GHSA 3A State Tournament Predictions: Players to Watch

Class 3A's postseason picture is defined not just by the seniors who have carried their teams all year, but also by the underclassmen who are stepping up in the biggest moments. At programs like Mary Persons, Whitewater, Calhoun, and Jefferson, these younger athletes are proving they're ready to shine on the state's biggest stage.    Morgan gives Mary Persons a dynamic presence in the middle. She closes blocks quickly and isn't just a wall — she directs the ball back into play, giving her defense chances to transition. Offensively, she transitions with speed and finds ways to score with quick attacks and strong swings. Her length and athleticism make her a consistent problem for opponents, and her two-way play cements her as a force for the Bulldogs. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Kasyn plays with fearless intensity. She has a heavy arm swing and thrives under pressure, never shying away from taking the big swing when her team needs a point. She's also a steady passer, giving her coaches confidence to keep her on the floor in every rotation. Her combination of offensive firepower and defensive reliability makes her a true six-rotation weapon — and a key piece in Mary Persons' postseason hopes. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Lailah is the picture of consistency. She doesn't force plays but instead finds ways to score with smart shot placement and control, often threading the ball through seams in the block. She gives Whitewater balance, keeping defenses honest and ensuring the offense doesn't lean too heavily on one side. Her steady production is exactly what allows Whitewater's more explosive attackers to thrive. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Saniya is a firecracker — quick, athletic, and capable of changing the pace of a match in an instant. She brings explosive swings, but it's her intensity that sets her apart. She plays with a visible passion, lifting her teammates' energy level with every point. When Whitewater needs a spark, Wright is the one who delivers, whether it's a kill, a block, or a momentum-shifting dig. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Jersey is just a freshman, but she already plays with remarkable composure. She attacks confidently, even when facing big blocks, and shows the ability to score from both the left and right pins. Her willingness to compete in tough spots speaks volumes about her maturity, and her upside is sky-high. She's the type of player who could develop into a cornerstone of Calhoun's future. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Jilliann's value lies in her versatility. She can line up in the middle or on the outside, and she produces wherever she's placed. She blocks well, uses her length to disrupt opponents, and swings with enough power to challenge defenses. Her adaptability allows Jefferson to run different looks and rotations without missing a beat. As she gains more varsity experience, she'll only grow more dangerous. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast    This mix of defenders, setters, and pin hitters makes these teams dangerous. Expect Mary Persons to lean on Harrington and Vannier, while Whitewater's depth and Calhoun's balance give them an edge in long matches. Jefferson's young talent like Dumas adds another layer of intrigue to the 3A bracket.   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 3A's postseason picture is defined not just by the seniors who have carried their teams all year, but also by the underclassmen who are stepping up in the biggest moments. At programs like Mary Persons, Whitewater, Calhoun, and Jefferson, these younger athletes are proving they're ready to shine on the state's biggest stage.