Top 2A Teams Playing In Sectionals This Week

In each of the classes, there's a sectional that causes outrage. Too many high-end, highly-ranked teams in the opening rounds of the state tournament face each other, denying opportunities to those who deserve a long run into the playoffs while also creating lopsided matches later in the tournament.   OK, rant over.   Class 2A has a high concentration of ranked teams in a couple of pockets around the state, and many of the teams in our ranking today will see some of the toughest ball they've seen all season. Here they are, in reverse order, with a pair of players from each squad that should be relied upon to extend their respective seasons.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5: Tecumseh (24-8)</h2>   The Braves stumbled a bit heading into the postseason, but have righted the ship by winning an epic opening-round match against #11 Evansville Mater Dei in five sets Tuesday. Now, their sights are set on yet another ranked opponent that they beat back in late September, but might cause more problems due to familiarity. (The Braves and North Posey finished 1-2 in the Pocket Conference this fall.) I'm looking for [player_tooltip player_id='300205' first='Shae' last='Bailey'] to use her leadership and strength to carry the Braves through Saturday's sectional semifinal. She's been here and done that, and has been a stalwart leader throughout her final high school season. The future of the Braves looks bright, however, with freshman attacker/setter [player_tooltip player_id='890230' first='Adley' last='Staples'] showing the way. Her three kills per set while helping run a 6-2 has been a breath of fresh air for this program, and her continued involvement in both the offense and setting sides of her skill set will be key in pulling yet another ranked win early in the playoffs.   Next match: 10/18 v #4 North Posey (25-4)   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4: North Posey (25-4)</h2>   The Vikings had a little easier match on Tuesday, with a quick sweep of Tell City that lasted just over an hour. The showdown with Tecumseh should be a fun watch, and the winner of this match will be heavily favored to win sectional #48. Winners of their last ten, NP's last loss was in late September to 4A Castle, which feels like a lifetime away. Like Tecumseh, the Vikings have a mixture of senior leadership and youthful athleticism that makes this squad go. Sophomore attacker Sage Mueller is the lead point getter in a balanced offense. To keep that offense balanced—-and defenses off-balance—-senior setter Siri Fullop will have to keep distributing the ball evenly and well to win this matchup. This should be one of the louder matches this Saturday, as these two know each other well in MULTIPLE sports over the years.   Next match: 10/18 @ #5 Tecumseh (24-8)   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3: Benton Central (21-5)</h2>   The Bison made quick work of Seeger yesterday, despite a match-high 22 kills from Butler-bound [player_tooltip player_id='260996' first='Chase' last='Lemming']. Getting past the toughest match of their sectional, the road is paved with BC having control over their own destiny and, finally, earning that much-elusive state title. Multiple D1-committed kids lead this band, with [player_tooltip player_id='260994' first='Calista' last='Foster'] (Western Kentucky commit) leading the way offensively. She plays with poise, power and speed, and does everything well within the 900 square feet. Their first contacts moving forward will be very important, so Miss Foster will pair with [player_tooltip player_id='260992' first='Bella' last='Widmer'] (UTEP commit), the libero of this squad. Between the two of them, every serve reception should keep the Bison in-system, while a complement of offensive weapons will have defenses off-balance.   Next match: 10/18 v Delphi Community (4-26)   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2: Southwood (27-3)</h2>   One of the smallest schools playing up in 2A due to the IHSAA tournament success factor, the Knights have more than held their own this season, with major victories over 3A #1 Cathedral and 1A #1 Trinity Lutheran. Now, the REAL season begins, and the Knights made fast work of #17 Manchester on Tuesday. Their next opponent, Eastern, was a victory as well, but that was back in mid-August, almost a lifetime ago in volleyball terms. The Knights have a nice old/young combination going on that keeps this team in the top five regularly. [player_tooltip player_id='494521' first='Shania' last='Rhamy'] (Kentucky commit) is the primary attacker for this bunch, and can do everything at a D1 level. She's worth the price of admission to watch play this game we all love. The youth in question starts with middle Taylor Haecker. Her ability to hit in front of and behind the setter on serve receive and in transition makes her look far more mature than the average freshman middle. I like this squad a lot, and they have the pieces to make it to Gainbridge in November.   Next match: 10/18 v #6 Eastern (24-7)   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1: Barr-Reeve (27-5)</h2>   The second set of Vikings in this ranking are, far and away, the most prepared to hoist a trophy in Gainbridge Fieldhouse in November. Oddly enough, their lone 2A loss is to the other set of Vikings from North Posey, who this group might see later in the playoffs. No matter, though, as that was back in late August, and BR has improved a ton since then. Balance is the key for this squad, and is led by senior stud [player_tooltip player_id='226808' first='Addison' last='Jones']. Hard to believe that this kid is still available, but here we are. A six-rotation, tough and strong outside that can do a little of everything on the volleyball court is what Miss Jones is made of, while also filling up the stat sheet night-in and night-out. She's got a nice complement in [player_tooltip player_id='884194' first='Joslyn' last='Knepp'], who contributes the same offensive numbers (3 KPS) as Addison. Size, speed, ball control and a high volleyball IQ make this gang of Vikings successful, and should continue to do just that as their season continues.   Next match: 10/18 v #14 Linton-Stockton (22-8)

In each of the classes, there's a sectional that causes outrage. Too many high-end, highly-ranked teams in the opening rounds of the state tournament face each other, denying opportunities to those who deserve a long run into the playoffs while also creating lopsided matches later in the tournament.