Semi-State Preview: Frankfort

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In part three of our semi-state preview, we go to Frankfort High School, where two #1 teams will be playing for the right to go to Worthen Arena on the campus of Ball State next Saturday. For each of the four teams, we'll list an uncommitted player that could be an x-factor to advance, their records, and their rankings in their particular class in Indiana.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>All records and rankings are procured from IndianaPrepVolleyball.com as of 10/23.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A: #13 Pioneer (24-13) v #1 Burris (29-4), 4p</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Less than an hour north of Frankfort, the Panthers look to make another successful run to Worthen. The problem? #1 Burris, who's been there all year, stands in their way. Don't get me wrong, the Panthers have loads of athletic talent. But can that athleticism outdo the club experience that the Owls make? Returning Second Team All-State honoree <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='244802' first='Mackenzie' last='Rogers'] ('24, 6-0 S/Pin)</strong> will do her best to lead her squad, just like she did this past weekend. Miss Rogers messed around and got a triple-double: 13k/15d/15asst and was a primary passer in the five-set thriller against Churubusco. Even though they solved Indiana commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110488' first='Ella' last='Boersema'],</strong> they have yet another huge middle to figure out in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='155089' first='Lilly' last='Howell'] ('25, 6-2 MB),</strong> who had 18 kills and hit nearly .500 in the regional final in a sweep over Adams Central. Burris has exactly ZERO losses to 2A schools this fall, and I don't think that trend ends on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4A: #11 La Porte (32-4) v #1 Hamilton Southeastern (31-0), following match #1</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of teams with streaks continuing, both of these programs have solid winning streaks coming into this semi-state matchup. For the Slicers, a ten match win streak got them here, and they got a revenge win against Warsaw, their last defeat. I'm liking what primary passing outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='260989' first='Ava' last='Holtz'] ('24, 5-9 OH)</strong> brings to the table. Her double-double (11k/12d) in the regional final against Crown Point showed her toughness. Unfortunately, it's going to take a little more than toughness to get past the Royals, who have won 65 in a row dating back to the second match of LAST fall. Although nine (!!!) of the Blue and White are already committed to play at the next level, <strong>Madison</strong> <strong>Miles ('26, 6-0 OH)</strong> is an athletic gem that added seven kills and five digs in a support role in their five-set win over Homestead last Saturday. She jumps over ten feet, is long and lean, and can terminate from anywhere. Just in case the pair of SEC-bound outsides falter, it's nice to know that there's an outlet to go to in case of emergency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->