2023 Player Rankings Update: Best Pins Still Playing This Fall

<p>We are through the sectional playoffs this past weekend, with only 64 teams remaining state-wide, 16 in each class. Today, we talk about the best pin players that are still alive in the state tournament, along with their respective regional matchups this coming Saturday.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85895" first="Chloe" last="Chicoine"], 5-9, OH, McCutcheon</strong></p> <p>This is a no-doubt, top-flight recruit that has carried the Mavericks to new heights this season, with a record of 20-7 on a much tougher schedule than what we expected from Lafayette-area teams. Chloe is a member of the U.S. Youth National Team, and the only member of that team listed in multiple positions (DS as well). Their matchup is against Carroll of Fort Wayne, who got through their sectional with ease and without dropping a set. The Chargers have a record 23-9, and feature a much more balanced attack than the Mavericks. In short, Chloe hits a heavy ball from both the front and back rows, has arguably the best volleyball IQ that this author has seen in quite some time, and is a regular in serve receive. This match is a 4A second regional semifinal at Noblesville on Saturday.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85896" first="Quinci" last="Thomas"], 6-3, OH, Brownsburg</strong></p> <p>Fun fact: Avon, Brownsburg’s rival, has won 19 consecutive sectional championships---until Saturday. Brownsburg upset the Orioles in four long sets, with Miss Thomas leading the way with 25 kills, hitting .362, 11 digs, 2 blocks and an ace. The Bulldogs also include Colorado commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85853" first="Kendall" last="Meller"], </strong>so this one-two punch on the pins makes for major matchup problems for their opponents. Avon is no slouch; their primary attacker, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85671" first="Abby" last="Maesch"], </strong>is headed to Georgia in the fall. Quinci doesn’t, and shouldn’t come out, ever. Her impressive improvement from three-rotation hammer in club last spring to six-rotation primary passer this fall is nothing short of magnificent. The Bulldogs next get Roncalli, who got through their sectional easily and come into the matchup with a 22-8 record. This match is also a 4A second regional semifinal, but at Greenfield-Central, on Saturday afternoon.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85900" first="Faith" last="Burch"], 5-10, RS, Roncalli</strong></p> <p>Speaking of the Rebels, Roncalli had no issues this past week by crushing all opponents to win their sectional. At 22-8, they match up with the Bulldogs of Brownsburg on Saturday at Greenfield-Central. A whip of a left arm, Miss Burch is more than poised to do some damage at the next level. The Rebels also feature libero and Texas commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85811" first="Emma" last="Halter"]. </strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85905" first="Chloe" last="Cook"], 5-9, OH, Wapahani</strong></p> <p>"Jeez, Kyp, talk about someone other than 4A all the time!!!"</p> <p>OK, I will, voice in my head.</p> <p>Chloe and the Raiders bring a record of 25-5 to their regional, and Miss Cook herself is the primary attacker at over three kills per set. Her Munciana training and high volleyball IQ make her a perfect candidate for a state championship. She just might get her wish; their state title match against Heritage Christian last year might happen again, as the two are on opposite sides of the bracket again. The Raiders get 23-7 South Adams, who won the Selma sectional by dropping only one set. You’ll find this match as the second 2A regional semifinal at Elwood on Saturday.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="93482" first="Avery" last="Hobson"], 5-11, OH, Hamilton Southeastern</strong></p> <p>And now, back to your regularly schedule 4A volleyball programming.</p> <p>Avery is the OH2 for the undefeated Royals, who also happen to be the #1 team in the state. At nearly three kills per set, and in no jeopardy of losing her spot, Avery is improving with every high and heavy swing. Avery’s 10 kills while hitting nearly .300 in the sectional final against Fishers was much needed in their victory. The Royals match up with 18-11 Homestead, who won their sectional quickly without dropping a set. This match is the first regional semifinal at Noblesville on Saturday.</p>