3A Too-Soon Preview: Part 4

<p>Wrapping up our too-soon preview of class 3A is a pair of 25+ win programs who have a ton of youth, size and skill. Both will, unfortunately, have two of the tougher paths to the state final, should everything fall their way AND they stay healthy (knock on everything).</p> <p><strong>NORTHWOOD</strong></p> <p>If there ever was a cheesy volleyball phrase that describes the Panthers, it’s that "youth is served" trope that people use too often. This, however, is about as accurate as you can get for this 32 win program. The top three attackers all return for another run to the regional, and hopefully past Bellmont, whom they lost to in the regional final a year ago. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="161657" first="Sophia" last="Barber"] (’25, 5-11 OH) </strong>played on Empowered’s 17 Black team at GJNCs a couple of weeks ago, and had a solid showing against the big girls. She’s a future six-rotation outside that has a long and strong attack from either pin. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="192110" first="Claire" last="Payne"] (’25, 6-1 MB)</strong> is another bit of size that will give opposing teams fits. <strong>Karis Bennett (’24, 5-9 RS/OH)</strong> may not have the size, but certainly has the athleticism to put balls away should the previous two have an off day.</p> <p><strong>ANGOLA</strong></p> <p>Speaking of size, the Hornets have plenty of it, led offensively by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110486" first="Morgan" last="Gaerte"] (’24, 6-4 OH). </strong>She’s a six-rotation beast of an attacker bringing a 5+ kps/.300+ attack line to an already formidably strong defensive program at the net. Also returning is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="92617" first="Brea" last="Harris"] (’23, 5-11 OH), </strong>a solid counterpart to Morgan’s intimidating stature. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="172318" first="Ava" last="Harris"] (’25, 5-9 S)</strong> could very well run a 5-1 at the next level, and had the most assists last season on a team with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110487" first="Mya" last="Ball"] (’24, 6-1 RS/S)</strong> as another attacking and quarterbacking option. There is no doubt that the Hornets will have their success in the form of another 25 win season. My biggest concern is the sectional they play in. Arguably the toughest in 3A, Angola’s sectional includes Bishop Dwenger, Heritage and Concordia Lutheran, three 25+ win programs all in the Fort Wayne area. </p>