This Week’s Top Five In 2A: The Littles That Play Big
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At the highest levels, size and speed are coveted. But what about in high school? Doesn’t skill count for something? Of course it does, which is why these five teams have a few athletes that are key parts of the…
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Continue ReadingAt the highest levels, size and speed are coveted. But what about in high school? Doesn’t skill count for something? Of course it does, which is why these five teams have a few athletes that are key parts of the successes each squad has so far this season. Here are this week’s top five and the undersized who play big.
#5: Linton-Stockton (11-4, NR last week)
Welcome to the top five, Miners! With a ton of youth, this year’s squad looks to move past the sectional in a big way. Leading the way for this group are a pair of outsides in Sophie Hale (’24, 5-5 OH) and Ella Warrick (’26, 5-9 OH). The pair average two kills per set each, while also owning one of the top two spots in three other categories. The Millers’ success starts and ends with this pair.
#4: Park Tudor (14-1, NR last week)
The Panthers make a return trip to the top five after a very strong start to the season. Everyone knows about Ava Smith Ava Smith 6'1" | OH Park Tudor | 2023 State #121 Nation IN (’23, 6-0 OH, FGCU commit), but what about Desha Van Veldhuizen Desha Van Veldhuizen 5'10" | S Park Tudor | 2023 State IN (’23, 5-8 S)? Without a tough loss to 3A #1 Western Boone, this is an undefeated Panther squad. They haven’t dropped a set since that late August matchup, and Desha’s lead in three different statistical categories are part of the reason why.
#3: South Central (Union) (19-2, #5 last week)
My goodness. The Satellites just keep on keepin’ on. Hope Welsh (’24, 5-6 S) runs the show at nine assists per set, while also scoring points from behind the end line. Riley Schmack (’23, 5-5 DS/L) is the first-contact queen every winning program needs. This pair will be needed much more down the stretch if the Satellites want to make that deep run in October.
#2: Wapahani (13-3, #1 last week)
The Raiders are still the odds-on favorite to win the whole thing in November, and the meat of their schedule is behind them. I look for no more than five losses for this program when their season is done. The undersized truly run this show, led by Chloe Cook Chloe Cook 5'9" | OH Wapahani | 2023 State IN (’23, 5-8 OH), whose stat line of 3+k/.300+ is a constant reminder of how good she is. Reese Baker Reese Baker 5'4" | DS/L Wapahani | 2023 State IN (’23, 5-4 DS/L, Ball State commit) anchors a back line with her team leading aces and digs. This pair are the primary passing duo we’ve come to expect from any team in Delaware County.
#1: Andrean (17-5, #2 last week)
The defending champs don’t rebuild. It’s not in their nature. With so much talent and so much high-level club experience on this roster, it was hard to just pick two. However, Kara Schutz Kara Schutz 5'4" | DS/L Andrean | 2023 IN (’23, 5-4 DS/L) and Kristen Schutz (’23, 5-5 DS) will do just fine, thankyouverymuch. The pair are always on every first contact, whether it is in transition or serve receive.