Back To School: This Week’s 2A Review

<p>For the record, it is GREAT to hear full gyms again. The noise of the crowd, real whistles, kids playing hard on every point. This edition of "Back To School" focuses on top 2A programs and the players that got them there so far.</p> <p><strong>#9: Hammond Bishop Noll (1-5)</strong></p> <p>I know, I know. The Warriors have a losing record, Kyp! Why are you writing about them? It’s simple, voice in my head. All five losses are to 4A programs, their lone win was an in-conference contest, and since the sectionals are unseeded, why not try to play the toughest schedule you can? I think the best part of this story is the fact that their leading attacker is freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="154813" first="Sophia" last="Pelton"] (’25, 5-9 OH),</strong> who also leads in aces. The Warriors are also anchored by two freshmen running a 6-2! The future is bright, and there’s no substitute for real game experience.</p> <p><strong>#3: Tecumseh (3-0)</strong></p> <p>Three wins to start, two of which were conference wins, help the Braves to a quick beginning to the fall of ’21 campaign. All eyes are on 1st Team All-State <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="95626" first="Kaybree" last="Oxley"] (’22, 5-10 MB), </strong>who has to do more for this athletic squad than in previous seasons. She’s currently averaging over three kills per set, hitting north of .500, and is tops in blocks and digs. </p> <p><strong>#2: Evansville Mater Dei (3-2)</strong></p> <p>No, the Wildcats won’t be #2 for long, as the next set of rankings comes out next week. That being said, a pair of seniors make this team go. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="118192" first="Sophie" last="Kleiman"] (’22, 5-11 MB)</strong> has the size to dominate in 2A (3.4 kps, .258), while <strong>Devon Folz (’22, 5-8 OH)</strong> is lethal behind the service line (2.9 kps, #1 aces).</p> <p><strong>#1: Andrean (6-1)</strong></p> <p>Let the record show that the Fighting 59ers is the greatest mascot in Indiana. Full stop. With three top-tier programs moving up to 3A for the next few years, someone has to lead the way, and it’s probably Andrean’s to lose. An early test will come tomorrow against 1A #4 Lafayette Central Catholic. This is another team led by two seniors in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="108093" first="Angelina" last="Majchrowicz"] (’22, 5-9 OH) </strong>and <strong>Madi Kmetz (’22, 5-8 S). </strong>When your outside averages over four kills per set and your setter has been the starter since birth, you’re in good hands in 2A. Sustaining that success will decide their future.</p>