The Draw Is Complete: 4A 1st Round Matches We’re Watching

<p>Last night, the IHSAA completed the annual release of the “blind draw”—-a randomized pick of postseason teams in 64 sectionals, 16 in each class. All roads lead to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis on November 8, and as always, we're excited for each and every matchup. The postseason begins next week, so we're jumping out in front to look at each first-round match that caught our eye as a tough opener. Here they are in class 4A, listed from north to south.</p>   <p><em>***All rankings are through MaxPreps, and all records are through Saturday, October 4***</em></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#7 Warsaw (25-4) v Northridge (22-8)</h2>   <p>Tough, indeed. When this match was played earlier this season, it did end in a sweep in favor of Warsaw, but two of the sets were tight. I expect more of the same, with Northridge possibly taking a set to make it interesting. The first matchup showed <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='487560' first='Cecelia' last='Goode']</strong>'s efficiency, as the Purdue Northwest commit hammered 14 kills on over .400 hitting. Junior <strong>Alli Steele</strong> of Northridge led her squad with 11 kills, but might need a bit more help next week. Warsaw also finished with 14 aces, showing off their ability to score points in more ways than one.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bellmont (15-12) v Homestead (18-8)</h2>   <p>OK, OK, I understand that this matchup has neither team listed with a ranking, but knowing the history of Fort Wayne volleyball, this should be a fun one to watch, especially with the Division I talent that will be on the floor. Purdue commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226809' first='MaryKate' last='Scheumann']</strong> leads a VERY balanced attack for Bellmont, but I expect her to be a bit more offensive in this match to keep their season alive. Homestead swept this match earlier this fall, with junior outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807111' first='Reagan' last='Lyons']</strong> (Marshall commit) finishing with a match-high 14 kills on .324 hitting. This is a “throw the records out” type of match in the making, and I would not be surprised if this one went five sets because of their history and familiarity.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#15 Zionsville (16-11) v #2 Hamilton Southeastern (26-3)</h2>   <p>For the toughest sectional in the state, it was inevitable that a top-fifteen matchup would punctuate the opening round. These teams met earlier, with the Royals capturing victory in four long sets. Both have a ton of future Division I talent on the roster, and I wish I was able to see this one in person because of that talent. The Royals will roll out their juggernaut of an offense, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261036' first='Madison' last='Miles']</strong> (Illinois commit), who had 25 kills and hit over .300 in the previous matchup. For the Eagles, uncommitted junior outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='435863' first='Jenna' last='Dittmer']</strong> led three attackers in double digits with 13 kills. Jenna will probably need some help in all parts of this match to hopefully have a chance at an upset. Her saving grace is that this match is a home contest for the Eagles, and I expect that place to be LOUD.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#10 Plainfield (22-5) v #5 Brownsburg (16-5)</h2>   <p>I'm cheating a bit here, as these two play each other in their personal “first round”, but this match <em>actually</em> occurs in the sectional semifinal. No matter, as this one is a repeat of their match back in late August, which the Bulldogs won in four sets. Both teams have changed a ton since then, making this match my match to watch in 4A of the four listed here. The Quakers roll out super-sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807856' first='Audrey' last='Utterback'],</strong> whose heavy arm and natural volleyball acuity leads this young squad. The first time around, she finished with 22 kills against a taut Bulldog defense. For Brownsburg, seven seniors are listed on this roster, which makes this team one of the more experienced teams in the state. Their balance will be key in keeping the Quakers off balance, as evidenced by senior middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='514782' first='London' last='Smith']</strong>'s 10 kills on .375 hitting last time around. Blocking might be the key here, as the Bulldogs finished with 12 blocks in four sets in the first match.</p>

Last night, the IHSAA completed the annual release of the “blind draw”—-a randomized pick of postseason teams in 64 sectionals, 16 in each class. All roads lead to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis on November 8, and as always, we're excited for each and every matchup. The postseason begins next week, so we're jumping out in front to look at each first-round match that caught our eye as a tough opener. Here they are in class 4A, listed from north to south.