Semi State Preview: Jasper

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yesterday's mention was about the 1A and 3A semi state matches from the northern half of the draw. Today's edition of the semi state preview puts us south---VERY south, as a matter of fact. Oddly enough, the two different classes listed below represent two private schools from the south side of Indianapolis against two public schools from Warrick County, near Evansville. Here are the two matches in chronological order, with an uncommitted player on each that could be the x-factor in their squad making it to Worthen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1A: #11 Greenwood Christian Academy (24-13) v #1 Tecumseh (31-4), 4p</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First off, allow me to congratulate the Cougars of GCA for their first-ever semi state appearance in volleyball! Your prize? The 1A state runners-up from Tecumseh. This will be a fun contrast in styles, as GCA has some club kids on their roster, while Tecumseh has some of the best athletes in multiple sports in any class. If memory serves, Tecumseh was in a state title match/game in all three seasons last school year on the girls side (basketball and softball, too!), and they look to do the same this school year. The Cougars have a ton of talented youth, and it will be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='539959' first='Addisyn' last='Yoder']'s </strong>job to calm her squad and get them focused from 0-0. Her 13 kills while hitting nearly .400 for the match in the regional final propelled the Cougars. GCA will need more than that to slow down this Brave Train. Their conductor is multi-sport stud <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='230530' first='Jenna' last='Donohoo'] ('24, 5-10 OH, Evansville softball commit).</strong> In her regional final against volleyball blue blood Trinity Lutheran, all she did was fill up the stat sheet---15k/11d/4ace/3b. She's been the leader of this extremely athletic team, and should do more of the same to make a return trip to Worthen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4A: #2 Roncalli (30-3) v #3 Castle (33-3), following match #1</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For those of you in attendance at Jasper for the first match, stick around for this one. I anticipate a ton of high-level play, size, attacking, defending, and all-around top-notch volleyball. The Royals already have a few kids that are committed to play at the next level, so let's talk a bit about an unsung hero, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='254827' first='Lydia' last='Stahley'] ('26, 6-1 OH). </strong>Already part of the ten foot club, this pin attacker is long and lean and finds ways to put the ball away that some other attackers just can't because of their size. Currently, she's a role player that will be much needed if or when some other attackers are solved by Castle's stalwart defense. I'm guessing she'll need to step up a bit more to ensure her squad gets a trip to Worthen next week. As for the Knights, they've got their own commitments, but no shortage of size in the uncommitted. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491145' first='Addisen' last='Gallentine'] ('25, 6-2 MB/RS)</strong> also attacks north of ten feet, and even blocks at that level. Those are both at D1 levels, and it should only be a matter of time before she's picked up by a lucky program. Her length is translated into her block, obviously, but found ways around all four tough, club-trained middles this past weekend at the regional (Franklin Community and Center Grove). With her career attacking percentage at almost .400, expect a side-out coming from the middle when Addisen has the chance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->