Anyone have any thoughts on this high school volleyball season? Share your opinions and predictions here. Based on returners, newcomers, and the first week of matches, here is a very preliminary Top 10 for Southwest and Central Virginia with some brief comments:
1) Cave Spring - Returns 5 of 7 starters including two 1st team all-state selections (outside Morgan Shannon and setter Shannon Craighead) as well as libero Lauren Sledd and middle Kelsey Sine. Team lacks some height but always seems to overcome that with strong defense/passing and a very fast offense that utilizes all offensive options. Tough non-district schedule and tough RRD opponents should prepare them well for a possible 8th Final Four appearance in last 10 seasons.
2) Hidden Valley - Lost 4 starters to graduation but has lots of returning talent including all-state setter Sarah Patterson as well as middles Caroline Boone and Madison Morris and outside Jenny Clark. Has lots of height as always and biggest challenge may be ball control as they lost libero Kim McDow to graduation.
3) Blacksburg - May be the 3rd best team in Timesland and also third best team in its own district. Returns everyone but its setter and could challenge CS and HV if team can pass and the new setter can consistently connect with strong group of hitters that includes Jackie Greenberg, Abby Pennington, and Maggie Howell.
4) Patrick Henry - Lost outstanding senior OH Liz Brailsford (now playing for Dartmouth College) but returns a lot of strong players including setter Caroline Brailsford, outside Sarah Miller, & RS Cathy Ren. Should easily win WVD and advance to regionals again this season.
5) Northside - Returns three of its top players and is favored to win the BRD. Hopes senior leaders can help Vikings make a run in Region III tournament this year.
6) Lord Botetourt - Lost some key players to graduation (most notably OH Macey Tyree) but returns a lot of young players with club volleyball experience. Should be the only team to compete with Northside in the BRD.
7) Jefferson Forest - Had 11 players on last year’s state quarterfinalist team but NONE of them return (10 graduated and 1 is not playing due to injury). Despite that complete roster turnover, JF had a strong JV team last year that included a number of sophomores with club experience so don’t be surprised if they contend for another Seminole District title with their completely new team.
8) James River - Led by senior Maribeth Kern, James River returns several key players from last year’s state championship team and should be very competitive in Single A again this season.
9) Auburn - Led by middle Jordan Watson, Auburn also has lots of returning talent and should contend in the Single A ranks.
10) Bath County - Coach Dave McGee has another strong team that should qualify for a return trip to the A state tournament.
Other teams to watch - Carroll County, EC Glass, Franklin County, Galax, Gate City, Liberty Christian, North Cross, Roanoke Catholic, Rustburg, & Salem.
This post was edited on 8/27 9:08 PM by rkesportsfan
1) Cave Spring - Returns 5 of 7 starters including two 1st team all-state selections (outside Morgan Shannon and setter Shannon Craighead) as well as libero Lauren Sledd and middle Kelsey Sine. Team lacks some height but always seems to overcome that with strong defense/passing and a very fast offense that utilizes all offensive options. Tough non-district schedule and tough RRD opponents should prepare them well for a possible 8th Final Four appearance in last 10 seasons.
2) Hidden Valley - Lost 4 starters to graduation but has lots of returning talent including all-state setter Sarah Patterson as well as middles Caroline Boone and Madison Morris and outside Jenny Clark. Has lots of height as always and biggest challenge may be ball control as they lost libero Kim McDow to graduation.
3) Blacksburg - May be the 3rd best team in Timesland and also third best team in its own district. Returns everyone but its setter and could challenge CS and HV if team can pass and the new setter can consistently connect with strong group of hitters that includes Jackie Greenberg, Abby Pennington, and Maggie Howell.
4) Patrick Henry - Lost outstanding senior OH Liz Brailsford (now playing for Dartmouth College) but returns a lot of strong players including setter Caroline Brailsford, outside Sarah Miller, & RS Cathy Ren. Should easily win WVD and advance to regionals again this season.
5) Northside - Returns three of its top players and is favored to win the BRD. Hopes senior leaders can help Vikings make a run in Region III tournament this year.
6) Lord Botetourt - Lost some key players to graduation (most notably OH Macey Tyree) but returns a lot of young players with club volleyball experience. Should be the only team to compete with Northside in the BRD.
7) Jefferson Forest - Had 11 players on last year’s state quarterfinalist team but NONE of them return (10 graduated and 1 is not playing due to injury). Despite that complete roster turnover, JF had a strong JV team last year that included a number of sophomores with club experience so don’t be surprised if they contend for another Seminole District title with their completely new team.
8) James River - Led by senior Maribeth Kern, James River returns several key players from last year’s state championship team and should be very competitive in Single A again this season.
9) Auburn - Led by middle Jordan Watson, Auburn also has lots of returning talent and should contend in the Single A ranks.
10) Bath County - Coach Dave McGee has another strong team that should qualify for a return trip to the A state tournament.
Other teams to watch - Carroll County, EC Glass, Franklin County, Galax, Gate City, Liberty Christian, North Cross, Roanoke Catholic, Rustburg, & Salem.
This post was edited on 8/27 9:08 PM by rkesportsfan
