Class1
Northland Christian over Valle in the final
New Haven over Winona for 3rd
Class 2
Hermann over Pius for 1st place
Strafford over St Michaels
Class 3
Helias over Lutheran South for 1st place
PH over IWA for 3rd
Class 4
St Joe over STA in the final
Ozark over St Dominic for 3rd
I think Class 1 will come down to who wins the Valle/New Haven match to play Northland in the final. Northland has thumped a lot of Class 3 and Class 4 teams this year. Laid a pretty good beating on Strafford in 2 earlier this year. Northland also lost in 3 to Class 4 Park Hill South who was several points away from beating STA in sectionals. Valle's defense is sick and the hitting in sectionals was dominated by Bauman. Bauman had 18 kills against Lesterville but that was really it for the hitting. I'm sure the others will be hyped up and ready to pound. They will need all the big guns to beat Northland. Northland has 5 girls with over 200 kills each. That's a solid balance. Northland seems to be on mission to repeat and folks in NorthKC think this is one of the best teams in the state in all classes. New Haven has 2 very solid middles and then role players that know how to fill in the holes. Watched New Haven at the SEMO tourney and they looked solid. Not sure how they will do against Valle or Northland but should be in the fold for the final. Winona I just think is going to be outmatched. Don't see them winning but maybe 1 or 2 at state.
Class 2 will be a battle between Hermann, Strafford and Pius. This could come down a few points. I've watched both Hermann and Pius this year and I would say Hermann was the better looking team. Though Pius just got back Grimmsaw the week before and she is a difference maker. Class 2 will be a heck of a battle.
Class 3 will be tough but give the edge to Helias. Big girls for Helias and they've played a tough schedule of Class 4 teams. Pleasant Hill still has the sister combo that will be tough to stop. Lutheran South isn't big but those kids can flat out play D. Watched them numerous times this year and they just don't stop playing D. This will be a heck of a Class 3. IWA schedule isn't that hot but they do play all the big privates in STL. Just don't see them having enough to make the final.
Class 4 will be a interesting but give the edge to St Joe by beating LAFAYETTE. Plus being ranked top 15 in the nation. Battle national #1 Walton and almost pulled off the upset in Louisville. STA is going to be tough as nails this year too. Big bombers are underclassmen but I hear the D for the Stars is on point. Ozark will do the Ozark thing and finish playing for third. Which I think would be the 7th year missing the final. St Dominic I assume will be outmatched by the other 3. Lost to St Joe already this year.
Should be a great final four in all 4 classes. I see 3 teams in each class having a chance to make the final.
