The Howard Lions (23-0) from Ellicott City, MD, will face off against the Wootton Patriots (15-3) from Rockville, MD, in a neutral-site playoff match today. This game is part of the 2024 Maryland High School Girls Volleyball Playoff Brackets for the MPSSAA Class 3A tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Maryland High School Volleyball
Who: Howard vs Wootton
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: TBD
Bracket: 2024 Maryland High School Girls Volleyball Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – Class 3A
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Game preview: Howard vs Wootton

As the 2024-2025 high school volleyball season progresses, two teams have emerged as powerhouses in Maryland: the Wootton Patriots and the Howard Lions. With impressive records and a fierce rivalry brewing, the teams have made their mark on both the regional and national stages. Let’s dive into their performance metrics, head-to-head comparison, and key standout players that make this matchup one of the most anticipated in Maryland.

Record Breakdown

• Wootton Patriots (24-25):
  • Overall: 15-3
  • League Record: 7-0 (undefeated in their region)
  • Non-League: 7-3
  • Home: 7-2
  • Away: 6-1
  • Neutral: 2-0
• Howard Lions (24-25):
  • Overall: 23-0 (undefeated season)
  • League Record: 12-0 (perfect in their region)
  • Non-League: 10-0
  • Home: 7-2
  • Away: 8-0
  • Neutral: 5-0
  • Playoff: 3-0

While Wootton has posted a solid record with just three losses, Howard has yet to taste defeat, finishing every match they’ve played so far this season with a perfect 23-0 record. The Lions have been especially dominant in league play, going 12-0. The Patriots, however, have proven their strength in non-league games, finishing 7-3 against tough competition.

Statistical Comparison

• Kills:
  • Wootton: 799
  • Howard: 1,064
• Total Blocks:
  • Wootton: 112
  • Howard: 110
• Serving Aces:
  • Wootton: 270
  • Howard: 340
• Digs:
  • Wootton: 1,119
  • Howard: 1,224
• Assists:
  • Wootton: 744
  • Howard: 871

Howard’s overall offensive output is impressive, leading in kills and serving aces, while also outpacing Wootton in digs and assists. The Lions have been highly efficient at both the net and on serve, showcasing their dominance in almost every statistical category.

Key Players

• Wootton Patriots:
  • McKenna Brown – 221 Kills (#9 Nationally)
  • Kaleigh Williams – 56 Total Blocks (#14 Nationally)
  • Miranda Ball – 56 Serving Aces (#10 Nationally), 290 Digs (#10 Nationally), 333 Receptions (#10 Nationally)
  • Imagine Peltier – 586 Assists (#15 Nationally)
• Howard Lions:
  • Kills – Top Scorer in Region
  • Serving Aces – 340 on the season
  • Digs – 1,224, showing defensive strength
  • Assists – 871, a key contributor to offensive coordination

Wootton’s Miranda Ball has been a standout across multiple categories, especially in serving aces and digs. Meanwhile, McKenna Brown continues to be a force at the net, leading the team in kills. For Howard, their top performers are dominating the league, with impressive numbers across both offensive and defensive stats.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Though Wootton and Howard have not yet faced off this season, the rivalry is intensifying. Both teams share several common opponents, with Howard maintaining an undefeated record against them, while Wootton has seen a mix of wins and losses.

In terms of competition, Howard’s ability to maintain a perfect record speaks to their consistency, but Wootton’s strong regional performance indicates they are more than capable of challenging the Lions for supremacy in Maryland volleyball.

Looking Ahead

As both teams continue their dominant seasons, all eyes will be on their eventual matchup, which could determine the regional champion. Howard’s undefeated streak will be tested, while Wootton’s resilience against tough competition could provide the perfect challenge for the Lions.

With high expectations and outstanding individual performances from both squads, this volleyball rivalry promises to deliver an exciting finish to the season. The question remains: can Howard maintain their perfect record, or will Wootton’s dynamic roster find a way to pull off an upset? Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting this thrilling showdown.