3A Too-Soon Preview: Part 2

<p>The 3A class, on first glance, has proven itself to have its fair share of solid volleyball programs. Today’s edition adds two more, but their paths to success have changed significantly since last fall. </p> <p><strong>SILVER CREEK</strong></p> <p>The team thwarted by 3A defending state champ Brebeuf for the last two seasons at the semi-state can finally breathe a sigh of relief---Brebeuf moved up to 4A this year. But that doesn’t make this season any easier, as 4A southern Indiana powerhouse Providence drops to 3A for the next two years, and joins SC’s sectional. The Dragons lost two major players from last fall in <strong>Emily Weber (#1 blocks)</strong> and <strong>Abby Marks (setter).</strong> What’s coming back will be much needed to step their game up to get out of their own sectional. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="143805" first="Ellie" last="Priddy"] (’24, 5-11 MB/OH)</strong> has the size, skill and volleyball acumen to carry the Dragons as far as she can. her 3+ kps/.250+ stat line is solid, and should receive an offensive complement in <strong>Macy Ferrell. [player_tooltip player_id="118339" first="Kiki" last="Brown"] </strong>is the returning libero they’ll need to keep this train going. But who’s setting? And where’s the rest of their size? </p> <p><strong>TRI-WEST</strong></p> <p>Another year, another exceptional volleyball season for Tri-West. Their problem also involves a team entering their sectional from another class. Western Boone, the 2A runner-up from a year ago, moves up to class 3A due to the tournament success factor---and joins the Bruins in their sectional. Although there’s a ton coming back for TW, losing <strong>Ava Keck (5-10 OH, signee at IU East)</strong> and <strong>Lindsay Springer (setter, signee at UNC Asheville)</strong> will be hard to replace. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85904" first="Elle" last="Patterson"] (’23, 6-0 OH, Fairfield commit)</strong> returns, bringing her 5+ kps/.250+ stat line with her. She’s the thumper and the size that the Bruins will need to make a solid run this fall. I’m betting on <strong>Kate Eastman (’24, 5-4 DS/L)</strong> as the libero this fall, as her outdoor game is phenomenal, earning top five marks regularly in the AVP America tour 18U division.</p>