4A Too-Soon Preview: Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finally, we get to big-girl ball. Class 4A in the state of Indiana will be absolutely jam-packed with athletes from all corners, and with all of the parts to my previews, there will be someone left out. In advance, my apologies. Today's featurette lists both the 3A and the 4A state champs from a year ago, with the great majority of each of their cores returning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>BREBEUF</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The reigning 3A state champ moves up a class due to the IHSAA's Tournament Success Factor, and should do just fine in the largest class, thankyouverymuch. Yes, <strong>Madeline Siegel </strong>will be missed. The number two option offensively kept defenses honest, and her vocal leadership helped propel this epic roster to the highest of highs. The core returning, however, will hold their own well. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85918" first="Sydney" last="Robinson"]</strong> <strong>('23, 5-7 OH)</strong> brings the 3+ kps/.300+ attack line with her ability to be a six-rotation passer at the next level. Still without a home in the fall of '23, Miss Robinson will be leaned on heavily to shoulder the offensive workload. She'll have help in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85923" first="Delaney" last="Seaman"] ('23, 5-10 RS/S), </strong>who comes from a long family line of volley dorks and setters alike. She's the right side that can take the second ball when the setter plays defense, while also having smarts on the block and putting balls away regularly from the right pin. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="210178" first="Elizabeth" last="Phillips"] ('23, 6-1 MB)</strong> is coming off of a stellar postseason, which saw her get All-American honors at GJNCs while guiding her Rev squad to a bronze-medal finish in the 17 National division. She has the size, speed and volleyball acumen to frustrate opposing offenses and defenses consistently. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85920" first="Naija" last="Gadis"] ('23, 5-8 S, Jackson State commit)</strong> has been high on my list for years, and is the fast, accurate and aggressive setter most college coaches need. This program does NOTHING without a first contact, however, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110498" first="Lola" last="Schumacher"] ('24, 5-4 DS/L)</strong> is perfect for this role. The libero jersey is hers to lose, and her level of talent has been varsity-and-beyond since her freshman year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>MCCUTCHEON</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending 4A state champ has a ton returning, and should be the odds-on favorite to win it all again. The Mavericks are obviously led by U.S. Youth National Team Member <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85895" first="Chloe" last="Chicoine"] ('23, 5-10 OH, Purdue commit), </strong>but she has plenty of help. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110524" first="Isabella" last="Humphrey"] ('24, 5-9 OH)</strong> is an excellent complement as the other left side. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="155214" first="Reanna" last="Lee"] ('25, 5-11 MB)</strong> has the size and the speed to slow down opposing middles and put balls away at will. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85926" first="Raegan" last="Burns"] ('23, 5-5 DS/L, Kansas commit)</strong> has the tools and the talent to be a high-level defender and can easily pass half of the court in serve receive. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110523" first="Allie" last="Shondell"] ('24, 5-10 S)</strong> has been a gym rat for years, and her abilities to run any offense in a 5-1 is apparent daily. Oh, and did I mention <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="210192" first="Lexi" last="Shondell"] ('26, 5-8 S)</strong> is an incoming freshman? Lexi just finished a run of an AAU national championship (should I say 'another'?) and a formidable finish in the 14 Open division at GJNCs. I know I'm leaving some folks out. To know that just two short seasons ago, the Mavericks had their first-ever regional title, got their first state title last year, and should do so again this year, this is a program that isn't just rising anymore, they're STAYING at the top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->