This Week’s Top Five In 3A
Week four is over halfway done, and we have changes in the top five for 3A in Indiana. I’d like to personally thank Zach McCrite and his site indianaprepvolleyball.com for the resources to be able to construct this top five…
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Continue ReadingWeek four is over halfway done, and we have changes in the top five for 3A in Indiana. I’d like to personally thank Zach McCrite and his site indianaprepvolleyball.com for the resources to be able to construct this top five list. If you’re at all interested in high school volleyball in the state of Indiana, check it out.
#5: Tri-West (9-0)
Previous ranking: NR
Undefeated and atop the Sagamore Conference early, the Bruins have only dropped two sets thus far, and those were to Chatard. The schedule toughens up a bit for them, but not until the end of the month. For now, Tri-West should go into their matchup with Brebeuf unscathed on September 23. I’m a huge fan of Elle Patterson Elle Patterson 6'0" | OH Tri-West | 2023 State IN (’23, 6-0 OH), whose high attack point and all-around skill should serve her well in the future.
#4: Benton Central (8-0)
Previous ranking: #5
Another undefeated team, this time in the form of a Bison. A matchup against Covington this Saturday should definitely test their skill, if not their resolve. We mentioned Sienna Foster Sienna Foster 5'9" | OH Benton Central | 2024 State IN and Sophie Cobb last week, so let’s give credit to the kid responsible for their early successes. Kennedy Tolen (’22, 5-8 S) is clearly in charge of the Bison offense, and her all-around volleyball IQ has dug her team out of a few tight spots.
#3: Muncie Burris (16-1)
Previous ranking: #2
Tonight’s matchup against a 9-1 Wapahani squad should definitely test where the volleyball power is in Delaware County in 3A. The Owls’ lone loss is to 4A #1 Penn, and the only reason they slip a bit is because of the successes of those in front of them. An unsung hero for Burris early on is Haley Young (’22, 5-6 DS/L), without which the Owls would not have as many wins. They pride themselves on ball control, and Haley is front-and-center on that skill.
#2: Bellmont (12-4)
Previous ranking: NR
Stop. Typing. I know that Bellmont’s record isn’t as good as the other three listed thus far. Hear me out. For one, they have the toughest strength of schedule thus far in 3A. Two, a recent win over an 11-3 Carroll squad that will make noise in the postseason only proves the Braves’ level of competitiveness. Three, look no further than senior defenders Paige Busick Paige Busick 5'4" | DS/L Bellmont | 2022 State IN (’22, 5-4 DS/L, Ball State commit) and Emma McMahon Emma McMahon 5'5" | DS/L Bellmont | 2022 State IN (’22, 5-6 DS/L). Bellmont has always, and I mean ALWAYS, had passers. Now, the younger hitters can look up to these two for ball control mastery. It won’t be long before the Braves’ offense is clicking at 100%, and it’s scary it’s not there yet.
#1: Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger (10-1)
Previous ranking: #1
Until someone, ANYONE, can knock the Saints off from class 3A, I’m keeping them here. Dwenger has dropped exactly two SETS since their season-opening loss to 4A #1 Penn, and a match against Carroll tonight should solidify exactly where the Saints stand. We’ve mentioned the studs already, so how about a recent addition to the offense? Audrey Hudson (’24, 5-8 OH), a primary-passing ball-control outside, is one of only two Saints that have played in every set this season. The other? Eva Hudson Eva Hudson 6'1" | OH Bishop Dwenger | 2022 State #110 Nation IN , a Notre Dame commit. Wait, there’s TWO Hudsons?!?