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While all of the players on your All Texas Team are very good, why do most all of these players happen to be players that attend strong high school teams? I suppose it ads to the drama of the strong high school programs that are fighting for births to the state championships. However, there are a some very strong, talented players who are as good and better than these players who play for weak high school programs with little or no club players. These athletes may be the only players on their teams who play club or they may have pure talent.

Some players have led their weak high school teams to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes in their district and even into the second or third round of playoffs. These girls are lucky to be talented athletes in strong high school programs as the experienced club players all around them on the court help them look great. It takes true athleticism and greatness to lead a team that does not play club ball to a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round playoff birth!

I am sure some of the high school and college coaches around this state would be happy to name a few. - Samantha (posted 11/30/02)

Editor's note: Strength of a high school program was not a criteria in our All-Texas selections. Players were chosen based on consultation with college recruiters, outside observers and through our own evaluations during the club and 2001 high school seasons. That's why the members of our All-Texas team ranked among the state's top recruits this year and next. Most high school coaches, we've discovered over they years, see only a limited number of top players and teams during a season so they don't really have the opportunity to develop a statewide perspective. (In fact, once playoffs start many ask us about teams and players since we may see more of the top teams and players over the course of a week than the coaches will during their season). And while we realize there are a lot of good high school players around the state, we also realize that the competition is much more diluted. That's why a girl's performance at the club level is a much better measure of the top players. (For example, opponents of Texas Tornados 18s this year will be playing an all-star team made up of top players from Stratford, Klein, Kingwood, Cy Falls and Cy Springs). We've seen too many cases of girls who are able to put up big numbers against high school competition but can't perform as well at the club or college level. As you correctly pointed out, though, there are many talented players who are hardly noticed on their high school teams but excel at the club and college level once they have a better supporting cast. Bottom line: we're happy with our picks.

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Great job all season on the high school coverage. Really enjoyed the frequent updates. Read with interest your final notes on the season and thought that after watching the first 5A match on Friday, I would do an experiment for the Westlake/Klein match by keeping track of rally scoring. In the first game the score differential was basically the same and Westlake won, however, in the second game, Klein got to 25 in rally scoring and we would have been on to game 3....not so with traditional scoring as Westlake fought back to win 15-13. Wonder how that match would have turned out if Klein had won the second......

Also, earlier in the playoffs, Leon was behind 0-11 in the third game of the regional semi-finals and came back to win 16-14. Bet that wouldn't have happened in rally scoring.... Don't know which one is better, but I definitely think that it traditional scoring allows for some interesting comebacks that don't often present themselves in rally scoring. Looking forward to your coverage in the club season! - A big fan (posted 11/27/02)

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Thanks for your outstanding coverage of the high school season. Of course I didnt always agree with your team rankings or all the picks for the All Texas Team, but I thought you were always knowledgeable, fair, and thorough.

I particularly thank you for your coverage of St. Michael's Academy. This small private school of 400 students doesn't get much coverage even in the hometown paper despite the 3 consecutive state championships. But you have noted this talented team and given them their due.

Thanks again for a great season and I am looking forward to more of the same for the clubs. - Chip (posted 11/30/02)

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First off great coverage for this high school season. I think if Red Oak and Wimberley played it could go either way. That being said I have a slight problem with you ranking Wimberley ahead of Red Oak in the final rankings. OK, back in the middle of the season you leaped them above Red Oak on a week neither team lost. At the time you told me a win against a ranked team New Braunfels counts for more. Well that being said these teams records against ranked teams are almost the same. But Red Oak had to go through 2 ranked teams and one on the bubble team to win state. Using your thoery they should have finished ahead of Wimberley. I personally think that these two teams should be in top 3. Anyone who was at the state tournament could see that any of the 5a teams that are ahead of them would have their hands full. Both teams had ! great championship seasons and it would be great if they could have played. - Kelly, RED OAKS #1 fan (posted 11/26/02)

Editor's note: As we tried to explain, we felt that Westlake was clearly the best team in the state at the end of the season and, as they proved in the regional finals, Churchill was a close second (other than Westlake, the 5A teams in San Marcos are ranked below Red Oak). We just felt that Wimberley was slightly stronger overall than Red Oak and that Wimberley's performances against Churchill and Clark in the last few weeks ranked slightly higher than Red Oak's wins over New Braunfels, Pine Tree, etc. in the playoffs. (Which in no way diminishes the tremendous accomplishment of Red Oak). The fact is, however, that any of the top 10-15 are good enough to beat each other (and many have) on any night.

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A recap of Red Oak's year:
pre-season - unrated, no players to watch for
pre-season tournaments - Duncanville 3rd,Northwest 1st, Arlington 2nd
District: 10-0, all 2 game matches
Post Season: 6-0, all 2 game matches
Overall: 45-2, only five 3 game matches
4A State Tournament MVP: Torie Dacus
4A All Tournament team: Laurie Burrrow, and Kelly Fletcher
1st Team All District 16-4A: Laurie Burrow, Torie Dacus, Kelly Fletcher,
Amber Lohrman, Chelsea Pena
2002 4A STATE CHAMPIONS
2003 Team to watch: RED OAK LADYHAWKS
Congratulations on a great year to Coach Arthur Stanfield and the girls - B.P. - a player's dad (posted 11/26/02)

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Just wanted to take this opportunity to talk about our volleyball team, The Lady Javelinas made a great run in the state playoffs and even managed to make a little bit of history in their hometown of Crystal City along the way! They were the first team ever to make it to the Regional Tournament (where they lost to Wimberley) and they brought a lot of pride to an area that gets little to no recognition. Eventhough we are from a small town we do have very talented players, and we hope to earn a little respect by continuing the winning tradition! - Tina, Crystal City (11/26/02)

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Will you be reporting the All-District teams on your site? - Reba (posted 11/19/02)

Editor's note: Sorry Reba. There are just too many to track down and list on the site, but we will have our own post-season awards.

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After Lamar beat Martin in District play, Coach McCoy pulled up a couple of very talented kids from JV. Great move, Coach! My comment to several friends at the time was, "Martin may not lose another game this season". That has been the case so far and I am going to stick with it....Martin Wins State!!! - Greg (posted 11/19/02)

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I enjoy your web site and find it ironic that Meghan Kainz has had her picture on your front page for quite a while. Have to figure there is some type of supernatural force at work on that.........or else you are pulling hard for Westlake. In addition, I like the Westlake coach and Kainz, so I pick Westlake. I completely detest Stratford, even though I live less than 6 miles from that school. - David (posted 11/18/02)

Editor's note: We alternate photos of the players on the All-Texas Team every week or so and it was Meghan's turn. Even more ironically, we had Millicent Martin from Stratford last week.

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Congratulations to Klein, Stratford, and of course Arlington Martin. According to your state rankings only Westlake should be allowed to show up this weekend. As the old saying goes...That's why they play the games. Looking forward to a great State Tournament! Go Warriors!! - Rusty (posted 11/18/02)

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As a parent of an Arlington Martin player, I'm obviously extremely proud and excited about the Lady Warriors and their berth in the state tournament in San Marcos. But, just to completely set the record straight, as a follow up to the recent posting of "Jack" in Amarillo, you also need to update the Martin - Coronado scores from the past weekend on your "How The Top Teams Fared" page - as of this morning, it still has an incorrect 15 - 3 score, versus the correct 15 -13 score. While this may seem a bit nit-picky, the correct score more accurately depicts the closeness of the first game and entire match. Unlike what was reported in your summary of Friday night's action, we didn't exactly "blow past" Coronado; they fought extremely hard and deserve that the records reflect as much. Is it really necessary to embellish one team's success at the risk of being disrespectful of the other?? I love your website and think that you do a great of covering my daughter's sport of choice; we face a huge uphill battle in terms of media coverage vs. other high school sports, so keep up the good work. Since you appear to be based in the Houston area, I realize that, if for no more reason than a geographical one, it's easier to obtain info about local teams than from others all across the state. Just try not to forget those teams or players that do not have the benefit of some overzealous coach's / parent's "publicity depts." - Obvious Martin Parent, Arlington, TX

Editor's note: The typo was corrected as soon as it was discovered on Saturday. As we've mentioned to previous e-mailers about updating information, it's often necessary to hit the refresh button (sometimes more than once) to get the most current version of the site - especially if you connect via AOL. Finally, even thought we are based in Houston, our primary editor is based in the Dallas area and we have contributors from around the state. The fact is that each year some areas of the state have more quality teams and players than others and they are naturally going to get the most coverage. It is interesting to note that Houston fans think we favor San Antonio/Austin teams while Central Texas fans think we favor the Houston teams. We base our opinions on the fact that we have seen every one of the teams in our rankings (and most of the other top teams) play more than once. We hope this makes us somewhat objective in our opinions and we certainly don't intend to show any disrespect for a team.

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I would just like to point out that Lubbock Coronado did NOT lose to Arlington Martin 15-3, 15-8 it was 15-13, 15-8. Everytime they would recieve a win against a top team, you made it seem like they "lost" it, not that they won or even that they deserved it. I believe that the Mustangs have fought all year for respect and recognition they probably deserve and they've never even recieved that. - Jack, Amarillo, TX (posted 11/18/02)

Editor's note: Our mistake when we typed in the info. It's been corrected.

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I was setting here surfing volleyball sites and just by chance opened up this one. Yours will go to my favorites folder for Texas volleyball. I am a dad of an ex-volleyball player and I can never get enough info for what's happening in Texas. I have found the perfect site. Keep up the good work! - Alvin (posted 11/18/02)

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Wow. For whoever got to see that Kingwood vs. Clear Creek matchup, that was State Final material to me. Both teams were awesome, Kingwood led by Jenny Andrews, had awesome setting from her and wow what a defensive match for that back row, they made Clear Creek find the holes. But to Clear Creeks credit those girls have been down several times, to which I'm sure all their opponents can tell you, but as they have all year they truly fight to the end. Dee Dee Strickland stayed mostly with Tiffany Baker their RS who was unstopable, most of her balls were never touched, and also leading the Wildcats was Mandy Rupert. As listed on this website Baker had 18 and Rupert had 17. But as always they had plenty of contributions from their two MB's and Cherry the other OH. Creek also had awesome defense, lots of hustle. Both of these teams should have been at State. I would love to have this video to show younger girls coming up what the best in the State look like. Congradulations to both teams you both represent your position in the State of Texas well. Good Luck to all you Seniors!! - Deer Park VBFAN (posted 11/13/02)

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Didn't you know what Manor beat Caldwell and Columbus this year. So why are they ahead of Manor in the Playoff Preview - Elise (posted 11/13/02)

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I am just curious to why Elkins is not even consider a top 20 team or not even on the bubble? Did you all just not believe that they would as good as they are, because of graduation? The All-American Osco is leading her team. She has a strong supporting cast at the net in soph. MB's Jessica and Meghan. A strong jr. OH Krystal. Elkins is (31-7) and at the region semis just like last year when they were #1. They have beaten several teams that you all have ranked at one time or another. Finally , when are going to see a piece on Lindsey Osco, the only other All-American with Amber McCray from last year. So, can they get some love for their efforts? - Shirley (posted 11/13/02)

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As parents of Cleburne Lady Jackets, we have all enjoyed your website but are distressed by an error in the score of the Cleburne-Pine Tree game. I'm sure it is a typographical error, but it tells a completely different story. Cleburne dominated the 2nd and most of the 3rd game. The 3rd game was 15-11 (not 15-1 as originally posted). We would be most appreciative if you would make the correction. Thank you. - Joni (posted 11/12/02)

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Just a thought about Amarillo River Road/Monahans for the Region 1 Final. I think this may be a pretty good choice. I disagree, however, with the pick of Monahans to win. If you want to see a playoff schedule, look at River Road's. They played Dumas twice, Hereford twice, Amarillo High, Tascosa, Randall, and Lubbock Coronado. All but three of their 12 losses were to playoff teams, with all but one of the rest of those losses to 4A or 5A playoff teams. This schedule looks quite a bit tougher than any other Region 1 schedule. Look for River Road to make a strong run to San Marcos. - Clay (posted 11/9/02)

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Hey out there in volleyball world... just want to brag just a little on a team in south Texas. They were picked in the polls at the beginning of the season to be last in 29 4A this season and they are in the regional quarter finals right now. I am really proud of these girls, they have come a long way and deserve a little pat on the back..... You go Lady Trojans and good luck cause we love you............ - Cindy (posted 11/9/02)

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A team that gets no respect in class 3A is Texarkana Liberty Eylau. This team has not had a winning season in over 13 years and had as of Tuesday night never made it past the first round of the playoffs. Playing in the toughest district in the state in class 3A the Lady Leopards have come out of their shell finishing in a tie for 2nd with Atlanta behind the number 2 team in the state, Texarkana Pleasant Grove. With second year head coach Jacob Thompson and his staff producing a team that is very good. This year there record is 26-10 and have beaten number 9 Atlanta twice played number 5 Bonham in close match and future powerhouse Lindale in a 2 hour 15 min. match that they lost 18-16 in the 3rd game. Along with playing those matches close, the Leopards have beaten Van, Tatum, and Emory Rains. This team has come along way and can go a little farther if the pressure of being in the playoffs does not get to them. Starting 3 Juniors, 2 Seniors, and 1 Freshman this team looks to be good for another year. These girls have gone from a 7-19 season to a 26-10 in just two years. - L.E. Fan (Posted 11/7/02)

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Enjoying your website! I am sure that it is a lot of work to track all this information and then to share it in a format that recognizes as many teams and individual players as possible. Unfortunately with that task, there will always be people questioning your opinions and even making jabs at players "having publicists". Not everyone can be in the spotlight all the time and I hope that we can be excited for all the girls, whether our daughter, friend, teammate or player has been named or not. Again thanks for your work! -an obvious girls athletics fan (posted 11/6/02)

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Butch Hart's article on 3A etc. is good. However, there is an error. The article shows:
While these seniors have been in high school:
2002 State Champion: Wimberley over ?????
2001 State Champion: Caldwell over Texarkana Pleasant Grove
2000 State Champion: Wimberley over White Oak
1999 State Champion: Caldwell over Lamesa

It should be:
While these seniors have been in high school:
2002 State Champion: Wimberley over ?????
2001 State Champion: Wimberley over Cleveland Tarkington
2000 State Champion: Caldwell over Texarkana Pleasant Grove
1999 State Champion: Wimberley over White Oak
Thanks for such a great website and coverage for Volleyball and women's sports! Too bad there isn't a Title 10 for newspapers and television. - John (posted 11/6/02)

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Great article on Windthorst. Thanks for the the many compliments. But did you know that this year Windthorst is starting 4 sophomores and 2 seniors. A freshman rotates in for one of the seniors and that leaves 1 freshman, 4 sophomores, and 1 senior in for a couple of rotations. Needless to say, I am a parent of one of the sophomores, and like you did say, this is a well oiled machine. Thanks for the article, and if this year pans out, look out for many more "stones" with state champions written on them. - Art (posted 11/05/02)

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You guys just kill me. Part of your feature: Ryan Maspero (18 kills), Morgan Spencer (16 kills) and Erin McMillian (46 assists) lead San Antonio Churchill past Courtney McCrocklin (17 kills), Jesi Grisham (43 assist) and Wimberley 15-7,12-15,15-11. Number 6 against number 7. You still virtually ignore Leander: Lauren Galler (20 kills), Christi Hahn (18 kills), and Leah Alexander (33 assists), lead Leander (#14) past Stratford (#5) would have been the more impressive feature. I don't know who the publicists for some of these players are, but people who are at least the equals of the highly publicized ones are playing outstanding volleyball, and will continue to do so at the D1 level. - Obvious Leander Fan (posted 11/05/02)

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Out of curiosity-why is St. Michael's included with public schools instead of private? Wouldn't that be a completely different division? - email (posted 11/04/02)

Editor's note: If you are talking about our rankings, it's a ranking of all the teams in Texas regardless of classification or whether they are public or private.

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