New Top Five In 2A!

<p>We had our top five in 1A change dramatically this past week. 2A is no different, as early season wins and losses affect rankings a bit more than end-of-season results. Here are the new top five teams in 2A along with their top players.</p> <p><strong>#5: Covenant Christian (Indianapolis) (5-4)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous ranking: #5</strong></em></p> <p>Nothing has changed for the Warriors since the 1st off the month, but things will change for them for sure depending on their result against 13-0 Park Tudor tomorrow night. I touched on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="155693" first="Dani" last="Newport"]</strong> as the offensive leader for this squad last time, so let’s mention <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85825" first="Cadence" last="Notter"] (’22, 5-7 DS/L), </strong>who runs the offense for this roster and has already committed to perennial NAIA Top Ten Indiana Wesleyan as a ’bro.</p> <p><strong>#4: Western Boone (6-4)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous ranking: NR</strong></em></p> <p>Win a win over #5 Covenant Christian, the Stars vault into our top five. Some will look at the schedule and say they don’t belong. I argue that this 2A scheduling 4A schools and competing is bold and prepares them for the long haul. Offensively, WeBo is led by <strong>Maddie Hawkins (’22, 5-6 OH/DS), </strong>who captains this squad by example. She leads the Stars in kills and digs, and is second in aces.</p> <p><strong>#3: Madison-Grant (9-1)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous ranking: NR</strong></em></p> <p>The Argylls haven’t dropped a set since their August 19 loss to 4A Pendleton Heights. With Frankton as their County Tournament opponent tonight, we shall see what M-G has in store going forward. A tough schedule got them this far, and should prepare them for a post-season run. Offensively, <strong>Azmae Turner (’22, 5-11 MB)</strong> brings her size and athleticism to the fray; her nearly three kills per set while hitting well over .400 will be much needed come October.</p> <p><strong>#2: Tecumseh (12-2)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous ranking: NR</strong></em></p> <p>A win over 1A #4 Trinity Lutheran propelled the Braves to this spot, and only losses to 4A Terre Haute South and Evansville North keep them from perfection. First team All-State <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="95626" first="Kaybree" last="Oxley"] (’22, 5-10 MB)</strong> already has 119 kills on the season, and looks to follow up her outstanding 2020 campaign with a deeper postseason run this fall. She doesn’t come out; Miss Oxley leads the squad in kills, hitting percentage, blocks and digs, and is second in aces. A do-everything player is just what you need for a great season at 2A.</p> <p><strong>#1: Andrean (14-2)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous ranking: #1</strong></em></p> <p>The more things change.....well, you know the rest. The Fighting 59ers are fortunate enough to be in an area with a ton of volleyball talent. The bad news? Andrean picked up their second loss of the season to 4A volleyball power Munster recently. Still, this doesn’t knock them from #1 status, as no other team in 2A plays the level of schedule that Andrean does. How about an unsung hero for their start? <strong>Kara Schutz (’23, 5-5 DS/L)</strong> anchors the serve receive and defense for this squad, and her Epic United training has definitely made her the kid to avoid in serve receive.</p>