IHSAA Conference Clash: #12 – MIC Conference

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In our exciting new series, we're spotlighting the top 12 conferences in IHSAA volleyball for the 2024-2025 season. Each article will feature an in-depth analysis of the conference favorite, the potential DarkHorse, and an outside program with the most promising future. We'll rank these conferences based on their overall skill and competitiveness from top to bottom, looking beyond just the top teams. Dive in with us to discover which conferences are the best in this year's IHSAA landscape!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MIC Conference Spotlight:</strong> The MIC Conference, featuring Ben Davis, Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, North Central, Pike, and Warren Central, experienced a major shake-up &amp; regression in overall skill in 2022 with the departure of top teams Center Grove and Carmel. This season, the MIC is poised for another exciting race, with Lawrence North and North Central emerging as the frontrunners for the championship. Based on game outcomes to this point and my predictions, here's a breakdown of the conference's standout favorite, potential dark horse, and the program with the most promising future. Dive in to see how the MIC is shaping up this year!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conference Favorite: Lawrence North</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lawrence North is my pick to repeat as MIC Conference Champions. Despite the challenge of replacing seven graduating seniors, including concerns about the setting and middle positions, the Wildcats have risen to the occasion. Sophomore setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='479286' first='Kyra' last='Joostberns']</strong> has stepped up impressively, establishing herself as one of the top setters in her class. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='586744' first='Nile' last='Johnson']</strong> and <strong>Ashiyah Teague</strong> have filled the middle positions with the size and athleticism that Lawrence North is known for, offering significant growth potential throughout the season. Freshman <strong>Amaya Zander</strong>, one of the most explosive players in the Class of 2028, is also making a strong impact; as she adjusts to the varsity level, Lawrence North's championship chances only grow. Additionally, senior outside hitter <strong>Alayna Barrett</strong>, currently uncommitted, has been crucial to the team's success on both sides of the court. I expect this late bloomer to gain recognition as one of the state's top all-around players and secure a college opportunity that reflects her talent during this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conference DarkHorse: North Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Central is the standout DarkHorse in the MIC this year. After graduating 16 seniors, the Panthers have faced some early-season growing pains but are starting to come together impressively. The team is led by their outside hitters, who have accounted for over 60% of their kills so far. Senior <strong>Jada White</strong> is the top performer, demonstrating a keen attacking IQ with minimal errors. Junior <strong>Maddie Follman</strong> is the X-Factor, bringing exceptional athleticism and one of the fastest arm swings in the MIC; her development throughout the season could be pivotal to the team's success. In the middle, North Central has bolstered its defense with blockers <strong>Maya Loy</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='302200' first='Elle' last='Kremer']</strong>, each leading the team with a dozen blocks. Senior Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172338' first='Kyra' last='Grant'] </strong>has also made a significant impact in her first varsity season, averaging over 5 digs per set. As this new team gains experience and confidence, they are poised to create a competitive race for the conference championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Promising Future: Pike </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pike is turning heads this season under new leadership, with a fresh Varsity Head Coach at the helm. Just eight games into the 2024-2025 campaign, the team has already surpassed last year's win total. A standout addition to the squad is freshman middle blocker <strong>Ragan Ward</strong>, a 6-foot athlete with an impressive vertical leap and blocking ability. As she continues to adapt to the pace of varsity play, she's shaping up to be a formidable force for opponents. Complementing Ragan's potential, Pike boasts a balanced offensive lineup, led by Junior outside hitter <strong>DaJiane John</strong> and senior outside <strong>Brooklyn Taylor</strong>. What's truly impressive is the offensive depth, with players ranked 3-6 contributing nearly identical kill-per-set averages. This versatility is largely thanks to the playmaking skills of talented Junior setter <strong>Summer Eaton</strong>, whose precise distribution keeps the offense unpredictable. On defense, Junior Libero <strong>Justice King</strong> anchors the back row with over 7 receptions and 3 digs per set, showcasing her consistency and reliability. With this combination of emerging talent and experienced leadership, Pike is poised to evolve into a serious conference contender in the near future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->