Photo Credit: Gabriel Mackley, GameFrame Photography

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WEEK ONE

WEEK TWO

From unbeaten runs in the larger classifications to tournament battles among the smaller schools, last week provided an early look at which programs could be positioning themselves for postseason runs.  Here’s a classification-by-classification look at the latest developments.

6A — Rigby Continues To Set The Pace

Rigby remained one of the biggest stories in Idaho volleyball. The Trojans entered the week unbeaten and continued their dominant start with a 3-0 victory over Thunder Ridge on Sept. 3, improving to 10-0 at the time of the match. Rigby's offensive and defensive numbers were particularly impressive, with 343 kills, 52 blocks, 64 aces and 467 digs reported for the season through that matchup. 

Then up in North Idaho, the volleyball was equally intriguing. Post Falls defeated Coeur d'Alene 3-0 on Sept. 2, while Coeur d'Alene bounced back with a 3-1 victory over Sandpoint on Sept. 4. Post Falls was ranked No. 1 in 6A in the Sept. 7 rankings, followed by Coeur d'Alene, Skyview, Eagle and Madison among the top five.

Eagle also had a strong week, sweeping Middleton 3-0 on Sept. 4. The Mustangs entered the following week 4-0 and ranked No. 5 in 6A.
 
Overall, Rigby remains the team to beat, but the combination of Post Falls, Coeur d'Alene, Skyview, Eagle and Madison gives the classification plenty of championship-level depth.

5A — Idaho Falls Takes Control

Idaho Falls had one of the strongest weeks in the state. The Tigers defeated Shelley 3-0 on Sept. 1 and followed that with a 3-1 conference victory over Bonneville on Sept. 3. Idaho Falls moved to 8-4 and No. 1 in the Sept. 7 5A rankings. The early race is shaping up as an eastern Idaho battle, with Idaho Falls and Blackfoot establishing themselves as major contenders.

4A — Kimberly Establishes Itself As A Favorite

Kimberly continued its strong start and emerged from the week as the No. 1 team in 4A. The Bulldogs entered the Sept. 7 rankings at 9-2, ahead of Bear Lake, Filer, Cole Valley Christian and Snake River. Kimberly defeated Twin Falls last week in a match of high intensity. Kimberly remains with the early numbers to claim the top spot, but Bear Lake, Filer, Snake River are all right there as well. 

3A – Who Will Catch Up With Ambrose?

Ambrose's unbeaten start was the biggest 3A storyline, while several traditional contenders were still sorting themselves out.

A number of 3A teams had their first substantial stretch of conference/nonconference action. 

Priest River had a strong start to the week, beating Bonners Ferry. Priest River entered the match after a 3–0 win over Wallace and improved its early-season momentum.

Payette picked up a 3–0 win over Nyssa (Oregon) but then lost 3–1 to Ontario (Oregon).
 
Soda Springs split its two matches: a 3–0 loss to Grace on followed by a 3–0 win over Aberdeen. 

North Fremont beat West Yellowstone (Montana) 3–0 on September 2, then lost to Teton 3–1.

Orofino lost 3–1 to Timberline (Weippe) and 3–1 to Genesee in a doubleheader. 

The early-season statewide picture was especially interesting because Ambrose, still undefeated, has established themselves as a top team in the state. But the order after that? It’s anyone’s guess.

2A – Résumé Building

The 2A classification had a busy second week of the season, with several teams strengthening their early résumés. 

Butte County remained the clear No. 1 in the coaches poll, followed by Murtaugh, Troy/Grace tied for third, and Valley fifth. 

Murtaugh defeated Oakley and Valley won the Jerome Invitational this past weekend. 

Troy had a mixed week: it swept Lapwai 3-0 then lost to Horseshoe Bend 3-2 and Lewiston 3-0. 

Butte County is the team to beat, while the most notable early-season contenders are in the Magic Valley in Murtaugh and Valley.

1A – Horseshoe Bend Runs The Gauntlet

Horseshoe Bend is still at the top in the coaches poll as well. It was a busy week for the Mustangs as they had three five-set battles, losing to Lewiston and Nampa Christian but defeating Troy. Horseshoe bend also beat Salmon River in three last week. 

Lighthouse Christian defeated Carey in five, which was another thriller. 

Rockland defeated American Falls and Raft River in three. 

Lots of good action in all classifications! We are already past Labor Day and that means the volleyball season is almost to senior nights and district play!