1A Weekly Rankings: Hoosiers Making A Difference
It’s that time again. We’re in the last four weeks of the regular season, and things are heating up in Indiana. Today, we touch on the 1A schools and teams that are making a difference going forward. I would be…
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Continue ReadingIt’s that time again. We’re in the last four weeks of the regular season, and things are heating up in Indiana. Today, we touch on the 1A schools and teams that are making a difference going forward. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Zach McCrite and his website, IndianaPrepVolleyball.com. If you’re at all interested in high school volleyball in Indiana, go check it out.
#5: Kouts, 9-4
Last week: NR
First time for everything; Kouts is the first 1A team I’ve mentioned thus far that has a boys volleyball program. For a town and school this small, it’s nice to see my sport thriving. That being said, nine straight wins by the Mustangs got them here. We like the recent play of Sophia Foster Sophia Foster 5'6" | DS/L Kouts | 2022 State IN (’22, 5-6, DS), who leads Kouts in kills and aces and is #2 in digs.
#4: Northfield, 11-0
Last week: NR
Another newcomer to the rankings, we could no longer keep the Norsemen off of our list, since they’re still undefeated. A sweep of a solid Wabash team last Thursday cemented it for me, and they’ve dropped two sets all season. Three-sport stud Addie Baker Addie Baker 5'11" | OH Northfield | 2021 State IN (’21, 5-11, OH) is leading the way with nearly five kills per set and almost hitting .500.
#3: Springs Valley, 11-1
Last week: #2
A small dip for the Blackhawks with a loss to 2A powerhouse Barr-Reeve is the only blemish on what’s been an amazing year. September 21 looks to be the next big matchup, hosting another solid program in Tecumseh. Libero Brynne Buchanan Brynne Buchanan DS/L Springs Valley | 2023 State IN (’23, 5-5, DS) anchors the defense with three and a half digs per set.
#2: Pioneer. 15-3
Last week: #3
Knocking off Covington at the Harrison Classic solidified their second-place showing, with their only loss in four matches to 2A defending state champ Heritage Christian. Even with injuries and players having to change positions, they still hung with the best thrown at them, and should feel great moving forward. I liked the potential of Brooklyn Borges (’24, 6-0, MB), whose length and athleticism showed against the smaller teams this past Saturday. She’s currently fourth in kills and second in blocks for the Panthers.
#1: Trinity Lutheran, 16-3
Last week: #1
Their losses are to two 4A schools (Providence, Bloomington South) and 2A top three Barr-Reeve. Playing anyone, anytime and anywhere is paying off dividends for the Cougars in the first half of the season, and this stretch run in their schedule doesn’t see them playing another tough team until September 29 against 3A Greensburg. Sydney Jaynes (’21, 6-2, MB) is pacing the Cougars with over four kills per set and hitting near .400. She also tops TL in blocking.