4A Too-Soon Preview: Part 2
In this article:
Part two of our last too-soon preview includes two teams from opposite ends of the state that almost won it all. Both had their respective shots at McCutcheon with one (Penn) actually holding a two-sets-to-one lead at one point in…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingPart two of our last too-soon preview includes two teams from opposite ends of the state that almost won it all. Both had their respective shots at McCutcheon with one (Penn) actually holding a two-sets-to-one lead at one point in the postseason. Here are what’s coming back for each 30+-win program.
CASTLE
Making it to your first state championship match is tough. McCutcheon took advantage of their first opportunity and nailed it. Castle, also a first-time title match attendee, had an historic season, but with nine seniors graduated, who can help return the Knights to glory? Look no further than Katie Kopshever (’24, 5-11 OH/RS), who brings her 3+ kps/.300+ attack line to the fray. Although she only played three rotations in her matches, I expect her to have to carry more of the load, both offensively and defensively, if they wish to make it back to Worthen Arena. Breanna Lane Breanna Lane 5'9" | S Castle | 2023 State IN (’23, 5-9 S) is a great setter and an even better leader on the floor, and will probably have to coach up a bunch of youth to have a chance this fall. However, with all of the graduations Castle has to replace, who steps up into those much-needed roles?
PENN
They had them. Up two sets to one, in the semi state, looking to make a run to the final, Penn was this close to winning it all. Unfortunately, Chloe Chicoine Chloe Chicoine 5'9" | OH McCutcheon | 2023 State #1 Nation IN did Chloe Chicoine Chloe Chicoine 5'9" | OH McCutcheon | 2023 State #1 Nation IN things, and the rest is history. Forced to face them again, most likely in the semi state again, will be a victory unto itself for the Kingsmen (Kingswomen? Lady Kingsmen?). Fortunately for these ladies, there’s enough coming back to justify that prediction. Ultra-offensive setter Macy Hatkevich Macy Hatkevich 5'8" | S Penn | 2023 State IN (’23, 5-8 S) averages over 10 assists per set and a kill per set for a squad that is filled with aggressive attackers. A physical and emotional leader such as she should jump-start their title run. They have a bit of size coming back as well, as Kate Trueblood Kate Trueblood 6'0" | MB Penn | 2023 State IN (’23, 6-0 MB) will be a force in the middle this fall. However, nothing can happen with those two until the first contact happens, which should come regularly from Cadence McGlothlen Cadence McGlothlen 5'6" | DS/L Penn | 2023 State IN (’23, 5-6 DS/L), a first-contact queen with the ability to serve receive more to take the pressure off of her teammates.