Lake County teams are loaded with talent this season, so No. 1 Carmel and No. 2 Libertyville aren’t the only ones that could make a postseason run.
Top 10 teams
1. Carmel (28-11): The Corsairs are top contenders for the Class 3A state title following a run to the sectional finals. Junior setter Charlotte Shepherd is a third-year starter, and junior right-side hitter Shea Kelly, junior outside hitter Brailyn Albanese and sophomore middle hitter Liv Johnson, a star basketball player, are other top returnees.
2. Libertyville (32-8): The defending North Suburban Conference champion Wildcats reached a 4A supersectional last season and have the talent to take the next step. Senior libero Charlie Fleegle and senior right-side hitter Elle Knight, both all-state picks, will lead the way.
3. Stevenson (24-13): The Patriots have an abundance of experience and talent back after advancing to the 4A sectional semifinals. Senior setter Ryler Bondad, who had 454 assists, 203 digs, is one of nine players back. Senior outside hitter Abby Inman
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, who had 328 kills, and senior right-side hitter Audri Linnane are among the leaders.4. Lakes (25-10): The defending Northern Lake County Conference champion Eagles are buoyed by five returning starters: senior right-side hitter Addison Sundquist, who had 219 kills; junior outside hitter Brynn Skinner; senior setter Sammi Madsen, who had 505 assists; senior libero Lovelyn Zamora; and senior outside hitter Isabel Stauber.
5. Deerfield (16-20): The Warriors have high hopes with a strong cast of returnees. Senior outside hitter Izzy Miechowicki, who had 250 kills, and junior outside hitter Abbey Garcia, who had 230 kills, are joined by junior right-side hitter/setter Lexi Kirchen and senior setter Rosie Smrecek.
6. Vernon Hills (22-14): Coming off the second Central Suburban League North title in program history, the Cougars will rely on senior outside hitter Kiersten Cieslinski, a Marshall recruit who had 355 kills. Senior middle hitter Mya Beitzel, senior libero Allyson Koetz and sophomore setter Aria Shah also are key returnees.
7. Grayslake Central (26-12): The Rams, who lost in the 3A sectional semifinals last season, return a strong group that includes senior middle hitter Amiyah Miller and junior outside hitter Ansley Carlson. They will rely on experience and ball control to be among the top teams in the NLCC.
8. Lake Zurich (19-15): The Bears aim to advance past the regional finals, sparked by the return of junior setter/right-side hitter Sage Olson, a Notre Dame recruit who was the NSC co-player of the year. Senior outside hitter Emerson Smith and senior setter Ella Elsen also were all-conference picks.
9. Mundelein (20-18): After winning a 4A regional title, the Mustangs have set higher goals. Senior outside hitter Tanner Leedle, who had 200 kills, junior middle hitter Elaine Campo and sophomore right-side hitter Donnelley Wyss will lead the offense. Senior Caitlyn Pyke, who had 313 digs, is a standout libero.
10. Grant (13-20): Junior middle hitter Kara Schubert, a Loyola recruit, is the headline returnee after compiling 182 kills and 62 blocks. Senior libero Zendrea Pfau and junior outside hitter Sienna Enters have valuable experience.
25 players to watch
• Brailyn Albanese, Carmel, junior, outside hitter
• Ryler Bondad, Stevenson, senior, setter
• Kiersten Cieslinski, Vernon Hills, senior, outside hitter
• Ella Elsen, Lake Zurich, senior, setter
• Charlie Fleegle, Libertyville, senior, libero
• Abbey Garcia, Deerfield, junior, outside hitter
• Avery Geoghan, Wauconda, senior, setter
• Isabella Goldfayn, Lake Forest, senior, middle hitter
• Grace Hadick, Round Lake, junior, outside hitter
• Abigail Inman, Stevenson, senior, outside hitter
• Liv Johnson, Carmel, sophomore, middle hitter
• Elle Knight, Libertyville, senior, right-side hitter
• Audri Linnane, Stevenson, senior, right-side hitter
• Izzy Miechowicki, Deerfield, senior, outside hitter
• Amiyah Miller, Grayslake Central, senior, middle hitter
• Sage Olson, Lake Zurich, junior, setter/right-side hitter
• Caitlin Pyke, Mundelein, senior, libero
• Shayla Ray, Warren, senior, right-side hitter
• Neda Savic, Highland Park, junior, outside hitter
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• Kara Schubert, Grant, junior, middle hitter
• Aria Shah, Vernon Hills, sophomore, setter
• Charlotte Shepherd, Carmel, junior, setter
• Brynn Skinner, Lakes, junior, outside hitter
• Addison Sundquist, Lakes, senior, right-side hitter
• Ava Werner, Grayslake North, senior, right-side hitter
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.