3A Semi-State Players To Watch

<p>Yesterday, we talked about all four teams remaining in class 4A and the players that got them there. Today, it’s 3A’s turn to show off what they are and how they got there. </p> <p><strong>West Lafayette (28-2)</strong></p> <p>The Red Devils’ record is impressive, but what’s more impressive to me is the following: of their two losses, both are to 4A squads, and one is in the final four themselves, in the form of McCutcheon. Not bad, considering I hadn’t even considered them in my top ten back in August. WL defeated New Prairie in four LONG sets, and what’s really amazing is that they used exactly ZERO substitutions. The seven they have, six plus the ’bro, are what they’re coming with, and they’re leaning heavily on pin attackers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85818" first="Tori" last="Woods"] (’22, 5-10 OH, Texas Women’s University commit)</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85940" first="Rachel" last="Williams"] (’23, 5-7 OH). </strong>The two combined for 57 kills and 32 digs in their regional final, and will be called upon again to do everything six-rotation passers are supposed to do, and then some.</p> <p><strong>Bellmont (29-5)</strong></p> <p>The Braves have already had a pretty tough playoff run themselves. Here’s the list of teams they’ve beaten, in order, this postseason: Heritage (26-6), Muncie Burris (24-7), Wapahani (26-5), Angola (25-8) and NorthWood (32-3). A murderer’s row of volleyball stud programs, all swept aside by the likes of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="92612" first="Megan" last="Saalfrank"] (’22, 5-11 MB, IU-Kokomo commit)</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110518" first="Delaney" last="Lawson"] (’24, 6-1 OH).</strong> Miss Saalfrank had 15 kills and hit over .600 in the regional final, while Delaney brings her long frame and three kills per set to the fray. Their only 3A loss was to defending 3A state champ Dwenger, who was knocked out in their sectional. The sky is the limit for this group.</p> <p><strong>Brebeuf (30-3)</strong></p> <p>With Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger out of the way, Brebeuf is the only remaining state finalist from any class remaining from the 2020 season. All eyes are on this group of Braves, who have no losses in 3A and own wins over 4A Roncalli twice, another semi-state team. The only set they’ve dropped was in the regional final against Tri-West, where four (!!!) players finished in double-digits in kills. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85918" first="Sydney" last="Robinson"] (’23, 5-9 OH)</strong> leads the way offensively, with solid contributors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85706" first="Elizabeth" last="Phillips"] (’23, 6-1 MB), [player_tooltip player_id="85923" first="Delaney" last="Seaman"] (’23, 5-10 S/RS) </strong>and <strong>Maddie </strong><b>Siegel (’22, 5-11 OH, Howard University commit)</b> bringing the heat at the net. Don’t forget <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85920" first="Naija" last="Gadis"] (’23, 5-7 S), </strong>who’s probably the most dynamic setter in her class, while libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110498" first="Lola" last="Schumacher"] (’24, 5-6 DS/L)</strong> is as good as they come in the sophomore class at libero. </p> <p><strong>Silver Creek (23-11)</strong></p> <p>Here we go again. I had the pleasure of being at the match the last time these two played in the postseason, a semi-state win in four sets for Brebeuf. This will be another hotly contested match, as there are multiple weapons on offense for this squad. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="143805" first="Ellie" last="Priddy"] (’24, 5-11 MB)</strong> leads the way with her strength and length, while <strong>Macy Ferrell (’23, 5-8 OH)</strong> and <strong>Maddie Hunter (’23, 5-9 OH)</strong> keep teams honest by combining for over four kills per set. The Dragons have had a few tough matches this postseason, knocking off 2A defending champ Barr-Reeve last weekend in the 3A regional just to get this far. Here’s to hoping the rematch is just as competitive as last fall.</p>