Top Five 3A Teams Going Into The Postseason

The playoffs have begun. A large number of teams have already been eliminated, with their last matches of the season coming two days ago. We spent yesterday talking about pairs of players (one committed, one not) on each of the top five teams in question and their future schedule. Today's edition will talk about x-factors that will make a major difference in their postseason aspirations, all while trying to secure that all-elusive college commitment for the next level. Here they are, in reverse order, with their next match listed as well.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5: Northview (26-4)</h2>   The Knights, no matter who throws on the jersey, have always found themselves playing deep into October. However, the regional round seems to be the ceiling for this squad in recent years. In order to get to the semistate, there has to be more than one kid ready and willing to take matters into their own hands. Take [player_tooltip player_id='808205' first='Karsyn' last='Buck'], for instance. Unbeknownst to me, this will be her last season of volleyball, ever. She's the state runner-up in the high jump (where her future lies), and has put that athleticism on display for all four years of her career. Closing in on 1000 kills, 1000 digs and already over 1000 assists in her storied career, there's enough matches remaining that those goals could be met, a first in Northview history. Karsyn is the catalyst, but [player_tooltip player_id='583894' first='Audrey' last='Staggs'] can keep defenses honest with her size and strength. The pair combine for almost seven points per set, which is a good chunk of points from just two players in 3A.   Next match: 10/18 v winner of Cascade @ Owen Valley   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4: Brownstown Central (25-5)</h2>   The transition to 3A (from 2A) for the Braves has looked exceedingly easy this fall. They've taken on all comers, as per usual in their schedule, and seemingly improved as we got into October. Now, with the playoffs ready to separate the contenders from the pretenders, the Braves are ready for their closeup. A pair of kids with unique talents dot this roster. [player_tooltip player_id='839883' first='Sophie' last='Wischmeier'] is a do-everything outside hitter, leading the way with her springy nature and all-around volleyball acuity. Jennings County transfer [player_tooltip player_id='830158' first='Aylah' last='Belding'] has been a breath of fresh air for this squad, and keeps defenses from camping on Sophie. Aylah's addition has made this offense even MORE efficient than they were last season, and both uncommitted players will control play from their first whistle tonight.   Next match: 10/16 v #14 Silver Creek (21-10)   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3: Greensburg (26-1)</h2>   The Pirates are here again! With their lone loss coming early this season against 4A Columbus North, the ladies in blue should, once again, control their own destiny in the postseason. A pair of non-seniors score the most points on offense, starting with Academy product [player_tooltip player_id='839437' first='Victoria' last='Stier']. Her fast-footed and quick-jumping nature can take over a match in an instant, and is a tough matchup for any defense, at the net or on the floor. I'm also looking at M2 [player_tooltip player_id='831223' first='Claire' last='Larrison']. Her ability to put balls away from in front of or behind the setter equally makes her a prime collegiate recruit. She's a two-footed attacker, but her transition is so quick that it doesn't matter where she's set——Claire just finds a way to put balls away regardless of tempo or placement.   Next match: 10/18 v winner of Franklin County and Batesville   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2: Roncalli (27-5)</h2>   With their quick sweep Tuesday night, the Royals have kicked off their postseason with a bang. Although this roster is FILLED with Division 1 talent, there is a pair of players that could become x-factors in how far this squad can go. Sophomore O2 [player_tooltip player_id='798102' first='Rosanna' last='Spearing'] is a diminutive but effective outside that can take pressure off of the other pin attackers, all while being a great teammate. There's no doubt of her effectiveness in the early-going of the sectional, so her use will change as the regional becomes clear. I'm also a fan of the work freshman setter [player_tooltip player_id='884193' first='Norah' last='Bell'] has done this fall. Thrust into a starting role due to injury before the season even started, she's done nothing but work hard, be effective and keep the defending 3A champs in the spotlight. Her continued accuracy and balanced distribution will be key in the Royals going far this October and, hopefully, November.   Next match: 10/18 v Indian Creek (14-8)   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1: Cathedral (21-9)</h2>   Playing easily the toughest schedule in all of 3A, it's entirely possible that this iteration of the Fighting Irish is better than last fall's version. On a collision course with Roncalli late in the postseason, the focus of their success will hinge on the effectiveness of their pin players, and BOTH outsides are uncommitted. [player_tooltip player_id='482446' first='Caroline' last='Hanchar'] is a fast-twitch, high-rising outside that can terminate from anywhere, and has been doing just that for years. Her ability to be a pass-to-attack, six-rotation left side will be key in the Irish being successful through November. The other outside is one of my favorites in 3A, [player_tooltip player_id='586944' first='Blaine' last='Adams']. This sophomore sensation is one of the highest jumpers in her graduating class AND 3A this postseason, and she's playing less and less like the young sophomore that she is. There's a bunch of D1 talent on this roster as well, but this group seems to be a bit more cohesive than other Cathedral teams in recent years. I like their chances….but Roncalli looms.   Next match: 10/18 v winner of Shortridge and Purdue Poly

The playoffs have begun. A large number of teams have already been eliminated, with their last matches of the season coming two days ago. We spent yesterday talking about pairs of players (one committed, one not) on each of the top five teams in question and their future schedule. Today's edition will talk about x-factors that will make a major difference in their postseason aspirations, all while trying to secure that all-elusive college commitment for the next level. Here they are, in reverse order, with their next match listed as well.