week ago at the Cache tournament. This win could be criticial to who gets that 8 spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach</strong> at Lawton Mac, Jenny Walker. “We are focusing intently on finishing out the season strong, and that means we have to place emphasis on putting teams away.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We plan to stay disciplined on the serve and pass game, keep focus on the controllables on our side of the net, and play clean, polished volleyball."&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong> Got to start with the obvious, D1 Commit [player_tooltip player_id='737518' first='Brianni' last='Kimbro'] for Mac is a problem for every team they play. Bethany Whiteeagle is also someone who can catch fire and be tough to stop. [player_tooltip player_id='757042' first='Makynna' last='Skinner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='757028' first='Makiyah' last='Skinner'] are a duo you can not let get comfy for Duncan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/24 4A #1 Mount St. Mary @ 4A #3 Heritage Hall</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We can't possibly leave off the #1 vs #3 matchup. This is very close to a state championship preview. MSM hasn't lost in the month of September and HH hasn't lost since the opening weekend. Both teams are jockeying for the top spot in the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='554318' first='Jentri' last='Denwalt'], [player_tooltip player_id='822748' first='Blair' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='697434' first='Isabella' last='Williams'] are dynamic and some of the best players in the state. HH has their own stellar standouts too with [player_tooltip player_id='851712' first='Alexys' last='Willis'], [player_tooltip player_id='960039' first='Leeya' last='Mcdaniel'], [player_tooltip player_id='752541' first='Reece' last='Foster'] and [player_tooltip player_id='773615' first='Raegan' last='Ferris'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our winter showcase is now open for registration. Use code: <strong>ET26Derek25OFF</strong> to get 25% off when you register. We had over 100 participants last time and double digit college coaches seeing the players compete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->