Photo Courtesy of David Beans Studio

In one of the toughest districts in the state for Class 4-A Volleyball, there seems to be an amazing tradition. In the most recent TGCA Poll, Cleburne is ranked 9th. District rival, Aledo, is ranked 12th. Sound familiar? It should as both teams made the rankings along with another district rival, Stephenville, in 2005.

In 2005, all three teams made it to the Regional Quarterfinals where Aledo managed to knock off the Lady Jackets to advance to the Regional Finals - only to be beaten by Dumas. Before that, Dumas had beaten Stephenville in the Regional Semifinals.

In 2004, it was just the opposite for Aledo and Cleburne. All three teams made it to the Regional Quarterfinals where Cleburne knocked off the Aledo to advance to the Regional Finals - only to be beaten by Dumas. Before that, Dumas had beaten Stephenville in the Regional Semifinals.

If we go back even further, you'll see the same four teams doing the just about same thing year after year.  They all seem to be thorns in each others' sides when it comes to advancing to the State Tournament.

Fast forward to 2006; Cleburne is 4-0 in District 8-4A along with Joshua. Yeah, that's right, Joshua. Stephenville and Aledo are both 3-1. All other teams in the district are likely out of playoff contention or will be soon. Dumas in District 3-4A is ranked 2nd in the most recent TGCA Poll. You could almost count on seeing these four teams (Cleburne, Aledo, Stephenville, Dumas) squaring off again somewhere around the Regional Quarterfinals. Almost - except three of them have to contend with Joshua first.

 

Conference 4A -  Texas Girls Coaches Association Poll
1.	New Braunfels
2.	Dumas
3.	Frisco Centennial
4.	Dallas Highland Park
5.	Waco Midway
6.	Denton Guyer
7.	Hereford
8.	Denton
9.	Cleburne
10.	Dickinson
11.	Nederland
12.	Aledo
13.	Cedar Park Vista Ridge
14.	Friendswood
15.	Austin McCallum
16.	Brenham
17.	Buda Hays
18.	Boerne
19.	Mesquite Poteet
20.	Corpus Christi Calallen