4A State Title Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We did it! Here we are at the end of the journey for the 2023 volleyball season. The marquee matchup is set for Worthen Arena on the campus of Ball State University for 7pm, and we have two traditional powers going head-to-head to decide the top class in the state of Indiana. Below, we'll mention their records (according to MaxPreps), their ratings (according to IndianaPrepVolleyball.com), a group of key players for each squad and what some x-factors will have to step up to take home the big trophy tomorrow night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3 Castle (34-3)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the second time in three seasons, the Knights find their way to Ball State. They were overmatched by a McCutcheon squad that featured Gatorade Player of the Year for Indiana <strong>Chloe Chicoine, </strong>who currently starts for Purdue. This time around, the task might be a bit taller, but it's still the same---slow down the opponents' offense, have some timely kills, and this could turn into a fun one to watch. The good news is that primary attacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='236667' first='Katie' last='Kopshever'] ('24, 5-11 OH, Eastern Illinois commit)</strong> had the most kills for the Knights in that match back in November of '21, and I expect her to lead the way offensively once again. She'll be asked to lead in more ways than one this time around, as the Royals are one of the best in the nation. Look for up-and-comer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='272388' first='Emma' last='Bruggenschmidt'] ('26, 6-0 OH)</strong> to carry some of the attacking load for the Knights as the other outside. She had a nice stat line in their four-set win over Roncalli last week (9k/5b/3aces), but will need to bring a little more to the fray to compete with HSE's firepower. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491145' first='Addisen' last='Gallentine'] ('25, 6-2 MB)</strong> has the size necessary to slow down the middles, and her 13 blocks against Roncalli was HUGE in the match. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='494415' first='Emma' last='Watson'] ('25, 6-0 MB)</strong> can also bring some length to the defense and slow down offenses. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='458189' first='Maya' last='Joska'] ('25, 6-0 S/RS, Virginia Tech commit)</strong> has the tools to set at the next level, for sure, but might need to put away a few more balls in order to keep up in the title match. <strong>Megan Harpenau ('24, 5-10 S/RS)</strong> is the other setter in the offense, and has been a double-double machine, along with Maya. <strong>Kierstin Niehaus ('24, 5-9 DS/L)</strong> has the basic skills and anticipation necessary to wear the libero jersey, but hasn't seen anything like what the Royals will bring tomorrow night. In all, this group of girls is the best Castle group I've seen personally, and they'll need every last Knight to be on their A-game to pull off the upset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1 Hamilton Southeastern (32-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isn't this a foregone conclusion? Not quite, as two weeks ago Homestead showed that the Royals are indeed human, after all. The Homestead match was the only match all season that went five for HSE, and I would guess that THAT film is the blueprint for having a chance against the Royals. Returning First-Team All-State honoree <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110501' first='Lauren' last='Harden'] ('24, 6-3 OH, Florida commit)</strong> is showing why she's the odds-on favorite to be the Gatorade Player of the Year for Indiana, and has been leading this squad offensively all season. Her physicality leads on its own, and she has an impressive cast of characters surrounding her to go get that second straight state title. Fellow First Team member from a year ago, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110509' first='Macy' last='Hinshaw'] ('24, 5-9 S, Santa Clara commit),</strong> will make sure of it, as her quick hands and smart decisions have been part of the Royals' success for years. A Second Team honoree from a year ago, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='112086' first='Sophie' last='Ledbetter'] ('24, 5-9 DS/L, Ball State commit)</strong> has the tools and the talent to pass half the court in serve receive and take pressure off of her outsides. Speaking of outsides, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153107' first='Lindsey' last='Mangelson'] ('25, 6-2 OH, Mississippi State commit)</strong> was the leading attacker in last year's state final. Her presence alone should give pause to Castle's defense, as she and Lauren have been the primary attackers all season. Middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153104' first='Breonna' last='Goss'] ('24, 6-0 MB, Duke commit)</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='112085' first='Tiffany' last='Snook'] ('24, 6-2 MB, Memphis commit)</strong> have their own talents. Breonna blocks everyone, and has the fastest transition to attack I've seen this fall. Tiffany uses her length and her strength to intimidate her opponents, and can defend from pin to pin with ease. I like sophomore pin attacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261036' first='Madison' last='Miles'] ('26, 6-1 Pin),</strong> as her athleticism (10' attack touch) and fast arm puts balls away with authority and efficiency. Finally, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172759' first='Ava' last='Hunter'] ('25, 5-10 S, Loyola Chicago commit)</strong> rounds out the 6-2 offense, and her fast feet, smart decisions and timely serving and defense make her a perfect complement to this squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">PREDICTION: Hamilton Southeastern over Castle in three.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading -->