It is officially the most exciting time of year for Georgia high school volleyball players, coaches, and enthusiasts: the playoffs! While the first round is often overlooked in anticipation of the quarterfinals onwards, there are several matchups worth keeping an eye on that could result in upsets. Last season’s Class 7A playoffs featured five first-round upsets by seed. Will there be as many this time around? Here are six quality Georgia high school 7A volleyball matchups to monitor.
No. 3 North Cobb at No. 2 West Forsyth
Despite flexing a 39-10 record, the Warriors ended the regular season third in their competitive region behind Walton and Cherokee. These squads have already met three times this season, with the Warriors emerging victorious every time. However, their most recent matchup stretched to a tiebreaking third set in which North Cobb eked out a 15-12 victory.
The Wolverines must shut down at least two of the Warriors’ three offensive stars, Jaidyn Garcia, Nikol Antova, and Sarah Boyle, who have combined for a whopping 1,081 kills this season. The Warriors have lost two of their last four matches; will they suffer a first-round upset against a familiar foe?
No. 3 Cherokee at No. 2 Denmark
Cherokee sports a 23-5 record, while Denmark has lost 14 matches this season. Don’t count the Danes out, though. Denmark has played a significantly tougher regular season schedule, and they feature 7A’s kills leader, outside hitter Dominae Jordan, who has racked up 457 kills.
The Warriors have been on fire lately, but they dropped a set to Marietta and lost badly to Walton, 3-0. Cherokee knows the dedication it takes to make a deep playoff run, but now it may be Denmark’s time. A tough road environment combined with playoff unpredictability could see a first-round exit for the defending Georgia high school Class 7A semifinalists.
No. 3 Parkview at No. 2 Marietta
Neither team’s record is particularly eye-catching, but this matchup could be action-packed. The Panthers have notched quality wins over Archer and Lanier, displaying their true potential when in rhythm.
The same cannot be said for Marietta, but they have shown poise in big games, taking a set off of Cherokee and East Hamilton (TN) and pushing Cartersville to a decisive fifth set. Parkview will be slightly favored, but if the Blue Devils can build momentum in the second set, they will be able to close out a victory in front of their fans.
No. 3 Valdosta at No. 2 Carrollton
Valdosta has five more wins and five fewer losses than Carrollton, but the Wildcats have not been challenged for much of the season. Avoidable losses to Veterans, Houston County, and Lowndes opens the door for Carrollton and their balanced offensive attack to pull off an upset in record.
The Trojans have easily defeated worse opponents, but have struggled in the big games. They have the perfect opportunity to build momentum in the playoffs against a largely untested Wildcat squad. Keying in on Mason Holtzclaw, Valdosta’s leader in kills and service aces, will be a major factor in the result of the match.
No. 3 Mountain View at No. 2 Norcross
This may be the best first-round matchup in 7A. Norcross and Mountain View battled to three sets earlier this season, and the Blue Devils came away with the victory. Soon after that win, though, Norcross fell into a lull, losing five matches in a row and eight of the next 10.
The Blue Devils feature three players within the top 15 in 7A for hitting percentage. The Bears’ recent strength has been their defense, even against competition like North Gwinnett and Buford. Will Mountain View get revenge for the early-season loss by knocking the Blue Devils out of the playoffs?
No. 3 Peachtree Ridge at No. 2 Mill Creek
These two programs know each other very well. The Lions and the Hawks were in the same region for several years until this season’s realignment split them up. Last season, Mill Creek swept the season series, but circumstances are different this time around. The Lions have taken care of business against better opponents like Wesleyan and Lanier, and so have the Hawks.
On paper, these teams are as similar as possible. The home environment for Mill Creek, though, may make the difference. The Hawks have hosted several outstanding opponents this season and the home court advantage has led to closer matches and six victories. Get ready for a Georgia high school Class 7A volleyball classic!
