Unfinished Business: 4A Teams Poised to Postseason Return

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking back at some of the deep playoff runs from last season, there are several teams who stood out. Some teams lost heartbreakers early on, and some teams made it all the way to the State Championship and couldn't pull it out, but what they all have in common is that they are primed and ready to make another push this season. Below are 5 teams in 4A that I think we could see something special out of.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Fredericksburg</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fredericksburg has got to be itching to get back to playoffs this year after their loss to Wimberly in the Regional Quarterfinal round in 4 sets. They return a huge chunk of their roster led by senior<strong> Clara Pluenneke</strong>, who has been very efficient so far this season hitting a .385. <strong>Zoe Aldrich</strong> has been coming up big offensively for Fredericksburg. Recently she had 10 kills against a good Canyon Lake team. She is smart and relies on her ball control to place the ball where it needs to be. Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='99500' first='Madisyn' last='Jones']</strong> has been looking really good lately. Her sets have been smooth and consistent. She plays opposite her teammate <strong>Sydney Schandua</strong>, who is an excellent defender and distributes the ball well on offense. Fredericksburg has a lot of fight in them paired with talent and energy. We could see this team go far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Needville</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Needville went all the way to the Final 4 in the State Championship before losing to Celina in 3. I think Needville is hungry for another shot at it. They are led by 2 strong setters <strong>Aubrey Chumchal</strong> and <strong>Sydney Merten</strong>. Freshman outside hitter <strong>Avery Polak</strong> is leading the team in kills with 163. Needville is very balanced offensively with 3 players with over 100 kills. They are very balanced in the backcourt with <strong>Skylar Butler</strong> and <strong>Morgan Moore</strong>, both with over 300 digs on the season. Needville has some of their state appearance players back this year and that could prove important down the stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Farmersville</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Farmersville lost a 5-set heartbreaker in the Regional Quarterfinals last year. They return libero <strong>Morgan Erwin</strong> from that really solid team, who will out hustle anyone on the court. She is able to come up with some really athletic defensive plays and give her teams a chance to win the point. They also return middle hitter <strong>Angelina Lee </strong>with her 6'2 frame, she is almost unstoppable on the net. She most recently got 21 kills in their last game. Even though her position is middle blocker, she can absolutely put the ball away from any position on the court. She is athletic and fast, and her verticle is high. Another returner is senior <strong>Baylee Valliant </strong>who has been very dependable on the block. Last but not least they return an all-around player [player_tooltip player_id='222976' first='Sophia' last='White'] who looks to be running the floor offensively from the setting position. Farmersville is in a good spot, with most starters returning, they could be a big problem for playoff teams in 4A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Splendora</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2021 Splendora made it to the Regional Quarterfinals losing to Bellville. In the last 3 years, Splendora has made it to at least the Regional Quarterfinal game. They have some super seniors this year that have been a part of three years of success and are ready to make a push this season. Splendora got a great move in with 6 rotation setter <strong>Madison Garza</strong>. Madison has a great tempo set, a quick release, and a high volleyball IQ, and she pairs great with Splendora's other setter senior <strong>Falon Buford</strong>. Sophomore outside hitter <strong>Kaitlyn Collins</strong> has stepped into a big role and is capable of making some big plays. Tall and long, Kaitlyn is a great blocker as well. The team is led in the backcourt by junior libero <strong>Katie Unterreiner</strong>, who has over 400 digs on the season. Just recently she had 31 digs in their last district game. Splendora has a lot of good pieces that have the potential to come together to make a push into the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Canton</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Canton lost a tough one last season in the Bi-District round of playoffs in a 5 set thriller. I am sure they are eager to get back as they have started off so well in the district with a 3-0 start. Senior outside<strong> Emma Welty</strong> has been playing strong recently. As well as <strong>Airianna Pickens </strong>who is dominating the front row for Canton. She can hit a variety of sets and has a hard whip on the ball. <strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/georgia-crayton/vT2YXzPC80K2iSsP8gVfAA/default.htm">Georgia Crayton</a> </strong>runs the offense for Canton, but she is also a great defensive specialist who has racked up a lot of digs. Canton looks good to repeat making the playoffs this year, maybe we will see a deeper playoff run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't forget to register for the <a href="https://prepdig.com/top-250-expos/"><strong>Prep Dig Texas Expo</strong></a>! Use code HowingtonPDExpo2022 to save at check out!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->