Week Five Top Five In 3A

<p>Already halfway through the season, we have a few newcomers to the top five this week. As usual, however, the more things change......</p> <p><strong>#5: Wapahani (11-1)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous Ranking: NR</strong></em></p> <p>One of three teams to move from 2A to 3A in the offseason due to the tournament success factor, the Raiders are taking the adjustment well. With their only loss to defending 4A champ Yorktown, and a win over fellow 3A team Muncie Burris, the continued success of this Delaware County squad is both surprising and expected. 2A #2 Madison-Grant comes to Wapahani tonight. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="95740" first="Camryn" last="Wise"] (’23, 5-11 MB), </strong>at over four kills per set, paces this aggressive offense.</p> <p><strong>#4: Benton Central (13-1)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous Ranking: #4</strong></em></p> <p>Finally getting knocked from the land of the undefeated, the Bison sandwiched that loss against Lafayette Harrison with a pair of wins against volleyball power Covington. 2A #2 Madison-Grant looms in the distance on Saturday, and should dictate if BC stays in the top five next week. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110506" first="Sienna" last="Foster"] (’24, 5-10 OH)</strong> is a six-rotation primary-passing beast that can carry a program at will. </p> <p><strong>#3: Bellmont (12-4)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous Ranking: #2</strong></em></p> <p>The Braves annually play the toughest schedule they can for reasons that should be obvious to other coaches. Bellmont’s only losses are to 3A #1 Dwenger and 4A powers Roncalli, Yorktown and Munster. In the nine match streak since their last loss, the Braves have dropped two sets total. Matches against Angola and Mount Vernon (Fortville) on Saturday continue their super tough scheduling. If you want to win 16 sectionals in a row, this is how you do it. It’s hard to pick one standout player on Coach Krull’s roster, so we’ll go with <strong>Jackie Sutter (’24, 5-10 OH/RS). </strong>A springy, primary-passing outside, Jackie can also play on the right pin and crush a few from there. </p> <p><strong>#2: Brebeuf (14-2)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous Ranking: NR</strong></em></p> <p>Although not in the top five yet this season, the Braves appearance here was inevitable. Runners-up to Bishop Dwenger last fall, this squad looks to reload and take another shot on the big stage at Worthen Arena in November. The Braves have only lost to 4A competition, and their recent win over 4A power Roncalli all but handed the conference title to Brebeuf. My favorite player from this roster is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85920" first="Naija" last="Gadis"] (’23, 5-8 S), </strong>a super athletic setter that can run an offense with the best of them and can go get tight passes and distribute with accuracy. </p> <p><strong>#1: Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger (12-1)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous Ranking: #1</strong></em></p> <p>Was there ever a doubt? After a season-opening loss to 4A #1 Penn, the Saints just keep winning. They’ve dropped two SETS during their twelve match win streak, win no letup in sight. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="115017" first="Emma" last="Lyons"] (’22, 5-8 S/DS/L, Marian commit)</strong> runs this show to the tune of over eleven assists per set, and can be the ’bro in a pinch if you need her. </p>