4A Regional Preview: North

Kyp Harasymowycz October 22, 2024 @ 10:46 AM

<p>There are now 64 teams remaining in the four classes that make up Indiana postseason high school volleyball. Today's edition talks about 4A and the 16 remaining teams, where and when they play, whom they play, and the player to watch for each team. We've also included the ranking of each team in 4A (if in the top ten). All times are Eastern unless otherwise indicated.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Chesterton (25-9) v #10 Penn (24-5) at LaPorte, 7p Central</h2>   <p>Back in August, the Trojans took it to Penn in three straight. This was probably the match that propelled Chesterton's exceptional run this season. Although never really tested in their sectional, this might be the first match in a few weeks where they'll have to do more than just show up. Look to offensive leader <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='400680' first='Tenley' last='Davis']</strong> (Loyola-Chicago commit) to be the main attacker if the Trojans want to pull of the upset. For Penn, the test came on night one of the sectional, where Mishawaka jumped to an early 1-set lead. No matter, as Penn mowed through the rest of that match and two more to claim the sectional title again. Penn should use their size and power early and often against the Trojans, starting with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496421' first='Sarah' last='Noto']</strong> (Tennessee Tech commit). Her length and upper body strength should prove problematic for Chesterton from the start.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1 Hamilton Southeastern (30-2) v Lafayette Harrison (20-13) at Homestead, 1p</h2>   <p>The two-time defending state champs enter yet another regional with 30 wins already in tow. The amount of firepower at the Royals' disposal is an embarrassment of riches, and it all starts with Mississippi State commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153107' first='Lindsey' last='Mangelson'].</strong> At five kills per set while hitting well over .300, she's putting balls away at a high rate against the toughest schedule in the state. For the Raiders, youth prevails in the form of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='290583' first='Della' last='Bossung']</strong>. She is among a gang of juniors that should make it back here next fall as well, and Della's leadership, both in action and in voice, will be much needed to pull off the upset.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3 Fort Wayne Carroll (29-3) @ Homestead (27-7), approx. 4p</h2>   <p>If you happen to live in the Fort Wayne area, the pair of matches that you get to watch at Homestead High School will have all kinds of future collegiate talent. This match is no different, and has two teams that know each other well. October 10th saw the Chargers eke out a five-set thriller against the Spartans, so recent scouting video is already in hand. In addition, both of these teams know each other from club (Munciana, Empowered, Pineapple and Summit are well represented in this match ALONE). <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227184' first='Bailey' last='Sinish']</strong> is a six-rotation junior outside that can do everything for whomever wants her, and her athleticism is second to none. She's also a track stud, owning the high jump record at Carroll. Bailey had 26 kills in that match, but wasn't even the top attacker then. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192114' first='Addy' last='Tindall']</strong> (Purdue commit) had 33 kills (!!!) in that match, and is a workhorse of a player that reminds this author of former Purdue player Caitlyn Newton. If there's one match to watch this weekend, the matchup between these two, with the individual performances AND the familiarity AND the volleyball talent, is the match to attend.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Crown Point (27-6) v #7 Warsaw (28-6) at Twin Lakes, 7p</h2>   <p>The fact that these two high-powered teams did NOT meet each other in the regular season makes this matchup the most intriguing of the bunch. What adds to the intrigue is the future Big Ten talent in the gym. Strong and athletic <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='236692' first='Elle' last='Schara']</strong> (Purdue commit) will bring the thunder for the Bulldogs, while libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='260998' first='Ellie' last='Hepler'] </strong>(Indiana commit) will try to keep that thunder from taking over the match, as Miss Schara would like.</p>

There are now 64 teams remaining in the four classes that make up Indiana postseason high school volleyball. Today's edition talks about 4A and the 16 remaining teams, where and when they play, whom they play, and the player to watch for each team. We've also included the ranking of each team in 4A (if in the top ten). All times are Eastern unless otherwise indicated.