Indiana 2A Preview: A Viking Conquest?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Want $10 off of your registration to our Freshman or Stock Up Showcase on July 27? Use code KypDig2025 at checkout!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moving into the top five of 2A at the end of last fall, we talk about the team that reminds me the most of the Tecumseh Braves; even their enrollment is within five people of each other. Barr-Reeve, spending the '22 and '23 seasons in 3A, are in their second season in their natural 2A spot due to enrollment. The difference in strength of schedule hasn't changed, however, making this team ripe for advancement to November. Aside from a five-set heartbreaker to eventual state runners-up Brownstown Central in the state semifinal, the 30-win season for the Vikings was largely a success. Let's see if they can repeat that success this coming fall---here is my preview and prediction of Barr-Reeve's season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Barr-Reeve (30-7 in 2024)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With one of the tougher schedules in the entire state (ranked 45th in '24, according to indianaprepvolleyball.com), the Vikings learned a ton about themselves and their mostly junior-heavy roster from a year ago. Taking a set off of 4A Avon and pushing 4A blue-blood Cathedral to five sets last fall were legitimate "moral victories", as this school is right on the border of 1A by enrollment. There's so much coming back that it's hard to mention them all without missing someone. The offensive three-headed monster that will attack from all pins from B-R---<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226808' first='Addison' last='Jones'], [player_tooltip player_id='489479' first='Mariana' last='Van Der Aa'] </strong>and <strong>Lanie Graber</strong>---are all seniors now, along with one of the setters in the 6-2 in <strong>Josie Knepp.</strong> Having that setter-to-hitter connection is key for as fast of an offense as the Vikings run. Between Jones, Van Der Aa and Graber, 60% of the offense is produced. They might need to produce a bit more to get to the state final this time around. <strong>Hallie Knepp </strong>is the other setter in this offense, and this group of five is filled with leadership qualities that coaches covet. Questions remain, however.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prediction: Unless some size and an exceptional replacement at libero walk through their gym doors, B-R might be stuck looking up at Brownstown Central this year.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Is what the Vikings bring back enough to push through to the final? First, there needs to be a solid libero. This author is still unsure of whom that will be, so we'll keep you posted on the Vikings' progress during this transition. Additionally, is there size that can combat the attacking presence of Brownstown Central? It's great if you can pass and attack, but blocking is just as much of a tool of the defense as digging can be. Bigger teams will take advantage of the Vikings' size. With an opener against 4A top 10 Center Grove, we'll see exactly where Barr-Reeve stands and, with a lot of training and a little luck, make that final push to the finals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->