Early Returns From 1A Play

<p>Most teams have a few matches under their respective belts this early in the Indiana high school season, so we’re going to take some time talking about players making a difference on each team. The number by each is their current state ranking in class 1A.</p> <p><strong>#6: Springs Valley (4-0)</strong></p> <p>Off to a torrid start, sweeping their first four opponents, the Blackhawks are normally led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110507" first="Leigh" last="Carnes"] (’24, 5-8 S/RS). </strong>This early start shows that her help will come from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="145467" first="Alayna" last="Denbo"], </strong>a middle who currently leads the team in both kills per set (3.7) and attack percentage (.466). </p> <p><strong>#5: Covington (3-0)</strong></p> <p>The senior-laden Trojans have started undefeated, but will get a stiff test from 1A #4 Lafayette Central Catholic on Saturday. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85865" first="Amber" last="Cruser"] (’22, 5-11 RS) </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="102533" first="Holly" last="Linville"] (’22, 5-9 OH)</strong> both average over three kills per set. While Amber is the more physical of the two, Holly’s all around game (hitting .500, leads in aces, blocks and digs) is what will carry Covington into September success.</p> <p><strong>#3: Loogootee (5-2)</strong></p> <p>The Lions always play a tough schedule to prep for that October playoff run that is destined to happen every year. With 4A wins over Terre Haute North, Greenwood and North Central, they’re doing just that. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="101318" first="Kylie" last="VanHoy"] (’22, 5-9 MB/S)</strong> does everything for the Lions. Although setting for the Evansville United club team is her gig, she’s also averaging 6 kills per set, hitting .448, leading in aces and blocks, and second in digs. The true test for Loogootee, however, comes next Tuesday when they play 1A #2 Trinity Lutheran.</p> <p><strong>#1: Pioneer (5-1)</strong></p> <p>Was there ever a doubt that the Panthers would be in this spot to start the season? The defending state champs should run roughshod over all of the northern half of the state in both small and large school classes. With their only loss coming to 4A Zionsville, and owning wins over 2A #7 Rochester, 4A Columbus North and 4A Franklin Central, Pioneer should have yet another run to glory. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110516" first="Brooklyn" last="Borges"] (’24, 6-0 MB)</strong> will be the size they need to continue producing in the absence of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="101316" first="Madison" last="Blickenstaff"].</strong></p>