Century Club National High School Volleyball Rankings
Written by John Tawa - Times-Picayune
Thursday, November 16, 2006
With only a handful of state championships remaining, the final national high school rankings are starting to take shape. California, which still has more than two weeks to go in its season, is the wild card.
Nov. 16 Century Club National High School Volleyball Rankings
1. Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach, California)
Current record: 33-0; Last ranking: 1
Senior OH Alix Klineman, who signed earlier in the day with Stanford, had 20 kills, eight digs and three aces Tuesday in a sweep of defending California Div. I champion Los Alamitos, which sent the Mustangs into the Southern Section I-AA finals. Costa, which is Div. II for purposes of the state playoffs that start Tuesday, will face league rival Redondo Saturday at 7:38 p.m. for the title in a match televised by Fox Sports.
2. Assumption (Louisville, Kentucky)
Final record: 41-2; Last ranking: 2
The Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association released its 2006 All State team last Friday. Three Rockets, Kirstie Brangers, Kaitlin Craven and Sloane Donhoff, were First Team picks. Three more, Kaitlynn James, Leah Meffert and Emily Galbraith, made the Second Team. Rebecca Bloemer and Sara Hayden made Honorable Mention. Eight Assumption players among the 35 players total recognized in some capacity. If that does not signal a dynasty, I don't know what does. Mercy Academy had five make All State, two on the First Team and one on the Second Team.
3. Amarillo (Texas)
Current record: 43-1; Last ranking: 3
Amarillo reached the 5A Final Four by beating Arlington and Arlington Lamar last weekend. The Sandies, who had lost in the regional tournament the last two years, dropped Game 1 to Arlington on Friday before harnessing the Colts, then had a relatively easy time with Lamar on Saturday. Fourteen aces, six by Hallie David, played a huge role in the Lamar win, as did a balanced offense masterfully directed by junior setter Brianne Barker, who committed to Oklahoma earlier in the week. Amarillo opens the state tournament Friday at 5 p.m. versus Allen, the only team to defeat it this year.
4. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, California)
Current record: 34-1; Last ranking: 4
The Monarchs reached the CIF Central Coast Section Div. II finals with a Wednesday sweep of Palo Alto, which had a great season under first-year coach Dave Winn. Earlier in the week, Mitty swept Los Gatos from the playoffs, ending Wildcat coach Joe Ripp's 14-year run at the school. Ripp and Mitty coach Bret Almazan-Cezar co-direct the Vision Volleyball Club. The Monarchs face St. Francis in Saturday's final. Mitty has already beaten the Lancers four times this season.
5. La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, California)
Current record: 31-3; Last ranking: 5
The Mavericks rolled in the CIF San Diego Section Div. I finals with two impressive wins last week, a sweep of 2000 National Champion Bonita Vista, in which Katie Fuller had 12 kills and Kelsey Johnson had seven blocks, and a four-set semifinal victory over a spirited Fallbrook team inspired by the adversity it has experienced all season but most particularly in the last two weeks (see Friday's Court Report). Caitlin Saxton led LCC in kills with 15 and Kelly Huston had a great all around match, with eight kills, five blocks, 18 digs and six aces. La Costa Canyon will meet Torrey Pines on Saturday for the section title. If that sounds familiar, it should. The rivals will play for the section title for the third time in as many years.
6. Bellevue West (Bellevue, Nebraska)
Final record: 43-1; Last ranking: 6
Bellevue West defeated nationally ranked Grand Island Saturday to win Nebraska's Class A title for the fourth consecutive year. It was the first state title for new coach Alyssa LeGrand, who took over when longtime coach Joann Kappas opted for early retirement from the Bellevue school system, but the fourth for four-year starters Gabi Ailes, Ashley Petak, Kelsey Woodard and Brooke Delano. Petak closed her career in style, with a strong setting game to her fellow four-year contributors, who combined for 56 kills in the four-set win.
7. Reagan (San Antonio, Texas)
Current record: 37-1; Last ranking: 7
Until Saturday, Reagan hadn't lost so much as one game since Sept. 26. But after nationally ranked Austin Westlake took Game 1, 26-24, Reagan didn't rattle and won the next three games to reach the 5A Final Four. Senior attackers Megan York (30 kills) and Sarabeth Peele (22) paced Reagan, which plays Houston Memorial in a Friday semifinal.
8. St. Francis (Wheaton, Illinois)
Final record: 41-2; Last ranking: 8
Peg Kopec's "Best team ever" (her words) made quick work of the Class AA Elite Eight Downstate this weekend. The Spartans defeated Morton, Joliet Catholic and Rockton Hononegah, each in straight sets, by an average game score of 25-16. Megan Boken was brilliant. Megan Barnicle was brilliant. Michelle Kocher, Meghan Matusiak, Alex Fitzpatrick, Catherine Culligan, Alyssa Rio, Molly Madonia. All brilliant. St. Francis was bumped up to AA by the private school multiplier last year after ruling Class A. The Spartans proved this year they are a dominant Illinois team regardless of classification.
9. Brighton (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Final record: 30-1; Last ranking: 9
The state 5A champs lose a ton to graduation, but return star setter Missy White. The 6-1 junior averaged 10.5 assists per game and was second on the team in blocks, intimidating most attackers with her huge presence on the right side. She also led the team in hitting during the state tournament.
10. Eaglecrest (Aurora, Invitational)
Final record: 31-0; Last ranking: 10
Many said they couldn't do it a third time and wouldn't do it a fourth time, but the Raptors paid the detractors no heed, beating two-time defending champion Grandview Saturday for the 5A title that capped a perfect season. The final went five games with Eaglecrest winning 15-12 in the fifth as tourney MVP Courtney Karst sent Raptor fans into a frenzy with a title-clinching block on match point. Karst tied the school record with 26 kills in the win. But the win and every win this season was a total team effort. Coach Tanya Bond was so excited she sent me a novel about her team's play in the state tournament. Senior libero Sheila Olaechea frustrated Grandview's hitters with amazing digs, senior middle Courtnee Pedone delivered some huge blocks in Game 5 and setters Jordan Kissman and Darcy Schwartzman played big in the big match, with Kissman lethal from the service line and Schwartzman surprising with her athletic attacks and blocks despite her undersized stature. RS Carly Sheridan put up some strong blocks and senior back row players Briana Steger and Miranda Wooten did the job controlling all passing lanes. "This was the perfect team and the perfect season in all senses of the word," said Bond. "These girls worked hard every day and enjoyed what they were doing. They know how to win. It doesn't matter who they play- they know how to win. They are also great people and great students. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of young ladies!!!"
11. Cathedral (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Final record: 38-2; Last ranking: 11
Kill 'em with kindness? Coach Jean Kesterson called the 2006 Irish the "kindest" team she has ever coached. She also said Cathedral had the best senior leadership in the school's history. The six seniors, Lauren McIntyre, Yvonne Marten, Emily Burke, Julie Sylvester, Emily O'Connor and Hayley Ryan, all made massive contributions to the team's success on and off the floor!
12. Winter Park (Florida)
Final record: 32-1; Last ranking: 17
For the third year in a row, the Wildcats are the state 6A champions. Winter Park, which was great all year, may have been at its absolute best last Thursday in the state final, a three-set throttling of a very good Timber Creek team. The amazing senior class of Callie Rivers, Sarah Mendoza, Stephie Pierce, Madie Belvin and Caroline Aylward has lost only six matches in four years. "In the championship match [junior] Lizzy Manno played the best match of her career," said coach Stephanie Gibson. "Lizzy recorded 6 huge blocks, was all over the court making spectacular digs, and delivered her sets with perfect timing and location." Gibson also congratulated Pierce "for her outstanding performance defensively and for being awarded the State Farm Good Neighbors Award for outstanding sportsmanship and being a true team player."
13. Kamehameha (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Final record: 25-1-1; Last ranking: 18
Almost 5,000 fans watched a thrilling Hawaii Division I final last Thursday as the Warriors defended their Div. I title with a thrilling 35-37, 25-21, 25-21 win over ILH rival Punahou. Punahou won a marathon Game 1 that was tied an amazing 28 times. Kamehameha bounced back in Game 2, bolting to a 5-0 lead, which grew to 14-5. Punahou closed the gap to two, but the Warriors used two Bekah Torres kills to put the game away and send it to a third. Kamehameha also controlled the third game, jumping out to a 5-1 lead that became 18-11 in the latter stages. State tourney MVP Kanani Herring, who finished with 19 kills and 10 digs, had eight kills in that decisive third set. Torres finished with 14 kills and 10 digs for Kamehameha, which loses only two starters and returns 10 varsity players next season.
14. Chaska (Minnesota)
Final record: 31-2; Last ranking: 19
Chaska and Lakeville North split two matches during the regular season, but the Hawks bounced Lakeville North in the rubber game Saturday, winning, 25-20, 25-16, 25-15, to take their second consecutive 3A title. Chaska dominated at the net in victory, getting 16 kills from senior Leah Saugen, 13 from Tawny Dahmes and 12 from Allie Oelke. Saugen, Oelke and junior setter Brittany Wenzel made the all tournament team for Chaska, which ended the year on a 24-match winning streak.
15. Iowa City (Iowa)
Final record: 44-1; Last ranking: 24
The top-ranked 4A team all year took care of business Saturday, sweeping Cedar Falls for the state title. Shelby DeNiece, who made the all tournament team along with Katie Kennedy and Brynja Rodgers, had three kills in City High's final four points, including the state championship winner. Coach Craig Pitcher graduates seven of his top nine players for City High, which is 77-2 over the past two seasons. But freshman Brittany Nelson, the next big star for the Little Hawks, returns.
16. Roncalli (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Final record: 32-5; Last ranking: 16
One thing that stood out in Roncalli's dream season was its defense. Kaylee Schembra, Megan Clements, Sarah Byrne and Bethany Kern all finished the year with more than 450 digs for the Rebels.
17. St. Teresa's (Kansas City, Missouri)
Final record: 36-4; Last ranking: 22
The team leaders for the Stars in coach Lori Hanaway's first season: Setter Michelle Jantsch, with over 850 assists; Hitters Erin Vogel and Ellen Jantsch, with over 350 kills apiece; and libero Hailey Caywood, with over 300 digs.
18. Person (Roxboro, North Carolina)
Final record: 28-1; Last ranking: 25
Well the fire chief stepped down and teen pregnancy is up in this rural community, but the Person Rockets are the talk of the town after bringing home their first state title. Next year's team looks to be another title contender with juniors Amanda Robertson and Meagan Tatum and freshman Katie Tatum giving coach Sandy Matthews' team three tall, talented six footers to build around.
19. Gresham (Oregon)
Final record: 41-2; Last ranking: 26
Until Saturday, Gresham had mastered Central Catholic in two-game tournament matches, while the Rams had been better in longer three-set affairs. Until Saturday, when the Gophers dominated Central Catholic to win the state's inaugural 6A championship. Gresham trailed only once the entire match, 1-0 in Game 1, and won the game with a combination of great passing, aggressive serving, the strong setting of Sarah Beaver and efficient hitting, led by Lana Zielke, Austyn Castro and Erica Vrvilo, who had eight kills apiece. This was the ninth title for Gresham since 1988, but the first since back to back titles in 2001 and 2002.
20. Sacred Heart (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Final record: 39-5; Last ranking: 28
Suzanne Haydel had the final kill Saturday as Sacred Heart defeated Morgan City for the state Division II title. How fitting. Haydel, who was selected state tourney Div. II MVP for the third straight year, had 25 kills in the match, 917 on the season and more than 3,100 for her five-year career, which is second on the all-time list. Liz Crouch, another standout senior on the Cardinal team, started the match by serving four of her match-high eight aces. Sacred Heart finished the year on a 28-match winning streak.
21. Anna (Ohio)
Final record: 30-0; Last ranking: 29
The Rockets swept three close games Saturday from defending Div. III champion Villa Angela-St. Joseph to take the Div. III title, cap a perfect season and cradle the gold trophy symbolizing the first volleyball title in school history. Kelli Barhorst, a powerful 6-3 junior, led Anna with 24 kills in the match, played at Dayton's Nutter Center, which was attended by virtually all of Anna's 1,319 residents.
22. Mount Notre Dame (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Final record: 23-5; Last ranking: 47
Potential realized. Ranked 22nd nationally to start the year, the Cougars see-sawed all over the rankings, with a baffling loss here followed by a great win there. Saturday, MND put it all together when it was most necessary, beating GGCL rival Mother of Mercy in a four-set final to take its first Div. I state title since 2000. Junior middle Rachael Adams, a scary physical talent, led the Cougs with 24 kills, while senior Lindsay Upton had 10 kills and 42 assists and senior Mindy Stanislovaitis contributed seven kills and 15 assists.
23. Grandview (Aurora, Colorado)
Final record: 27-4; Last ranking: 20
As much as I'm going to remember Eaglecrest's perfect season in Colorado's Class 5A, I'm going to remember Grandview's remarkable season just as much. The 2004 and 2005 state-champion Wolves lost only four times all year, all to Eaglecrest, in what has to be one of the most remarkable state achievements in years given the number of games lost to injury for this team. During the regular season, injuries shelved Lindsey Licht, Lauren Van Orden and Alyssa Showers for several games. Then star middle Katie Mills dislocated a kneecap during the playoffs and missed the state tournament. To add injury to injury, high flying middle Sarah Nehf sprained an ankle during Saturday's final pool play match, went to the local hospital and returned in time to hobble through the final. And yet, Grandview trailed only 12-11 in Game 5 of the final before Eaglecrest pulled away. Amazing! Senior OH Karina Garlington had 22 kills to lead the Wolves, which got 17 smacks from Licht and 19 kills and 29 assists from Van Orden.
24. Allen (Texas)
Current record: 36-6; Last ranking: 53
Plano West led 7-2 in Game 5 of Saturday's regional final versus Allen until the Eagle block decided to be huge. Stephanie Puckett had two solo stuffs and helped on two more as Allen rallied to win, 15-9, beating Plano West for the second time in four tries this year. Sydney Ellis had 10 kills and Amanda Bayer and Brittany Woodward had 31 assists each for Allen, which faces Amarillo Friday in a state 5A semifinal.
25. Laguna Beach (California)
Current record: 26-5; Last ranking: 30
The Breakers cruised through the CIF-Southern Section Div. II-AA bracket until meeting St. Lucy's of Glendora in a Tuesday semifinal. There, Laguna had to rally from two sets down to defeat the Regents and reach Saturday's 1 p.m. final against Corona del Mar, a team it beat with a full roster in September then lost to without Zoe Garrett (National Team) 11 days later. Dana Hutchinson had 23 kills and Garrett added 17 for Laguna in the come from behind win. Now about the final with Corona del Mar, Laguna and CDM, whose enrollment districts are next to one another, were two of the original 32 teams to play in the first CIF playoff in 1972. They have met three times in CIF finals, with Corona holding a 2-1 edge.
