Marion County volleyball power rankings heading into the postseason
Marion County volleyball teams plunge into the postseason Monday evening as district tournaments begin around the state. With several first round byes, the top teams in the county won't take the court until Tuesday or Wednesday evening.
As a preview to playoff action, the Star Banner has created power rankings for its 12 volleyball teams based on record, strength of schedule, and quality of wins. We'll breakdown best wins and first-round matchups.
Can you predict who will take out number one spot? Follow as we break down the in-county standings
1. Trinity Catholic
The Celtics turned a rough start into a top ten ranking in its classification and top 25 in the state. Trinity Catholic is powered by the best front line in Marion County volleyball. Coming into districts they’re 13-7 with landmark wins over Santa Fe, St. Henry (KY), Bishop Kenny, and Florida High.
Coach’s notes: “Our schedule was pretty legit to start year. The Nike tournament was great we played three out-of-state teams, Carrollwood Day School who’s number two in the state. We’ve played Cavalry, the line is listed.” - Jeff Reavis, head volleyball coach
District outlook: 1st round bye, will play winner of Master’s Academy/Father Lopez
Players to watch: Rose Gravel, Avery Campise, Maggie O'Farrell, Elayna "Lou" Johnson, McKenna Yates
2. St. John Lutheran
The Saints (15-5) are the third ranked team among FHSAA 2A volleyball teams. With their combination of experience and talent the Saints have what it takes to make a run in the state tournament.
Coach’s notes: “We’re playing the way we want to play right now. We’re excited about where we are going in (to districts). We like the way we’re playing and that’s all and that’s hope you give yourself a shot.” Brad Ewers, head volleyball coach
District outlook: 1st round bye, will play winner of Trinity Christian Academy/Calvary Christian Academy on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at Calvary Christian Academy
Players to watch: Sophia Ochoa, Rylee Palmateer, Arisa Ford, Payton Nazzari, Ashley Downs
3. Forest
The Wildcats (15-10) end the season on a three-game skid but it doesn’t blemish a knights 8-1 record against in county teams. Forest is a team filled with underclassmen who are preparing for New Smyrna Beach, toughest test of the season.
District outlook: first round bye, Will play New Smyrna Beach on the road Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.
Players to watch: Kailyn Howard, Lexie Quash, Ava Herren, Ava Keuntjes, Mae Owen, Allison Hamm
4. Vanguard
After losing six seniors the Knights end the year with their fewest wins since the 2008 season. At its best Vangurd has taken sets off defending state champions and
Coach’s notes: “We’re a rollercoaster right now… but the process is to step forward every chance we get, every practice. What really matters is how prepared can you get for district, regionals and maintain that approach to keep going up.” - Luis Perez, head volleyball coach
District outlook: First round bye, will play Columbia on the road on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m.
Players to watch: Sarah Beville, Lilli Hart, Emily Reed, Tracy Yace, Kaylee Ramirez, Sachi Patel
5. Belleview
The Rattlers’ have been in an interesting situation with injuries and positional changes through the year. While young and battling through unforeseen circumstances Belleview’s flashed the talent to compete in the postseason.
Coach’s notes: “We’re learning to deal with adversity and taking it day by day.” - Lindsay Seek-Camara, head volleyball coach
District outlook: Will travel to Rickards Monday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. for first round of districts
Players to watch: Kyndall Seek, Kahleah Lancaster, Natilee Collins, Tia Hope, Dakota Krajewski, Jakyra Bostick
6. West Port
West Port (12-10) joins the county’s trend of fielding rebuilding teams. Underclassmen lead every statistical category except digs and aces. Sophomore Janieliz Rivera had a breakout season with 217 kills.
District outlook: Will travel to Seminole Monday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. for first round of districts
Players to watch: Janieliz Rivera, Gaveena Smith, Ayanna Blocker, Taylor Demankowski, Kendall Smith, Almarelis Malave
7. Redeemer Christian
The Florida Christian Athletic League runner up has added another formidable season to their resume. After racking up wins against four of their five district opponents the Lions could compete for a district title.
District outlook: 1st round bye, will play winner of Meadowbrook Academy/Forst Baptist Christian Academy on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at Calvary Christian starting at 7 p.m.
Players to watch: Ashley Moss, Madelyn Powers, Delaney Shaw, Hannah Pizzini, Aliyah Lalmansingh, Ella Celano
8. Meadowbrook Academy
The Mustangs put together another above .500 season to prove its program is moving in the right direction. They’re favored in the first-round district matchup against First Baptist Academy.
District outlook: will play Monday, Oct. 16 against First Baptist Christian Academy at Calvary Christian, starts at 6 p.m.
Players to watch: Elizabeth Marshall, Aliyah Maninga, Miriam Chong, Izzy Fearon, Mia Lewis, Iva Fearon
9. Dunnellon
Progression has been the name of the game for the Tigers for the last five seasons. Dunnellon’s hot start to the season proves it can go on a streak when focused.
Coach’s notes: “I think we’re doing pretty good. I’m encouraged with how we’ve played so far this year. We’ve had a couple tight matches we’ve come out on the winning end. I think we’ll be able to make some noise in districts.” - Jeffrey Hartey, head volleyball coach
District outlook: Will play North Marion at Santa Fe on Monday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Players to watch: Shamyra Reid, Olivia Tucci, Keilyn Collazo, Myah Roof, Sarah Velasquez, Emma Gerace
10. Lake Weir
The Hurricanes are fresh off their best season in four years. Lake Weir could use its newfound confidence to upset a team in the postseason.
Coach’s notes: “They play with a lot of heart. The season is going great.” - Fulton Gomez, head volleyball coach
District outlook: Will travel to Mount Dora for first round matchup on Monday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m.
Player to watch: Khiaira Weaver, Julia Brinley, McKenzee Adames, Trinity Morrison, Kaylee Johnson
11. North Marion
North Marion’s win column is filled with upsets. With signature wins over Belleview and Lake Weir, they may have the punch to avenge their lone loss to the Dunnellon Tigers.
District outlook: Will play Dunnellon at Santa Fe on Monday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Players to watch: Keanti Henderson, Jayda Kinsler, Ainsley Grubbs, Jadain Montoya, Nhahmiya Smith
12. Ocala Christian
The Crusaders (3-12) ended the season by taking a set off seventh ranked Redeemer Christian. This is Ocala Christian’s second best season in five years.
Players to watch: Brianna Ray, Brook Daunhauer, Valery Coello, Charlotte Culver, Bella Boticello, Rilynn Payne
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Who’s the top team in Marion County as postseason play begins?
