sticky Posted October 26, 2006 Report Posted October 26, 2006 Oct. 25, 2006, 12:23AM 4A VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFF PREVIEW District winners use balancing act Barbers Hill, Friendswood have lots of versatility By JENNY DIAL Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle Two of the area's top Class 4A teams have the same mindset heading into the volleyball playoffs. Both Barbers Hill and Friendswood coaches say their teams need to remain as well-rounded as they have been all season. Such versatility could result in deep playoff runs. Barbers Hill, which made the jump to 4A from 3A, finished 14-0 in District 21-4A. "I don't think we were ever fazed by the idea of playing 4A," Barbers Hill coach John Leonard said. "And 4A teams around here never underestimated us. It was a very smooth transition." Barbers Hill's district championship proves just how smooth it was. The Eagles (29-7) don't have one standout player, Leonard said. Instead, Barbers Hill relies on balance. "We have come a long way," Leonard said. "We have a lot of players that can help us get where we want to be." Barbers Hill, which has a first-round bye, will play the winner of Thursday's Santa Fe-Lamar Consolidated matchup. Barbers Hill defeated Santa Fe twice this year but hasn't played Lamar Consolidated. "We saw them once at a tournament, but we will be there to watch them this week," Leonard said. While the Eagles are happy with the time off, they are also ready to play, Leonard said. "The whole team is just excited to get back on the court and go," he said. "We are really looking forward to it." Down to the wire Friendswood won District 23-4A after Dickinson lost to Santa Fe in the final match of the regular season. "There was a little luck to that, since we were tied with Dickinson," Friendswood coach Jerry Linch said. "But we are thrilled to have the championship and the first-round bye." Like Barbers Hill, Friendswood (30-6, 11-1 in district) is strong in many areas. "I think the greatest thing about this team is that we have different girls able to step up in every game," Linch said. "We never have to rely on just one person to carry the load for us." Friendswood will play the winner of Thursday's matchup between C.E. King and Port Neches-Groves. "We don't have an easy road," Linch said. "PN-G is a very tough team and playing them first would be hard. C.E. King could make some noise." On collision course? Friendswood and Barbers Hill could square off in the regional semifinals. "It just goes to show you how tough the road to state is," Linch said. "Here's where being able to stay focused will be so important." Other Region III-4A teams with byes are Waltrip, Nederland, Brenham and Furr. "The 4A playoffs are going to be very tough and competitive this season without a doubt," Linch said. "And having a bye doesn't mean a lot. It's nice because you get a chance for extra practice and scouting, but it doesn't mean another lower seeded team couldn't come out and beat you." [email protected]
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