Top Five In 1A This Week: Postseason Edition

Photo: Prep Dig, Josiah

Kyp Harasymowycz October 4, 2022 @ 08:45 AM

<p>We are into the last week of the regular season, meaning that the focus should be on staying healthy and prepping for postseason opponents. The blind sectional draws have been released, courtesy of the IHSAA, and each team has their opening round matchup. Here are the five teams we're looking at, and the top players that will be called upon to lead the way for their respective squads.</p>   <h2>#5: Blackhawk Christian (24-4), sectional #51, @ Bethany Christian on October 13</h2>   <p>In the northern half of the draw, there are few teams the Braves have to be concerned about prior to the regional. Opening against a tough Bethany Christian (17-7) team at their place is a great way to see how prepared Blackhawk Christian is for the postseason. Size and strength might be needed from the first serve, so look no further than <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='230528' first='Abbie' last='Cresse'] ('24, 6-3 MB)</strong> to set the tone for the Braves. Her three kills per set while hitting over .300 on the season will be needed for a strong run in October.</p>   <h2>#4: Trinity Lutheran (17-8), sectional #62, v New Washington on October 13</h2>   <p>Just as the Braves have very little to worry about in their sectional, the Cougars might not get pushed in their own sectional they host starting a week from Thursday. New Washington (8-16) is first on the schedule, and should present very little stress to the two-headed attack Trinity Lutheran brings to the fray. Our eyes are on the senior leadership, which starts and ends with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='104217' first='Bailey' last='Tabeling'] ('23, 5-10 MB/OH).</strong> Her impressive attack line of 5+k/.300+ per set can carry a team through a sectional. She'll probably need a bit of help once in the regional---for now, however, Bailey is the catalyst for this roster.</p>   <h2>#3: South Newton (28-2), sectional #52, v winner of North White/Tri County on October 15</h2>   <p>The only team on this list getting a full week of break are the Rebels, AND they get to host their own sectional. They await the winner of North White (3-19) and Tri-County (16-8), whom the Rebels have a combined 3-0 record against. That break is much-needed; South Newton's schedule is one of the toughest in class 1A, and that rest and recovery should be key as they move through the sectional. My personal favorite on this roster is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='161191' first='Taylor' last='Cripe'] ('25, 5-9 OH), </strong>a fast-twitch attacker if there ever was one. Taylor can be a primary-passing outside at the next level, and can put balls away at a high rate.</p>   <h2>#2: Springs Valley (24-4), sectional #63, v Orleans on October 13</h2>   <p>The Blackhawks (not to be confused with Blackhawk Christian above) get to host their own sectional as well, as they face Orleans (6-14) in the first round. In the land of Larry Bird, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110507' first='Leigh' last='Carnes'] ('24, 5-9 S/RS)</strong> has carved her own path as a Blackhawk and with Union volleyball club. She does so much for this roster that it's hard to imagine SV being successful without her.</p>   <h2>#1: Tecumseh (24-3), sectional #64, v Northeast Dubois on October 13</h2>   <p>What a year for the Braves. Another 20+-win season, another tough schedule, another tough set of athletes up and down this roster. Their first opponent (12-9) might give them pause if the Braves look ahead to a possible regional matchup against either Springs Valley or Trinity Lutheran, so focus and leadership are the key. We're looking at you, <strong>Bri Marx ('23, 5-11 RS/MB),</strong> who will have to bring all of her experience and skill to the postseason to lead her squad to that elusive state title in volleyball.</p>

We are into the last week of the regular season, meaning that the focus should be on staying healthy and prepping for postseason opponents. The blind sectional draws have been released, courtesy of the IHSAA, and each team has their opening round matchup. Here are the five teams we're looking at, and the top players that will be called upon to lead the way for their respective squads.