This is exactly the match-up that audiences were itching to see in the Title game.
On one end, we have the defending UIL-6A champions Grand Oaks, who are dead-set on adding another plaque to their trophy case.
The Grizzlies (41-7) have yet to drop a set throughout the postseason, having swept Nimitz, Bridgeland, Wylie, The Woodlands, and most recently Allen to return to the show.
Coach Morgan Rogers' squad has been playing clean, efficient ball in each phase of the game, which is a testament to the unquestionable talent her roster consists of.
Pittsburgh-signee Samara Coleman (505 kills, 241 digs) and Wisconsin-commit Halle Thompson (440 kills, 247 digs) can meticulously pick apart opposing defenses, whether that be via a punishing spike, or with a touch of finesse.
If that isn't enough, juniors Cali Reece (378 digs) and Samantha Sampson (1,018 assists) are some A-list supporting weapons, while sophomore Peyton Wiley (51 blocks) has made some significant contributions as well.
Although the team across the net is 2-0 against them in 2024, everyone knows that the playoffs are a different animal entirely.
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Fulshear is another power-program that's experienced a meteoric rise.
Since being established in 2016, the Chargers have appeared in four state tournaments -- winning it all in 2019 (4A), finishing second in 2020 (5A), third in 2023 (5A), and now approaching the Final in their Class 6A debut.
Reaching this level of greatness in rapid succession is commendable enough as it is. But, this team is after rings, not compliments.
Under the direction of coach Sydney Zimmerman, Fulshear (39-6) possesses, easily, one of the most balanced rosters in the state, if not the country.
Wake Forest-commit Bailey Warren is the main catalyst behind the team's production, as she's racked up 551 kills on the year, thus far.
DBU-commit Lauren Witte (372 kills) and sophomore Arayah Watson (248 kills) complete the three-headed monster responsible for the Chargers' offensive barrage, while senior setter Alexys James (Howard-commit // 1,391 assists, 349 digs) continues to spread the wealth.
Don't sleep on Colorado State-commit Sydney Black (674 digs) from the libero spot, either.
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Representing H-Town at the state's highest level, this will truly be a clash of the Titans when these two meet in Garland this Saturday (6:00 pm)
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In the midst of the most preeminent season their program has ever seen, Stratford (42-2) has never stopped believing in what they can accomplish.
After defeating Shadow Creek (3-1) in the Region III Final, the Spartans followed that up with another win in four sets against Vandegrift on Tuesday -- securing their place in the state championship for the first time since 2002.
Now, can they take it a step further and finally clinch the title?
Coach Jenny Adcock, the staff, the players, and their loyal fan-base certainly seem to think so.
What makes this group so threatening -- aside from their noticeable size -- is the fact that they're so well-balanced across the board.
Gwen Koss (465 kills, 423 digs), Sarah Hickman (361 kills), and Avery Kent (312 kills) provide the offensive production, thanks to Audrey Cook (1,259 assists, 363 digs) working her setter's magic.
Additionally, senior libero Rachel Ashby (527 digs) is all over the floor, while sophomore Milena Miladinovic (118 blocks) has stepped into a larger role.
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However, Stratford will have their work cut out for them when facing the monster out of Dallas-Fort Worth -- Byron Nelson.
Making their first State appearance since 2019 -- a year in which they took the UIL-6A Title -- the Bobcats are the No. 1-ranked team in the nation, according to MaxPreps.
They could give legitimately compete with college teams, given their considerable stature and capability.
With coach Brianne Groth at the helm, Byron Nelson has lost a mere 8 sets in 40 games this Fall, most recently sweeping College Park in the State Semis, to bring their record to a near-perfect 39-1.
Washington-commit Kylie Kleckner (573 kills, 297 digs) and Rice-commit Ashlyn Seay (468 kills, 304 digs) form a dynamic duo in the kill-department, while sophomore Sophee Peterson (1,432 assists, 194 kills), Kaitlyn Francis (385 digs), and Emily Houskneht (323 digs) further bolster a loaded Bobcats roster.
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Both these programs are enjoying monumental seasons. But, who will ultimately be crowned champion? Tune in Saturday (4:00 pm) at the Curtis Culwell Center to find out.
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THE PINNACLE: UIL Volleyball State Final Preview -- McKinney North vs. Flour Bluff (5A-D1)
22 Nov, 2024
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!
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