This Week’s Top Five In 4A: The Uncommitted

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We conclude this week's top five list with some big girl ball. We could talk about the seniors all day for each of these squads, but how about some underclassmen that don't have a home yet in their respective classes? Here are five teams (and ten players) that have much to prove going forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>#5: Brebeuf (14-2, #4 last poll)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Already champs of the Circle City conference, the Braves solidified their title with a four-set win over fellow 4A power Roncalli. Among the heroines of this roster is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='85918' first='Sydney' last='Robinson'] ('23, 5-7 OH),</strong> a Munciana-trained primary passing outside who already has a 3A state title trophy on her mantle. Leading the team in kills and from behind the baseline, the Braves should lean on her as the calendar turns to October. First contact queen <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110498' first='Lola' last='Schumacher'] ('24, 5-4 DS/L)</strong> is also a Munciana kid, and her ball control is tops among all defenders in her class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>#4: Carroll (20-0, NR last poll)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Is there such a thing as a quiet, 20-win and undefeated season? For me there is, as the Chargers are the last undefeated team in all of 4A. Doing their jobs with a well-balanced offense and exceptional role players, Carroll plays a tougher-than-average schedule, as evidenced by their five-set triumph over 3A power Bellmont recently. <strong>Bailey Sinish ('26, 5-9 OH)</strong> has been a pleasant surprise for this squad, hitting a heavy ball while adding an attack line of 3+k/.300 per set. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110485' first='Brenna' last='Ginder'] ('24, 5-5 DS/L)</strong> is another outstanding option at libero at the next level in a class filled with defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>#3: McCutcheon (13-1, #2 last poll)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their hiccup to Yorktown a couple of weeks ago keeps the Mavericks from being among the undefeated, but they haven't blinked since. In that loss, the only other attacker with more than one kill not named Chicoine was <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110524' first='Isabella' last='Humphrey'] ('24, 5-9 OH), </strong>who will need to step up sooner rather than later if they want to defend their 4A state title. And even if the Mavericks don't have another option in the attack, maybe <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='155214' first='Reanna' last='Lee'] ('25, 5-11 MB)</strong> can throw her size around and block a few balls to slow down opposing offenses. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>#2: Yorktown (17-2, #5 last poll)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A pair of sophomores highlight this roster, both with high-level aspirations in their heads. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152944' first='Charlotte' last='Vinson'] ('25, 6-2 OH)</strong> is my top player in the class of '25, who can also step in and set if the need arises. She's already at an attack line of 4+k/.300+ on the season, so she won't be needed to run an offense. But she could, which makes her all the more recruitable. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='155213' first='Addi' last='Applegate'] ('25, 5-4 DS/L)</strong> dons the special jersey for good reason, as a Munciana-trained primary passer who comes from a long line of Tigers who are or have been elite floor defenders at the next level. That list includes Kenzie Knuckles (Nebraska), Ellee Stinson (Northwestern), Bella Rosenthal (Auburn) and Kylie Murr (Ohio State). In other words, Addi can pass half the court. Do not, under any circumstances, serve her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>#1: Hamilton Southeastern (13-1, #1 last poll)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the words of a Big Ten assistant I recently chatted with, the talent level among the Royals is an "embarrassment of riches". Need a middle? How about <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153104' first='Breonna' last='Goss'] ('24, 5-11 MB, Duke commit).</strong> A pin player? <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='93482' first='Avery' last='Hobson'] ('23, 6-1 OH, Duquesne commit)</strong> can hammer with the best of them. But our focus today is on the uncommitted, so let's mention two top ten recruits in this class in Indiana. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110501' first='Lauren' last='Harden'] ('24, 6-4 OH)</strong> spends her off seasons training on the National Team Pipeline, while learning how to be more than a high-flying hammer on either pin. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110509' first='Macy' last='Hinshaw'] ('24, 5-9 S)</strong> is part of a 6-2 the Royals throw out there and has been playing a year up in club since before I can remember. An embarrassment of riches to be sure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->