IHSAA Volleyball: Class 3A-A season predictions for Monrovia, Eminence, Indian Creek
Believe it or not, opening night for volleyball is only 10 days away. Here's an overview of the area's three Class 3A-A volleyball teams, Monrovia, Indian Creek and Eminence, as well as season predictions, what to expect and key players.
The following predictions will not include wins or losses gathered from tournaments, given it's difficulty in predicting opponents. Therefore, the record prediction section is based solely on regular season games.
Monrovia
2021 record: 18-9 (7-0 Indiana Crossroads)
Last outing: 3-1 loss to Tri-West Hendricks, sectional opener.
Schedule overview
Monrovia's schedule in 2022 is nothing short of challenging. With one state runner up (Western Boone), three regional finalists (Linton-Stockton, Covenant Christian, Tri-West) and a total of five sectional winners (including ICC's Cardinal Ritter), the Bulldogs will have their hands full. Additionally, the conference schedule also features some worthy opponents. That said, if 2021 proved anything, it's that Monrovia is up for the challenge.
The team took Linton-Stockton and Western Boone to the fifth set in 2021 and stole a set from Tri-West in the tournament and a much bigger Plainfield team during the regular season. This year they'll be looking to tip the balance. In ICC play, Cardinal Ritter, Scecina, Cascade and Triton Central should make for competitive matchups.
Key returning players
All the players that had a major influence on last season's ICC championship winning squad are returning. The first name that stands out is senior Madison McCubbins, 2021's ICC MVP. She did just about everything with 342 kills, 318 digs, 308 assists, 44 aces and 40 digs.
Fellow senior Shelby Clements was right there with her in 2021, totaling 267 kills, 252 digs, 40 assists, 37 aces and 20 blocks. Rising junior star Raegan Stader, who came up with 193 kills, 205 digs, 58 blocks and 56 aces last season, will also play an important factor on both sides.
Outlook/Expectations
If one thought Monrovia was good last season, it's reasonable to suspect that 2021 was just the first step. With all three of the team's top stars returning, 2022 could see even more success for the Bulldogs. There will be some early navigating to discover who replaces last season's lead setter Lydia Dowden, but given the talent on Monrovia's roster, plus McCubbins capabilities as a setter, it shouldn't be something the team has to dwell on for long.
Much of what the season will come down to is battling the schedule. Opening against Linton-Stockton and Western Boone, both away games, will present the Bulldogs with two early challenges. Four games later they take on Martinsville, six games Plainfield and eight games Covenant Christian. Quite the start. Once the team gets past the middle of the season, conference games set in, and the schedule relaxes a bit.
Record prediction (non-tournament): 15-5 (7-0, ICC).
More:IHSAA Volleyball: Class 4A season predictions for Martinsville, Mooresville, DC
More:Top 7 girls' golfers to watch from Martinsville, Mooresville, Monrovia, DC, Indian Creek
Indian Creek
2021 record: 16-14 (7-3 Western Indiana)
Last outing: 3-0 loss to Cardinal Ritter, sectional opener.
Schedule overview
The Braves' Western Indiana Conference schedule is difficult enough, but its nonconference slate, in many ways, matches or raises the degree of difficulty. With teams like Martinsville, Greenwood, Waldron, Monrovia and Cascade, three of which are featured in the first three games of the season, the team will be in for some early battles.
On top of that, there's the typical WIC powers such as Sullivan, Edgewood and Northview, plus North Putnam and South Putnam each had terrific seasons last year. That said, many WIC teams saw primary contributors graduate, so Indian Creek could use last year's winning experience to its advantage.
Tournament wise, the Braves will host the Indian Creek invite and play in the Eastern Hancock Invite. There's also the Johnson County Tournament near the end of the season.
Key returning players
Junior hitter Faith Wiseman (322 kills) will be back and ready to serve in the feature role following the graduation of last year's kills leader Ava McClanahan (341 kills). Wiseman is also effective on defense, totaling 116 blocks last season. Fellow junior Grayson Burkett, a setter, will play a major part in setting Wiseman and other hitters up as she looks to follow up a season with an impressive 744 assists and 185 digs.
Senior Savannah Hall is another name to watch as she led the team in digs (372), aces (68) and serving points (266) last season.
Outlook/Expectations
The Braves took yet another move in the right direction last season, even if it was a baby one (15-15 in 2020, 16-14 in 2021). The fact of the matter is last year's team was primarily a young one and forged a better record than its predecessor. Now, with the majority of its roster returning, Indian Creek is looking to take that next step.
There'll be some things to solve along the way, starting with who will step up with Wiseman in being an effective hitter, following the departure of McClanahan. The number of team errors will also need to drop to give the team that extra edge. Otherwise, barring any setbacks, the Braves should be in for another successful season.
Record prediction (non-tournament): 13-5 (8-2, WIC).
More:Top 8 volleyball players to watch this season from Martinsville, Mooresville, Monrovia, IC
More:IHSAA girls soccer: Season predictions for Martinsville, Mooresville, Monrovia
Eminence
2021 record: 8-10 (5-1, Greater Indianapolis).
Last outing: 2-0 loss to Crispus Attucks, GIAC Tournament.
Schedule overview
Eminence certainly has the home-away advantage for the 2022 season, with games at the Tank outweighing away games 13-8. Furthermore, the Eels are expected to play an expanded conference schedule this season with 10 games, which could work in the team's advantage.
From a nonconference perspective, the Eels will play some tough opponents like Monrovia, Crosspointe academy, Clay City and Shakamak. They'll also participate in the Riverton Parke round robin late in the season.
Key returning players
The Eels have plenty of returning talent to look forward to in 2022, while losing 2021 contributors in Liberty Morris and Taylor Lacher to graduation. The experienced group making a return feature a senior class headlined by Grace Kemp, Kris Rumbaugh, Nevaya Dickinson and Eliza Bracheau. Juniors Danica Myers and Jada Leek will also look to make valuable contributions this season.
Outlook/Expectations
The Eels were a young squad who found plenty of experience last season, working through the GIAC conference schedule with relative ease. Where the team struggled was nonconference, dropping nine of 12 total. In fairness, plenty of the nonconference team Eminence played were larger in size, but that doesn't mean the team wasn't hungry to top said teams.
With 2022 seeing a much-expanded conference schedule, the Eels could use that in their favor, given the success they've had in recent years against GIAC opponents. Plus, with a roster that is veteran led, plenty is pointing up for Eminence this season.
Record prediction (non-tournament): 13-8 (9-1 GIAC).
More:Running back deep dive: What local school has the best backfield?
More:Top 5 takeaways from Martinsville, Monrovia 4-team football scrimmage
Contact reporter Devin Voss at dvoss@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @DevinVoss23.
This article originally appeared on The Reporter Times: Class 3A-A season predictions for Monrovia, Eminence, Indian Creek
