1A Too-Soon Preview: Part 4

<p>With both AAUs and GJNCs in the rearview, we can safely continue our too-soon preview of each of the four classes. Today, we wrap up the smallest class of schools, the 1A class, that has a ton of talent spread throughout the state. Here are two teams that, despite their location and previous record, respectively, will make waves once the first serve comes in the beginning of August.</p> <p><strong>Southwood</strong></p> <p>Of the teams that I’ve talked about in this preview, the one squad I literally know nothing about might have the most returning youth. Leading this 29-win squad from a season ago was <strong>Marissa Metzger, </strong>whose 4+ k/s and .300+ hitting was the guiding force behind the Knight’s success. With Miss Metzger gone, look for  <strong>Alaina Winer (’23, 5-6 OH/DS)</strong> to grip it and rip it high off hands and put some pace behind the ball. Setter <strong>Alli Lopez (’23, 5-6 S, Empowered)</strong> has high and fast hands that are very deceptive at any level. Alaina’s not alone on offense, as <strong>Grace Drake (’25, 5-10 S/RS)</strong> brings some much-needed size to this roster.</p> <p><strong>Indianapolis Lutheran</strong></p> <p>Yes, this squad had only eight (!!!) wins last season. Yes, they graduate three, including a primary attacker. But Coach Kathy Anderson constantly and consistently schedules the toughest of any 1A squad in the state, and gets the Saints primed for a post-season run nearly every fall. With Lafayette Central Catholic moving up to 2A, this might be a prime year to move beyond the sectional for the first time in a while. Leave that to floor general <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="190159" first="Regan" last="Wilson"], </strong>who will surpass 1500 career assists this fall. Leading attacker <strong>Hadleigh Filipovich </strong>brings the heat as the primary attacker for this group.</p>