A Closer Look At The Debut of Iowa’s Class of 2023 Rankings
These player rankings are overdue. The Class of 2023 was quick to get on the radar as many made a big impact as Freshmen for their high school teams and as we were getting ready for Iowa Regionals, National Qualifiers…well,…
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Continue ReadingThese player rankings are overdue. The Class of 2023 was quick to get on the radar as many made a big impact as Freshmen for their high school teams and as we were getting ready for Iowa Regionals, National Qualifiers…well, you know how March – June was like. BUT, we’re back! We get to play volleyball, we get to cover, we get to see these athletes compete. I’m so excited about this Class of 2023 and what they’ve done and will do throughout their career.
A Little Bit About Rankings
Player rankings are a constant work in progress, especially with athletes at the 15s and 16s level. Some players hit their stride at different times and for others its a matter of getting their chance whether its high school or club. We seek feedback from coaches around the state and are always looking to add names as well as update information. For the players, your ranking does not define you. This is a list that is a resource for schools, it’s fun to see athletes from across the state, and is a great way to connect players with each other as well as coaches throughout the country.
The Power At The Pins
A Lily Dykstra Lily Dykstra 6'0" | OH Urbandale | 2023 State #127 Nation IA outside and Ava Schubert Ava Schubert 6'1" | RS Assumption | 2023 State #153 Nation IA on the ride side. These two are 1A and 1B, the best at their positions in their class. Dykstra is long, athletic, and can really score points from anywhere. She will definitely have plenty of college coaches knocking on her door as most of these athletes will. Ava Schubert Ava Schubert 6'1" | RS Assumption | 2023 State #153 Nation IA has been on the radar for a couple of years since she played on the Iowa Select 16s as a 14-year-old. Schubert has already played in a state volleyball and basketball tournament and was a standout at the Prep Dig Summer Showcase in Milwaukee with some of the top players out of Wisconsin as well.
Ready To Breakout
Claudia Aschenbrenner Claudia Aschenbrenner 5'10" | OH Osage | 2023 State IA was able to play at the state tournament for Osage last year as a Freshman. She’s back and ready for more as the Green Devils are showing they are one of the top teams in their class. Extremely dynamic, athletic, and a high motor when it comes to transitioning and scoring points, Aschenbrenner is one who can contribute in multiple ways for her team.
The Dynamic
There are plenty of athletes who can do plenty for their team. One athlete who really stood out last year from the start was Avery Van Hook. She walked on to the varsity court and owned it with her confidence and swag, not afraid to take the big swing en route to the state tournament. Van Hook can set or swing, showing her versatile skills set. Madelyn Norton Madelyn Norton 5'8" | S Dike-New Hartford | 2023 State IA is commanding the Dike-New Hartford offense and has a few tricks up her sleeve when it comes to being offensive. She can jump and swing where the other side of the net always has to respect her.
‘Bros With a Spark
A libero has to have a presence on the court. Three liberos who have really stood out to me so far in this class are Olivia Lombardi Olivia Lombardi 5'7" | DS/L West Des Moines Valley | 2023 State IA , Ella Meyer Ella Meyer 5'5" | DS/L Western Dubuque | 2023 State IA , and Monica Morales Monica Morales 5'4" | DS/L West Liberty | 2023 State IA (Title Photo). All three played in the state tournament last year and aren’t afraid to step up in big moments. Lombardi quarterbacks the backrow for Valley, Meyer was a major lift for Western Dubuque who made it to the state championship in Class 4A, and Morales has been a standout from day one at West Liberty. Seeing Meyer and Morales recently, the game has slowed down for them. They can control their platform, they know their angles, and are getting better with each touch.