4A Early Returns For Indiana

<p>We wrap up our first run of weekly rankings and updates to our high school season in the Hoosier State with our top five in class 4A. I wanted to give credit where credit is due; Zach McCrite, of IndianaPrepVolleyball.com, helped me with compiling the early rankings. If you’re at all interested in Indiana high school volleyball, check his site out. Although the players highlighted here are, on average, the shortest of the four classes listed thus far, there is no shortage of talent in any of these five schools early on.</p> <p><em>I want to make the following very clear: New Castle, defending 4A state champion, is not mentioned here because, as of this writing, they’ve only played one match, a victory over Center Grove. Stay tuned, I’m sure they’ll make some moves once they’re back into playing shape.</em></p> <p><strong>#5: Castle, 6-0</strong></p> <p>Our preseason #12 jumps all the way up to #5 after a few weeks of competition. They haven’t really been tested yet, and their match on Saturday against Brownsburg should really set the tone for the remainder of their season. With so much youth and talent (the Knights only have two seniors that have seen playing time), our favorite is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="107136" first="Natalie" last="Niehaus"] (’22, 5-9, OH). </strong>Leading the way in kills, third in blocks and second in digs, it will be on this primary passing junior to lead Castle to the promised land.</p> <p><strong>#4: La Porte, 8-1</strong></p> <p>The Slicers come in at #4 after a preseason ranking of #11. Already owning a sweep over #2 Penn and a four-set win over #3 Crown Point, the lone blemish came against Munster in a tough four-set loss. We are not surprised by their success: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85696" first="Paige" last="Conklin"] (’21, 5-8, S) </strong>is running (or should I say, owning) a modified 6-2; setting in the back and attacking in the front. Paige also leads the team in assists and aces, and is second in kills. Another match against Crown Point later this month should really set the stage for a successful run this season.</p> <p><strong>#3: Crown Point, 10-2</strong></p> <p>Year-in and year-out, Crown Point is always there at the end. The preseason #7 have made more than their share of state finals over the years, and this year will be no exception. However, a four-set loss to the aforementioned #4 La Porte, coupled with a tough 2-1 loss to #2 Penn in a recent tournament, puts CP in this spot. With the Avon tournament this Saturday, we’ll really see the Bulldogs’ worth against New Castle and Carmel. So far, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="102846" first="Kendall" last="Schara"] (’22, 5-8, OH)</strong> has led this junior-heavy squad in this well-balanced offense. She leads CP in kills and aces, and is second in digs.</p> <p><strong>#2: Penn, 8-1</strong></p> <p>Opening the season with a four-set loss to #4 La Porte was not in the Kingsmen’s plans. They haven’t lost since, and will need to patch up a few things before sectionals begin in just over five weeks. Of what we’ve seen, our favorite is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="96395" first="Lauren" last="Baker"] (’21, 5-11, OH), </strong>who has a great video she posted called "Quarantine Grind". Check it out, you won’t be disappointed. </p> <p><strong>#1: Hamilton Southeastern, 8-0</strong></p> <p>The Royals’ loaded schedule includes wins over the who’s who of high-level 4A volleyball in the state, aside from New Castle. They recently dispatched Avon last night in a quick three. Their next three matches? Yorktown, Fishers and Mount Vernon (Fortville), a combined 14-1 on the season. HSE and coach Jason Young are playing the toughest schedule I’ve seen thus far in the state, and it’s not close. There are so many offensive weapons to mention on this squad, that the first contact peeps are usually forgotten. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85675" first="Carly" last="Mills"] </strong>has already committed to Indiana, so let’s mention #1 in aces and #3 in digs defensive specialist <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85681" first="Taylor" last="Lauri"] (’21, 5-8, DS), </strong>as unsung as you can get on a team full of studs.</p>