Top Five Teams In 1A Right Now

<p><em>Want a subscription to PrepDig? Use code Kyp30 for a deep discount on your national subscription!</em></p>   <p>We've finally come to the end of our first week of “top fives”, which almost feels overdue since we're already ending week three of our season. Here are our top five teams in 1A this week, along with their records and three players each that have made a difference thus far this season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5: Trinity Lutheran, 6-6</h2>   <p>Like death and taxes, Trinity Lutheran's appearance on a volleyball court in late October is inevitable—-at least I think it is. With wins over Lawrence North and Center Grove—-two 4A programs—-I was beginning to prep this article with possibilities of a repeat performance to the 2024 season. After a loss to Triton Central, however, I'm not so sure. I'll safely put the Cougars in the #5 slot because of their reputation more than their recent play. When you DO watch them, look for the Bonde sisters; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809837' first='Rachel' last='Bonde']</strong> is a sophomore will immense power and size that fills up a stat sheet, while senior <strong>Bailey Bonde </strong>already has all-state honors to go along with her state championship trophy. This pair, when the passing is right, can take over a match. This leads me to another senior, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750237' first='Madelyn' last='Adams'],</strong> who anchors the Cougar defense and will be responsible for serve receive for the remainder of the fall. Her leadership on defense will be key to this squad's repeat championship run.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4: Morgan Township, 8-3</h2>   <p>Another year, another solid start to a volleyball season for MT. A trio of juniors lead this roster in the offense, starting with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='836587' first='Noelle' last='Keifer'].</strong> This KeAloha product is lean and quick, with every shot in the book in her arm swing. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='815239' first='Kenna' last='Pedersen'] </strong>brings size and strength to the right side position, and has a very high attack that makes some blocks look small by comparison. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='830365' first='Braelynn' last='Dudzik']</strong> is a solid M1 for MT, and has a whip of an arm when she uses it. She's more apt to be an M2 at the next level, and excels when sets are away from the setter. This three-headed offensive monster averages 7 kills per set collectively, more than enough to keep defenses off guard.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3: Faith Christian, 10-1</h2>   <p>Is this the year that Faith breaks out and can earn a title? With a mixture of senior leadership and outstanding athleticism coming up in the freshman ranks, it certainly seems so. Led by do-everything freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='883661' first='Taylor' last='Hill'],</strong> the offense hums on all cylinders. I'm also a fan of a pair of seniors, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='462512' first='Olivia' last='Barber']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='386163' first='Brooklyn' last='Perry'].</strong> Miss Barber is the 6-2 setter that never comes off the floor. Her leadership, coupled with her innate ability to be great at every skill, makes her indispensable for this squad. Brooklyn has a little size in the middle for Faith, and contributes on both offense and defense. The Eagles' lone loss was to #2 Rossville, who they see twice more this regular season. If there ever was a time to build up more scouting material for a championship run, this is definitely the year to do so.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2: Rossville, 8-1</h2>   <p>It's not mid-September yet, but what a start to the season the Hornets have had. Yet another squad from the Lafayette-ish area with exceptional outsides, Rossville is no different in that capacity, as they roll out <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='883662' first='Blaire' last='Wellman']</strong> as a primary attacker. This freshman is dynamic and quick, with a full capability of taking over a match if you let her. Another freshman, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='883663' first='Cassie' last='Schoon']</strong>, anchors the serve receive with the special jersey on, and is above-average on her read-and-react style of play. I had to check again what Cassie's graduating class year was, as she plays a much more mature level of ball than a lot of freshmen in her position. Finally, a three-sport senior stud in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828758' first='Addi' last='Gorbett']</strong> is kind of the glue to this whole thing. Without her doing some of the dirty work and leading by example, I'm not so sure I'd be writing about the Hornets this early in the season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1: Springs Valley, 9-0</h2>   <p>Is THIS the year? Is a 1A championship possible for this squad? A senior-heavy stat sheet tells me that they're more than prepared to lead by example. Bellarmine commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209451' first='Maddie' last='Carnes']</strong> is a multiyear All-State honoree that has officially switched to full-time setting after spending three seasons hitting AND setting for SV. Her favorite target in the offense is fellow senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='815389' first='Kinsey' last='Saliba'], </strong>an undersized but springy middle averaging five kills per set while hitting well over .300 in the process. To allow Maddie to earn her All-State honors, however, someone has to pass her the ball. Insert <strong>Maci Eckerty,</strong> who wears the special jersey with pride and leads by example as well. There are so many other parts to this program and its history that I know I'm leaving someone of consequence out. Rest assured, if Springs Valley continues on this path, the accolades will come for them all. </p>

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