4A State Title Preview
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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…
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Continue ReadingWe 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.
#3 Castle (34-3)
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 Chloe Chicoine, 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 Katie Kopshever Katie Kopshever 5'11" | OH Castle | 2024 State IN (’24, 5-11 OH, Eastern Illinois commit) 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 Emma Bruggenschmidt Emma Bruggenschmidt 6'0" | OH Castle | 2026 State IN (’26, 6-0 OH) 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. Addisen Gallentine Addisen Gallentine 6'1" | MB Castle | 2025 State IN (’25, 6-2 MB) has the size necessary to slow down the middles, and her 13 blocks against Roncalli was HUGE in the match. Emma Watson Emma Watson 6'0" | MB Castle | 2025 State IN (’25, 6-0 MB) can also bring some length to the defense and slow down offenses. Maya Joska Maya Joska 6'1" | S Castle | 2025 State IN (’25, 6-0 S/RS, Virginia Tech commit) 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. Megan Harpenau (’24, 5-10 S/RS) is the other setter in the offense, and has been a double-double machine, along with Maya. Kierstin Niehaus (’24, 5-9 DS/L) 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.
#1 Hamilton Southeastern (32-0)
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 Lauren Harden Lauren Harden 6'3" | OH Hamilton Southeastern | 2024 State #36 Nation IN (’24, 6-3 OH, Florida commit) 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, Macy Hinshaw Macy Hinshaw 5'9" | S Hamilton Southeastern | 2024 State #75 Nation IN (’24, 5-9 S, Santa Clara commit), 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, Sophie Ledbetter Sophie Ledbetter 5'9" | DS/L Hamilton Southeastern | 2024 State IN (’24, 5-9 DS/L, Ball State commit) has the tools and the talent to pass half the court in serve receive and take pressure off of her outsides. Speaking of outsides, Lindsey Mangelson Lindsey Mangelson 6'2" | OH Hamilton Southeastern | 2025 State IN (’25, 6-2 OH, Mississippi State commit) 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 Breonna Goss Breonna Goss 5'11" | MB Hamilton Southeastern | 2024 State IN (’24, 6-0 MB, Duke commit) and Tiffany Snook Tiffany Snook 6'2" | MB Hamilton Southeastern | 2024 State #186 Nation IN (’24, 6-2 MB, Memphis commit) 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 Madison Miles Madison Miles 6'1" | OH Hamilton Southeastern | 2026 State IN (’26, 6-1 Pin), as her athleticism (10′ attack touch) and fast arm puts balls away with authority and efficiency. Finally, Ava Hunter Ava Hunter 5'11" | S Hamilton Southeastern | 2025 State IN (’25, 5-10 S, Loyola Chicago commit) 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.