Class 2 Preseason Rankings 1-5
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Class 2 has been dominated by Hermann Bearcats for years with 15 titles, and this year should be no different for Hermann. They will again be a contender, but several other teams will be looking to unseat the Bearcats. Jefferson…
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Continue ReadingClass 2 has been dominated by Hermann Bearcats for years with 15 titles, and this year should be no different for Hermann. They will again be a contender, but several other teams will be looking to unseat the Bearcats. Jefferson has the makings of a state title team with a fantastic group of 2023 players returning.
1. Jefferson Blue Jays 33-7-1
The Class 2 3rd place finisher last year is fired up for the season to start, and rightfully so. Jefferson is loaded and will be very dangerous this year. Jefferson is my pick to win Class 2 with the talent they have attacking the ball, top setter, and a move-in libero that should cement a final four run.
Key Returners:
Ava Roth Ava Roth 5'6" | DS/L Jefferson R-7 | 2023 State MO 306 kills and 445 digs
Kirstyn Loyd Kirstyn Loyd 5'11" | OH Jefferson | 2023 State MO 472 kills and 312 digs
Paige Siebert Paige Siebert 5'6" | S Jefferson | 2023 State MO 219 digs and 1159 assists
Emma Breier Emma Breier 6'0" | OH Jefferson | 2023 State MO 367 kills and 223 digs
2. Hermann Bearcats 31-5-1
Hermann won their 15 state title last year with a sweep of Bishop LeBlond in the finals but had to battle Jefferson in the semifinals to advance. They only return one of the top middles in Class 2. Hermann returns only two starters from that group, but it’s Hermann, and they don’t rebuild; they reload.
Key Returners:
Holly Heldt Holly Heldt 5'10" | MB Hermann | 2023 State MO 434 kills, 91 blocks, 262 digs
Shelby Schutt 83 kills
3. Licking Wildcats 30-8
Licking lost in the district finals last year to a team it had beaten twice. The Wildcats return enough offense and defense to be a challenger for a title run. One key piece they will need to replace will be at setter. The first season match will be against Liberty, and then a matchup with Lesterville on 10/13 highlights the schedule.
Key Returners:
Hannah Medlock Hannah Medlock 5'7" | OH Licking | 2024 State MO 273 kills and 302 digs
Abbie Sullins 249 kills and 216 digs
Maci Sparks 152 kills and 248 digs
4. Liberty Eagles (Mountain View) 25-11-1
Liberty surprised Licking last year to win districts but eventually lost 0-3 to final four participant Skyline. The Eagles return three top hitters, a libero, and a setter last year from the 6-2 offense. A matchup with Licking starts the season, and then a matchup with Lesterville on 10/3.
Key Returners:
Bre Daniels Bre Daniels 5'10" | MB Liberty Mountain View | 2024 State MO 284 kills and 83 blocks
Kenzie Daniels 148 kills and 108 digs
Lyla Cornman 131 kills and 397 assists
5. Houston Tigers 26-6-2
The once proud program has started to regain footing and last year was a great season. With a couple of big guns returning, this should be another year to be proud of for the Tigers. They return two top hitters from last season and a setter who helped run the 6-2 offense.
Key Returners:
Angie Smith Angie Smith 5'8" | OH Houston | 2024 State MO 306 kills and 373 digs
Olivia Crites 221 kills
Aliyah Walker 310 assists