|
ORDER GAME PHOTOS
Welcome to Keeping Up with the Kill, a weekly breakdown of Idaho high school volleyball coverage.
If you're new to the Idaho volleyball scene, here's a quick breakdown:
There are six classifications, which all have separate districts within them (amount of teams per district varies).
Needless to say, there is always a lot going on in volleyball, with several teams to keep up with, so we will do our best to highlight last week's events each Monday, so stay tuned!
Week of Sept. 26 to Oct. 2
Last week there were many district matches played throughout the state, as well as two big tournaments hosted by Madison and Malad.
CLASS 5A
Thunder Ridge and Highland played a five-set thriller on Wednesday, with the Titans emerging victorious. In District 5-6, though, Madison remains in the number one slot as they have gone undefeated against all three of their league opponents. The Bobcats also hosted and won the Battle of the Best Tournament this past weekend. Madison went 7-0 overall at the tournament, showcasing their grit and perseverance against top teams from all over the state.
The viewpoint from the Boise side of Class 5A (District 3) has many teams contending, but two squads absolutely dominating. Some of the Boise teams came down to the Madison tournament as well, where Timberline battled through and took second place in the Gold Bracket.
Eagle remains at the top of the district as they haven't lost in-season yet, while Rocky Mountain is a close second as they've only lost to Eagle in district play. The Grizzlies competed at the Battle of the Best Tournament, where they lost in the semifinal game of the Silver Bracket.
Up north, it's a tight race to see who will take the top seed for the upcoming District 1-2 tournament. Last week, Lake City defeated Coeur d'Alene, and Post Falls beat Lewiston. Right now, Post Falls and Lake City are tied atop the league standings, with a few key district matches still to be played.
CLASS 4A
In District 5, Preston played both of their district opponents last week, and had tight battles with Pocatello and Century. Pocatello defeated Preston, while Century has defeated both of those teams this year, placing the Diamondbacks in the driver's seat. Century and Pocatello both attended Madison's Battle of the Best Tournament, where Century won the Silver Bracket and Pocatello took fifth in the Silver Bracket.
In the Great Basin Conference (District 4), Canyon Ridge and Twin Falls had a five-set thriller. The Bruins earned the 'W', which gave the two rivals a split in the season series. Canyon Ridge and Twin Falls both remain at the top of the district with Wood River, as they both went undefeated in their other league matches last week.
In the High Country Conference (District 6), Bonneville remains at the top of the standings, with Idaho Falls right behind them. Both attended the Madison Tournament and both qualified for the Gold Bracket based on Friday's pool play. Neither team finished Saturday's bracket play where they planned, but they will keep working hard ahead of their showdown in the regular season finale.
In the Southern Idaho Conference (District 3), last year's 5A champion (Skyview) is now seeking another title at the 4A level after being moved down in the offseason. The Hawks are still at the top of the district after going undefeated in district play last week. Columbia is currently second in the standings. The 'Cats came to the Madison Tournament last weekend, and took fifth overall in the Gold Bracket.
And up north in the Inland Empire League (District 1-2), Lakeland has the lead in the standings. The Hawks also beat 5A Post Falls last week, a signature win for a strong program. They are out to a healthy lead in the district as Moscow and Sandpoint lost to Lakeland and Coeur d'Alene, respectively, last week.
CLASS 3A
In District 5 last week, Snake River and American Falls fought it out over four sets. The Panthers came out on top and currently lead their District.
Fruitland leads District 3, and is currently undefeated in regular season and district play. The Grizzlies attended the Madison Tournament and qualified for the Bronze Bracket. Right behind Fruitland is Weiser. The Wolverines lost to Fruitland earlier this season, but it was yet another five-set nail-biter.
In the Sawtooth Central Idaho Conference (District 4), Kimberly continues to lead the way. The Bulldogs play many teams from other districts and classifications and it continues to help them grow as they are undefeated in regular season and district play. Last week, Kimberly took homes wins against 4A Jerome and 2A Declo.
In the two-team Intermountain League (District 1), Bonners Ferry and Timberlake haven't faced off yet as their first meeting will be this Tuesday, October 4th. Bonners Ferry is in the lead between the two, though, with an 8-3 overall record.
CLASS 2A
Within the five districts of the classification, Melba (District 3) leads the way. The Mustangs have defeated several bigger teams this year, including an out-of-state opponent (Nyssa, Oregon) on their way to an undefeated season so far.
The other district leaders in 2A are Declo (District 4), Kellogg and St. Maries (District 1-2), Ririe (District 6) and Malad (District 5).
CLASS 1AD1
Small but mighty is what we've seen from both 1AD1 and 1AD2 squads this season. These schools of small populations across the state have so much talent and skill within their small numbers! In 1AD1 competition, Butte County (District 5-6), Genesis Prep (District 1), Oakley and Murtaugh (District 4) Rimrock (District 3) and Troy (District 2) have all emerged as district leaders.
Oakley's only losses this season have been against teams from outside of the classification. Butte County attended the Malad Tournament this past weekend and won the Silver Bracket.
CLASS 1AD2
The Rockland Bulldogs and Horseshoe Bend Mustangs have been tied off and on for first overall in the 1AD2 power rankings since the preseason rankings began. They each hold one loss this season, and each loss has come against someone outside of the 1AD2 division.
As they continue their winning seasons, the pressure will only increase. Rockland is 17-1, while Horseshoe Bend is 13-1 in regular season play (not counting tournaments). It will be quite the battle for the District 5-6 title in the Rocky Mountain Conference as Mackay, Grace Lutheran and Rockland are all ranked in the top five overall. Last week Rockland went 2-0 against teams from their district, while Horseshoe Bend beat one league foe and one non-conference opponent from out-of-state.
|