The Oak Glen Golden Bears (28-7-3) varsity volleyball team, from New Cumberland, WV, will face off against the Philip Barbour Colts (43-13-1) from Philippi, WV, in a neutral-site playoff match today at 10:30 AM. This game is part of the 2024 West Virginia High School Volleyball State Tournament – Class AA.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: West Virginia High School Volleyball
Who: Oak Glen vs Philip Barbour
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 10:30 AM
Bracket: 2024 West Virginia HS Volleyball State Tournament – Class AA
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Game preview: Oak Glen vs Philip Barbour

The upcoming neutral playoff match between Philip Barbour (Philippi, WV) and Oak Glen (New Cumberland, WV) is poised to be an exciting volleyball contest. Both teams have displayed impressive records this season, making this match highly anticipated by fans and players alike.

Team Overview and Records

Philip Barbour comes into the match with an overall record of 43-13-1, including a strong 12-2 performance in their region. Their consistency throughout the season is reflected in their win percentage of .763, with a region win rate of .857. The team has shown resilience, especially in close matches, with a 92-29 ratio in their games won versus games lost.

Oak Glen boasts an even more impressive overall record of 28-7-3, with an undefeated 4-0 performance in their region. Their win percentage stands at .776, and they have shown remarkable strength on their home court with a perfect 15-0 record. Oak Glen has also been highly competitive in neutral site games, posting a 7-5-3 record. Their region win rate of 1.000 makes them a formidable opponent.

Key Players and Stats

Philip Barbour’s standout player is #33 Mackenna Halfin, who leads in kills (589), total blocks (109), digs (429), and receptions (434). Halfin’s versatility has been crucial to their success this season, and her all-around performance will be pivotal in the upcoming match.

Oak Glen counters with players like #20 Mckenzi Martin, who leads the team in kills with 319, and #7 Tia Vick, who has contributed 62 serving aces. In the backcourt, #31 Addison Smith’s 314 digs and #1 Mikalyn Balch’s 947 assists have been instrumental to the team’s solid performances.

Head-to-Head: Recent Matches

In their previous matchup, which took place on October 16, 2024, Philip Barbour emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Oak Glen. The match was hard-fought, with Oak Glen winning the first set (25-22), but Philip Barbour bounced back to win the next two sets (25-15, 25-14), securing the victory.

Statistical Breakdown

Looking at the season’s performance across various categories:

• Philip Barbour has totaled 1411 kills, 228 total blocks, and 261 serving aces, leading in assists (1263) and receptions (1442). Their defense has also been solid with 2163 digs.
• Oak Glen, on the other hand, has recorded 1120 kills, 151 blocks, and 279 aces. Their total assists (1080) and receptions (1506) show a balanced attack, while their defense, with 1381 digs, has proven to be reliable.

Record vs Common Opponents

The two teams have faced several common opponents this season, with Philip Barbour holding a 16-7 record against them, while Oak Glen has posted a slightly better 12-4-1 record. Notably, both teams have shared victories and losses against strong teams like Bridgeport, University, and Cabell Midland. Their performances against these teams have highlighted their competitive edge and ability to face top-tier opponents.

Key Match Insights

• Philip Barbour will rely on their strong attack led by Mackenna Halfin and their solid defense to outlast Oak Glen. Their previous win over Oak Glen proves they can handle the pressure in close matches.
• Oak Glen will aim to capitalize on their undefeated region record and home court dominance. Their depth, particularly in serving aces and assists, makes them a well-rounded team that can adapt to various match situations.

Looking Ahead

As both teams head into this neutral playoff match, the stakes are high. With Philip Barbour looking to repeat their victory and Oak Glen aiming to avenge their earlier loss, this promises to be an intense and closely contested match. Fans can expect strong performances from both squads, and the outcome could hinge on critical moments where defense, serving, and leadership on the court will be key.

Stay tuned for a thrilling encounter as Philip Barbour and Oak Glen battle for supremacy in West Virginia volleyball!