High school volleyball: Best team in each state

Perennial powerhouses and up-and-comers dot our cross-country look.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Aaron Williams
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Aug 22, 2022, 10:00am
The high school volleyball season is underway or getting ready to toss up the first serve across the country. Last week, MaxPreps took a look at the top high school volleyball player in each state and today we continue our cross-country look with the top team in each state.

There are state champions looking to add another banner to the gym, runners-up looking to avenge last season's defeat and teams who gained experience last season and now look to put it all together. Sprinkled throughout the list of top teams are All-Americans and a slew of all-state selections.
Graphic: Ryan Escobar
Alabama
The Yellowjackets were the 7A runner-up last season but return a host of talent looking to get back to the summit after back-top-back titles in 2017 and 2018. Kate Wood's returners include McGill-Toolen's top five hitters — seniors Anna Grace Sparks (377), Chelsea Daffin (353), Riley Carter (349), Meg Nettles (122) and junior Emma Moore (291). Rising junior Mamie Fromdahl returns after 718 assists last season and junior libero Annalise Lee tallied 563 receives and 444 digs as the Yellowjackets went 39-12.

Alaska
The Lynx have the state's best player — Jolee Kelzenberg (189 kills, 358 assists) — back along with 5-foot-11 hitter Lauren Sulte, who hammered 324 kills, 301 digs and 387 receives for the 35-8 state runners-up. Senior libero Kailei Muehlenkamp also is back after posting 233 digs last season.

Arizona
The Tigers were young a year ago when they finished as the 5A runner-up. With that experience and five returning hitters — Eryn Jones (421), Anne Brauckmiller (206), Talea Mitchell (177), Sa'Mya Dorsey (154), Olivia Pavelchik (120), Gabbi Kucinski (101) — all over 100 kills, they could return to the winner's circle after titles in 2018 and 2020. Senior Ava Krienitz (212 assists) takes over at setter.

Arkansas
The Bulldogs grabbed their sixth state title in 2021, winning the one that mattered over rival Har-Ber after dropping two regular-season matches. Looking for a three-peat, the 6A champs rely on Stanford beach volleyball commit Brooke Rockwell, who dropped the hammer on 503 kills last season, and Florida State commit and setter Kennedy Phelan (1,123 assists). Fayetteville also returns nearly 700 kills in Madeline Lafata (326) and Regan Harp (269) while libero Ashley Ruff tallied 399 digs and 518 serve receives in addition to Ella Weilert's 414 receives.

California
The Golden State, especially Southern California, is a gauntlet of talent and surviving to win a state title proves it's not where you start but how you finish. There are numerous teams that could lay claim to this preseason title, but the Dons return their four top hitters, including Julia Blyashov. But anyone from Marymount (Los Angeles) to Mater Dei (Santa Ana), Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach), Redondo Union (Redondo Beach), Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.) ... and a host of others ... could be the ones standing at the end.

Colorado
The Eagles bowed out early in the 5A postseason, but return all five of last season's top hitters, including all-state second team selection Erin McNair (349 kills). Skyla Morgan, Grace Langer, Taylor Bowman, Farrah Eike all posted more than 120 kills while rising sophomore setter Chloe Elarton dished up 413 assists and junior libero Delaney Russell had 480 receives, 465 digs for 25-4 Valor Christian.

Connecticut
The Blue Wave looks for their 18th state title after coming up short in the semis last year. Seniors Leilani Gillespie (266 kills) and Jillian Roche (226 kills, 236 digs) are back along with junior Ellie Moore (192 kills). Rising junior Aubrey Moore is ready to find the hitters after tossing up 628 assists last season.

Delaware
The reigning Division I champions return Julia Yurkovich and enter 2022 on a 34-match win streak.

District of Columbia
The Mighty Hoppers return their top four hitters from last year's 20-3 campaign. Sophomores Jada Aksu (109 kills), Zoe Ryu (90 kills), junior Aaliyah Howell (103 kills, 145 receives, 97 digs) and senior Izzy Evers (83 kills) all are back.

Florida
The Sharks were ranked much of the season in the MaxPreps Top 25 before falling in the 6A final. MaxPreps Underclass All-American Zeta Washington is back after a 274-kill season and she'll be joined by junior Chelsea Sutton (162 kills). Also setter Jessica-Anne Shattles is back for a senior season after nearly 900 assists in 2021. Others to watch include Tampa Prep (Tampa) with its top six hitters returning and Cardinal Mooney (Sarasota) with best player in the state Jordyn Byrd.

Georgia
The talent pool is deep in the Peach State as cases could be made for Alpharetta, Blessed Trinity (Roswell), St. Pius X Catholic (Atlanta), Walton (Marietta) and a handful of others. But the Chiefs, off to a 7-0 start this season, look to bring home the hardware after falling in the 6A finals a season ago. Their attack starts with MaxPreps All-American Taylor Pecht (1,425 assists), who has a host of hitters to find in Rosa Fisher (561 kills), Sara Siefert (481 kills), Catherine Brumbeloe (233 kills), Sayler Davies (199 kills and 588 receives). Libero Skylar Martin added 694 digs on the 50-4 season.

Hawaii
It' will be a dogfight in the islands as Punahou (Honolulu), Kamehameha Kapalama (Honolulu), Le Jardin Academy (Kailua) and University Laboratory (Honolulu) all have strong returning cores, but the Raiders appear to have the most depth with leading hitter Senna Roberts-Navarro (241 kills) backs along with 128 kills from fellow senior Mari Lawton. Rising junior Ambri Hanohano was second on the team last season with 118 assists and libero Tessa Onaga returns for a senior year after 230 digs and serve receives last season.

Idaho
The Hawks were 5A champs last season, going 36-2. They lost All-American Eden Bower, but sister Alex Bower, the best player in the state, returns after 1,078 assists and 135 kills. Skyview also has Acevedo (466 kills and 376 digs) and Eyer (415 receives and 362 digs) in the fold. 

Illinois
The Mighty Macs went 35-7 last year and return Michigan commit Ellie White after a 568-kill season. They lose setter Caroline Macander's 977 assists, but others returning include senior hitters Mary Kate Sheehan (136 kills) and Maeve Moonan (113 kills) and senior libero Gigi Navarrete (598 digs, 338 receives).

Indiana
Another state with a plethora of talent, but the Mavericks have returning MaxPreps All-American Chloe Chicoine (440 kills and 189 digs) and have surrounded the Purdue commit with plenty of pieces. The reigning 4A champs also return Allie Shondell and her 1,262 assists along with Isabella Humphrey (300 kills and 289 digs), sophomore Reanna Lee (219 kills), junior Lexi Blankenship (134 kills) and Raegan Burns (605 receives and 578 digs). Others worth noting are Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers), Yorktown, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory (Indianapolis) and Penn (Mishawaka).

Iowa
The reigning 2A champion Wolverines might be better this year than last when they went 54-1. Junior hitters Payton Petersen and Jadyn Petersen are back after dropping 583 and 402 kills, respectively, as is setter Madelyn Norton (1,209 assists and 120 kills). They also have hitters Ellie Knock (169 kills) and Maryn Bixby (123 kills) back.

Kansas
The Ravens knocked Washburn Rural from the postseason before falling one round later to finish 27-13. But they return gobs of talent, including 6-2 outside hitter and Nebraska commit Skyler Pierce (425 kills, 52 blocks and 345 digs). Olathe Northwest also brings back junior hitter Jillian Huckabey (249 kills and 276 assists) and senior Brynn LaChance (116 kills). Rising junior Addison Horn paced the Ravens with 606 assists and Emmy Sher had a team-high 435 digs and 518 receives.

Kentucky
Despite their early exit from the 2021 postseason, it's hard to bet against the perennial state champion Rockets. Hitter Helmers is back after pounding 421 kills (she missed much of the playoffs with concussion issues) and Alexis Strong, Chloe Smith and Charlotte Moriarty (all with more than 100 kills. Also back for Ron Kordes is MaxPreps All-American setter Whitney Woodrow, who dished up 1,233 assists last year.

Louisiana
Five of the top six hitters return from last year's 49-2 squad that captured a state title with a five-set thriller (15-13) over St. Joseph's Academy. Senior Anne Marie Hardouin (338 kills) leads a group that includes junior Camryn Chatellier (330 kills) and seniors Noelie Haddad (329 kills), Zoe Smith (300 kills) and Mykail Lusco (141 kills). They must replace Kate Baker's 1,232 assists however.

Maine
The Raiders swept through last season, going 16-0 and capturing the Class C title. Back to defend are hitter Chloe Dinsmore, who dropped 134 kills on the year and setter Isabel Cates, who served up 176 assists.

Maryland
Glenelg
The reigning 2A champions went 18-6 in 2021 and return junior hitter Mackenzie Calhoun (404 kills, 355 receives and 218 digs) in addition to Lindsay Kelley, who dished up 592 assists.

Massachusetts
The Tigers dropped two postseason sets last year en route to a Division 4 title and 22-1 record. Returning to defend the crown are hitter Grace Sorensen, who hammered 228 kills with 181 digs and 268 receives. Kendra Brown had 342 assists and rising junior Tess O'Flynn added 210 assists.

Michigan
Though Skyline's Harper Murray might be the most dominant player in the state, the Mustangs are defending champs (53-1 last year) and return a MaxPreps All-American in Ava Sarafa (1,443 assists) and Ella Schomer (231 kills) is their top hitter after losing Ava Brizard to graduation. PrepDig noted Izzy Busignani and Molly Banta are hitters that had dynamite club seasons.

Minnesota
The Trojans have been the immovable object for a few seasons, going 34-0 last year while winning the 4A title and running the victory streak to 54 since 2019. They lost several hitters but return junior setter Stella Swenson (936 assists) and 6-3 outside hitter Olivia Swenson set to step into an attacking role along with Avery Jesewitz (167 kills). 

Mississippi
Already off to a white-hot start, Lakin Laurendine leads the Raiders into 2022 with 153 kills already on the young season. The MaxPreps All-American tallied 509 kills and 378 digs as they went 38-8 while grabbing the MAIS Division I crown. Also back for Jackson Academy are Ava Ladner (198 kills, 466 receives) and Mary Grace Foster (162 kills and 477 assists).

Missouri
Cor Jesu Academy (St. Louis), Liberty North (Liberty) and Lafayette (St. Joseph) have nice teams returning but with the best player in the state in Ella Swindle (690 assists and 141 kills) finding last season's top hitter Lily Dudley (388) along with fellow senior Kyra Thomas (174 kills), the Bruins look poised to make it past last year's semifinal finish.

Montana
Big Sky's best look to rustle another Class AA title after sweeping through the season last year. Hitter Ella Cochran leads the Rustlers into battle in 2022.

Nebraska
There are more than a handful of teams deserving of the best title in the Cornhusker State, but for now we'll stick with the reigning, unbeaten Class A champ Titans. They return MaxPreps All-Americans Stella Adeyemi (387 kills) and junior Lauren Medeck (379 kills) and two others with more than 100 kills. Though they lost Ava Legrand at setter, Kyla Dyrstad is a versatile player who could step into that role.

Nevada
The Gaels grabbed their third title in four years (there were no championships in 2020) and despite losing Caroline Edgeworth and Sophia Ewalefo to graduation, they're reloading. Leilia Toailoa leads the charge after posting 491 kills last season along with 200 from Ashley Duckworth. Libero Tatum Thompson had 865 digs and 486 receives as Gorman went 31-6 and finished No. 12 in the MaxPreps Top 25.

New Hampshire
The Green Wave returns the top five hitters from last season's quarterfinal postseason run, including juniors Maggie Hurley (157 kills), Tory Vitko (70 kills with 469 assists) and seniors Samantha Winters (147 kills), Charlotte Albert (70 kills) and Maizy Hanson (61 kills).

New Jersey
The Blue Eagles went 34-2 but saw an early exit from last year's postseason. Expect senior hitters Brookelyn Talmadge (206 kills) and Grace Coughlin (147 kills) to be extra fired up when junior Kalena Stavish (593 assists) finds them in stride. Libero Abby Romero had 244 receives and digs.

New Mexico
The Bears have been the standard-bearers in the Land of Enchantment, going 95-6 wince 2017. They enter 2022 on a 20-game win streak and return Ella Sanders (308 kills), Karyna Werley (130 kills and 388 assists) and Tea Kalajdzic (122 kills).

New York
The Patriots were young when they went 32-5-2 while reaching the Class AA final. Back are setter Kaitlyn Jewett and hitters Nicole Bell, Ana Gutman and Eleanor Dorritie.

North Carolina
The Falcons are stacked entering 2022 with the top five hitters back from last season in juniors Belle Patrick and Brielle Ellis along with seniors Sophia Carlson, Paris Lewis and Alexa Davila. Along with nearly 1,000 returning kills, Avery Mullins is back after 918 assists and libero Taylor McNear (360 receives and 296 digs).

North Dakota
The Patriots won the Class A title behind two-sport standout and Nebraska basketball commit Logan Nissley.

Ohio
A 20-7 season in 2021 ended with a regional final loss but the Lions return Kentucky commit Brooke Bultema (345 kills), Ball State commit Lindsey Green (1,001 assists) and libero and Creighton commit Sydney Breissinger back in a crowded Buckeye State field.

Oklahoma
The Trojans took home the 6A title a year ago and look loaded again for 2022 behind senior setter Brynn Roberts (1,117 assists), junior hitter Maren Johnson (377 kills) and senior Noelle Prideaux (206 kills). Underclassmen Juliana Borchers and Kynli Kirkendoll look to step up after complementing roles. Other teams to watch include Bishop Kelley (Tulsa), Norman North (Norman) and Owasso.

Oregon
While Jesuit ousted the Rams in a five-set semifinal thriller, Central Catholic gets the nod in 2022. The 26-4 Rams return three of their four top hitters — Sofia Cooper (257 kills), Alycia Wilson (226 kills) and rising sophomore Malia Parker (115 kills).

Pennsylvania
State player of the year Mia Tuman is back for the five-time 4A champions after 223 kills, 217 digs and 356 assists. The Tigers also return Carissa Treser (184 kills) and Ella Deeter (182 kills, 251 assists and 139 digs).

Rhode Island
The Skippers lost a lot of talent to graduation but have won five straight state titles and built a culture of excellence.

South Carolina
The Fighting Green Hornets went 25-10 last season, making the AAAA finals without a senior on the roster. Back are hitters Bri Mahoney, Natalie Bland, Ellie Runnels, Ansley Kitchings, setter Rosie Tucker (730 assists) and a host of others.

South Dakota
The Knights lost a little to graduation, but return MaxPreps All-American Bergen Reilly (191 kills, 174 digs and 393 assists) along with Brenna Beck (217 kills) and Brooke Harvison (430 assists).

Tennessee
The reigning champs showed resilience in coming back from an opening round playoff loss to win the Class AAA title and a 42-4 finish. While Cleveland also is loaded, the depth of the Knights earn the edge here. Back is Maggie Rickert with 496 kills last season along with rising sophomore Kaira Knox (372 kills) and junior Maggie Allred (205 kills). Senior hitter Madeline McNeely added 112 kills and the Knights have two players — Ellie Tant (863) and Caroline Johnston (470) — finding hitters at a high level.

Texas
Like California, the Lone Star State is near-impossible to pin down one squad. The best must survive a grueling regular season and even more daunting postseason. But the Falcons are off to a 9-1 start with wins over reigning 6A champ Brandeis (San Antonio) behind Cindy Tchouangwa, Tendai Titley and setter Presley Powell. But it's anyone's guess how it will all shake out with teams like Guyer (Denton), Byron Nelson (Trophy Club), The Woodlands, Flower Mound and the champion Broncos in the mix.

Utah
The Redhawks grabbed a 5A title last season while finishing 27-3. The Beehive State's best player Jordyn Harvey is back after a 375-kill junior year. The Stanford commit is joined by rising sophomore and sister Taylor Harvey (208 kills) as well as senior setter Evalyn Chism (912 assists).

Vermont
The Redhawks took the 2019 title before falling last season to Essex. They return key pieces in junior hitter Samara Ashooh and junior libero Annalise Dagget along with sophomore hitter Elizabeth Mjaanes.

Virginia
While Charles J. Colgan (Manassas) and Bishop O'Connell (Arlington) are on the short list, the depth of the Saxons and a burning fire after a postseason loss to McLean is why they get the nod. They're tall with four hitters at or near 6-foot, including junior Riley Buddie and sophomores Ana Toumazatos and Leni Stanton-Parker along with setter Chloe Hokenson.

Washington
Bothell downed the Vikings for the 4A title and should be formidable again (along with young Puyallup squad), but the depth and experience gained gives Curtis the nod here. Ella Ensign was the top hitter last year with 480 kills while sophomore Ariana Medchill (184 kills) returns along with Peyton Ensign, who tossed up 1,074 assists as a freshman.

West Virginia
Hannah Howard dropped 478 kills along with 505 serve receives and 427 digs last year as the Applemen grabbed a Class AAA title. She returns along with sophomore Ada McCoy (175 kills) and junior Keleigh Chrisman (149 kills). Bella Hutzler returns at setter after posting 601 assists.

Wisconsin
The Raccoons return a ton of talent after a 39-5-1 mark while taking the Division I crown. Back are leading hitter Anna Bjork (325 kills) along with Cordelia Kearns (230 kills, 345 receives, 251 digs) and junior setter Lilly Wagner (1,129 assists).

Wyoming
The Plainsmen went 32-2 en route to a 4A title in 2021. They lost some to graduation, but Madeline Stucky returns after posting 736 assists and 172 kills.

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