Early Returns On 3A This Week: Top Five

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state-wide coaches poll came out the other day, and it was confusing, to say the least. Normally, a "top ten" type of list is created, with a couple sprinkled in that "received votes". According to coaches from around the state, 43 (!!!) teams deserve to be in the top ten in the state in 3A. Since that's just not possible, we're going to create our own list. Here's our top five teams in 3A, with key players and records included.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5: Benton Central (2-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've been high on the Bison for two seasons now, and for good reason. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110506' first='Sienna' last='Foster'] ('24, 5-9 OH, Purdue commit) </strong>is the primary attacker, and can easily pass half the court in serve receive. She's also responsible for about 40% of the team's offense, which isn't sustainable for the entire season. The good news is that Sienna doesn't have to look far for help. Younger sister <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='210185' first='Cali' last='Foster'] ('26, 5-9 OH)</strong> is a springy addition to this offense, and is one of the purest six-rotation outsides in any class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4: Western Boone (1-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although it's early in their schedule, the Stars are already on their way to a repeat arrival at Worthen in November. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='154814' first='Raegan' last='Durbin'] ('25, 5-10 OH)</strong> is following up her all-state performance from last fall with a refined game that can translate to the next level easily. WeBo also has size on the right pin in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='240161' first='Alayna' last='Christner'] ('24, 6-2 RS),</strong> who can disrupt opposing attackers by her physical presence alone. A surprise new addition to the squad is sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='487350' first='Emmerson' last='Gott'] ('26, 6-0 MB),</strong> a two sport stud whose size and athleticism are a nice complement to the undersized roster as a whole. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3: Angola (1-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is so difficult for me to put the Hornets here at #3, but it's early. I'm sure that their results will change this spot in our rankings, what with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110486' first='Morgan' last='Gaerte'] ('24, 6-4 OH, Notre Dame commit)</strong> hammering on everyone in the meantime. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110487' first='Mya' last='Ball'] ('24, 6-1 S/Pin, Central Florida commit)</strong> is a nice complement on the other pin from Morgan, and has the bloodline that keeps her volleyball IQ through the roof. A fun addition to this program (and possible x-factor) is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237882' first='Maya' last='Harris'] ('26, 5-10 Pin),</strong> who can hammer from anywhere and is hyper athletic. She might be the reason the Hornets can <em>finally</em> get to Worthen this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2: Bellmont (1-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An impressive sweep of Bishop Dwenger should put the rest of 3A on notice. Once again, the Braves mean business, and their schedule (and subsequent results) prove it. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110518' first='Delaney' last='Lawson'] ('24, 6-1 OH, Utah State commit)</strong> is the straw that stirs this drink, and her physicality is regularly intimidating to opposing teams. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226809' first='MaryKate' last='Scheumann'] ('26, 5-10 OH)</strong> is a nice opposite to Delaney, and has future six-rotation stud written all over her. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239312' first='Hailey' last='Cole'] ('24, 5-10 S)</strong> runs this 5-1 offense with ease, and why not? With attackers as productive and efficient as those two, scoring should come easily.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1: Providence (3-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Until someone proves me wrong, the Pioneers will stay here. Impressive sweeps over 1A top five Springs Valley and a young but athletic Tri-West team were nice. Knocking off a solid 4A Castle was even nicer. Tonight's match against Kentucky power Mercy should show what they can do against some of the big girls in the area. A Saturday matchup against 4A #4 Brebeuf is the biggest in-state test for the Pioneers on this young season. The usual suspects are still going strong, as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='210180' first='Lilly' last='Tappel'] ('24, 5-10 OH)</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='143807' first='Makenzie' last='Wagner'] ('24, 5-10 RS)</strong> pound away from both pins and can be six-rotation passers in any future program. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='184986' first='Nicole' last='Stratford'] ('24, 5-7 OH)</strong> is a new name to the fold, and will be a nice option if either Lilly or Makenzie ever have an off night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->