Indiana 4A Preview: Chargers Champs Again?

<!-- 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're into the homestretch of the top teams from a year ago in Class 4A in Indiana, and there's nothing but future collegiate talent all over these rosters. The reigning state champs, the Carroll Chargers out of Fort Wayne, return the great majority of their title-winning roster, and look to have a rare chance of repeating. Here's my take on their returning production and my prediction of their season's results.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Carroll (33-3 in 2024)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a top-15 strength of schedule from a season ago, it's clear that this squad knows (1) how to schedule and (2) how to prepare for a long haul into October and November. Leadership comes in multiple shapes and sizes with this crew, starting with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227184' first='Bailey' last='Sinish'],</strong> an IU Indy commit. With just about every attacking record in her name, Bailey will be the high-flying go-to the Chargers need to win in tight spots. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='562298' first='Cala' last='Haffner'],</strong> a rising sophomore, is another leader, as her first contact skills are second to none statewide. Being named to the U19 national team is no fluke---especially as a 15-year-old. She's always played up in age groups, and is more than ready for the challenge of repeating as a state champ. But it's not just those two that will contribute. Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='300206' first='Sophia' last='Gisslen']</strong> will set a fast-but-accurate offense and consistently finds ways to exploit matchups regularly. As evidenced by the title match last fall, she also defends her position better than most. Some other attackers include <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='582991' first='Katelyn' last='Peters'],</strong> a rising sophomore who will look to carry the flag as a primary attacker after Bailey graduates, and middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='228833' first='Addi' last='Shippy']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='502826' first='Lola' last='Sasse'].</strong> Both are super springy and fast on transition, with the latter already committed to D2 Rollins. There's a ton returning, with even more role players moving up from the JV squad that will make this program exceptional for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prediction: Run it back.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think the title match said it best last fall. Yorktown tried to serve Haffner, the freshman libero---and never aced her. The Tigers sent a ton of attacks toward Gisslen to get the Chargers out of system---to no avail. In short, a well-coached, well-trained program did everything you SHOULD do to get a team out of balance, and couldn't even crack the surface. Considering that the majority of Carroll comes back after a state title run is scary. Yes, they still have to get through the gauntlet of the northern half of the draw, which included Homestead, Crown Point and Hamilton Southeastern last fall. This is clearly a far TOUGHER draw than the southern half of the bracket, which has weakened programs Yorktown, Center Grove, Floyd Central and Castle. That strength of schedule, coupled with their returning group, should guide Carroll to another title as one of the more fun dynasties to follow in the state. Trust me, we'll all be watching.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->