Preseason 3A Top Five

Use code KypDig2024 to get $10 off of your registration to either the Stock Up Showcase or the Freshman Showcase August 3!   We're a mere two weeks from the opening day of high school ball here in Indiana, so what better way to celebrate than to have a preseason top five list for each class? With all of the upheaval and teams being reclassified, there are a bunch of 3A schools being left out of this initial list. For those with complaints that your squad didn't make it, always remember that winning cures all.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1) Roncalli</h2>   For me, this is a no-brainer. Making it to the semi state last fall in 4A, AND the great majority of the pieces return, it sounds like this is the year of the Royal. [player_tooltip player_id='152943' first='Logan' last='Bell'] (Oregon) is the leadership piece that will be the main focus of the offense and should pair nicely with her defenders in serve receive. Speaking of those, [player_tooltip player_id='173244' first='Eva' last='Hurrle'] (DePaul) and [player_tooltip player_id='413233' first='Reagan' last='Turk'] (West Virginia) are two of a continual line of Division I defenders coming out of DS High School. Each could be a libero on their own on any other squad in the state, and the fact that they're together makes this team tough to serve against. [player_tooltip player_id='254827' first='Lydia' last='Stahley'] (Missouri) is a high-flying and physical attacker that will complement Logan as the other outside. There are many other pieces to this squad that would make this paragraph more of an essay, so I'll keep it brief----take a trip to the south side of Indy quickly, as their matches will be (1) quick and (2) filled with absolute ballers.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2) Cathedral</h2>   The most infuriating thing about high school sports in Indiana is that the IHSAA refuses to rank any of the postseasons in any team sport. This, unfortunately, will have the Irish and the Royals battle in a semi state instead of the state final in Worthen Arena. I have little doubt that they will meet in late October, and I plan on attending. Until then, however, the one advantage the Irish have over most everyone else in 3A is the size they have in the middle. [player_tooltip player_id='332515' first='Josie' last='Myers'] spent this past club season playing for Munciana, representing Cathedral well on the Samurai. Big and physical, she has a high attack point and transitions well for a 6-2 middle from Indiana. [player_tooltip player_id='355575' first='Avery' last='Lewis'] is a fast and athletic middle cut from the same cloth as Ava Vickers. Springy and long, Avery makes up for her six foot frame with long strides and a full power motor that beats most of the lumbering middles in the Hoosier State.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3) Tri-West</h2>   The little engine that could put the Bruins on the map last season for their first ever regional. A pair of non-seniors with endless athleticism make this team go, starting with Pitt commit [player_tooltip player_id='221477' first='Isabelle' last='Masten']. A libero by trade, her extensive beach play and brilliant athleticism makes her one of the best must-see players in central Indiana. Izzy also has a wicked topspin jump serve that will give teams fits in the fall. She should be O1 from opening day for TW. My top recruit in the class of '27, [player_tooltip player_id='260995' first='Caroline' last='Ward'], is already part of the ten foot club and excelled on the right side for Boiler Juniors 16-1 squad this past spring. The ball just sounds different coming off of her hand, and she'll be asked to do more this coming fall than she was asked to do in her freshman campaign last fall.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4) Angola</h2>   Yes, I realize that my #1 player from the class of '24, Morgan Gaerte, is no longer on the roster. She's in South Bend, actually. And yes, I realize that Mya Ball (UCF) is now graduated and on campus in Orlando. That being said, what comes back to the Hornets is still pretty impressive. [player_tooltip player_id='237882' first='Maya' last='Harris'] (Illinois) is one of the more explosive attackers in all of Indiana, and her year at Munciana showcased her immense talent. Anna McClure returns as the libero option, and will anchor an already solid serve receive. [player_tooltip player_id='172318' first='Ava' last='Harris'] (Villanova) is a steady setting presence that plays at a more mature level than most, if not all, of the setters in 3A. Put all of that together, AND you don't have to deal with Bellmont in the postseason for the next two years? Sounds like a recipe for success for the Hornets.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5) Brebeuf</h2>   Similar to the 4A preview I wrote yesterday, I could have put a number of teams in this slot. Bishop Dwenger, Concordia Lutheran, Northview---the list goes on. However, knowing their tradition and knowing the constant flow of volleyball talent coming through those halls, you can make an argument for the Braves. With [player_tooltip player_id='152936' first='Lexi' last='Gin'] (Penn State) at the core of serve receive, you're already taking the pressure off of other players in passing. She can pass half the court if you let her. [player_tooltip player_id='261040' first='Mckenna' last='Wilken'] is the top returning attacker from a season ago, and should see a lot of swings in the offense. I also like [player_tooltip player_id='238758' first='Claire' last='Sabo'] (Skidmore), one of the bigger options on offense. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='261046' first='Reese' last='Blanchard'] is fast and athletic, and really showed out this past season in club. No matter who plays, however, sharing a sectional with #3 Tri-West is interesting---that postseason match should be the difference between a sectional title and a forgotten season.

Use code KypDig2024 to get $10 off of your registration to either the Stock Up Showcase or the Freshman Showcase August 3!