1) Bastrop is hoping 2010 will break the playoff barrier. The Lady Bears have not made the playoffs in the program’s history. That could change as long as Bastrop quickly finds a team leader to replace Sydney Wilhelm. Right now, setter Rachel Clardy and outside hitter Raven Barnett look to be the players that could fill that role.
Prediction: Bastrop sneaks into that fourth playoff spot in District 16-4A

2) Elgin is in defense mode as they hope to repeat as district champions. The Lady Cats won their first district title in 18 years in 2009 behind the strong serve of Daniela Cervantes. With Cervantes gone, Elgin will head into defensive mode behind all-state libero Kaci Olson. With traditional powerhouses Hutto and Hendrickson in the hunt, Elgin will find itself in a fight for its district title.
Prediction: Elgin still has enough weapons, so a repeat isn’t that far fetched.

3) Elgin head coach Hollie Smith-Huston is just 40 wins away from career win 200. While that may not be a number she reaches in 2010, it isn’t impossible. Elgin played 45 matches in 2010, so the countdown to 200 has to begin now. It all starts Tuesday at home against Taylor.
Prediction: It won’t happen this year, but it won’t take long in 2011 for her to get win No. 200.

4) Can Kimberly Paisley turn Smithville into a winner? As with any new coach, Paisley is faced with the challenge of putting together a winner with a team that has seen three coaches in three years. Building stability will be her first task, but she has a lot of talent to build a winner at Smithville. Outside hitter/middle blocker Madison Hannusch is going to be key to the Lady Tigers success. Having Class 3A state semifinalist Caldwell in your district is definitely a challenge.
Prediction: Smithville has a long way to go, but Paisley knows what it’s like to be a winner. Lady Tigers go 5-5 in district.

5) Cedar Creek will begin preparations Tuesday to join District 16-4A in 2011. Head coach Krystal Hacker will put her team through some winnable games to build confidence, which will be needed next year against teams like Elgin, Hutto, Connally and Hendrickson. There is a game with Smithville on the schedule, so that should be a fun one to watch. With no district title to worry about, it will be all about teaching and establishment of a program.
Prediction: The Lady Eagles show a lot of improvement with each game.