Preseason volleyball Super Ten

Ranking the preseason volleyball area Super Ten:

1. WEST DELAWARE (37-6, 4A state qualifier in 2013) - The defending Wamac East champs get a slight nod to repeat, so earn the same on this list. Quick-tempo, jump-serving Hawks have as good a chance as anybody to dethrone Harlan in Class 4A.

2. SOLON (33-3, 4A state runner-up) - Graduation and injuries might slow the Spartans a bit early, but with hitters Jordan Smith and Jordan Runge smacking the ball, they're a 3A title threat after two straight trips to the 4A finals.

3. MOUNT VERNON (27-11, 3A state semifinalist) - Allison Platte is recovered from the torn ACL that robbed her of her junior campaign, and rejoins a lineup run by Morgan Melchert, a Division-II recruit.

4. CLEAR CREEK AMANA (23-10, 4A regional finalist) - Literally, the Clippers lose nobody from a team that took down some good teams, with five of their 10 losses to state qualifiers. Overlook CCA at your own risk.

5. MARION (25-16, 4A regional finalist) - The Indians have all the ingredients for a huge season, led by libero Abby Phillips, an ISU recruit, plus setter Amanda Sahm and hitters Alyssa Thomas and Kaela Halvorson.

6. INDEPENDENCE (35-9, 3A state qualifier) - The Mustangs went from 13-21 to 35-9 in one of the state's biggest turnarounds last season. Now, with a veteran squad led by Shelby Lehman, Indee could be even better.

7. IOWA CITY WEST (26-10, 5A regional semifinalist) - Randy Dolson succeeds Kathy Bresnahan, and inherits a team, led by dual threat Laynie Whitehead, that ought to be as good as anybody in a transition year in the MVC.

8. CEDAR RAPIDS KENNEDY (20-15, 5A regional finalist) - Most of their key players are sophomores and juniors (including the Metro's top setter in Anna Fluent). Cougars will be good this season, potentially great in 2015.

9. LINN-MAR (23-15, lost first round 5A regionals) - When at their best, the Lions were very good last year. If they can discover consistency, Teresa Kehe's second year could be a treat.

10. CEDAR RAPIDS XAVIER (28-11, 4A regional finalist) - Saints have a new coach and a lot of new faces, but hitters Kayla Torson and Madsy Richards provide an excellent nucleus to build around.

CLASS RANKINGS

5A - 1. Iowa City West (26-10), 2. Cedar Rapids Kennedy (20-15), 3. Linn-Mar (23-15), 4. Iowa City High (20-13), 5. Cedar Rapids Jefferson (19-22).

4A - 1. West Delaware (37-6), 2. Clear Creek Amana (23-10), 3. Marion (25-16), 4. Cedar Rapids Xavier (28-11), 5. Maquoketa (14-22).

3A - 1. Solon (33-3), 2. Mount Vernon (27-11), 3. Independence (35-9), 4. Union (28-8), 5. West Liberty (19-13).

2A - 1. West Branch (26-8), 2. Jesup (20-12), 3. Lisbon (25-8), 4. Alburnett (18-11), 5. Iowa City Regina (19-12).

1A - 1. Turkey Valley (20-14), 2. Springville (30-11), 3. Keota (15-9), 4. Belle Plaine (15-12), 5. Midland (16-13).

l Comments: (319) 368-8857; jeff.linder@thegazette.com