1. James Wood ... made it to Region II Final 4 last season and has most of its team returning. Nine players are back. JW has the NWD's top hitter (Houser), top setter (Payne) and top libero (Jackson) still around. The Colonels could run the table in district play.
2. Handley ... this is the year the Judges can really make an impact. Program last went to the region playoffs in the winter of 2003. Best set of front line hitters (Carter and Barnett) around, one of two setters (Snow) back, and some good newcomers that can help right away.
3. Sherando ... with the loss of two fantastic front line hitters and their top setter, this could be a transition year for the Warriors. They have been in the regional playoffs every season since it became a fall sport. Is that streak now in jeopardy?
4. Millbrook ... the Pioneers made strides last season with 14 wins. Now they have to replace two good leaders and their top setter. Plus, there's a new coach in town (she did have the JV last season). Will probably build around one really good player (Whitacre), but will need others to grow up fast with the speed of the game to compete.
5. Skyline ... the Hawks went winless in district play last season. And they lost five of their nine varsity players. It will be awful tough to move out of the cellar.
2. Handley ... this is the year the Judges can really make an impact. Program last went to the region playoffs in the winter of 2003. Best set of front line hitters (Carter and Barnett) around, one of two setters (Snow) back, and some good newcomers that can help right away.
3. Sherando ... with the loss of two fantastic front line hitters and their top setter, this could be a transition year for the Warriors. They have been in the regional playoffs every season since it became a fall sport. Is that streak now in jeopardy?
4. Millbrook ... the Pioneers made strides last season with 14 wins. Now they have to replace two good leaders and their top setter. Plus, there's a new coach in town (she did have the JV last season). Will probably build around one really good player (Whitacre), but will need others to grow up fast with the speed of the game to compete.
5. Skyline ... the Hawks went winless in district play last season. And they lost five of their nine varsity players. It will be awful tough to move out of the cellar.
