4A Rankings Update:….The More They Stay The Same

<p>With roughly a week and a half remaining in the high school regular season in Indiana, we have seen a separation of contenders and pretenders, wanna-bes and powerhouses, talk and chalk. 4A has been the usual suspects all season, and this week is no exception. I’d like to thank Zach McCrite and IndianaPrepVolleyball.com for their help in this endeavor. If you’re interested in Indiana high school volleyball, that is your one-stop shop.</p> <p><strong>#5: Crown Point, 24-3</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Last week: #4</strong></em></p> <p>The loss to La Porte last week hurt the Bulldogs, but their strength of schedule kept them in our top five, and should be a force to be reckoned with considering their size and skill. The combined record of their remaining three matches is under .500, so I expect to see a 27-3 Bulldog program rested and ready for the postseason. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="102846" first="Kendall" last="Schara"] (’22, 5-8, OH) </strong>continues to be the primary attacker for CP, who also leads in aces and is second in digs.</p> <p><strong>#4: La Porte, 23-2</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Last week: NR</strong></em></p> <p>Welcome back, Slicers! That thorn in your side you feel is Munster, who already own two wins over you. Fortunately, you’re not in their sectional, and may not see them until the regional final, if you make it that far. Here’s to hoping for a fortunate draw that involves very little energy expended before meeting up with them. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="102465" first="Aniya" last="Kennedy"] (’22, 6-1, MB)</strong> continues to sky over her competition, leading in kills while hitting over .330 and is tied for the lead in blocks.</p> <p><strong>#3: Munster, 23-2</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Last week: #3</strong></em></p> <p>The only team to keep the same ranking in 4A this week is the aforementioned Munster. They’ve dropped three sets total since their last match loss on August 22. And with a rematch in the regional against Crown Point looming, prepping for the postseason and staying healthy are of the utmost importance to the Mustangs. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="102468" first="Lourdes" last="Torres"] (’21, 5-9, OH)</strong> is the engine that makes Munster go, hitting nearly .400 with her four kills per set. </p> <p><strong>#2: Yorktown, 16-0</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Last week: #1</strong></em></p> <p>Two matches remain for a perfect regular season; October 6 at Fishers and October 10 hosting Center Grove. Both are winnable, but will be battles. The only reason for a slip-up from the #1 spot isn’t the fault of the Tigers; conference matches are required, and I don’t think anyone expected Cathedral to be under .500. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85700" first="Jaylynn" last="Dunsmore"] (’21, 6-0, MB)</strong> is the physical presence the Tigers need to give them at least a little size against their larger opponents come tournament time.</p> <p><strong>#1: Hamilton Southeastern, 15-0</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Last week: #2</strong></em></p> <p>They’ve dropped three sets in fifteen matches. None have gone longer than four sets. Columbus East and Center Grove await on Saturday at the North/South Showdown at Noblesville, but that’s it. I am supremely impressed with the play of freshman pin attacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110501" first="Lauren" last="Harden"] (’24, 6-2, OH)</strong><strong>, </strong>mostly because she looks like she’s done this before. A surrounding cast of characters running an offense at a .280 clip makes for a juggernaut, and I wonder how the HSE/Yorktown matchup in the state final might look. If only we’re so lucky.</p>