GHSA 5A State Tournament Predictions: Look Out for these Stars

Class 5A continues to prove it's the deepest bracket in Georgia volleyball. Beyond the top seeds, several programs feature underclassmen who are making their mark and could be the spark behind a postseason surprise. From scrappy defenders to versatile setters and emerging attackers, these athletes are showing the maturity and grit it takes to shine in October.   Here are six more names to watch:    Page is a stabilizing force for a River Ridge team that relies heavily on younger talent. She plays with poise, offering leadership and maturity that helps keep her team composed during high-pressure moments. On the court, her strengths lie in her consistency and decision-making — she doesn't force plays, but she delivers in crucial spots. Her leadership qualities, paired with her calm presence, make her the glue holding together a dynamic and still-developing River Ridge squad. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Williams may be one of the youngest players in the 5A bracket, but she plays with a level of composure that makes her stand out. She has smooth ball control and makes quick adjustments defensively, something you rarely see from a freshman. Her presence gives Habersham Central a fresh spark off the bench or in rotation, and she's developing into a player who can change the tone of a match simply with her energy. She's one of those athletes who will only get better with every postseason rep. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Bowen is a defensive specialist with sharp instincts. She anticipates well, reading opposing hitters and putting herself in position before the swing even happens. Her quickness allows her to cover wide spaces of floor, and her passing touch keeps South Effingham's offense in system. She plays with quiet confidence, and while her contributions may not always show up on stat sheets, her reliability in the back row makes her indispensable. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Stevenson brings an unshakable energy to Villa Rica's lineup. As a defender, she's fearless, throwing her body around the court to keep rallies alive. In serve receive, she's steady and disciplined, rarely getting rattled by tough servers. She's also versatile enough to contribute as an outside when needed, which gives Villa Rica depth and flexibility. Her presence is more than just technical — she's a tone-setter, the kind of player whose hustle ignites her teammates. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Patterson is an emerging offensive weapon with strong potential. She attacks with confidence, using smart shot selection to score rather than just swinging hard. Her ability to place the ball into seams shows a volleyball IQ well beyond her age. Patterson also plays with noticeable competitiveness — she wants the ball in big moments, and that type of fearless approach is exactly what Habersham will need to upset bigger-name programs. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Stovall adds firepower to Jackson County's offense and thrives as a competitor. On the pin, she swings with confidence, not hesitating to challenge big blocks. She also brings edge and swagger — she plays with visible confidence and rallies her teammates with her energy. Coaches rave about her willingness to step up in crunch time, and her leadership-by-example mentality makes her invaluable to a Jackson County team looking to prove itself as more than just a “region darling.” ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast    The depth of 5A volleyball means upsets are almost guaranteed. Villa Rica's grit, River Ridge's mix of youth and leadership, and Habersham Central's rising talent all make them dangerous draws. Add in programs like Jackson County and South Effingham, and the “middle of the bracket” looks every bit as strong as the top seeds. Expect at least one of these underclassmen to become a breakout name by the time the tournament ends.   Note to GA Athletes: If I didn't get the chance to write about you this week — I see you and I appreciate your game! I covered as many players as I could at AAU Nationals, but with limited time and so many talented athletes, I couldn't feature everyone. If you'd like to be considered for future coverage, please send me your high school season schedule and share a little bit about yourself so I can come support you and share your story. Let's keep building Georgia volleyball together! Fill out the "Cover My Game" Link in my bio @benchtobeast on IG   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following<a href="https://www.instagram.com/benchtobeast/"> BenchtoBeast</a> for exclusive Georgia content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</h3>   We're on a mission to spotlight talent, uplift families, and bring the volleyball community closer than ever! Huge shoutout to our amazing subscribers — you're the heartbeat of this movement. Thank you for your help growing the game, and making every moment unforgettable. The best is yet to come — let's get it!   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   Building bridges between hustle and opportunity — that's the power of this community! ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast

Class 5A continues to prove it's the deepest bracket in Georgia volleyball. Beyond the top seeds, several programs feature underclassmen who are making their mark and could be the spark behind a postseason surprise. From scrappy defenders to versatile setters and emerging attackers, these athletes are showing the maturity and grit it takes to shine in October.