Two High School Squads Bring Big Arsenals to Playoff Chase

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school volleyball season is nearing its end and there are some teams and players who are making a name for themselves. This season has proven to be another great showing from our wonderful and amazing players. Let's take a look at some of the intriguing storylines from the Lone Star State as we head into the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Duncanville (38-4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Duncanville has not lost a home match in more than a year. The Panthers carried a 30 match home winning streak into mid October and have now won 15 straight overall. At 38-4 they have already clinched the District 11-6A title and sit at No. 13 in the national rankings in some publications. The headline act is sophomore Peyton Smith and she is one of the most exciting young hitters in the country. Smith has 550 kills at 5.8 per set, the third most in the Dallas area. She can take over a match on her own on any night and she proved it with 37 kills and 20 digs in a five set comeback at Mansfield. Her arm swing is long and super fast and she gets to her spot so fast that blockers are often late to close. She also stays on the floor in the back row, which tells you how much her coaches trust her passing and love her back row attack. [player_tooltip player_id='828459' first='Raven' last='Hodge'] gives Duncanville a true force in the middle and has been among the area leaders in blocks all season. [player_tooltip player_id='752540' first='Nayeli' last='Dragoo-Crawford'] adds a second scoring option on the pin while libero [player_tooltip player_id='907709' first='Alina' last='Pinter'] cleans up everything behind them. This squad is one who will definitely have a say so in the state championship race.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McKinney Boyd (27-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McKinney Boyd is one of only two teams to beat Allen this season. The Broncos did it in August at the Grapevine Fieldhouse Tournament after dropping the first set 25-13 and then storming back. They have spent the rest of the fall proving that win was no fluke. Boyd is 27-7 and ranked No. 4 in the Dallas area and its only district losses have come against the Eagles. TCU pledge and super phenom [player_tooltip player_id='580713' first='Trinity' last='Johnson'] leads the way with more than 330 kills and 419 digs. Johnson is a true six rotation outside who passes as well as she attacks. Then there is libero Ashley Ruschill, who is proving to be one of the best defenders in North Texas this seaosn. Ruschill had 672 digs through mid October and was averaging more than nine digs per set early in the season. Her reading ability and quick platform let Boyd survive long rallies against anybody. Tuesday's sweep stung, but Boyd has already beaten Allen once and a third meeting in the playoffs would be must see volleyball.&nbsp; Every coach in every sport knows just how hard it is to beat a tough team three times in a row.&nbsp; We cannot wait to see how this unfolds.&nbsp; Be ready for some fireworks because it is going to be a show!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always stay tuned for more articles on your favorite athletes.&nbsp; If you have anyone you think we should watch out for, please shoot me an email with some info at <a href="mailto:Michael@prepdig.com">Michael@prepdig.com</a>. &nbsp;You can also DM me in Instagram and X by searching @CoachMikeDZ.&nbsp; Also don't forget to help these kids get more exposure by sharing our stories with your friends.&nbsp; Help us help them by simply reposting on X or sharing on Facebook.&nbsp; Thanks for following us, Prep Dig Texas Family!&nbsp; Don't be afraid to interact with us.&nbsp; We love the likes, shares, and quotes/comments.&nbsp; Keep them coming!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->