New Teams To The Top 5 In 3A

Kyp Harasymowycz September 7, 2022 @ 02:50 PM

<p>This is only the second installment of our weekly top five, so it stands to reason that there will be some early change. In today's case, three of the five are new to the list, but not new at all to volleyball royalty. </p>   <h2>#5: Bellmont (13-3, NR last week)</h2>   <p>Another year, another stellar start for the Braves. With a tough matchup against 4A power Carroll out of Fort Wayne tonight, Bellmont's "schedule everyone" mentality will serve them well come October and November. Leading the way offensively is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110518' first='Delaney' last='Lawson'] ('24, 6-1 OH), </strong>who uses her size and skill to own a stat line of 4+kps/.300+. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='157433' first='Jackie' last='Sutter'] ('24, 5-9 OH/RS)</strong> is an excellent complement to Miss Lawson, adding three kills per set of her own.</p>   <h2>#4: NorthWood (7-2, 5th last week)</h2>   <p>The Panthers move up a spot from last week because of their strength of schedule and win over Concord (6-3) last week. Some athletes to watch for this squad are ball control masters. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='197533' first='Macy' last='Lengacher'] ('23, 5-4 DS/L)</strong> can easily pass half the court in serve receive and defends well for her size. Setter <strong>Emery Porter ('24, 5-6 S)</strong> benefits from that first contact, getting to most balls that girls her size simply aren't athletic enough to get to. Her ten assists per set are near the top regardless of class.</p>   <h2>#3: Barr-Reeve (15-1, NR last week)</h2>   <p>The Vikings, a recent move from 2A to 3A in the last couple of years, have big shoes to fill. Looking at their early success, it doesn't seem to phase them. <strong>Dylan DeCoursey ('23, 5-7 S/RS)</strong> is a do-everything player, averaging 3 kills per set and hitting over .400 in the front row. She's part of a 6-2 when she's in the back, and uses her skill and athleticism to lead well. <strong>Hannah Bledsoe ('25, 6-0 MB)</strong> is the big the Vikings haven't had in recent memory, and adds a few more kills and blocks per set, while also hitting over .400 on the season.</p>   <h2>#2: Providence (13-5, NR last week)</h2>   <p>Ah, there you are Pioneers. A recent move to 3A from 4A, Providence is another that plays anyone, anytime and anywhere, but has the advantage of Kentucky's best teams just over the Ohio River from them. The ladies from Clarksville nearly knocked off Kentucky #1 Assumption, and have held their own against teams larger than them. Of course, leadership starts and ends with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='85899' first='Grace' last='Purichia'] ('23, 5-7 S, Jacksonville State commit), </strong>who is a stud in both indoor and outdoor disciplines. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192099' first='Abby' last='Julius'] ('25, 5-10 MB/OH)</strong> shows some much-needed size for the Pioneers, which they'll probably need as October turns into November.</p>   <h2>#1: Western Boone (10-1, 1st last week)</h2>   <p>The Stars do what they do. They stay athletic, relentless and fast throughout the match. We touched on some offensive powers last week, but what about the kids that have to feed those attackers the ball? <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='85927' first='Elena' last='Gubera'] ('23, 5-5 DS/L)</strong> is an outstanding option for the special jersey, and can set in a pinch if you need it. Current setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='157436' first='Janie' last='Ransom'] ('25, 5-7 S)</strong> runs a 5-1 offense like she's always been the setter, and plays with a maturity not normally seen from her graduating class.</p>

This is only the second installment of our weekly top five, so it stands to reason that there will be some early change. In today's case, three of the five are new to the list, but not new at all to volleyball royalty.