3A Regional Preview: North

<p>This half of this particular bracket might be the toughest top to bottom for one simple reason---each match features at least one ranked team. Five of the top ten in the state in 3A are in the 3A North section of the bracket, with every team earning at least 20 wins. That's a lot of winning, and it should turn out to be a lot of high level play. Here are the teams, their locations and times, their records, and a player to watch for each roster that might make the difference in advancing to the semi state.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#6 Angola (29-4) v #10 West Lafayette (25-5) @ Southwood, 7p</h2>   <p>The late match at Southwood on Saturday evening features the only matchup in this half of two ranked teams. The Hornets, losing <strong>Morgan Gaerte</strong> to Notre Dame in graduation, were not expected to be good, let alone THIS good. Reloading is what Angola has done, all under the direction of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237882' first='Maya' last='Harris']</strong> (Illinois commit). An absolute hammer at the net and from behind the baseline, she's a human highlight reel of a player that plays at a different level than most of those around her. Here's a stat line for you: 5kps/.400/2dps/100+ total aces. She does it all, and does it well. The Red Devils are a little more balanced in their offense, and pride themselves on consistency and grind. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='387449' first='Audrey' last='Alexander']</strong> embodies that sentiment, with her own impressive stat line of 4kps/.300+/2dps. She's a six-rotation player that can control a match in all aspects of play.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#7 Bishop Noll (32-3) v Illiana Christian (25-8) @ Twin Lakes, 4p</h2>   <p>From WAY up north, these two have already met twice this regular season, with the Warriors coming out on top both times. However, that was over a month ago, and to beat a team three times in one season is a tall task. High-flying <strong>Zariah Winton</strong> is quick, jumps insanely well, and is highly fluid for an uncommitted player. At 6-1 and with the power she brings, I can't imagine it will be long before she finds a home to play at the next level. On the other side of the net is a six-rotation primary passing player who is all about control and consistency. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172324' first='Alexa' last='Miedema']</strong> has already committed to NAIA top 25 IU Kokomo, and should fit right in with their style of play---relentless, with a high work ethic and an even higher volleyball IQ.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Heritage (20-13) v #8 New Castle (24-9) @ Norwell, 4p</h2>   <p>The Patriots narrowly defeated Norwell in their sectional title match last Saturday, making this regional almost a true away game for the Trojans. Heritage is filled with exceptional role players, the best of which might be <strong>Alexa Walter.</strong> She's a junior outside hitter averaging 3 kills per set and can do a little of everything on the court. New Castle has had yet another exceptional season, and are led by Akron commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='487338' first='Lauren' last='Wilson'].</strong> Her five kills per set, coupled with above-average ball control and floor defense, makes her the instant go-to and must-watch in this match.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Prairie (23-11) @ #4 NorthWood (28-6), 7p</h2>   <p>The second match of the day at NorthWood features the hosts, who have a ton of firepower, and the Cougars, whose balance and consistency got them here. Expect more of the same from New Prairie if they wish to advance to the semi state next weekend. I'm looking at <strong>Chloe Deckard,</strong> the setter of this bunch, to keep NorthWood's defense honest and to finding matchups that will work to the Cougars' advantage. The Panthers have laid waste to the majority of their schedule with relentless offense and beating teams into submission. I'm guessing more of the same will be part of the game plan, starting with bruising middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192110' first='Claire' last='Payne'] </strong>(Appalachian State commit). At 3kps/.400+, plus being tops in blocks and second in aces, Claire's name will be called early and often on Saturday.</p>

This half of this particular bracket might be the toughest top to bottom for one simple reason---each match features at least one ranked team. Five of the top ten in the state in 3A are in the 3A North section of the bracket, with every team earning at least 20 wins. That's a lot of winning, and it should turn out to be a lot of high level play. Here are the teams, their locations and times, their records, and a player to watch for each roster that might make the difference in advancing to the semi state.