2A Regional Preview: Bottom Half

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The bottom half of the 2A state playoff bracket is just as intriguing as the top. Five of the top twenty teams in 2A are within the bottom half, and all pose tons of problems for their respective opponents. Here they are, in order of time and location, with a couple of players from each squad that could be x-factors in their advancement to Saturday night's regional final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>All ratings are procured from IndianaPrepVolleyball.com and are as of 10/16. All records are through the sectional finals.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#13 North Posey (28-6) v #2 Linton-Stockton (29-4) @ Mitchell, 11a</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vikings have had one of the better seasons in recent memory this fall, all with the leadership of <strong>Addison Fullop.</strong> More of a defensive-minded outside, Miss Fullop got to be an all-around stud for her squad by averaging five kills per set to go along with her 1000 career digs. She easily has one of the better all-around skill sets of any player remaining in 2A. Between she and senior libero <strong>Ashton Elpers,</strong> the ball doesn't hit the floor much. The Miners have a ton of club experience on their side, starting with sophomore spitfire <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226810' first='Ella' last='Warrick'] ('26, 5-8 OH).</strong> Despite her size, she also can bring five kills per set, and is relentless in her pursuit. One glance at her, and she looks like she hates to lose more than she loves to win. Her older sister, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='365266' first='Audrey' last='Warrick'] ('24, 6-1 S)</strong> is in her first season as the full-time setter, and has more than held her own. She's nearly at 1000 assists this season, and might hit 2000 career assists if their season continues.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#9 Brownstown Central (21-13) v North Decatur (21-11), following match #1</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The blue-blood Braves are always in the discussion for state title contention every year. I cannot remember a time when they <em>weren't </em>in the top ten in whatever class they happened to be placed in (2A or 3A). Youth seems to be on their side this fall, as returning second team All-State honoree <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750544' first='Sophie' last='Wischmeier']</strong> carries an incredible stat line of 4k/4d/.300 per set. It's scary to think how good she'll be in two years, as her sophomore campaign is one of the best in recent memory among primary passing outsides, let alone sophomores in 2A. Junior libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238122' first='Jaydynn' last='Yeadon']</strong> is a solid first-contact libero who can receive serve with the best of the remaining teams. The Chargers also have their fair share of youth leading the way statistically. <strong>Kelsey Haley ('25, 5-8 S)</strong> runs this well-balanced offense, and hopes that her deception can keep the Brave defense honest. Libero <strong>Hannah Gorrell ('25, 5-4 DS/L)</strong> adds another five digs per set. Her ability to keep the ball off the floor will be key in advancing to the final against a tough BC squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#10 Scecina (23-11) v Northeastern (23-7) @ Cascade, 10a</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sticking around in the top ten throughout the season, the Crusaders have had the same cast of characters lead the way, reaching all the way back to summer league at the Academy. Junior outside <strong>Molly Welborn</strong> is joined by freshman outside <strong>Olivia Anglemyer</strong> on offense, and they combine for eight kills per set. Not bad, since they graduated two all-state honorees just last season. The Knights have their own solid offense on the left pin, but both are seniors. <strong>Emma Neeley ('24, 5-10 OH)</strong> and <strong>Lilly Null ('24, 5-7 OH)</strong> combine to average north of six kills per set, but will need to put away more than that to pull off the upset. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Greencastle (19-14) @ #18 Cascade (23-9), following match #1</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Welcome to the big time, Tiger Cubs! Not often have I had a reason to write about Greencastle, other than remark on how amazing Depauw University is. These two played each other back on September 5, with the Cadets winning a closer-than-it-looked sweep. That being said, the Tiger Cubs have certainly earned their way here, and have ball control to thank for their success. Their well-balanced offense is run by <strong>Allie Landry ('26, 5-7 S),</strong> who will need to keep the Cadet defense honest in order for an upset to occur. I'm also looking to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221482' first='Meilani' last='York'] ('26, 5-3 DS/L),</strong> who is the general of the defense and serve receive. Ball control got them here, and more will be needed to win this one. As for the Cadets, they have their own strengths, starting with libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='171375' first='Avery' last='Littrell'] ('24, 5-4 DS/L).</strong> She's one of the better ones in 2A, and will be called upon yet again to bail out her teammates on defense. Big attacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='502967' first='Hailey' last='Dunn'] ('25, 5-11 MB)</strong> can hammer away on anyone, like she has all season. Her size and heavy hitting should give the Tiger Cubs fits in this matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->