Deanna Meyer knows if she can count on anything in the upcoming 5A state tournament, it's that it can be unpredictable.

Rankings don't count; region records don't matter; and all the historical dominance in the world can't help a team playing this weekend.

That's why the top-ranked Lone Peak Knights are preparing for every possibility when they take on the same team they defeated last year in the 5A state championship match — Skyline.

"Isn't that what the state tournament is all about?" she replied when asked if any team could win the title this year. "Teams have to show up and play."

Meyer's team goes into the tournament the top seed from Region 4 after splitting with Pleasant Grove to share the region title. Her program knows quite a bit about success as the Knights have played in five consecutive state championship matches (three in 4A and two in 5A). Still, the players on the court this morning are different from those who earned the title last year.

The Knights are led by senior setter Heather Hannemann, who played as a defensive specialist last season behind Ms. Volleyball Lacey Laycock. She has plenty of hitters who can put the ball away, including senior middles Taylor Day and Ashton Gray as well as outsides Aubrey Muaina and Ashlan Rogers. The squad also boasts one of the best liberos in the state in Anna Burgess.

Pleasant Grove, ranked second, opens the tournament against Alta and also has an impressive group of hitters. Led by Danica Mendivil, Brooke McAlister and Jenn Hamson.

Third-ranked Layton has some impressive blocking behind sophomore Mariah Katoa and senior Kathryn Lecheminant, as well as a solid setter in Carley Nelson. They also boast one of the best liberos in McKell Wahlen. The Lancers open with West Jordan and could meet Pleasant Grove in the second round of the tournament.

Fourth-ranked Northridge relies on athleticism and hustle with Andrea Marshall, outside, Lorin McDavid, outside and Candace Clifford, middle, leading the way. The Knights take on Hunter in the first round and could meet top-ranked Lone Peak in the second round.

Fifth-ranked Brighton is led by one of the state's best setters in Lori Mendenhall. The Bengals face Viewmont in the first round, which could be one of the most exciting matches of the first round. Fremont could be the wild-card of the tournament with players like Bethany Wray and Erica Nish.

"Each team has their strengths," said Meyer. "They have the things they are really good at. And then every team has weaknesses. I think it will come down to the teams that are able to play to their strengths and minimize their weaknesses will end up wining."

5A playoff pairings

UPPER BRACKET

Alta vs. Pl. Grove, 9 a.m.

West Jordan vs. Layton, 10:30 a.m.

Davis vs. Riverton, 10:30 a.m.

Lehi vs. Taylorsville, 9 a.m.

LOWER BRACKET

Hunter vs. Northridge, 12:15 p.m.

Skyline vs. Lone Peak, 1:45 p.m.

Viewmont vs. Brighton, 1:45 p.m.

Fremont vs. Bingham, 12:15 p.m.

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E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com