Volleyball postseason is heating up

Nate Barnes looks at the favorites in each district with area teams. Plus, the final Top of the Crop for 2017, and the last edition of area statistical leaders.

DIVISION I

Euclid District Favorite: Mentor Don’t forget about: Riverside, South

What to look for: Similar to Lake Catholic last season, Mentor has a once-in-a-generation team led by seniors Alexis Falzone, Teagan Ochaya and Ashleigh Barton. The Cardinals are the defending district champions, and coach Stephen Scherlacher’s team has its sights set on a deep playoff run . ... Riverside finished as the runner-up at Euclid last year and the Beavers want another shot at Mentor. The district title match will likely present the opportunity . ... South is a dark horse here, as the Rebels caught fire in the second half of the season after playing a difficult schedule to open the year. A possible district semifinal against Riverside will require the Rebels’ best play of the season. Solon District

Favorite: Brecksville Don’t forget about: Kenston

What to look for: Brecksville is ranked No. 8 in the state coaches poll. Although the Bees lost one of their best players, Emma Tupa, to injury at Mentor’s NEO Power Tournament last month, they are still loaded. ... Kenston faces the winner of Maple Heights and Bedford in a sectional final before the Bombers likely play Solon in the district semifinal. The Comets would serve as a challenging hurdle en route to a potential district title match for No. 2 seed Kenston.

DIVISION II

Jefferson District Favorite: NDCL Don’t forget about: Lake Catholic, Geneva

What to look for: Picking a favorite in this district is just about impossible. If anything’s certain, though, it’s that the Jefferson District will likely be settled by NDCL and Lake Catholic once again. The teams split their regular-season meetings, each winning on the other’s home court. NDCL is ranked No. 12 in the state. Lake Catholic is No. 11. The Cougars picked up big wins over NDCL and D-II No. 1 Padua as they started to round into form during the second half, while the Lions played elite competition in the season’s final weeks to tune up for the postseason. ... No. 2 seed Hubbard went 21-1 in the regular season and is ranked No. 8 in the state. The Eagles could throw a wrench into a possible rubber match between NDCL and Lake Catholic. ... Geneva compiled an excellent season and went 16-6. The No. 4 seed Eagles will likely take their shot at NDCL in a district semifinal. Lyndhurst District

Favorite: Gilmour

Don’t forget about: VASJ, Beaumont, Chagrin Falls

What to look for: Gilmour begins its first postseason as a member of Division II ranked No. 3 in the state. To win another district title, the Lancers will face a handful of solid teams . ... VASJ finished the season 15-5, and the Vikings could present the biggest challenge to Gilmour . ... Beaumont’s 4-18 record is not good, but not a true indicator of the Blue Streaks’ ability. Madison Kasper is one of the best players in the district and is the type of singular force who could help Beaumont pull off a major upset . ... Chagrin Falls is a fundamentally sound team. If the Tigers advance to the district level, they will be a tough out for any of the top three seeds.

DIVISION III

Elyria District Favorite: Independence Don’t forget about: Wickliffe

What to look for: Independence may contend for a state championship. It would take a monumental effort to knock the Blue Devils out at the district level . ... Wickliffe is seeded fifth and plays Lutheran West in a sectional final. The Blue Devils, led by Mary Burkett, Abby Baumgartner and Faith DiCicco, would likely meet Independence in a district semifinal. Burton District

Favorite: Berkshire Don’t forget about: Cardinal What to look for: Berkshire fell to Garrettsville Garfield in a district final last season. This year, the Badgers look capable of advancing to the regional level. McKenna Tucek may be the district’s best player. If any team wants to beat Berkshire, it will have to find a way to stifle her powerful hitting. ... Rival Cardinal will look to match up with Berkshire in a possible district final. The No. 3 seed Huskies will likely have to advance past No. 2 Grand Valley to play for the district title.

DIVISION IV

Cortland District Favorite: St. John Don’t forget about: Newbury

What to look for: Cortland features a pair of solid teams at the top in Ashtabula St. John and Vienna Mathews . ... Newbury enjoyed a resurgent season under coach Michael Chaffee, and the Black Knights are capable of pulling off an upset or two. Newbury would likely face St. John in a district semifinal if the Black Knights advance past Maplewood. Medina District

Favorite: Dalton Don’t forget about: Cornerstone Christian

What to look for: Dalton went 16-6 in the regular season, but the Bulldogs dropped their final three matches before the playoffs. ... No. 10 seed Cornerstone Christian lost to No. 7 Cuyahoga Heights in a sectional semifinal Oct. 18.