Anybody's Guess

This was supposed to be a playoff preview, but with two weeks of district competition remaining at the time of print deadline, trying to predict the playoffs appeared about as simple as a quantum physics test. And I am not good in math. So, here is snapshot of the volleyball season down the stretch, along with some nuggets to chew on as the playoffs get underway.

District 3-5A
Burleson has to be the surprise in the district. The Lady Elks weren't mentioned as a factor in most previews (including ours) but jumped out to a 7-1 district record before falling to Weatherford, a team many thought could challenge for the district title. Both Weatherford and Burleson were chasing Abilene, which looks tough. All three of those schools should make the postseason, along with Haltom, which could be considered a surprise by some. We expected they could be a factor 3-5A - but perhaps the surprise is just how good Haltom was. By all accounts, it was the best season in Lady Buffs history. Now how will they react to a playoff setting?

District 4-5A
This was expected to be a tight race - as it usually is - and we got what we expected. The X factor in the district turned out to be Arlington. This wasn't how it was supposed to play out. However, with injury hampering Lady Colts star Tobi Farrar, Arlington struggled at times and didn't look like the team that many thought could challenge for a place in the state tournament. But, with Farrar back and the squad improving in her absence, the Lady Colts could be a tough matchup in the playoffs. Martin, with its senior leadership, could be the most dangerous of the 4-5A bunch, though Lamar can't be written off thanks to the play of Ashlyn Dibrell and Anna Berry, among others. Mansfield somewhat quietly put together a solid season and poses a tough bi-district opponent to any team from 3-5A and it wouldn't be shocking to see them advance into the area round.
District 5-5A
Just as Colleyville Heritage seemed to be running away in this district, Keller threw up a roadblock. The Lady Indians kept Heritage from cruising threw unblemished, and the victory seemed to inspire Keller, which battled cross-town rival Keller Central and Justin Northwest for playoff seeding. This district certainly packs firepower and any playoff opponent will need to play solid defense. Northwest boasts two of the area kills leaders in Sam Sanders and Brooke Alverson. Keller features the hitting prowess of Ashley Anderson. Central hitters like Whitney Little benefit from having the area assist leader, Caylin Mahoney. The most unfortunate thing for any playoff contender from 5-5A is that they must matchup in bi-district against a team from 6-5A.

District 6-5A
Probably one of the stoutest groups in the state, there isn't much between the top seed and fourth seed from this district, and any possesses the ability to make a lengthy playoff run. With the aforementioned firepower from 5-5A, perhaps Southlake Carroll features the best defense. Sally Johnsen is the top blocker in the area, and McHaney Carter isn't far behind. Floor general Jamie Harris is a digging machine for the Lady Dragons. Marcus has its own defensive star in Kaleigh Wright, who averages more than five digs per game. Lyndi Johnson and Michelle Hundt also provide more than four digs a game. The district isn't without offense, though. Sloane Sunstrum is a hitting force for the Lady Dragons, and Marcus is led by Hundt. It's a shame 5-5A and 6-5A must meet in bi-district.

District 5-4A
Many expected the three Denton schools to be battling for the district title. What most probably didn't account for was that The Colony would have a lead on all of them after 10 district games. Guyer appeared to emerge as the strongest of the DISD schools, though it split the season series with both its rival counterparts. Wichita Falls had plans of making the playoffs, meaning one team hoping for postseason success was likely going to be sitting at home after the regular season. Denton Ryan, with its experience, could be the most dangerous in the playoffs, especially thanks to the defensive efforts of Kayla Bond and Chloe Tate, both among area leaders in blocks.

District 6-4A
Aledo established itself as the frontrunner from the very beginning of district play. The Ladycats are battle tested and built for a successful playoff run. Allie Bettinger is among the area leaders in kills, often assisted by Tara Gough. With four matches remaining, Birdville, Saginaw, Boswell, and Springtown were all within a game of one another in the district standings. Azle, a team some expected to perhaps challenge for the district title, saw its share of struggles this season. Only three of them could qualify for the postseason. Birdville looked to be the most consistent of that remaining bunch. The Lady Hawks offense goes through Kendal Ford and her 8.3 assists per game. Many times, that offense is sparked by the defensive efforts of Kelsey Plunk, who averages more than six digs per game. She isn't the only defensive star in 6-4A. Saginaw's Jessica Martinez and Boswell's Chelsea Goolsby were also in the top five in the area in digs.

District 7-4A
Dunbar finally broke the stranglehold Arlington Heights had on the district by defeating the Lady Jackets on the final day of September, ending a 43-game district winning streak for Heights. Those two squads established themselves as the cream of the 7-4A crop, though Western Hills was just behind. The fourth playoff spot opened the door for any of Wyatt, Trimble Tech, or North Side to seize an opportunity for a playoff berth. Heights has the advantage of not one, but two premiere frontline players. Both Kelly Dettmer and Whitney Davis averaged more than two blocks per game. Despite consecutive district titles, Heights has found little success in the playoffs and hopes to change that this season. The playoff teams from the district will have their work cut out to advance.

District 8-4A
Last season, Aledo was in this district and it would have been interesting to see them here this season, as Mansfield Legacy moved into 8-4A and immediately established itself as the district bully. The Lady Broncos used a brutal non-district schedule to prepare themselves for 8-4A and beyond. And beyond they could go. Led by hitters Leslie Jackson and Caitlyn Hudson, Legacy should reach the area round with confidence and momentum. Arlington Seguin adapted to its jump to 4A and along with Stephenville could be area contenders. -