3A Semi-State Players To Watch
In this article:
Yesterday, we talked about all four teams remaining in class 4A and the players that got them there. Today, it’s 3A’s turn to show off what they are and how they got there. West Lafayette (28-2) The Red Devils’ record…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingYesterday, we talked about all four teams remaining in class 4A and the players that got them there. Today, it’s 3A’s turn to show off what they are and how they got there.
West Lafayette (28-2)
The Red Devils’ record is impressive, but what’s more impressive to me is the following: of their two losses, both are to 4A squads, and one is in the final four themselves, in the form of McCutcheon. Not bad, considering I hadn’t even considered them in my top ten back in August. WL defeated New Prairie in four LONG sets, and what’s really amazing is that they used exactly ZERO substitutions. The seven they have, six plus the ’bro, are what they’re coming with, and they’re leaning heavily on pin attackers Tori Woods Tori Woods 6'0" | OH West Lafayette | 2022 State IN (’22, 5-10 OH, Texas Women’s University commit) and Rachel Williams Rachel Williams 5'7" | OH West Lafayette | 2023 State IN (’23, 5-7 OH). The two combined for 57 kills and 32 digs in their regional final, and will be called upon again to do everything six-rotation passers are supposed to do, and then some.
Bellmont (29-5)
The Braves have already had a pretty tough playoff run themselves. Here’s the list of teams they’ve beaten, in order, this postseason: Heritage (26-6), Muncie Burris (24-7), Wapahani (26-5), Angola (25-8) and NorthWood (32-3). A murderer’s row of volleyball stud programs, all swept aside by the likes of Megan Saalfrank Megan Saalfrank 5'11" | MB Bellmont | 2022 State IN (’22, 5-11 MB, IU-Kokomo commit) and Delaney Lawson Delaney Lawson 6'2" | OH Bellmont | 2024 State IN (’24, 6-1 OH). Miss Saalfrank had 15 kills and hit over .600 in the regional final, while Delaney brings her long frame and three kills per set to the fray. Their only 3A loss was to defending 3A state champ Dwenger, who was knocked out in their sectional. The sky is the limit for this group.
Brebeuf (30-3)
With Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger out of the way, Brebeuf is the only remaining state finalist from any class remaining from the 2020 season. All eyes are on this group of Braves, who have no losses in 3A and own wins over 4A Roncalli twice, another semi-state team. The only set they’ve dropped was in the regional final against Tri-West, where four (!!!) players finished in double-digits in kills. Sydney Robinson Sydney Robinson 5'8" | OH Brebeuf | 2023 State IN (’23, 5-9 OH) leads the way offensively, with solid contributors Elizabeth Phillips Elizabeth Phillips 5'10" | OH Heritage Christian | 2021 State IN (’23, 6-1 MB), Delaney Seaman Delaney Seaman 5'8" | S Brebeuf | 2023 State IN (’23, 5-10 S/RS) and Maddie Siegel (’22, 5-11 OH, Howard University commit) bringing the heat at the net. Don’t forget Naija Gadis Naija Gadis 5'8" | S Brebeuf | 2023 State #196 Nation IN (’23, 5-7 S), who’s probably the most dynamic setter in her class, while libero Lola Schumacher Lola Schumacher 5'4" | DS/L Brebeuf Jesuit | 2024 State #60 Nation IN (’24, 5-6 DS/L) is as good as they come in the sophomore class at libero.
Silver Creek (23-11)
Here we go again. I had the pleasure of being at the match the last time these two played in the postseason, a semi-state win in four sets for Brebeuf. This will be another hotly contested match, as there are multiple weapons on offense for this squad. Sophomore Ellie Priddy Ellie Priddy 5'10" | MB Silver Creek | 2024 State IN (’24, 5-11 MB) leads the way with her strength and length, while Macy Ferrell (’23, 5-8 OH) and Maddie Hunter (’23, 5-9 OH) keep teams honest by combining for over four kills per set. The Dragons have had a few tough matches this postseason, knocking off 2A defending champ Barr-Reeve last weekend in the 3A regional just to get this far. Here’s to hoping the rematch is just as competitive as last fall.