Indiana 3A Preview: Trojan Reload or Regroup?

<!-- 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>More 3A previews, more teams with 20+ wins that have to replace a ton of talent. We move our focus to Delaware County, where the New Castle Trojans play their high-level of ball. The Hoosier Heritage Conference is tough enough with the athleticism and high-level play, but to have to replace major parts of the lineup is another thing entirely. Another semi state run might be tough, but it is possible with this group. Here is my preview of what the Trojans can bring to the court and my prediction of their season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Castle (25-10 in 2024)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>25 wins with a top-30 strength of schedule is not easy. Playing in one of the more volleyball-heavy conferences in the state, not to mention the fact that New Castle is located in Indiana's "Volleyball Mecca", can prepare this group year-in and year-out on a regular basis. Unfortunately, everyone must go through the growing pains of graduation, including these Trojans. Gone are the top attacker (Akron), libero (D2 IUP) and blocker (NAIA top-25 IU East). The good news is that there's a ton of kids returning that can carry the flag of this program, some for years to come. Junior <strong>Cadence Armacost</strong> is the top returning attacker, and should be for the next two seasons. I like the athleticism of sophomore <strong>Akiyah Turner,</strong> who can put balls away from anywhere. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='608966' first='Marley' last='Fraszier']</strong> has some much-needed size for this group, and is the top returning blocker for the Trojans. It's possible that the libero position might be a revolving door, but junior <strong>Emma Harris</strong> could be the frontrunner of the defensive group to wear the special jersey. The only rising senior that had a significant impact on play last year was the most important one---the setter. <strong>Elysah Lee Williams</strong> and her 1000 assists from a season ago should help guide this young attacking group and be the leader they so desperately need in this time of transition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prediction: Winning the sectional should be the Trojans' "state championship".</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Narrowly beating Hamilton Heights in a reverse sweep in the sectional opener last fall was a harbinger of things to come. With the Huskies returning all of the important parts, plus New Castle losing the great majority of their offense, floor defense and top blocker, THAT is the match in the Trojans' post season that this author will focus on. Win that, New Castle, and you've definitely overachieved and MORE than recovered from your graduation losses. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->