3A Semi State Preview at Columbus East

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Use code KypExpo2024 for a big savings off of your registration to our Top 250 Expo on December 7!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of the eight teams remaining in Class 3A in Indiana, seven are listed in the top ten (IndianaPrepVolleyball.com), while the eighth isn't too shabby, either. There is so much talent, both committed and uncommitted, that I had trouble limiting each team's preview to two players. We'll mention the dynamic duos for each squad going into four-team bracket play on Saturday, along with the teams, their records and rankings, and what times they play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">10a: #10 Jennings County (26-8) v #1 Roncalli (32-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers and Royals haven't met each other in the regular season, but that doesn't mean they didn't play a tough schedule to get here. The Panthers came up to central Indiana a few times, with matches against Center Grove and Tri-West to test their mettle. No matter what Jennings County does on Saturday, you can be sure a Belding will do it. The attacking combination of <strong>Aylah Belding</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='398587' first='Avynn' last='Belding']</strong> have averaged 6 kps this season, being the top two in kills in most of their matches this season. Their combined 28 kills in a four-set win over Jasper in the regional last week is a testament to their consistency. However, I'm not sure the Panthers have played any nationally-ranked teams this season like Roncalli. With <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='254827' first='Lydia' last='Stahley']</strong> (Missouri commit) the left side for three rotations and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152943' first='Logan' last='Bell']</strong> (Oregon) the left side in the other three, you can be sure that a future Division 1 player will be hammering away at them somewhere in every single rally. The two Royal outsides have combined for over 7 kps this season, with a host of dynamic attackers around them and superior passing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Approx. 12p: Silver Creek (22-12) v #2 Tri-West (32-3)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second semi state semifinal will showcase size versus explosiveness. The Dragons roll out the tallest combination of attackers remaining in 3A, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='274410' first='Addison' last='Makun'] </strong>(Louisville commit) and <strong>Brooklyn Renn</strong>. The pair combined for 28 kills in their regional sweep of Evansville Memorial, which more than covers their combined 7 kps during the regular season. Expect more from that pair to stay competitive with the Bruins. Speaking of those Bruins, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221477' first='Isabelle' last='Masten']</strong> (Pittsburgh commit) has shouldered the load for the majority of the season, even during her teammates' injury bug bites. Do not underestimate Miss Masten---she will be a libero for Pitt in the near future, but can grip it and rip it at the net and behind the base line. On the right side, high-flying <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='260995' first='Caroline' last='Ward']</strong> is still a sophomore with Division 1 capabilities, already jumping past ten feet in her attack touch. The pair are averaging nearly 8 kps this season, and might be hitting their stride as a team---they hammered #3 Cathedral in straight sets in the regional last Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->