Class 1A: The Contenders

<!-- 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>With the changes the IHSAA instituted prior to this school year, Class 1A in the state of Indiana has the bottom 30% of schools by population. None of the other three classes have that many schools, making this a unique year for the smallest class in the state. Even with the tournament success factor moving teams up to Class 2A, there are still plenty of high level programs vying for a state championship. Here are two, from either ends of the state, that look to do just that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Springs Valley (27-4)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the last few seasons, the Blackhawks have laid waste to most of the smaller programs in southern Indiana. Yes, they graduate a good portion of their success after last fall, but the continuation of the Carnes bloodline in All-State honoree <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209451' first='Maddie' last='Carnes']</strong> should lead the way in more ways than one. Leading the program in offense and setting, there are very few in the state that are more responsible for their team's success than Maddie. Thankfully, two other role players return for SV in the form of <strong>Kinsey Saliba</strong> and <strong>Maci Eckerty.</strong> Maci is the solid, first-contact libero a team needs to compete deep into October, while Kinsey can attack from the pins consistently while playing above-average defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Faith Christian (30-4)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Losing in the regional final to eventual state champion Southwood is honorable, to say the least. And the good news for the Eagles is that both 1A finalists from a season ago are now playing in 2A. What a great time for most of their major pieces returning for this fall. <strong>Maya Layton</strong> should be the primary attacker, and will bring some pass-to-attack with her to keep the Eagles highly competitive. With both <strong>Molly Miller </strong>AND <strong>Anna Riley</strong> returning, the entirety of their middle complement from a year ago comes back. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='386164' first='Caya' last='Stillings']</strong> will once again wear the special jersey and dominate on floor defense and serve receive. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='462512' first='Olivia' last='Barber']</strong> is the primary setter for this squad, and her increase in experience in the past calendar year cannot be overstated. One thing IS for certain about their competition---to get through the sectional, the Eagles will have to face rival Lafayette Central Catholic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->