3A Too-Soon Preview: Part 4
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Wrapping up our too-soon preview of class 3A is a pair of 25+ win programs who have a ton of youth, size and skill. Both will, unfortunately, have two of the tougher paths to the state final, should everything fall…
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Continue ReadingWrapping up our too-soon preview of class 3A is a pair of 25+ win programs who have a ton of youth, size and skill. Both will, unfortunately, have two of the tougher paths to the state final, should everything fall their way AND they stay healthy (knock on everything).
NORTHWOOD
If there ever was a cheesy volleyball phrase that describes the Panthers, it’s that “youth is served” trope that people use too often. This, however, is about as accurate as you can get for this 32 win program. The top three attackers all return for another run to the regional, and hopefully past Bellmont, whom they lost to in the regional final a year ago. Sophia Barber Sophia Barber 6'0" | OH Northwood | 2025 State IN (’25, 5-11 OH) played on Empowered’s 17 Black team at GJNCs a couple of weeks ago, and had a solid showing against the big girls. She’s a future six-rotation outside that has a long and strong attack from either pin. Claire Payne Claire Payne 6'1" | MB NorthWood | 2025 State IN (’25, 6-1 MB) is another bit of size that will give opposing teams fits. Karis Bennett (’24, 5-9 RS/OH) may not have the size, but certainly has the athleticism to put balls away should the previous two have an off day.
ANGOLA
Speaking of size, the Hornets have plenty of it, led offensively by Morgan Gaerte Morgan Gaerte 6'4" | OH Angola | 2024 State #26 Nation IN (’24, 6-4 OH). She’s a six-rotation beast of an attacker bringing a 5+ kps/.300+ attack line to an already formidably strong defensive program at the net. Also returning is Brea Harris Brea Harris 5'10" | OH Angola | 2023 State IN (’23, 5-11 OH), a solid counterpart to Morgan’s intimidating stature. Ava Harris Ava Harris 5'11" | S Angola | 2025 State IN (’25, 5-9 S) could very well run a 5-1 at the next level, and had the most assists last season on a team with Mya Ball Mya Ball 6'2" | RS Angola | 2024 State #124 Nation IN (’24, 6-1 RS/S) as another attacking and quarterbacking option. There is no doubt that the Hornets will have their success in the form of another 25 win season. My biggest concern is the sectional they play in. Arguably the toughest in 3A, Angola’s sectional includes Bishop Dwenger, Heritage and Concordia Lutheran, three 25+ win programs all in the Fort Wayne area.