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The Byron Nelson Bobcats join in the celebration with their fan-section
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Fulfilling high expectations is no easy feat. And yet, Byron Nelson Volleyball certainly made it seem that way.
After going 34-1 during the regular season, the Bobcats proceeded to dominate their way to the UIL-6A-DII State Final, without dropping a single set.
Said run earned the Brianne Groth-led team the distinction of being ranked as the No. 1 team, not only in Texas, but in the entire country.
Despite the lofty accolades, this Byron Nelson squad refused to let the outside noise impede them from achieving their ultimate goal.
"When we first got the rating, coach Groth told us it was 'rat-poison'," said senior Sydnee Peterson amidst a laugh. "That was a fair assessment, because it's really easy to get complacent at this level. I think she (Groth) did a really good job of keeping our minds right. It was awesome to be recognized like that, but we just focused on what we could accomplish."
What exactly did they "accomplish"?
The beasts of Northwest ISD performed to the exact level that was expected, and swept Stratford to claim the program's first State Title since 2019, and second overall.
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
"It was the classiness in which this group composed themselves that impressed me the most," said head coach Groth. "I think their growth dates back to last year. We had several pieces back and I felt that they were going to be special when they battled in our Hawaii tournament.
"It was at that point when we all thought 'we're going to do this thing'. Something that we preach is getting one-percent better with each match we have, and I think that we did that throughout the season. Fortunately, we were able to play our best when it really mattered in the playoffs."
When it comes to the their "best", it doesn't get much better than junior outside hitter Kylie Kleckner.
The Washington-commit was simply too much to handle for a formidable Stratford defense, as she registered 23 kills on the night, while also providing 9 digs and 2 assists, earning herself State MVP honors.
Junior Kylie Kleckner receives the 2024 UIL-6A-D2 State MVP AwardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
Although she garnered that distinction, for good reason, Kleckner remained humble.
"It was cool to hear my name be announced like that, but I really couldn't have done it without my teammates," Kleckner said. "Everything came together -- from our defense, to Sophee (Peterson) setting me up, and the overall balance we have. Everyone on this team can contribute, so it's really not my award...it's their's."
She isn't wrong, as there were numerous other individuals who left their mark on the court during Saturday's Final.
As Kleckner mentioned, Sophee Peterson (So. S) played a pivotal role, delivering 42 assists and 13 digs against the Spartans, while Rice-commit Ashlyn Seay (20 kills, 9 digs), Sydnee Peterson (7 kills, 1 dig), and Kaitlyn Francis (8 digs, 7 assists, 1 kill) buttoned up the remaining factors needed to clinch the Bobcats' remarkable victory.
Byron Nelson fit the billing and then some. Now, they can revel in their championship, knowing that the critics were right.
Despite what the odds might have indicated, McKinney North (28-11) has proven the doubters wrong time and again, as they reached the UIL State Tourney for the first time ever since the school was founded in 2000.
Now, they've punched their ticket to the Final on the heels of defeating Aledo, in what was a five-set slug-fest.
What's even more surprising is the fact that the Bulldogs have accomplished said feat with a younger roster than most.
Coach Libby Rodriguez's squad is elevated by a trio of juniors -- LSU-commit (beach volleyball) Allyn Brewer (461 kills, 440 digs), Texas A&M-commit Gabi Rodriguez (881 digs), and the team's leading setter, Jordan Kowallis (677 assists, 247 digs).
Furthermore, Chloe Lewis (Jr. MB // 305 kills), Malia McNeal (So. S // 590 assists), and freshman Anna Sayman (232 kills) round out a scary-good six-rotation for MNHS.
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Meanwhile, out of Corpus Christi, TX, Flour Bluff (37-12) also makes its State debut, following their 3-1 win over power-house College Station on Tuesday night.
Led by coach Kara Wallace and her staff, the Hornets feature a bevy of super-star athletes, beginning with senior Maggie Croft, who has tallied 680 kills and 443 digs in her swan-song season before moving on to SMU next Fall.
Junior Lola Fisher has been dishing dimes all year long, having recently surpassed the 1,000-assist mark for 2024, while sophomores Addison Mayo (702 digs), Alyssa Thornton (354 kills), Kristina Rodriguez (247 assists), and Kate Croft (234 kills) have chipped in on a consistent basis.
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This has the potential to be a five-setter when the Bulldogs and Hornets square up Saturday afternoon (2:00 pm) in Garland. Don't miss out!
Similar to how the football postseason is played, the UIL has split the upcoming basketball playoff format into two divisions -- meaning there will be more state champs, and one less game needed to acquire the title.
Out of San Antonio, there are a numbers of programs, on both the boys' and girls' side, that could potentially make their way to the Alamodome.
For the boys, expect Allen to continue trending upwards as they bring back the vast majority of their starting roster this winter. Meanwhile, Plano East will look to retain their UIL-6A crown with State MVP DJ Hall back in the fold.
However, Duncanville, North Crowley, and 2024 5A Champs Lancaster should be among the numerous squads to give them a run for their money.
On the girls' side, Duncanville is coming off their 12th state title acquisition and look poised to make it 13. But, Regional Finalist Boswell could easily shake things up in the coming months, with plenty of talent to do so.
Don't sleep on Argyle, DeSoto, or Braswell, either.
With tournament-season tipping off, let's review the most elite teams out of the Dallas-Fort Worth area who we expect to stand out, entering the new year.
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VYPE DFW BOYS TOP-10 (Class 6A-4A)
*Last section indicates 2024 result
1. Allen Eagles (6A) -- 32-6; 13-1 in District (Regional Quarterfinalists)
2. Plano East Panthers (6A) -- 40-0; 14-0 (UIL-6A State Champions)
Junior Kylie Kleckner receives the 2024 UIL-6A-D2 State MVP AwardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
