4A Too-Soon Preview: Part 3
In this article:
In part three of our too-soon preview, we talk about two “blue-bloods” of the game in Indiana that have a great mixture of youth and experience on each of their respective rosters. RONCALLI Making the final four of any state…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIn part three of our too-soon preview, we talk about two “blue-bloods” of the game in Indiana that have a great mixture of youth and experience on each of their respective rosters.
RONCALLI
Making the final four of any state championship tournament is a tall task. Doing it consistently is Roncalli’s M.O., and this coming fall will be no different. I’m sure the Royals are still smarting from their semi-state loss to Castle, and will use that to fuel another deep run in the state tournament. Returning is rising sophomore Logan Bell Logan Bell 5'11" | OH Roncalli | 2025 State #24 Nation IN (’25, 5-10 OH), a six-rotation outside that plays with a maturity beyond her years. Faith Burch Faith Burch 5'10" | RS Roncalli | 2023 State IN (’23, 5-10 S/RS) can do so much for this squad, and her left-handed cannon can either go on two, attack all angles in- and out-of-system, or she can run an offense on her own. Yes, Emma Halter (Texas signee) was the four-year starting libero for this talented team, but waiting in the wings is Aly Kirkhoff Aly Kirkhoff 5'6" | DS/L Roncalli | 2024 State IN (’24, 5-5 DS/L, LSU commit). It almost doesn’t seem fair that first-contacts are always in deep supply on the south side of Indianapolis. Finally, Monica Jones Monica Jones 5'8" | S Roncalli | 2023 State IN (’23, 5-8 S) can be either the three-rotation setter, the 5-1 setter, or be a defender with exceptional hands at the next level. There’s enough here to make another long run into October, and I would not be surprised if we see them in Worthen in November.
YORKTOWN
Knocked out by Roncalli in a long four sets in the regional final last fall, the Tigers look to avenge that loss and extend their season two more weekends this fall. A bunch of youth and experience returns, including AAU All-American Charlotte Vinson Charlotte Vinson 6'1" | OH Yorktown | 2025 State #21 Nation IN (’25, 6-1 S/OH), my top class of ’25 player. From a long line of volley dorks in her family, this young lady can be a primary passer, a six-rotation outside, a setter in a 5-1, a right side for three rotations—-the list goes on and on about Miss Vinson’s talents. Emilee Hill Emilee Hill 5'9" | S Yorktown | 2023 State IN (’23, 5-10 S) already has a state championship ring, but could probably use another as Charlotte’s partner in crime. Whereas Miss Vinson is the top returning attacker and second in assists, Emilee is the #2 returning attacker and is tops in assists. Miss Hill is more of a setter than attacker, but can also do anything she wishes on the volleyball court, like most Munciana-trained kids. A surprise for me is the spitfire known as Gretchen Moore Gretchen Moore 5'8" | MB Yorktown | 2023 State IN (’23, 5-8 MB). Unsuspecting because of her size, she can keep teams honest on defense by putting balls away pretty regularly against bigger competition. Finally, look for Addi Applegate Addi Applegate 5'5" | DS/L Yorktown | 2025 State #93 Nation IN (’25, 5-6 DS/L) to wear the special jersey in the fall. Her ball control is second to none on this roster, and will be a key component if the Tigers wish to bring the 4A title back to Delaware County.