2A Preview: The Contenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Use code KypDig2024 to save $10 off of your registration to our Stock Up Showcase or our Freshman Showcase August 3!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're halfway through our high school preview, and have moved on to class 2A. The defending 2A champ is in this edition, along with a tough group of Miners that should be turning heads and aiming for another 30-win season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Burris (31-4)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending 2A state champ Owls return a good portion of their offense from a year ago, but the biggest addition might be coming from the teams dropping from 3A to 2A to make a title defense that much tougher. I'm sure UNC Charlotte commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='155089' first='Lilly' last='Howell']</strong> will be the focal point of the Owls' attack, as she is a multi-time All-State honoree in the middle. She did see a ton of work on the pins at Munciana with the Samurai this past spring, and that training alone definitely helps her high school program. I also like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='498440' first='Mya' last='Trammell']. </strong>She's an explosive outside that is probably the most athletic kid on the team, and will need to be that much more help for Lilly in the front row. Middle <strong>Ja'Maria Jackson</strong> is a long and lean young middle that is on the rise as far as recruiting is concerned, and her athleticism is through the roof, with a volleyball skill ceiling that has no limit. The biggest questions for the Owls this coming fall will be (1) who's the libero? and (2) who's getting the ball to these athletic attackers?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Linton-Stockton (30-5)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking at their schedule from a season ago, the Miners definitely don't skimp on the toughness. Both Barr-Reeve and Brownstown Central (2A runner-up a year ago) are blue-bloods (foreshadowing, anyone?) that they should see regularly if they want to take that final step towards a state title. A late October run will be dictated behind the arm of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226810' first='Ella' last='Warrick']. </strong>A primary-passing outside by trade, do not underestimate her by her size. She's a lithe athlete with a live arm, and should be very effective after another solid season with Circle. <strong>Becca Robbins</strong> is a track and field state qualifier in the shot, and her strength and size will be key in slowing down some of the bigger programs dropping to 2A this fall. I'm also looking forward to what <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='242112' first='Taryn' last='Thuis']</strong> can bring to the offensive fray, and the Miners will need all hands on deck offensively to make up for their apparent lack of size. <strong>Maelee </strong><b>P</b><strong>ilant </strong>should don the special jersey this fall, and her first contact skills will be much needed considering that their setting position will have the least amount of experience for the first time in a few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->