Missouri Class 2 high school volleyball roundup
Here we are with the Class 2 roundup. Same as Class 1 but just on to Class 2. Some of these teams might move up or down depending on what happens with the success factor. Once MSHSAA releases the district…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingHere we are with the Class 2 roundup. Same as Class 1 but just on to Class 2. Some of these teams might move up or down depending on what happens with the success factor. Once MSHSAA releases the district and playoff schedules come late September, all of this could change. Please look at some of the teams we see could be heading for the Class 2 playoffs.
Calvary Lutheran 23-6-4 Class 1 4th place
Calvary Lutheran was a Class 1 the last two years and was at state the last 2. With the success factor in place this year, I moved them up to Class 2. With that said, I think the road back to the state will be a tough one with what they have returning.
Bishop LeBlond 21-11-2
Another Class 1 team last year that should move up for the success factor. Lost in the sectionals of state playoffs to Crest Ridge. Return enough firepower to make noise in the Kansas City region in Class 2 if moved up. If they stay in Class 1, they will be in contention again in Class 1.
Valle Catholic 27-7-1
Valle Catholic will most likely be moved up to Class 3 if not Class 4. They are coached by Nancy Fischer and return a stock of talent that should put them in contention. Returning 3 of the top 4 kills leaders will be crucial, but having to replace the setter and defense might slow the Warriors down. I doubt it! Look for them once the state releases the districts come September. You probably do not want to be placed in the same district.
Stover 21-11
Made the sectional round last year and lost to East Buchanan. Not much out there on the team, but had success the last several years.
College Heights Christian 30-2-1
Cougars had a solid year but did not have all that strong of a schedule. They were beaten by Diamond in the district finals last year. They do return 3 of the top 4 kills leaders on the team but must replace the setter and libero.
Adrian 27-6-3
Lost a lot of offense last year and look to replace with a trio of juniors. Adrian is a team that always seems to make the playoffs but cannot get over the hump to make the state tourney. Maybe this will be the surprising year for the Blackhawks.
Cole Camp 23-10-2
They lost a ton of offense and eight seniors. Historically always a strong program.
East Buchanan 24-12
The Bulldogs fell one game short of the Final 4 last year and might have a chance to better that this year. With the privates moving up, the roadblock might be cleared up for them this year. Returning kill leader in sophomore Maya Watkins Maya Watkins 5'10" | OH East Buchanan | 2023 State MO and her 276 kills are back. Along with junior Sidnee Carr, senior Lillian Schilling, junior setter Emma Klein, the Bulldogs could be making plans for a trip to Cape this year.
Ash Grove 19-13
Last year was a good year for the Pirates, but looking to do more damage this year and returning a solid core with senior Briley Bagley as the outside/setter, senior Olivia Steimel, and junior Khloe Moad.
Cabool 28-5-2
Here is a team that I think will cause a stir to come playoffs. Returning five of the seven leading players from last year will make the Bulldogs dangerous. With an even mix of kills between junior Hailey Shannon and seniors Josie Atkins and offensive-minded setter Olivia Scheets, this trio could be trouble for teams. Look for the Bulldogs to be in the mix of the top Class 2 teams at the end of October beginning of November.
St. Paul Lutheran (Concordia) 20-14-2
4th place finisher last year. I have a feeling they might be pushed up a class to maybe 3. If not, they will be the top contender again out of the Kansas City area to return to the state. With the hard-hitting senior Lauryn Bonar returning, she could lead them back again. Add in classmate Ina Traavik St Paul has the top 2 hitters back. Must replace a setter and some defense, but if they stay in Class 2, they could return. If they move up to Class 3 or Class 4, the road will be rough.
Woodland 25-5-3
Losing in the sectional round last year and was a good year for a team that started four sophomores. Losing one senior from this group will be a significant loss, but 1 I think can be replaced with these four a year older. With Addie Johnson returning with her 250 kills and adding Emma Browns 160 and Chloe Goodwin 100 kills, the trio is solid. With the 6-2 setters returning, I would look for Woodland to make a lot of noise in the SEMO part of the state. Without having to go through the two privates in that area will help the Cardinals. I would place my bets on the Cardinals looking at Cape with Big Eyes.
Licking 32-9 Class 2 3rd Place
1977 was the last time a volleyball team from Licking was at the state final four. Well, until last year, that is. The Tigers finished in third place last season and looked for a return trip. Having to replace 5 of the top 7 players might be a challenge most teams would not overcome. With 5-8 senior Kamryn Barnes returning with her 300+ kills and junior libero Kylie Taylor the duo is a solid core to build around.
Stockton 24-11-1
They were upended by Licking in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs last year. They did take a significant hit with the graduation of Kaitlyn Creek, and her 530 kills. The bright side sophomore Summer Kenney and her 237 kills and classmate Kylie Hunter return to the lineup. Add in a trio of seniors, and Stockton could very well be back where they ended last year. Back in the state playoffs battling for the final 4.
Arcadia Valley 23-10-1
Maddie Dement returns for her final season with the Tigers. The All-Stater will look to take the Tigers back to the final 4 in her final season. The 5-11 senior ended last year with 473 kills and will need the same output this season. She will get help from classmate Gracie Smith, who is a solid all-around player. The key to the Tigers’ success will be the role players around Dement and Smith. If they can add in a couple of players to complement the seniors, they should have a solid chance at the state playoffs.
Jefferson (Festus) 24-10
Here is an interesting fact on the Bluejays. Three of the four hitters on this team were freshmen. Sophomore Kirstyn Loyd Kirstyn Loyd 5'11" | OH Jefferson | 2023 State MO , Ava Roth Ava Roth 5'6" | DS/L Jefferson R-7 | 2023 State MO , and Emma Breier will look to impress as they did in the freshman campaign. Mix in seniors Laney Smith and Payton Siebert, and the starting five is solid. They finished the season 24-10 and returned everything on offense. They did lose two solid defenders, but it looks to me they have the makings of a team to look out for the next couple years. Took Arcadia Valley to three games in the district semifinals before falling.
Hermann 34-5 Class 2 State Champions
Last year Hermann lost a legend of a coach and several key players from a state championship team. New coach, same result. Hermann returns with several key players and will be the favorite in Class 2 to win the school 15th state championship. Senior middle Grace Winklemann will return to do more damage out of the middle. Ending last year with over 500 kills, she again will be hard to stop. The 5’9 middle is a mess for any team she faces, and this year will be no different. Add in junior middle Grace Godat, and junior outside Malerie Schutt and Macie Witthaus has the making for a championship season. Hannah Grosse is back to run the show in the 5-1. Class 2, in my opinion, is all Hermann Bearcats. I do not see any team in this class that has what Hermann has. I do not see many teams in Missouri that have what Hermann has.