1A Preview: The Blue Bloods

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Use code KypDig2024 to get $10 off of your registration to either our Stock Up Showcase or our Freshman Showcase August 3!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In each of our four classes here in Indiana, there are three different types of teams that seemingly every year compete for the right to play at Worthen Arena in November. The "blue bloods" are the traditional volleyball powerhouses that have a long lasting history of doing just that. Here are two programs that, despite their records and the year-in, year-out changes, always seem to find themselves somewhere near the top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wes-Del (25-7)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It goes without saying that if your high school is located in Delaware County, you have a pretty solid volleyball program. With wins over 4A schools seemingly every year, little more needs to be said about their prowess as a program. This year, however, might look a little different because of how much has graduated. <strong>Amelia Hudson-Roberts</strong> is the lone holdover from a year ago on the offensive side, and her six-foot frame and blocking ability will be much needed to slow down the attacks of the teams on the Warriors' schedule. Ball control shouldn't be an issue with Wes-Del, but the offense? Let's hope Amelia gets a little help this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trinity Lutheran (19-16)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Do not, I repeat, DO NOT judge the Cougars by their record. I know of no other 1A squad in the state that plays a tougher schedule. I have, on multiple occasions, watched TL walk into 4A gyms around Indiana and walk out with a win. Granted, they run a small, highly successful club out of their gym, but the IHSAA limits the number of players from the same school on the same club team at three. So, what makes them so good? A long history of success that started a long time ago and doesn't plan on changing in this author's lifetime. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378035' first='Laura' last='Roeder']</strong> is a great player to have as a first-contact genius, as proven by her commitment to IU Indianapolis this past spring. She can pass half the court in serve receive, if you let her, and is a floor general when it comes to defense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='160069' first='Addison' last='Darlage']</strong> runs the show better than a lot of 3A and 4A setters, and keeps teams guessing with tempo and location. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='157945' first='Carson' last='Bowling']</strong> did some serious damage to club teams around the midwest this past spring, and is a great offensive option for anyone needing a six foot hammer. <strong>Madison Keith </strong>is a nice complementary piece to an offense that might be smaller now than they have been in quite a few years. It would not surprise me in the least if they made yet another deep run in October this coming fall. The question remains----how far can they go?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->