2A Too-Soon Preview: Part 4
Wrapping up our too-soon preview of class 2A are two teams that average 25 wins a season, yet fly under the radar because of the (1) location of the schools, and (2) lack of club experience. These teams are certainly…
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Continue ReadingWrapping up our too-soon preview of class 2A are two teams that average 25 wins a season, yet fly under the radar because of the (1) location of the schools, and (2) lack of club experience. These teams are certainly athletic—all of the kids I mention today are multi-sport athletes. With all of the influx on solid programs and volleyball blue-bloods, it’s nice to have a few three-sport athletes mentioned.
NORTH POSEY
In southwestern Indiana, located closer to Illinois than Evansville, are the Vikings of North Posey. Women’s athletics there are constantly and consistently competing for sectional, regional and state titles in multiple sports, and volleyball is no different. Unfortunately, with that athleticism comes the departure and (hopefully) replacement of the athletic studs that dot each and every roster. With the graduation of Julia Fullop, Claire Koester and Jenna Rhineburger, over seven kills per set (and a .265 combined hitting percentage) are not returning. The good news is what’s coming back. Much-needed size in Emma Hall (’23, 5-10 MB) returns, and should be a force in the Pocket Conference. Returning libero Ashton Elpers (over six digs per set!) is the first-contact ’bro that keeps the Vikings competitive. Addison Fullop (’24, OH/S) is the do-everything player that should never come out. And I haven’t even mentioned Erin Hoehn (volleyball-softball stud), who is the top returning attacker. Things look good in Poseyville, but does that translate to success in October?
SOUTH ADAMS
Go northeast a few hours, and you hit Berne, Indiana, the home of the Starfires, another close-to-the-border district. These ladies are actually closer to Dayton, Ohio than Indianapolis, which makes covering them harder than usual. No matter—when you win at this level for years on end, it’s easy for others to take notice. Although the best attacker graduated (Carlie Sealscott, 3.4 k/s, .319) and the speedy setter is gone (Taylor Braun), there is no panic in this bunch. Returners like Macy (’24) and Peyton Pries (’23) will keep this program going without much effort. Both can be the first-contact kid, the primary attacker, and can even step in and lead if the need arises. I’d like to see what else comes up through the ranks before I pass judgment, but the Starfires should continue to be in the conversation of 20-win programs until I’m proven otherwise.