Five teams in Greater Lafayette that could make deep tournament runs
Central Catholic volleyball
Though there will be a slight revamping at some positions and perhaps a few initial struggles, you never count the Knights out when it comes to the postseason. After winning a Class A state championship a year ago, CC is now competing in the Class 2A tournament. However, some of last year's postseason heroes are still on the roster, including all-state middle Grace Roach, who is among the best blockers and most savvy hitters in the area. Kaitlyn Kuckkan and Carley Barrett were standout key parts as freshmen last season and now have plenty of tournament experience, especially Barrett, who also started for the Class A runner-up girls basketball team. Rachel Vorst was the star of the state finals match as CC's libero.
Harrison tennis
With a 1-2 punch of Aaron Gu and Isaac Flanery, the Raiders will have a lot of teams down 2-0 quickly and need just one other position to come through to secure the win. Harrison was unbeaten in the regular season last year, but suffered a tough loss to West Lafayette in the sectional. That should serve as motivation as the carry over from last season's success will again be driven by those top two singles spots. Expect the Raiders to be highly ranked most of the season and Gu to be in the mix for an individual state championship.
McCutcheon volleyball
The Mavericks have a lot returning from last year's Class 4A state championship team and could very well repeat. Senior Chloe Chicoine is the reigning Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year and possibly the best high school volleyball player in the country. Fellow senior Raegan Burns is committed to Kansas and like Chicoine has three years of varsity volleyball and high-level club play under her belt. Junior Bella Humphrey already committed to Auburn and junior setter Allie Shondell also is a Division I prospect. Reanna Lee had a strong freshman campaign as well. The Mavericks will be tough for every opponent on their highly-challenging schedule.
South Newton volleyball
It's been baby steps for the Rebels in recent years. But now South Newton might be ready to make a big leap. It's not unfathomable the Rebels are representing the north in the Class A state championship match. After having not won a sectional since 1986, South Newton now has three in a row beginning with 2019. Each of those regional exits have been learning experiences and now the Rebels might have what it takes to stand up to the better small school (and larger school) teams. South Newton was likely a few plays away from a regional title a year ago in a five-set loss to Daleville, closing a 30-5 season. Almost the entire team returns and stopping Lexi and Taylor Cripe, along with Stephanie Montemayer at the net will be too much to ask of most teams in Class A.
West Lafayette boys soccer
Sure, last year's Class 2A state runner-up has to replace some defense and playmaking ability. But the Red Devils have a roster that can do it and possibly outdo last year's remarkable season. Evan Cooke was the team's go-to goal scorer in the postseason and could pile up a lot of scores this season again. His size and strength will be a matchup nightmare for many. Harry Marchant Forde will make West Lafayette's defense strong again and junior Maurice Reimer will help Cooke in the goals department. They'll be a force as an offensive tandem.
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Five teams in Greater Lafayette that could make deep tournament runs
