Indiana 3A Preview: Brave New World?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Want $10 off of your registration to our July 27 Stock Up Showcase? Use code KypDig2025 at checkout!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've moved on from the biggest class in the state to the next-highest, which is still filled with a ton of regional and (occasional) national-level talent. One of the first we're talking about in this series is a perennial blue-blood, the Brebeuf Braves. Looking at their record, one might instinctively think that their season wasn't the greatest. With a top-five strength of schedule from a year ago, plus the lack of importance the IHSAA places on regular season results, preparing and priming a volleyball program with the toughest schedule available is a great way to train kids for the postseason. Here is the review of the Braves' 2024 season, and a prediction of what they might do this coming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Brebeuf (12-12 in 2024)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Again, don't look at the record. According to the Z-Rankings on indianaprepvolleyball.com, the Braves played the fourth-toughest schedule in all of Indiana. Since the IHSAA doesn't seed the postseason, records mean almost nothing in the grand scheme of things in our volleyball world. That being said, it will take a lot for the Braves to duplicate their somewhat successful season from a year ago, knowing that two attackers and a Penn-State-bound libero just graduated. Who's going to replace all of that talent? For one, the best player returning is setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261046' first='Reese' last='Blanchard'],</strong> a dynamic Munciana kid who can do a little of everything any setter statewide can do, along with run a solid 5-1 offense. Fellow senior <strong>Mya Rausch</strong> is the top returning blocker from a year ago, and will be much needed to bring some size to the court. I'm expecting <strong>Harper Krautkramer</strong> to have a hand in the libero jersey process, as she's the top returning defender from last season. However, even that spot is up in the air and hard to replace at a level the Braves have been accustomed to the last four seasons. Rising juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='435860' first='Evyn' last='Taylor']</strong> and <strong>Madi Fritz</strong> bring some additional pin-hitting size to the fray, and will be immediate outlets for Reese when looking for a much-needed side out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prediction: A sectional title would not only be an upgrade from a year ago, but would make this season a HUGE success.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's too much to replace on this roster---from the libero position ALONE---to expect a 20-win season from the Braves. Their passing and defensive abilities will be key this season, and Lexi Gin is hard to replace. That being said, there might be enough returning to make a run at it, and with the solid JV program having some rising players coming through the ranks, there might be more offense there than I'm guessing. 3A top five Tri-West knocked them out at the sectional final in '24, but even THEY have their adjustments to make. I'm not going to mention a win total to reach, but if this teams stays healthy, picks up some pleasant surprises coming up from the JV ranks and has an epic run in October, earning a sectional title would be huge for this program going forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->