5 questions for volleyball as district play begins

1. Will any team make it out of Region III?

Last year, Galveston County got shut out of the state tournament for the first time since 2005. It could be two years in a row.

That’s not an indictment on any of the local teams, but just how difficult a road any one will have to get to state. Both Class 4A and 5A are loaded with talent.

Friendswood and Santa Fe likely have the best shot. But both teams will have to go through Magnolia (No. 3 in the state), Brenham (No. 5), Barbers Hill (No. 6), Stratford (No. 10) and district foe Pearland Dawson (No. 12).

The good news: Santa Fe and Friendswood won’t see those teams until the region semifinals.

The Lady Mustangs have the most talent but are young and inexperienced. And never count out the Lady Indians, who are playing as well as anyone right now.

In 5A, Clear Creek could be a dark horse. The Lady Wildcats are short, but their defense is stout, and they have shown the ability to beat top-ranked teams.

The road, however, is littered with talent, including No. 3 Cy Woods, No. 10 Katy and No. 13 Cy Fair, not to mention Clear Brook, Pearland and Clear Creek.

2. Who will win District 24-5A?

This district is likely the deepest in the region. Six teams have legitimate claims to make the playoffs.

But Creek has impressed the most so far. The players look hungry after last year’s disappointing first-round playoff exit. They’re playing as a team and have a chip on their shoulders.

The Lady Wildcats already have beat Lake, last year’s champ, and defeated teams like Friendswood and Stratford. They also have a win over Plano, who has defeated Lake and Brook.

Still, the Lady Falcons likely have the most talent. Pearland also is a team to watch with a win over No. 11 (Class 4A) Canyon Randall.

3. Who will be left out of the playoffs in District 24-5A?

With six legitimate playoff contenders, someone is going to be left at home unfortunately.

Lake, Pearland and Creek are likely to get into the postseason. That leaves Brook, Dickinson and Clear Springs fighting over one spot. None of the three have a signature win, but Dickinson has a lot of experience and two very talented players.

4. Who will win District 24-4A?

This is a three-horse race between Friendswood, Santa Fe and Dawson. Dawson and Friendswood both are ranked in the top 15. All three have impressive wins over ranked teams.

Yet none really has pulled ahead at this point. Friendswood has beaten the most top tier teams and likely has the most talent, but it has been anemic at times because of youth and inexperience. Dawson is the most athletic yet unproven. Santa Fe also is young; however, the Lady Indians have looked stellar most of the young season.

Don’t be surprised if this somehow ends up in a three-way tie, though Friendswood is likely the safe bet.

5. Who will get the last playoff spot in 24-4A?

This could be almost as interesting as the district title race. No team has looked particularly impressive. Everyone has fewer than six wins.

Texas City has the most talent out of Ball, La Marque and Manvel. The Lady Stings also have gotten rid of the drama and seem to have bought into new coach Christian Dunn’s system.

Don’t be surprised to see La Marque take a few games and surprise some people.

Four Duos To Watch

• Rachel Hobaugh and Ashley Smith, Creek — The senior and sophomore duo do everything for Creek. They kill, dig, block and pass. The Lady Wildcats generally go as they do.

• Shelbee Berringer and Kelsey Merritt, Dickinson — These two seniors have been playing together for years on both club and for the Lady Gators. Berrginer is one of the best defensive players in Houston, and Merritt is the kill leader. Now is this duo’s time.

• Jasmine Casey and Jill Bergeson, Friendswood — Another senior-sophomore duo. They are the leaders of the Lady Mustangs in kills and digs. They will be the reason Friendswood makes another deep playoff run, especially reigning County MVP Casey.

• Katie Marabella and Tiffany Thomas, Santa Fe — Marabella is a candidate for County MVP, with her devastating right arm and all-around play. Thomas should shore up the middle of the defense for Santa Fe with her height, kill and blocking ability.

Five Sleepers Who Could Make Big Impacts

• Courtney Richardson, Creek — Just a sophomore, the setter has a chance to be special by passing to the Lady Wildcats’ strong outside hitters.

• Caleigh Oswald, Springs — She’s been working with Ellison for four years. Now is her time to quarterback Springs to a postseason berth.

• Kristy Rardin, Dickinson — The senior could really become a force up front and help Dickinson grab a coveted playoff spot.

• Madison Moody, Santa Fe — If she can solidify herself as an offensive threat, the Santa Fe attack will be in great shape.

• Jenna Yackley, Texas City — Yackley’s development as another attack option to Chelsea Knape could push Texas City into the playoffs.