Class 5 Volleyball: Top Teams Eyeing the 2026 State Title

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lafayette has once again claimed the Class 5 title, marking the program's impressive <strong>10th championship, </strong>and their outlook for 2026 remains strong. However, they will face stiff competition from talented teams like Lee's Summit West, Jackson, Westminster, and Incarnate Word. Will one of these teams pull off an upset, or will Lafayette continue their dominance? Here's a look at the five teams with the best chances of securing the state title next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Lafayette Lancers (40-1)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Lancers are on track for their fifth consecutive state championship. They will be led by the state's top player, [player_tooltip player_id='475339' first='Shaye' last='Witherspoon'], alongside rising star [player_tooltip player_id='545008' first='Aubrey' last='Toti'], who together contributed 947 kills last season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Both setters, [player_tooltip player_id='272167' first='Hailey' last='Lowery'] and [player_tooltip player_id='774313' first='Alexa' last='Hastings'], return, along with middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='776733' first='Peyton' last='Dolly']. [player_tooltip player_id='900523' first='Adayah' last='Sievers'] could step into a crucial role on the opposite side or in the middle.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The key challenge will be replacing a top-notch libero, but [player_tooltip player_id='801043' first='Aubrey' last='Dumstorff'] is poised to fill that role. Regardless of position adjustments, Lafayette will remain a dominant force in the state.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":2} --> <ol start="2" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Lee's Summit West Titans (25-6)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>It was surprising that the Titans didn't clinch a district title this year, but they are set for a strong comeback.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Top hitters [player_tooltip player_id='446328' first='Tori' last='Massengill'] and Lauren Nebold will return, along with setter [player_tooltip player_id='729549' first='Jaelyn' last='Jordan'], who recorded 707 assists last season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defensive strength will be bolstered by returning libero [player_tooltip player_id='729510' first='Andi' last='Gardner'], making Lee's Summit West a formidable contender next season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":3} --> <ol start="3" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Incarnate Word Academy (25-16)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>After finishing 4th this year, the Red Knights have the potential to contend for the title again.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Key returning players include middle hitters [player_tooltip player_id='475326' first='Bailey' last='Hensgens'] (2028) and [player_tooltip player_id='775966' first='Erin' last='Donald'] (2029), along with [player_tooltip player_id='897291' first='Kylee' last='Donahue'] (2029) on the pin and libero [player_tooltip player_id='475328' first='Audrey' last='Schaeffer'] (2028).</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Additionally, [player_tooltip player_id='756809' first='Avery' last='Buckley'] (2028) returns with an impressive 1,073 assists, positioning IWA for a deep playoff run.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":4} --> <ol start="4" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Jackson Indians (36-3)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>After falling to Cor Jesu in the district championship, Jackson is ready to reload with another talented roster.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Multi-positional players [player_tooltip player_id='729480' first='Lauren' last='Dorey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='630748' first='Avery' last='Brune'] (both 2028) will lead the charge as versatile contributors.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The main challenge will be replacing a key pin hitter and libero, but Jackson has a proven track record of rebuilding each year.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":5} --> <ol start="5" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Westminster Christian Wildcats (26-8-1)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Westminster returns an impressive 1,139 of the team's 1,172 kills, led by middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='489911' first='Emory' last='Freesmeier'] and opposite pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='766296' first='Lyric' last='Hughes'].</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defensive standout [player_tooltip player_id='512842' first='Rachel' last='Buchanan'] returns with 448 digs, and [player_tooltip player_id='830251' first='Bella' last='Blanchard'] will be a key player on the left pin.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Wildcats will need to address the graduation of both setters, but if they can fill those roles, they will be well-equipped for success.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->