Top Five In 4A This Week

Kyp Harasymowycz September 5, 2023 @ 08:20 AM

<p>As we get deeper into the season, we start to find the <em>real</em> contenders for a state title. Class 4A in Indiana will be a battle, but who will contend with Hamilton Southeastern? Here are five teams in reverse order of rank, with two players that have made a difference thus far.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5: Yorktown (10-2)</h2>   <p>Unranked by us last week, the Tigers find themselves exactly where they should be, in the top five in the state. We know about <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152944' first='Charlotte' last='Vinson'] ('25, 6-1 OH, Indiana commit),</strong> who leads all of 4A in kills and kills per set. However, there is no question that she wouldn't get her touches without <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='155213' first='Addi' last='Applegate'] ('25, 5-5 DS/L)</strong> getting that first contact. Without ball control, Yorktown isn't Yorktown. And with the history that surrounds the Tigers, ball control is their M. O..</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4: Zionsville (11-0)</h2>   <p>I'd put the Eagles higher if they played a tougher schedule. Their five-set squeaker past 3A Western Boone might be the reality check that propels Zionsville to new heights and toughens them up for a run in the playoffs. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='171390' first='Sophia' last='Poehlein'] ('24, 6-1 OH, Bentley commit)</strong> is a long and lean attacker from the left pin that gives blockers fits when she's in system. Her opposite, however, is <strong>Josie</strong> <strong>Imes ('26, 5-10 OH),</strong> a primary-passing, six rotation outside that could be the x-factor in a deep playoff run.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3: Cathedral (10-3)</h2>   <p>Of the three losses, two are to Roncalli, and the other is to Kentucky state champ Assumption. Talk about a tough schedule. Losing in the finals of the tourney in southern Indiana should be the fire that lights up the Irish for a strong run for the rest of the season. Of course, we aren't even talking about Cathedral without <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110490' first='Taylor' last='Lewis'] ('24, 6-1 OH, Villanova commit)</strong> being, well, [player_tooltip player_id='110490' first='Taylor' last='Lewis']. Her opposite, however, is <strong>Caroline Hanchar ('27, 5-9 OH), </strong>a high-flying outside who is a pleasant surprise for this squad and will give fits to opponents for years to come.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2: Roncalli (13-2)</h2>   <p>Also new to the rankings this year, but not to high-level volleyball, the "other" Royals have a ton of talent on offense AND defense. Led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152943' first='Logan' last='Bell'] ('25, 5-10 OH, Oregon dual commit),</strong> the offense hums on all cylinders, as they showed in their recent tournament title over the weekend. Beating Franklin Community, 3A reigning champ Providence, Fishers and Cathedral is no small task, but in one day? Impressive. Once again, big hitters can't put balls away without having a brilliant first contact, which brings us to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='171362' first='Aly' last='Kirkhoff'] ('24, 5-5 DS/L, LSU commit)</strong>, who is one of a long line of defenders at Roncalli that are Power 5 ready.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1: Hamilton Southeastern (11-0)</h2>   <p>The Royals haven't dropped a set this season, and their wins are over the "who's who" of volleyball in Indiana. Tonight's matchup against Yorktown at home should be a fun battle to watch. Led by SEC-bound <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110501' first='Lauren' last='Harden'] ('24, 6-3 OH, Florida commit),</strong> the 1000-kill club member should dominate over the smaller block of the Tigers tonight. Feel-good story <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153105' first='Kaylyn' last='Christy'] ('25, 5-10 OH/DS)</strong> is currently a defensive sub for this squad, and has already made a difference this season both behind the baseline and on defense. </p>

As we get deeper into the season, we start to find the real contenders for a state title. Class 4A in Indiana will be a battle, but who will contend with Hamilton Southeastern? Here are five teams in reverse order of rank, with two players that have made a difference thus far.