First Round 3A Matchups We Love

Our Prep Network app is now live! Download it at prepdig.com/app for all of your news and notes from all of your favorite players! And use code Kyp30 for 30% off of your annual subscription!   One of the unique things we have going here in Indiana is our blind draw for sectionals for every sport, including volleyball. While the draw itself makes its own excitement, there are sometimes matches that—-unfairly or not—-pair the two best teams in a particular sectional together in the first round of the playoffs. Here are a couple of matchups we're watching in the first round of the 3A playoffs, which start next week.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Brownstown (15-9) @ Silver Creek (18-9)</h2>   There are a few reasons this particular matchup is intriguing to us here at PrepDig. First, these two blue-blood programs meeting in the first round is almost unfair. Second, these two have met twice this season, with the most recent match (September 10) being a five-set victory for the Braves. Here are a couple of key players for each squad:    As part of the future of the Dragon volleyball program, Cescily is and will be one of the main attackers for years to come. In order for the third match with Brownstown to go her way, she'll need to step up her attacking game and be more than a underclass role player. Her physical leadership is one of the reasons she's been so successful in our rankings.     With a double-double in the last match against Brownstown (43 assists, 17 digs), Sam had a huge impact on the match. To find a little more offensive balance might be in store to come out of this match victorious, as the Braves defense is disciplined and stalwart.     A primary attacker through and through, Aylah is the physical and emotional leader for the Braves. With 22 kills and 22 digs in the last matchup with the Dragons, you can expect even more production from the senior pin attacker in a win-or-go-home match.     The Hanover commit is a big that is an exceptional complement to Aylah, and is part of a major one-two punch that the Dragons could not contain the last time around. For the Braves to continue their season, more will be expected from the senior pair, and ESPECIALLY more will be expected for each and every big on every 3A team looking to play deep into October. Claire is no exception.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Vincennes Lincoln (22-8) v Gibson Southern (18-7)</h2>   Unlike the match listed above, these two have VERY recent history this fall. A tight, four-set win for the Titans of Gibson Southern just this past Monday gives both teams plenty of film study for their first-round playoff match next week. A player to watch on each squad should dictate the match:    A big in every aspect of the term, Marlo is a tough, lean and lengthy middle who can take over a match with her long arms and quick transition. She does exceptionally well on sets away from the setter, allowing her to reach above and beyond blocks to terminate. Her penetration while blocking will also be key, and much-needed considering the similarly-sized big she'll be matched up against.     A High Point commit, Adelynn is a physical force on the pin. She averages 4+ kills per set while hitting well over .300 as a primary passer, while being the EASY choice for primary attacker for the Titans. On Monday, all of her skills showed out, which included a double-double of 21 kills and 24 digs while hitting over .400 in the process. If the Alices can't contain Miss Snow, this might be a quicker night than expected.

Our Prep Network app is now live! Download it at prepdig.com/app for all of your news and notes from all of your favorite players! And use code Kyp30 for 30% off of your annual subscription!