4A Preview: The Dark Horses

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Use code KypDig2024 for $10 off of your registration to either our Stock Up Showcase or our Freshman Showcase August 3!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our high school season starts early in comparison to the states surrounding us. In most places, July 9 is too early to be talking high school ball, as the last two age groups are into day two of GJNC's in Vegas. However, tryouts for most teams are in just a couple of weeks. No time like the present, right? Here are two teams that, upon further review, have enough coming back to make a deep run in October, but might not be on everyone's radar right now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Homestead (26-10)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After sweeping Carroll in the regional semi, it was a five set battle of attrition in the regional final against national-top-five Hamilton Southeastern that finally derailed the Spartans' season. And what a season it was. The path to Worthen Arena remains mostly the same, even with the realignment of teams and sectionals. But with most of the roster returning, including Purdue commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192114' first='Addy' last='Tindall'],</strong> this might be the year to make a solid run past regional. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192113' first='Ava' last='Tindall']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378468' first='Savy' last='Walker'] </strong>will be in the middle bringing yet another year of experience at varsity that most other 4A squads won't have in the middle. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378034' first='Kate' last='Jacquay']</strong> should be running the offense again, and with another year of club underneath her, she should be that much better in keeping defenses honest. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='334588' first='Madelyn' last='Sipe']</strong> is most likely donning the libero jersey yet again, and anchor an already tough defensive core. In total, bringing five starters back from a season ago is huge. What could push the Spartans past the "dark horse" category is that elusive regional championship. After that, anything can happen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">McCutcheon (25-8)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Considering the Mavericks' history, I almost put them in the "blue blood" category. And why not? Their state title wasn't that far off ('21), they're practically the center of Boiler Juniors country, and they produce volleyball players like it's a factory. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='155214' first='Reanna' last='Lee'] </strong>is the top returning attacker, and can play either middle or right side for this squad. Look for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346405' first='Maezi' last='Snyder']</strong> to pick up some of the slack from graduation as another option in the middle. As always, a Shondell will be running the offense, this time in the form of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='210192' first='Lexi' last='Shondell'].</strong> She's our top-rated setter in the class of '26, and makes up for her size (5-8) with her hyper accurate location and relentless play. The question for the Mavericks remains, however---with the top three defensive specialists graduating, who wears the special jersey to get Lexi the ball?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->