With volleyball's regional tournaments beginning on Friday, here's a short debate-stirring look at who might win each tournament:

4A East: Gillette. The Camels have been the scariest 4A team outside of Casper. They've been improving consistently and they're poised for a big weekend.... which may lead to more success next week.
4A West: Natrona County. This is simply a toss-up between the two Casper squads, but the Fillies have shown more consistency during the conference schedule than Kelly Walsh. Plus, NC beat KW twice in the regular season.
3A East: Wheatland. Once again, it could go either way with either the Bulldogs or Rawlins, especially since the tournament is on the Outlaws' home court. But Wheatland has already won once at Rawlins in the regular season and also beat Rawlins again at Wheatland during the regular season. Douglas and Glenrock, though, could also provide some upsets along the way and de-rail a Bulldogs-Outlaws championship.
3A West: Powell. No one has been more consistent in the 3A West this year than the Panthers. They just keep plugging away. They've been a bit under the radar due to Wheatland and Rawlins, but believe me -- Powell will have every team's full attention at state.
2A East: Big Horn. The Rams haven't shown any signs of a post-championship letdown. They're just as good this year as they were last year. Maybe better.
2A West: Mountain View. This is the scary part of trying to repeat for Big Horn: Mountain View is better this year, too. They've been tearing it up in the southwest corner this year and will be one of the teams to beat at state.
1A East: Hulett. There's quite a bit of parity in the 1A East this year, as Southeast, Kaycee and Arvada-Clearmont have all proven they know how to win big matches. But Hulett has proven all season that last year's title was no fluke -- and that they have the ability to win it all again.
1A West: Cokeville. As usual, no one has been close to touching the success the Panthers have experienced this fall. Now, all they have to do is put the pieces together at the right time, and they should be right there next Saturday night in the Casper Events Center, fighting it out in yet another championship match.

So what do you think? Any volleyball teams come into this week poised for some upsets? Who are your underdog picks for this weekend? Or did I hit the nail on the head with my picks? Make a comment below and fill me in on your thoughts.

Posted by patrick.schmiedt@trib.com.