Indiana 1A Preview: Blackhawk Up?

Kyp Harasymowycz July 23, 2025 @ 10:07 AM

<p><em>Want $10 off of your registration to our Freshman or Stock Up Showcase? Use code KypDig2025 at checkout!</em></p>   <p>Finishing 9th in the indianaprepvolleyball.com rankings from last fall is a roster where virtually everyone returned from a semistate appearance from a season ago. There's a ton of talent, including a D1 commit on this squad, to go along with a hefty amount of athleticism that will challenge the local teams they play. Let's look at the Blackhawks of Springs Valley, who look to make another 25+-win season happen this fall.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Springs Valley (25-6 in 2024)</h2>   <p>Solid, disciplined volleyball is being played in French Lick these days, which is obviously more known for its most famous basketball celebrity, Larry Bird. With the entire roster returning, the culture, expectation and rhythm all repeat from a season ago. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209451' first='Maddie' last='Carnes'],</strong> a Bellarmine commit at the setting position, does just about everything for this squad, and should continue to do so in her final season with SV. She attacks, digs, is tough behind the baseline and will do almost anything to carry this squad. She wasn't even the top attacker last season, though, as that honor is bestowed upon fellow senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='815389' first='Kinsey' last='Saliba'].</strong> Although only 5'8", her athleticism and jumping ability in the middle will be a challenge for all comers in class 1A. Sister <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='813307' first='Emmy' last='Saliba']</strong> is the other middle, and has her own bit of athleticism to give opposing defenses fits when she attacks. Senior <strong>Macy Eckerty </strong>should return as the top floor defender this fall, completing the three contact reliability that the Blackhawks have had for years now. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prediction: Their postseason match against Trinity Lutheran, whenever it happens, should be treated like their state finals. The Cougars are the only obstacle between them at the 1A title.</h2>   <p>SV has always had some semblance of athleticism in multiple sports on the girls side. Trinity Lutheran is THE 1A program south of I-70, however, and until the Blackhawks can figure them out, it's TL's to lose. Don't get me wrong, the ladies at Springs Valley are tough as nails and play well together. Hopefully I'm wrong, and that toughness and athleticism help get them over the hump this November.</p>

Want $10 off of your registration to our Freshman or Stock Up Showcase? Use code KypDig2025 at checkout!