Jackson Tournament Preview
Another year and another Jackson tournament bring in some top small schools to compete against schools much larger. Two pools of six, with each team playing four of the five in its pool, and the tournament bracket is the top 4…
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Continue ReadingAnother year and another Jackson tournament bring in some top small schools to compete against schools much larger. Two pools of six, with each team playing four of the five in its pool, and the tournament bracket is the top 4 playing crossover. The field this year includes four teams that played in their respective class at the state tournament and seven district championship winners. My prediction is below, but I will say last year’s winner will repeat.
Pool 1
Jackson 13-4-2
Arcadia Valley 8-14
Helias 14-6-1
Mehlville 2-10-3
Nerinx Hall 11-8-2
Perryville 5-13
Pool 2
Valle Catholic 14-3-2
Lesterville 16-3-4
Advance 11-7-1
Lindbergh 11-11-3
Poplar Bluff 6-12-1
Farmington 14-4
Tournament Predictions:
Quarterfinals
#1 Pool 1 Helias
#4 Pool 2 Lesterville
#2 Pool 2 Lindbergh
#3 Pool 1 Nerinx Hall
#1 Pool 2 Valle Catholic
#4 Pool 1 Perryville
#2 Pool 1 Jackson
#3 Pool 2 Farmington
Semifinals
Helias vs. Nerinx Hall
Valle Catholic vs. Jackson
Finals
Helias vs. Jackson
Winner
Helias as a repeat champion
Performers to keep an eye on:
Katy St. John (2025) | Jackson
The 6’1 freshman is having a stellar year with 165 kills and leading the Indians in that category.
Chapel Dobbs Chapel Dobbs 6'1" | OH Helias | 2023 State MO (2023) | Helias
The 6’1 junior has 170 kills and 39 blocks, leading her team in both categories.
Megan Manaj Megan Manaj 6'0" | MB Lindbergh | 2023 State MO (2022) | Lindbergh
With 224 kills, the middle blocker for the Flyers will be one to watch. Toss in 74 blocks, and this versatile athletic middle will be one hard opponent to stop.
Frannie LaVigne (2022) | Nerinx Hall
High flying lefty right side is the team leader in kills. Look for her to rack up a ton of kills this weekend with that line shot.
Ella Bertra (2022) | Valle Catholic
Feed the beast! Deadly middle that will give teams fits the 5’11 middle hitter leads her team in kills 226 and blocks 72.
Piper Fitzgerald (2023) | Lesterville
Moved to the outside has paid off for Fitzgerald. She is currently 2nd in kills with 212 and has already surpassed her kill total from the two previous seasons.
Jade Roth (2023) | Farmington
The big blocking middle for the Blackcats leads her team in blocks with 61 and 2nd in kills with 169.
Alexis Hoffman (2024) | Advance
After watching her team win a state title last year, the sophomore has stepped up to fill the kill void left by graduation. With 180 kills and 46 blocks, Hoffman is the team leader in both categories.