Top Five 3A Teams This Week: The One-Two Punch
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At this point of the season, there’s always a one-two punch for the top teams in each class. Today’s edition of the Top Five lists each team with their one-two punch on offense. #5: Angola (23-0, #5 last week) The…
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Continue ReadingAt this point of the season, there’s always a one-two punch for the top teams in each class. Today’s edition of the Top Five lists each team with their one-two punch on offense.
#5: Angola (23-0, #5 last week)
The Hornets keep on winning, and have a tough test in 4A power Carroll on Thursday, October 6 if they want an unblemished record going into the postseason. With dual threat Morgan Gaerte Morgan Gaerte 6'4" | OH Angola | 2024 State #26 Nation IN (’24, 6-4 OH, Notre Dame commit) and Mya Ball Mya Ball 6'2" | RS Angola | 2024 State #124 Nation IN (’24, 6-1 RS, UCF commit), Angola has a ton of size and strength coming at all opponents at all times. The two have combined for over eight kills per set, while topping three other offensive categories (hit %, aces, blocks) this season.
#4: Barr-Reeve (25-1, #3 last week)
Winners of 17 in a row, the Vikings have a match with 1A power Tecumseh to wrap up their regular season on the 6th. Recent state champs always have players that have learned their winning ways over time, and you can look no further than Dylan DeCoursey (’23, 5-7 S/RS) and Addison Jones Addison Jones 5'11" | OH Barr-Reeve | 2026 State IN (’26, 5-11 OH). With a combined stat line of 5+k/.350+ per set, plus Dylan’s ability to run an offense while in the 6-2, B-R will be a tough out once the postseason starts.
#3: Benton Central (22-3, #4 last week)
The Bison have the Hoosier Conference tournament today, and after an undefeated run in the regular season, it looks to be the last test before the second week of October begins. Familiar faces dot this roster, as Sienna Foster Sienna Foster 5'9" | OH Benton Central | 2024 State IN and Cali Foster Cali Foster 5'9" | OH Benton Central | 2026 IN are the offensive engine for this squad. They have combined for over 7 kills per set this season, while hitting nearly .300. This pair is also just as adept in the back row, combining for over an ace per set and 6 digs.
#2: Bellmont (20-5, #2 last week)
It only seems right that the Braves go over the border to Ohio to play a tournament today, since they’ve already played the toughest schedule they could on this side of the border. With yet another 20-win season in the books, a pair of juniors are the leaders of this squad. Delaney Lawson Delaney Lawson 6'2" | OH Bellmont | 2024 State IN (’24, 6-1 OH) and Jackie Sutter Jackie Sutter 5'10" | OH Bellmont | 2024 State IN (’24, 5-9 OH) have been that duo all season, combining for over seven kills per set while hitting nearly .300 in the process.
#1: Providence (24-6, #1 last week)
Speaking of playing a tough schedule in two states, the Pioneers do just that, but in Kentucky. I was on hand for their tough loss to Kentucky power Assumption in five, and could see the greatness developing. On Thursday, their regular season wraps up at DuPont Manual south of the border. Offensively, Providence has a pair of junior pin attackers in Makenzie Wagner Makenzie Wagner 5'10" | RS Providence | 2024 State IN (’24, 5-10 RS) and Lilly Tappel Lilly Tappel 5'10" | OH Providence | 2024 State IN (’24, 5-9 OH) that bomb away on all opponents. They’ve combined for over 5 kills while hitting nearly .300 this fall, and as long as Grace Purichia Grace Purichia 5'7" | S Providence | 2023 State #149 Nation IN (Jacksonville State commit) is running the show, the Pioneers have a great chance to win it all in November.