Top Five 1A Teams This Week

Kyp Harasymowycz August 30, 2022 @ 05:56 AM

<p>Three weeks into the season, it can still be considered "early" by any measure. Some of these teams listed might not even be here next week depending on who they play this week. But for now, we have five 1A teams that have caught our eye.</p>   <h2>#5: Springs Valley (10-2)</h2>   <p>In all truthfulness, the Blackhawks are known for one individual named Larry Bird. However, the last few years have had the Carnes family change that narrative. both <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110507' first='Leigh' last='Carnes'] ('24, 5-8 OH/S)</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209451' first='Maddie' last='Carnes'] ('26, 5-6 OH/S)</strong> are the proverbial faces of the program, and they'll be together wreaking havoc on southern Indiana teams this year and next. Combined, the two ladies run the show, averaging 6 kills, 10 assists, 5 digs and a solid .240. There is no other pair of volleyball players doing as much for their team as these two. With their only losses coming to Providence (3A) and Castle (4A runner-up last year), the future looks bright.</p>   <h2>#4: Kouts (9-1)</h2>   <p>The Fillies always around. This is the beginning of my third high school season at PrepDig, and Kouts always makes an appearance. This might be their year, however, with a trio of seniors ready to make a major jump in the postseason. <strong>Lauryn Koedyker ('23, 6-0 MB)</strong> leads the way with a solid attack line of 3 k/.250+. <strong>Ally Capouch ('23, 5-11 MB)</strong> brings her size and 2+ k/s in the middle. <strong>Emma Garavalia ('23, 5-8 OH)</strong> can be a primary passer at the next level with her 2+ k/s, nearly an ace/set and 2+ d/s. These three are among the biggest trio in all of 1A, and their success starts and ends with them. </p>   <h2>#3: Cambridge City Lincoln (11-1)</h2>   <p>With their only loss coming to 3A Frankton, the Golden Eagles are once again in the conversation of best teams in 1A early. Another trio of seniors makes this team go, but with a more balanced attack. <strong>Grace Sherwood ('23, 5-8 OH)</strong> pounds nearly 3 k/s and adds another 3 d/s for good measure on defense. <strong>Mallory Burns ('23, 5-8 OH)</strong> is more of a defensive six-rotation outside, but still brings it in her own way with 2.5+ k/s and 4 d/s. Finally, <strong>Kelsey Stevens ('23, 5-8 MB)</strong> is a fast and compact middle averaging over two kills per set while hitting north of .200. </p>   <h2>#2 Loogootee (4-3)</h2>   <p>The Lions, always playing a tougher-than-average schedule, are here because of reputation. They produce athletes, period. This year is no different, as <strong>Sydnee Wittmer ('24, 5-6 OH/S), [player_tooltip player_id='104211' first='Kyleigh' last='Courter'] ('23, 5-4 DS/L) </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='106453' first='Brooklyn' last='Summers'] ('23, 5-3 S)</strong> bring their relentless style of play to this week's top five. It's also early this season, and I have no doubts that this squad will be there towards the end of the season. Each of the three listed have their own skill---Sydnee attacks at a 2.5 k/s clip in the front row while setting from the back row in a modified 6-2. Kyleigh is the libero everyone needs, leading most of 1A in the state with over 6 d/s. Brooklyn's small stature should not deter smaller colleges from taking advantage of a solid setter that can be one of a pair of setters in a 6-2 in the future. </p>   <h2>#1: Faith Christian (10-1)</h2>   <p>With their only loss to a team from Michigan, this is the first time I've ever mentioned the Eagles. A young squad led by Boiler Juniors stud <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='171344' first='Aesha' last='Vogt'] ('24, 5-8 OH)</strong> is the primary attacker FC needs to be successful. She's got an impressive stat line of 4+ kps/.250+, and also leads her young roster in digs and aces early on. Setter <strong>Adi Kirby ('24, 5-8 S)</strong> has experience for days, and at 9+ assists per set, knows how to distribute. Her all-around game is impressive as well, leading the team in blocks while being #2 in both digs and aces.</p>

Three weeks into the season, it can still be considered "early" by any measure. Some of these teams listed might not even be here next week depending on who they play this week. But for now, we have five 1A teams that have caught our eye.