This season marks a new chapter for Barbers Hill as the Eagles make the jump to Class 6A and join District 18-6A after years of establishing themselves as one of the state's premier Class 5A programs. Barbers Hill is coming off a stellar 40-6 campaign that ended in the Area Round of the playoffs, and the Eagles appear ready to make an immediate impact in their new classification.
District 19-5A MVP Kenli Irwin returns after an outstanding junior season in which the outside hitter piled up 638 kills and 364 digs. Irwin is regarded as one of the area's top prospects and continues to draw significant interest from college programs.
First-team all-district libero Mina Ludwig is also back after recording 432 digs and 628 serve receptions. Running the offense will be setter Isabella Franco, who finished with 461 assists last season and is poised for a breakout year as the team's full-time floor general.
Other players to watch include second-team all-district selections Blye Thompson (OH, 195 kills), Bailey Gonzalez (OH, 196 kills) and Madyson Ladd (MB, 111 kills).
Don't be fooled by the new district and conference. Barbers Hill may be fresh to the Class 6A block, but the Eagles are no strangers to competing on the big stage.
