2A Finals Preview: Who Ya Got?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>The Exposure Tour is almost here! Use code KypPD25 for a discount off of your registration!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our state championship tournament is coming to an end this weekend at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the home of the Indiana Pacers, for the first time. With a ton of amazing volleyball being showcased in downtown Indianapolis, we're looking forward to a great number of athletes showing out on the biggest stage. Here's our take on the 2A final, listing multiple athletes for each team, and a prognostication at the end of the article.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>All records are from the IHSAA championship website, and all rankings are through indianaprepvolleyball.com and the Z-Ratings.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3 Benton Central (27-5)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's hard to believe that Benton Central has <em>never</em> won a state title in volleyball before, considering the long, storied history that the Bison have, specifically in women's volleyball. From the Lafayette area, home to the Boiler Juniors, you know that ball control will be at an all-time high, starting with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='260992' first='Bella' last='Widmer'],</strong> a UTEP commit. Her ability to control a match with her first contact will keep the Bison in system for the entirety of Saturday afternoon's match. A balanced offense will follow, starting with Western Kentucky commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='260994' first='Calista' last='Foster'].</strong> Her all-around game, from first contact to last, is what earned her the commitment from the Hilltoppers, and will be the main focus of the Viking defense. Other attackers are exceptional complementary pieces, at worst. At best, both <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807917' first='Ella' last='Miller']</strong> (Morehead State commit) and <strong>McKenna Yadon</strong> can definitely put defenses on their heels, from attacks at the net to their defense. The Bison are so balanced that the senior-junior split of the ladies listed above is 2-2. This year's team FEELS inevitable, but can they handle the pressure?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1 Barr-Reeve (32-5)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of inevitable, the Vikings can probably still feel the sting of last year's result, and have been riding a high wave of success here at the end of this squad's playoff run. Winning a whopping NINE straight sectionals is not the incredible part—-it's that they've done it in three different classes. This year's 2A version has balance themselves, and a freshman that is more than ready to take over the reins of the program after the senior class graduates. Freshman outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='884194' first='Joslyn' last='Knepp']</strong> is the leading attacker, but not by much. JJ's dynamic and athletic play all season long makes her look much older and more mature in this game than most, and has “All-State honoree” written all over her. Senior pin attacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226808' first='Addison' last='Jones']</strong> has always been a part of the Viking volleyball program, even well before she entered her high school halls. Another with all-around athleticism that can carry the offensive load, she's a huge part of why the Vikings are here, and will be just that if a state-shaped trophy is to be hoisted. I also like fellow senior <strong>Lanie Graber,</strong> another part of this balanced attack that keeps defenses honest. None of this, however, can happen without a solid first contact, which will come more often than not from <strong>Lora Graber.</strong> The junior libero is the heart and soul of both serve receive and floor defense for the Vikings, and will be challenged to keep the ball off the floor. <strong>Hallie Knepp</strong> will surpass 1000 assists this season on Saturday, and her accuracy and setting choices will dictate how the Vikings go. You might also notice that there are a number of repeated last names—-yes, this program is a family affair, but it just <em>feels</em> different to be a part of a school with less than 300. They're closer and more connected this season than most others, which might be the difference on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">PREDICTION: Bison over Vikings in 5 in a (very) mild upset.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading -->