Postseason play is right around the corner. With sections set to start in less than two weeks, PrepDig is breaking down each section with teams and players to watch. Section 4A looks like a bit of a jumbled mess as…
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SubscribePostseason play is right around the corner. With sections set to start in less than two weeks, PrepDig is breaking down each section with teams and players to watch.
Section 4A looks like a bit of a jumbled mess as many of the top teams vying for top seeds haven’t gone out and played in many tournaments or high-leverage nonconference matches. Heritage Christian’s come out of the section each of the last two seasons and won matches in the state tournament but the Eagles are laboring their way through a rebuilding season.
Favorite: Mounds Park Academy, Nova Classical
Mounds Park Academy has just two losses on the season – both to Class AA squads – and wins over a handful of the other viable section contenders including West Lutheran (twice).
Nova Classical Academy has an impressive record on the season as well and all four of its losses have come to quality teams. The Knights have been tested a little more at least on paper when it comes to navigating the regular season. That could be important come section tournament time as their experience in high-leverage settings could be put to use.
In the Mix: West Lutheran, New Life Academy
New Life Academy has a middling record to this point (14-12) but the Eagles have played a tough schedule and have wins over a handful of good teams and lost in narrow fashion to Southwest Christian earlier this week. They don’t have great height up front but they are athletic and scrappy.
West Lutheran will finish the year with at least 16 wins and likely push for the No. 3 or 4 seed in the section. Like the Eagles, the Warriors don’t have great height. But Erika Stensland is a solid outside hitter. Jordan Schuler and Abby Heinrich give the team two good setters which can help offset a sometimes imbalanced attack.
The only other team with more than 10 wins is Maranatha Christian Academy, which is 11-10 on the season. The Mustangs are playing perhaps their best ball of the season as they’ve won five matches in a row.
