MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week: Center Grove volleyball

It's been five seasons since the girls volleyball team at Center Grove (Greenwood) won 22 matches, a feat this Trojans' squad has already accomplished.

And the meat of the team's schedule still remains.

Expect the Trojans to "up the ante," significantly.

Center Grove has not only won all but two of its matches, but it has also won 16 by sweep.

For their dominating ways, the Trojans, the No. 1 team in the MaxPreps state Computer Rankings, are the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

"The team has put in a lot of hard work in the off-season and we continue to do well in practice," Center Grove coach Dana Daprile said. "That hard work is driven from great leadership through captains Alison Line, Taylor Hammill and Regan Wentland."

Line, a senior, and junior Madison Smeathers are a tremendous one-two punch with 279 and 245 kills, respectively through 23 matches. Line also has contributed 138 digs and Smeathers 115 digs, high numbers for middles.

"Ali and Madison are unique in that they are both middle blockers with great ball control and the ability to be six-rotational players," Daprile said. "You don't see many teams at the varsity level that have experienced middle blockers that can play six rotations. It gives our team an edge having their leadership and experience on the court at all times."

It doesn't stop there, of course.

Macy Carrabine, a sophomore, is a dig machine with 292, while Devynn Merriman has added 130 digs. Junior setter Hammill is second in the state with 727 assists.

"Macy runs the defense and Taylor runs the offense. She's the quarterback," Daprile said. "We focus on knowing our role and being good at that role. We focus on paying attention to details, and being good at the little things. We also focus on higher expectations. Up the ante, as we say."

But can they up it all the way to 38 wins like they did in 2000, when the Trojans lost just two matches and won their only state championship?

Is that feat in the back of their minds?

"Our school has a rich volleyball tradition," Daprile said. "Our boys and girls programs have experienced a lot of success over the years. Our girls know about the state championship team, but we also know and respect every opponent we will face this year. We know nothing will be easy or handed to us.

"We strive to 'up the Ante,' every time we take the court."