This Week’s Top Five In 3A: Dynamic Duos
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Today’s edition of this week’s top five puts our focus on the two most important players on each team listed. None of the teams listed can claim to have this level of success without these players, and there’s no argument.…
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Continue ReadingToday’s edition of this week’s top five puts our focus on the two most important players on each team listed. None of the teams listed can claim to have this level of success without these players, and there’s no argument.
#5: Angola (16-0, NR last week)
I can no longer keep the Hornets off of this list. It is rare for a team to be undefeated at this stage of the season. It is a completely different discussion when said team hasn’t dropped a SET yet. This streak also includes a sweep over 3A power Bellmont, whom the Hornets will probably face again in the sectional. Morgan Gaerte Morgan Gaerte 6'4" | OH Angola | 2024 State #26 Nation IN (’24, 6-4 OH, Notre Dame commit) is a primary-passing six rotation outside that can hit from anywhere and do anything an outside can do, just at a ridiculously high level. She’s in the National Team Pipeline, and for obvious reasons; her attack line of 5+k/.400+ is unprecedented among large school athletes. Mya Ball Mya Ball 6'2" | RS Angola | 2024 State #124 Nation IN (’24, 6-1 RS/S, UCF commit) is the other reason the Hornets are so solid this season, and if it’s not Morgan putting balls away, it’s Mya. Watch out, 3A, this team is jelling at the perfect time.
#4: Benton Central (19-2, T#5 last week)
Moving up a spot to the fourth position are the Bison, who have a solid one-two punch of their own, but in the first and second contacts. BC will be a force come October because of their exceptional ball control, led by Hannah Musser at libero. Her four digs per set and ability to pass half of the court is a significant upgrade to last year’s ball control. The recipient of that consistent passing is Riley Hoaks (’25, 5-8 S), who distributes nine assists per set in a highly efficient offense.
#3: Barr-Reeve (20-1, #3 last week)
Another ball-control-first team, the Vikings stay at #3, but may move up a bit depending on their result against Loogootee (13-4) tonight. Colleen Trambaugh (’23, 5-6 DS/L) is the floor general that teams covet, while setter Emma Wagler (’23, 5-8 S) is just one of a pair of setters in a 6-2. Emma gets overlooked because of the level of attacking for the Vikings, and would be a steal for the next level as either a 6-2 or a 5-1 setter.
#2: Bellmont (17-5, #2 last week)
With the second-toughest schedule in 3A, we keep the Braves at #2, barring an epic collapse this week to inferior competition. The libero-setter combination has always been at a high level at Bellmont, which explains why they’re always in the state title conversation at the end of every fall. Sami Christen (’24, 5-8 DS/L) anchors an excellent defense and serve receive group, and is mature enough to lead in that respect. Hailey Cole (’24, 5-11 S/RS) has recently taken over the setting duties, and her stat line is full every night—her numbers don’t lie—bringing 2k/.8b/2d/5a per set. Pick a position for her, and she’ll excel no matter what.
#1: Providence (19-6, #1 last week)
Unless someone can prove to me otherwise, the Pioneers belong in the #1 spot again. Even in losses, they are highly competitive against multiple types of teams. Losing in five sets to a massive Assumption team, I could understand if they just rolled over with that tough loss. But they keep coming, and the schedule is tough year in and year out for Coach Purichia to keep her girls prepared. Speaking of, do-everything setter Grace Purichia Grace Purichia 5'7" | S Providence | 2023 State #149 Nation IN (’23, 5-8 S, Jacksonville State commit) fills the box score every night, and can take over a match if you let her. Coming out of the shadows recently for the Pioneers is Camila Adams Camila Adams 5'8" | DS/L Providence | 2024 State IN (’24, 5-8 DS/L), a KIVA kid who has recently become the libero for this top squad. Those two can keep teams at bay with their ball control and high volleyball IQ. Will it be enough to take a title back to Clarksville?