Class 3 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the volleyball season heats up, the release of district teams by MSHSAA has added an exciting twist to Class 3. With Helias dropping down from Class 5, they've emerged as my top contender for the title. However, don't count out Rogersville, Strafford, and Oak Grove, who are eager to challenge this narrative. It's still early in the season, and with plenty of volleyball left to play, anything can happen!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Helias Crusaders (13-0-1)</strong><br>Helias is poised for success this year, leveraging its loaded schedule experience after moving down from Class 5. Their impressive victories include a win against Class 5 teams like Nixa and Kickapoo, with their only setback being a split match against Strafford. Key players [player_tooltip player_id='808236' first='Kambell' last='Winegar'], [player_tooltip player_id='828196' first='Claire' last='Carel'], and [player_tooltip player_id='809438' first='Sophie' last='Verslues'] are leading the Crusaders as they aim for a shot at the title in St. Joseph.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Logan Rogersville Wildcats (7-1)</strong><br>With the addition of standout transfer [player_tooltip player_id='490109' first='Millie' last='Bauer'], Rogersville is climbing the ranks. The Mizzou commit leads the team with 119 kills, showcasing her versatility across the net. A significant matchup against Strafford at the end of the month could have significant district implications.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Strafford Indians (7-1-2)</strong><br>Strafford's only losses have come against #1 Helias and a split with Mt. Vernon. They're gearing up for a crucial match against #2 Rogersville at the end of the month. The dynamic duo of [player_tooltip player_id='729521' first='Blair' last='Bough'] and <a href="https://prepdig.com/missouri/rankings/2028-watch-list/#:~:text=Ava-,Lane,-5%E2%80%998%E2%80%B3">[player_tooltip player_id='664702' first='Ava' last='Lane']</a>, both from the class of 2028, are leading the attack with 84 kills each.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":4} --> <ol start="4" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Oak Grove Panthers (14-0)</strong><br>The Panthers are on a mission this season, having dropped only two sets—both to formidable opponents, Notre Dame de Sion and Class 5 Liberty North. A highly anticipated matchup against district rival Odessa looms on the horizon. Young talents [player_tooltip player_id='557372' first='Piper' last='Hudson'] (2029), [player_tooltip player_id='556998' first='Paisley' last='Hudson'] (2028), and [player_tooltip player_id='485574' first='Eva' last='Alexander'] (2027) are setting their sights on a spot in the Final Four.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Bishop LeBlond Eagles (10-1)</strong><br>The Eagles have seamlessly adjusted to their new class, suffering only one loss to Class 4 Webb City. Upcoming matches against Chillicothe and Savannah will provide further insight into their capabilities. Offensive leaders [player_tooltip player_id='809708' first='Katie' last='Sego'] and [player_tooltip player_id='828316' first='Maya' last='Acosta'] are key to their success.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Potosi Trojans (9-2-1)</strong><br>As the defending Class 3 champions, the Trojans are off to a strong start despite both losses being to Class 4 Festus during the North County Tournament. [player_tooltip player_id='809606' first='Eden' last='Robart'] is impressive, averaging 6.4 kills per set, while libero [player_tooltip player_id='515744' first='Macyn' last='McCarthy'] excels with 5.7 digs per set. Significant challenges await Festus and St. Pius X.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Chillicothe Hornets (9-2)</strong><br>The Hornets have only fallen to Oak Grove and Bishop LeBlond so far this season. A rematch with LeBlond, along with a matchup against Savannah, will be critical for district seeding. Key hitters [player_tooltip player_id='808022' first='Lyla' last='Beetsma'] and [player_tooltip player_id='825683' first='Emerson' last='Staton'] have been instrumental to their success.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Osage Indians (6-1)</strong><br>After an opening loss to Smith-Cotton, Osage has rallied to win six straight matches. Upcoming games against 9-3-3 Buffalo and 9-1-3 Camdenton will be key tests. The Indian's success can be attributed to the contributions from 2027 players [player_tooltip player_id='830138' first='Avery' last='Sperling'], [player_tooltip player_id='809590' first='Claire' last='Sallee'], and [player_tooltip player_id='842320' first='Delaney' last='Hague'].<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>MICDS Rams (5-6)</strong><br>Despite their record, the Rams have the potential to be a formidable competitor. With a lineup featuring two freshmen and two sophomores, they boast one of the state's best middles in North Carolina commit [player_tooltip player_id='828205' first='Dorothy' last='Durrill']. If [player_tooltip player_id='811287' first='Audrey' last='Marino'], [player_tooltip player_id='786648' first='Ava' last='Mussey'], and <strong>Natasha Schultz</strong> continue their strong performances, MICDS could surprise opponents come playoff time.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Boonville Pirates (8-2)</strong><br>The Pirates have faced tough competition, with their only losses coming from #8 Osage and Class 5 Battle. Freshman <strong>Harper</strong> <strong>Lowe</strong> is making a significant impact this season, while big middle [player_tooltip player_id='832816' first='Isabella' last='Imhoff'] aims to lead the Pirates into the playoffs. A crucial match against Eldon is on the horizon.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list -->