Shuffling The Top Five In Class 2A

Photo: Prep Dig, Josiah

Kyp Harasymowycz September 7, 2022 @ 07:05 AM

<p>It's still early, but it's not. We just passed Labor Day, which in Indiana means that the conference schedules just began. But that also means we're <em>that</em> much closer to the postseason, which is less than six weeks away. The shuffling will continue in earnest before then. For now, here are our current top five for class 2A.</p>   <h2>#5: South Central (Union) (16-2, 3rd last week)</h2>   <p>The Satellites keep their season on the positive with an undefeated week last week. <strong>Riley Schmack ('23, 5-6 DS/L), </strong>twin sister to Ella from last week, is the solid libero that keeps 2A teams in the top five regularly. Her four digs per set will be key down the road. Riley needs someone to pass to, so look no further than <strong>Hope Welsh ('24, 5-6 S), </strong>who runs a 5-1 offense with the best of them.</p>   <h2>#4: Mitchell (14-0, NR last week)</h2>   <p>Welcome to the top five, Mitchell! The Bluejackets can no longer sneak up on anyone with the record they possess. This junior-heavy squad is led offensively by athletic middle <strong>Brooke Reynolds ('24, 5-9 MB), </strong>who probably projects to a pin attacker at the next level. No matter---that 3+kps/.300+ attack line works for me. Someone has to get her the ball, so let's insert <strong>Jaden Allen ('25, 5-7 S), </strong>who is more of that youthful core that should keep Mitchell in the top five conversation this year and next.</p>   <h2>#3: South Adams (11-3, 2nd last week)</h2>   <p>It's hard to find a place for the Starfires this week. Although two of their losses are to teams from Ohio, placing them here seems almost unfair. Talent oozes from this roster, as evidenced by the Pries kids last week. There's plenty more to choose from, including big <strong>Cora Baker ('23, 5-10 MB), </strong>a strong and physical middle that could also play right side if needed. The first contact is key for this bunch, so they lean on <strong>Jessica Myers ('23, 5-2 DS/L)</strong> to get the dirty work done.</p>   <h2>#2: Andrean (13-3, 4th last week)</h2>   <p>2A state championship aside, the Fighting 59ers continue to show their dominance in their schedule with a sweep of 4A Munster last night. The only way to repeat that title run is to play an even tougher schedule, which makes them the only team to move up in the rankings from last week. We know about the primary players, but what about the x-factors? Can't have a successful season without an exceptional first contact, so we look to <strong>Kara Schutz ('23, 5-4 DS/L)</strong> to wear the special jersey. Her 6+ digs per set is near the top of the state in all classes. Hard to replace Maddie Kmetz (Western Michigan) from that championship run, so they now run a 6-2 with <strong>Katie Cusick ('23, 5-9 S)</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='191063' first='Varya' last='Rahoizha'] ('24, 5-10 S).</strong></p>   <h2>#1: Wapahani (11-3, 1st last week)</h2>   <p>The only non-movers from last week, the Raiders, continue their dominance and look to unseat Andrean and bring a title back to Delaware County. Primary attackers drive this squad, but what about the support players? <strong>Sophia Beeson ('25, 5-8 OH/DS)</strong> projects to be a DS at the next level, but careering the other day (11 kills) on the pin is a great way to support a championship run. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='114356' first='Macie' last='Bowden'] ('23, 5-7 S)</strong> plays like a 9th-year senior, as her maturity and leadership feel like she's been there since the mid-2010s. Miss Bowden averages over nine assists per set, and just passed 2500 career assists.</p>

It's still early, but it's not. We just passed Labor Day, which in Indiana means that the conference schedules just began. But that also means we're that much closer to the postseason, which is less than six weeks away. The shuffling will continue in earnest before then. For now, here are our current top five for class 2A.