2A Preview: The Blue Bloods

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Use code KypDig2024 for $10 off of your registration to either the Stock Up Showcase or the Freshman Showcase August 3!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While researching the schools for our preview segments, you start to notice a pattern in the types of teams that are out there. There are always contenders. There are always the "surprise" or dark horse teams. And then there are the "blue bloods"---the teams that always fit themselves into the conversation, without fail, year after year after year. Here are two of those types of programs, who both happen to be in southern Indiana.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Brownstown Central (24-14)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Do not let the record fool you. The Braves prepare for their consistently successful seasons by playing the toughest schedule they can. Since none of the sports in Indiana have seeded playoffs (yes, it's a blind draw), the only way to make the regular season "count" is by constantly preparing against the best. This easily explains the years of success for the Braves, and their constant and consistent appearance late in October and early November. In this year's version of BC, most everyone returns from the 2A state runner-up squad. The three-headed offensive monster that consists of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750544' first='Sophie' last='Wischmeier'], </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='160069' first='Addison' last='Darlage'], and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='521314' first='Kinzee' last='Dean']</strong> bring back their eight kills per set, with Sophie earning first-team All-State honors last fall. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238122' first='Jaydynn' last='Yeadon']</strong> should once again anchor the defense as the libero, and will certainly bring her All-State skills to the fray as well. Setter <strong>Finley Wheeler </strong>should be the catalyst for this offense, and keeps opposing offenses on their toes. The biggest question for the Braves doesn't even involve the Braves----how many former 3A teams will they see in the state playoffs? And will that affect their perennial playoff run?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Barr-Reeve (25-9)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of former 3A schools dropping down to 2A, the Vikings find themselves in a similar situation to the Braves listed above. Most, if not all, of the main parts of their roster from a year ago return, albeit in different positions. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226808' first='Addison' last='Jones']</strong> is the biggest, and will be relied upon to anchor the middle and continue to block any and all opponents. <strong>Lanie Graber</strong> is an athletic outside who can play all the way around and is quicker than most opponents because of her multi-sport athleticism. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='353002' first='Karter' last='Burris']</strong> is yet another big middle that should see a ton of time as the M2 in this offense, and might also cause problems for some of the smaller 2A schools on their schedule. Those three combined for well over eight kills per set last fall, and should continue to do the same. The Knepps are setters, with <strong>Josie Knepp</strong> and <strong>Hallie Knepp</strong> sharing the duties from a year ago. Both locate the ball well, are tough on floor defense, and can keep defenses honest with their deception. The only question I have is a legitimate one----how far can they go, now that they're back down in class 2A?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->