Not many teams can overcome the loss of two district MVPs, but don't overlook Plano West this season.

With three players committed to Division I schools and four other returning letter-winners, there's no reason to think Plano West can't contend for a state tournament berth.

Even after the departures of District 9-5A co-MVPs Nikki Fowler and Kathleen Nash, the team's talent level has not decreased, coach Brittany Bridge said.

MIKE STONE / Special to DMN

Shannon Hawari, one of Plano West's three Division I recruits, anchors a tall and talented front line.

"This year, I get the sense that we are playing more as a team and relying on each other rather than depending on one or two girls," Bridge said.

Plano West is anchored by 6-2 senior middle blocker Shannon Hawari (committed to Cal), 6-2 senior right side hitter Jordan Kirk (Connecticut) and 6-2 junior outside hitter Madie Jones (LSU). They helped Plano West advance to the Region II-5A final, where it lost to district rival Allen.

Plano West finished 36-3. It lost twice to Allen and once to Amarillo, which won the Class 5A title. Plano West squandered a five-point lead in the fifth game in the regional final.

"Those losses were heartbreakers," Kirk said. "But, we're still going to be strong. I think we might take some people by surprise."

Keller Central coach Christina Rudiger said she can't think of a better player to help develop a new program than senior setter Kelsey Mahoney.

Mahoney was a member of Keller Central's first varsity team three years ago. Mahoney is considered one of the nation's top club setters in her age group. Rudiger said Mahoney is not only talented, but willing to help her high school teammates.

"She's a student of the game," Rudiger said. "She wants to be the very best she can be. She's very competitive, very intense and very driven to succeed at a high level."

Mahoney has orally committed to Tennessee. Before she heads there, she wants to help her team gain its first playoff berth. Keller Central had its first winning record last season (26-13), but finished sixth in District 5-5A. Keller Central is 45-59 over the last three seasons.

"When we were freshmen, Coach Rudiger tried to get us to buy into the idea that we were going to get our tails kicked for a couple of years," Mahoney said. "This past year showed us that our patience is paying off. We are building our program, and we are really excited about that."

Red Oak has enjoyed a winning tradition under coach Arthur Stanfield, having won at least 30 games each season since 1994. However, Red Oak has not returned to the UIL state tournament since it won the Class 4A title in 2002.

Last year's senior class was the first that had not advanced to the state tournament in Stanfield's 17 years at Red Oak. His players are aware of that and want to do something about it this year.

"We want to win state," said junior outside hitter Dana Hilzendager, who was the District 10-4A MVP last year.

Barring injury to key players, Stanfield predicts his team will be in the regional final "if we do what we think we can do. I'll be honest, if we don't get to the regional final, then I'd say we didn't meet our expectations."

To get there, Red Oak will have to rely on precise ball control and a strong defense, because it lacks size. Those areas have been emphasized in practice.

Red Oak has a good blend of experience and talent. Seven players return from last year's regional semifinalist, including 5-6 senior setter Taylor VanHove and 5-6 senior outside hitter Emily Millican. Two freshmen – 5-9 outside hitter Hunter Porter and 5-5 setter Kaycie Bird – are expected to contribute.