Top Five 3A Teams This Week: Bright Futures

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We spent yesterday talking about the top five 4A programs in the state, with some varying combinations of balance offensively and defensively. Today's edition touches on the top 3A programs in Indiana, with a focus on the futures of each of the primary players on each squad listed. Here they are, with records through last night's matches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1: Roncalli (20-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This goes without saying, but the Royals are GOOD. Known by this author as the producer of some of the best defenders in the state AND in college, the Royals keep their undefeated record intact for their epic matchup tonight against 4A #1 Hamilton Southeastern. I would not be surprised if tickets were already sold out at the Southside venue. HSE has their own pair of amazing pin attackers, and Roncalli has the perfect pair to combat <em>those</em> Royals. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='254827' first='Lydia' last='Stahley']</strong>'s length should give problems to all future opponents, and her high and hard contact rate earned a commitment in the SEC with Missouri. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152943' first='Logan' last='Bell']</strong> is the stalwart leader of this program, a six-rotation primary passer who has committed to Big Ten newcomer Oregon in both the indoor and outdoor disciplines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2: Tri-West (18-2)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Losing to Roncalli in five long sets last week put everyone else in 3A on notice---these Bruins can bite. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221477' first='Isabelle' last='Masten']</strong> (Pittsburgh commit) is the main catalyst to this offense, and has to do a little of everything in order for TW to be successful. The recent return of '27 #1 recruit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='260995' first='Caroline' last='Ward']</strong> makes this team even <em>more</em> lethal, and this squad is complemented by many future stars waiting for their opportunity to bring a possible state title home to Lizton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3: Northview (23-1)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm sure the Knights will have something to say to me about their future, as they've rattled off 15 straight matches without dropping a set since their only loss (to 4A Plainfield) on August 24. Valparaiso commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='173242' first='Keira' last='Lucas']</strong> bombs on all competition, and her ability to take over a match is, well, unmatched in 3A. I'm also a fan of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401487' first='Karsyn' last='Buck'],</strong> a three-rotation setter who puts balls away regularly when she's not setting. A balanced offense and timely passing with push this group of Knights to Worthen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4: New Palestine (21-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I would be remiss if I didn't mention the only other undefeated team in the state. The Dragons dispatched 4A Mooresville in a little over an hour last night, doing so with solid ball control, smart play and frustrating their opponent AGAIN. Although there aren't any collegiate commitments on this squad, the TEAM concept is fully understood in this hamlet east of Indianapolis. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301138' first='Hayden' last='Ramsey']</strong> is a consistent M2 in this (or any) offense that uses her quick transition and long strides to beat bigger and stronger middles (like last night). <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='510050' first='Natalie' last='Sevier']</strong> is a fellow junior that bombs away on the outside, but can easily mix in a beach roll or a smart tool off of the block to keep defenses honest. The future is DEFINITELY bright at New Pal, as a match for the conference title is on the line on October 1 against 4A power Yorktown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5: Angola (13-2)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tough five-set loss to 4A Homestead last night didn't deter me from keeping the Hornets here at #5. Kids named Harris are quite successful on this program, even after the departure of '24 #1 recruit <strong>Morgan Gaerte</strong> (Notre Dame). <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237882' first='Maya' last='Harris']</strong> (Illinois commit) crushes every ball she sees, whether she's at the net or behind the base line. She has one of the more lethal jump serves this author has seen in this class. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172318' first='Ava' last='Harris']</strong> runs this offense well, and is an excellent pickup for Villanova in the Big East. This pair, and the team's future, is quite bright considering the losses they've had to cover.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->