Top Players Return In North Central Iowa
Title Photo: Alayna Finucan (Photo Credit: Freeman Journal) North Central Iowa has produced some hidden gems over the years with top athletes coming out of the Top of Iowa Conference and North Central Conference with programs such as Lake Mills,…
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Continue ReadingTitle Photo: Alayna Finucan (Photo Credit: Freeman Journal)
North Central Iowa has produced some hidden gems over the years with top athletes coming out of the Top of Iowa Conference and North Central Conference with programs such as Lake Mills, Algona, Clarion-Goldfield, Iowa Falls, Humboldt, and Forest City producing conference championships and teams who have made deep runs in the postseason. With teams in this area being a wildcard come tournament time as to what direction they will go for Regionals, there are some big time players who can make a push for being some of the top go to athletes in the area.
Morgan Middleton – Clarion-Goldfield
Middleton has been making an impact since the day she set foot on the Varsity court as a top outside hitter in the state who can score points from either pin while also putting up a really solid block. In 2018, Middleton averaged nearly 5 kills per set, leading the Cowgirls to the state tournament. With a big year with Six Pack, Middleton will be looking to lead the Cowgirls back to state, however they will most likely competing in Class 2A instead of Class 3A.
Kylie Greenfield – Lake Mills
Greenfield is a powerful six rotation outside who was one of the top pins in the Top of Iowa – West. Lake Mills has traditionally produced top teams who are always in contention for state tournaments and have won a number conference titles. This past season, enroute to a 1st Team All Conference nod, Greenfield had over 300 kills to go along with nearly 200 digs. She will be returning with Senior setter Jessa Gasteiger who had over 700 assists in 2018.
Jori Hajek – Humboldt
Humboldt had five attackers with over 100 kills in 2018 and Sophomore, Jori Hajek was one of the attacking leaders with nearly three kills per set. Hajek is lightning in a bottle with an explosive swing and aggressive approach, with great court vision she can find a seam or open spot attacking in the front or backrow. The All-District performer will be a Junior for the Wildcats who were regional runner-ups to Osage.
Jadyn Jondle – Clarion-Goldfield
Jondle is one of the top liberos in the area and was a major part in leading the Cowgirls to the state tournament. Under control, solid platform, and just a great knack for the game, Jondle is on the radar of college coaches. Jondle teams up with Middleton for Six Pack who were Iowa Regional winners in 2019.
Emma Hovenga – Forest City
Forest City dethroned Lake Mills as conference champions in the Top of Iowa – West last season and Hovenga was the quarterback of the offense allowing Kelsy Koch and Cora Holland to blast away on the pin. Hovenga has quickness and athleticism to get her hitters in position to score points and can also put up a solid block. Forest City and Lake Mills will once again be tops in the conference to battle it out for a title.
Abbey Holmes – Algona
Algona has always had a strong tradition of volleyball and a perennial contender in the North Central Conference. Holmes will be returning for her Senior season after 400 kills, over four kills per set in 2018. Holmes was a primary passer as well with almost 300 digs. The Bulldogs will look to get back to the top of the conference as they will compete with Humboldt, Clarion-Goldfield, and Iowa Falls-Alden.
Alayna Finucan – Webster City
Finucan is one of the top young liberos in the area, along with Jondle for CGD. Finucan has quick feet, efficient movement, and great court awareness. In her Freshman campaign, she had almost 500 digs with over 5 per set. This past club season, Finucan was on the
Central Iowa Select
15M squad who was the runner-up at the prestigious Triple Crown Invite and also earned a bid to USAV 15 Open.
Jenny Wibholm – Iowa Falls-Alden
Wibholm was one of the top attackers for Iowa Falls-Alden, consistently hovering around the ranked teams in 2018. Wibholm averaged over 2.5 kills per set and was a solid six rotation athlete who also tallied nearly 300 digs. The Cadets will be competitive in the NCC, but will have some key spots to fill after graduation of a solid senior class.