Indiana 2A Preview: Brave New World?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Want $10 off of your registration to our Freshman or Stock Up Showcase on July 27? Use code KypDig2025 at checkout!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finishing 6th in the state in 2A, the Tecumseh Braves have multiple women's sports that have finished in the top ten statewide---basketball and softball are the others---that prove the athleticism of the ladies in Lynnville. Year-in and year-out, there are always multiple kids that can play multiple sports at an ultra high level, and volleyball is no different. Yet, after a tough loss in the regional to eventual 2A state runners-up Brownstown Central, this coming fall just <em>feels </em>a little different. Yes, there are seniors coming up to lead, and yes there are underclass fill-ins for some of the graduates. But this season might be a recovery year, as the volleyball talent isn't as pronounced as in previous years. In fact, the Braves' best player remaining from a season ago does a little of everything. Here is my preview and prediction of the Tecumseh Braves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tecumseh (27-8 in 2024)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For years, Tecumseh has prided themselves on their volleyball athleticism. Jumping ability, speed and overall strength allowed the Braves to take over matches and go on point streaks in a hurry. After being the 1A state runners-up in 2023, the move up to 2A was eye opening, as they were matched up against a regional foe with something the Braves didn't have---club experience. To return to that level, and possibly go beyond it, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='722895' first='Kelsey' last='Marx']</strong> is part of the 6-2 the Braves run that also is responsible for so much more, including attacking and blocking. She'll have to carry that much more of the offensive load in order for this squad to return to glory. The rest of the "usual suspects" are all seniors this fall---<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='300205' first='Shae' last='Bailey']</strong> is a quick outside and the top returning attacker, <strong>Bianca Lochmueller</strong> is a springy middle and the top returning blocker, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='241703' first='Lydia' last='Wilson'] </strong>returns as the libero and the top floor defender. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prediction: The Braves' conference and sectional are easy. The regional and beyond are too tough for this group.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is impressive that the Braves took a set off of 4A powers Floyd Central and Castle last fall. But this is not the '24 Braves. There just isn't enough high-end experience and firepower to compete at the state level in 2A, and I have a feeling that this fall will be a placeholder before the Braves are sent back to 1A in the next reclassification, which happens every two years. Don't get me wrong; this is one of the most athletic schools out there, top to bottom, for women's sports. I've mentioned that on more than one occasion through this medium. However, it takes a little more than sheer athleticism to advance in the 2A volleyball playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->