Four State Classic Recap

Derek Jackson September 28, 2025 @ 02:44 PM

We were in Carl Junction, Missouri this weekend. As the name suggests, there were teams from Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma all in one tournament. There were 3 pools of 4 split between multiple gyms. Top half of each pool moved on to gold and the other half to silver. Both brackets that followed, were single elimination format. Let's take a look at at how the teams finished up in gold bracket and some of the outstanding players in attendance.   Gold Bracket:   Class 4A Webb City, MO took on host team 4A Carl Junction, MO in the quarterfinals where Webb City with its sheer power and athleticism squeak by Carl Junction in a tight match. Class 5A Claremore, OK also had a hard fought match against Class 3A Nevada, MO. Nevada was able to rattle the Zebras depleted roster enough to get to the next round. in the semis, Class 4A Belton, MO had the bye and played Webb City in a very highly anticipated matchup. Both teams had played a very tough schedule prior to the tournament. They were both battle tested and had plenty of offensive firepower. Webb City in the end was able to punch their ticket to the championship. Class 3A Riverton, KS was waiting for Nevada on the other side of the bracket. Riverton had a very nice win over Carl Junction in pool play but couldn't slow down Nevada enough to make their way into the championship. This setup the gold championship showdown between Nevada, MO and Webb City, MO. Both teams had plenty of wins this season and deep playoff runs in the past. They also had some offensive juggernauts waiting to go toe to toe with each other. In the end, Webb City came away with the win in a very close game and was able to hoist the plaque high!   Players:   #9 Senior Middle Blocker [player_tooltip player_id='811245' first='Aubrey' last='Strickland'] from Joplin, MO. Aubrey was a big part of the Eagles offense. She is a big athletic player that takes a good approach and high points the ball.   #7 Senior Middle Blocker Adessah Reed from Pittsburg, KS. Adessah made multiple big time players for her team in crucial moments. She is a strong physical presence at the net for the Dragons. Her ability to time and press on her block made it tough for hitters.   #10 Senior Setter [player_tooltip player_id='774871' first='Lydia' last='Krabiel'] from Belton, MO. Lydia is a setting guru. Her IQ and decision making is next level. She has the size and mentality to be a 5-1 setter even at the college level. Her ability to set tight balls well was something that stood out each match I watched. #14 Junior Outside Hitter Asia Ianes from Claremore, OK. Asia is getting better and better each week. Her ability to attack out of the back row, mix in off speed shots and top spin is really making her a more well rounded point scorer.   #25 Junior Outside Hitter [player_tooltip player_id='806524' first='Madalyn' last='Huffman'] from Carl Junction, MO. Madalyn might as well be nicknamed Thor because she brings the hammer often. She will power through an undisciplined block with ease. If you don't at least get a soft touch the passers will be paying the price on the backside.   Congratulations to all the teams and players in attendance. Good luck to all the rest of the way.

We were in Carl Junction, Missouri this weekend. As the name suggests, there were teams from Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma all in one tournament. There were 3 pools of 4 split between multiple gyms. Top half of each pool moved on to gold and the other half to silver. Both brackets that followed, were single elimination format. Let's take a look at at how the teams finished up in gold bracket and some of the outstanding players in attendance.