PRESCOTT — It isn’t often a small school volleyball club from northern Arizona makes noise at the state championship level, but in 2022, St. Johns fit the bill and then some.

Finishing 23-5 overall, including a perfect 12-0 in the 2A North region to claim the title, the Redskins advanced all the way to the 2A state championship before losing to No. 5 Phoenix Country Day, 3-1.

As a No. 10 seed, it was an unprecedented run.

Now in 2023, can they repeat their success and catch lightning in a bottle once again?

Coach Joy Whiting has “high hopes.”

“St. Johns Redskin volleyball came in as an unknown underdog last season,” Whiting said via email to AzPreps365.com. “And surprise may not be on our side this season. … We are young in experience this season, but have high hopes.”

The Redskins (2-0, 0-0 2A North) lost four seniors to graduation, including their best two outside hitters, but players like seniors Josie Overson, Ryan Norton, Ellie Heap and Brooklee Finch are back and ready for more.

“We will have to focus on training new hitters … [We] are changing some of their positions for this season and it will be new for some of them,” Whiting said.

Junior newcomer Grace Ellsworth should help out on that front as she’s a new hitter this season.

TUBA CITY (3A)

After finishing the regular season with 26 wins, including an 11-1 mark in the 3A North to earn a region title, the 3A club from Tuba City earned a No. 6 seed at the state playoffs last fall, but lost a close battle with No. 11 Tanque Verde 3-2 (19-25, 25-21, 25-23, 14-25, 15-13).

Now in 2023, head coach Brittney Laughter said she will continue building “team morale” this fall while helping the players stay motivated and goal driven.

“There is an open window that we are able to see the different possibilities and with that, I mean we have a young team that is very athletic and able to take on this approach,” Laughter said. “They walked on to a team that has high expectations and they know that, so for them the bar was set high.”

Returners include senior middle Ragen Bilagody, junior outside hitter Chloe Begay, sophomore setter Thaila Clitso and sophomore middle blocker Taimani Tso.

“Our region has always been a battle and when we least expect it, here comes a team who just creeps up and surprises us,” Laughter said. “With that said, this year’s region can consist of all teams being in those top spots and those battles will definitely show when the region games begin to start taking place.”

NORTHLAND PREP. (2A)

The Spartans played well enough in 2022 to earn a No. 16 seed in the 2A state playoffs, completing a 19-11 overall record and winning the 2A Central region (11-1).

In 2023, Northland Prep. (1-1, 0-0 2A Central) has lost its top two point scorers, one to graduation, one to injury.

“We are looking to replace some offensive pieces this year. Our serve, serve-receive, and defense look strong and will keep us in rallies and in matches,” Northland Prep. head coach Corie Murphy told AzPreps365.com via email.

Top returners include Zillah Wildblood-Crawford and Malia Turner, while freshman Mackenzi Parkinson and Makenna Murphy have made the club as a middle blocker and setter, respectively.

JOSEPH CITY (1A)

The Wildcats (0-1, 0-0 1A Copper) had one of the most successful seasons in program history last fall, finishing 28-16 overall, including a 10-1 mark in the 1A Copper region, winning them a title.

The club from Joseph City swept its way (3-0 wins against Bagdad, St. David) to the 1A state semifinals before losing to No. 2 Rock Point, 3-2. Rock Point eventually beat Williams in the 1A finals, 3-2.

Head coach Charlsye Miller stated that her Wildcats need to “come together” this season once again if they are to hoist a state championship trophy come November.

“We lost a few key players last year but we are still in a really good spot with many returning players. We just need to rely on the strengths that we have and keep pushing forward,” Miller said.

Returners include Kayle James, April Neill and Ava Neill. Top newcomers include freshman outside hitter Tori Beatty, and sophomores Amber Neill, Audrey Neill and Kaci Palmer.

Miller believes Mogollon, Williams, St. David and Cicero Prep. are the teams to beat this year in 1A, besides her own club of course.

STATE TOURNAMENT

The 3A and 2A conference play-in tournaments begin Oct. 31, while the state tournaments are scheduled to begin Nov. 4. The 1A state bracket gets underway Oct. 31 as well.

Click here to see all state brackets.

For complete standings, click here.

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on Twitter @AzPreps365Brian. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.