The Almosts: 1A Teams And Players That Need Attention
In this article:
We’ve spent the better part of the fall talking about top five teams and the players that got them there. What about other really good teams that could go far in the postseason? This series takes each class and talks about the teams that almost saw time in the top five.
South Newton (27-4)
The Rebels won the Midwest Athletic Conference, and look to make some damage in the postseason this October. I’m impressed with the physicality and high volleyball IQ from
Taylor Cripe
Taylor
Cripe
5'10" | OH
South Newton | 2025
State
IN
(’25, 5-9 OH), whose four-plus kills per set and over-.400 attack percentage leads me to believe that the Rebels will lean on that freshman going forward. No time like the present, as their Thursday match in the playoffs is against.....
Frontier (25-6)
The Falcons had a brief stint in the top five, and that was boosted by a five-set thriller over defending 1A champ Pioneer in early October. The very next match might have been the letdown, as they all but lost the conference title to the Rebels in a long four-setter. Having familiarity with a foe, while also looking for revenge, is a great motivator in the postseason. We’re looking to
Emma Segal
Emma
Segal
5'6" | DS/L
Frontier | 2024
State
IN
(’24, 5-7 OH/DS), who is Frontier’s go-to when the going gets tough.
Covington (19-9)
I got a chance to see the Trojans play in the Academy Summer League, and was impressed with this roster of athletes that play their club ball (mostly) at COA in Terre Haute. Although the western part of the state doesn’t have a ton of solid volleyball, Covington plays anyone anywhere, as evidenced by their matches against Terre Haute South (4A), Clinton Prairie, Lafayette Central Catholic and Benton Central (twice). Drawing a 20-9 LCC squad in the playoffs isn’t the most ideal team to have in the postseason, but the senior attacking duo of Amber Cruser Amber Cruser 5'11" | RS Covington | 2022 State IN (’22, 5-11 RS) and Holly Linville Holly Linville 5'9" | MB Covington | 2022 State IN (’22, 5-9 UT) will lead the best they can to continue their high school careers.
Daleville (21-7)
The Broncos, on-again and off-again as a solid volleyball school in Delaware County, is in the on-again stage of every public school’s cycle. Most likely playing a tough Wes-Del team in the semis, the focus will be on offensive pin attacker Julia Andreassa (’22, 5-10 OH), a native of Brazil who will need a bit of help if they want to advance to the sectional final.
Southwood (25-5)
Of the five schools in this article, I know the least about the Knights. Winning the Three Rivers Conference is one thing, but beating up on 4A Muncie Central and Kokomo gets our attention. The Knights will most likely meet up with Caston in the semifinals, with a chance to challenge 1A defending champ Pioneer in the sectional finals on the line. We expect Marissa Metzger (’22, 5-7 UT) to get the majority of the attention, but, like Miss Andreassa above, will need a good complementary piece to go with her talents and advance.
