Big Class Changes: Who Moves Up?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Use code KypDig2024 to get $10 off of your registration to our Stock Up Showcase on August 3!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Between the new classification guidelines from the IHSAA and the tournament success factor every two years, it is more difficult than ever this season to find out who moves up a class and competes with their respective "big girls". Here are five volleyball blue bloods that move up a class due to the tournament success factor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Providence (31-5 in 2023): moving from 3A to 4A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After two straight state titles in 3A, the Pioneers finally make it all the way to big girl ball. Based in southern Indiana, most of these kids play ball at Union, KIVA or MAVA, and the tradition here runs deep. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192099' first='Abby' last='Julius']</strong> will be the main attacker returning from those title teams, and will be tested early and often against bigger middles. A hybrid defender/setter in <strong>Addison Smith</strong> should patrol the floor well for this squad, and might be called upon to run the offense if needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bellmont (34-3): 3A to 4A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The runner-up the last TWO falls in 3A are these Braves. Going 64-10 in two seasons on the schedule that they play is no easy task, and neither will replacing what they've graduated. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226809' first='MaryKate' last='Scheumann'] (Purdue commit)</strong> should be asked to anchor one of the outside positions, and should be taking the majority of serve receive, regardless of who the libero is. Just getting out of northeast Indiana sectionals and regionals is tough enough---now they have to play the biggest class of teams to see where they stand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Southwood (32-4): 1A to 2A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Winning the 1A title last season was meant to be, and they have a really good chance this coming season to do it in 2A. With top attacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='494521' first='Shania' last='Rhamy']</strong> returning her 4 kps and .300+ hitting percentage, anything is possible. Southwood also returns both of their setters in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239310' first='Grace' last='Drake'] </strong>and <strong>Ali Deaton, </strong>making this transition to a bigger class that much simpler.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tecumseh (32-5): 1A to 2A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of consecutive runner-up appearances, Tecumseh has been known for YEARS that their girls sports are top notch, finishing in the top five in the state consistently in volleyball, basketball and softball. Although they graduate a ton of firepower, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192102' first='Ava' last='Kissel']</strong> hitting over .400 and adding 2.5 kps should help lighten the load for the other attackers coming up from JV. I also like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='241703' first='Lydia' last='Wilson']</strong> wearing the special jersey. With a solid first contact in place, it is not outside of possibilities for this group of Braves to make another run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Blackhawk Christian (28-9): 1A to 2A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is looking like a list of usual suspects in smaller-class volleyball in Indiana. These last three teams know each other VERY well--BC lost to Southwood in the semi state last fall, and beat both Southwood and Tecumseh on their way to the state title in '22 (where they went 33-4). The difference this season, however, is that their offense will be brand new, as over eight kills per set just graduated. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='303463' first='Ava' last='LaCross']</strong> will continue her play as a right side, and will need to play all the way around to recover what was lost. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='154811' first='Leena' last='Leichty']</strong> returning as setter should be a calming factor for the kids coming up from JV. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->