20 Class of ’24 Names to Remember Heading into New Year
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IOWA CITY, Iowa – Prep Dig does a great job ranking players throughout the state. It’s your No. 1 source for student-athlete ratings across Iowa. I was fortunate to scout plenty of the great competitors on those lists this past season. I…
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Continue ReadingIOWA CITY, Iowa – Prep Dig does a great job ranking players throughout the state. It’s your No. 1 source for student-athlete ratings across Iowa.
I was fortunate to scout plenty of the great competitors on those lists this past season. I saw some amazing play at the state tournament.
From my viewing, I’d like to share in-person observations on each grade, starting with the ’25 Class.
Next up are the seniors-to-be, also known as the 2024 Class:
Petersen ranks as the top player in ’24 In-State Class and rightfully so. The Louisville commitment dominates all over the court. She’s consistently good, and as a coach’s kid, she boasts a high IQ for the sport. As seasoned as she already is, she hasn’t come close to reaching her ceiling. When she gets to college, she will be another player on the big stage that reflects positively on the high level of prep competition in Iowa.
Jadyn can sometimes be overshadowed by her sister, but she’s an excellent player in her own right. She shines in the back row, and swings with power and accuracy. I like how she moves laterally, her reflexes and ability to hang in the air while identifying opposing defensive alignments. The Northern Iowa pledge makes good decisions.
Dean dominates as a powerful two-way player. She’s one of the state’s top hitters and denies opponents’ attempts on defense. She’s helped by her height and length but brings athleticism to the table as well. She understands the game and how to maximize her talent. I think the best is yet to come for Dean.
Beck played really well as a sophomore but took her game to a much higher level in ’22. She matched up her immense natural ability with an improved understanding of the game. The Drake commitment is tall and long, but she’s more than that. She’s athletic and agile. If she keeps increasing her aggressiveness, watch out.
Berkland turned heads for those folks unaware of her game with an outstanding performance at the state tournament. Defensive specialist is selling her skills short. She’s a defensive dynamo that turns around insane pace headed her way. And she doesn’t just get to everything, she produces usable passes. Her contributions are invaluable.
Schrader took a nice step forward this season, setting her up for a potentially big senior campaign. At 6-foot-1 with long limbs, she can hammer kills from all around the court. She hit .313 with 320 kills as a junior, showing off her efficiency. She’s skilled and athletic.
Lacy makes it look easy even though she plays with great effort. That’s a sign of a special player. She contributes at a high level all over the court. She’s an accomplished hitter and plays with great timing both ways. She can dig and pass as well. She could be in line for a big ’23.
Claire Ernst Claire Ernst 6'0" | OH City | 2024 State IA
Claire Ernst Claire Ernst 6'0" | OH City | 2024 State IA
Ersnt has been a factor for the Little Hawks since her freshman season. She’s steadily improved each year, and has positioned herself for a big senior campaign. She’s an all-court player who stands out for her powerful hits. Like all the players on this list, she can help a college program.
Lombardi dominates at the small-school level, but she would thrive in any class. She puts defenses on their heels with the threat of her swing. Even when the opponent digs out her hit, it’s often thrown out of system. She handles herself well in the back row, too, and defends nicely at the net.
Hartman brings a smooth game to the court. She doesn’t rattle and is a steadying force for her teammates in even the highest pressure situations. She helps keep Marion in system with her digging and passing expertise. A big senior season lies ahead.
Highlights
Along with Hartman, Goad provides the Wolves with a 1-2 punch that should make them formidable again in ’23. She hammered home an impressive 407 kills as a junior, hitting at a robust .347 clip. At 6-2, Goad is a two-way presence at the net but also contributes from the back. She’s a really good athlete with advanced skills.
Highlights
Ellyson is one of those players who galvanizes her teammates with her abilities all over the court. She contributes whatever her squad needs and does so with expertise. She’s prepared to step into an even bigger role in ’23, which is good news for the Mustangs.
Johnson played a big role in the Knights’ state championship run as an all-court contributor. She’s plays bigger than her 5-10 frame would portend. Her athleticism aids in her vertical leap, hang time and mobility. She shows agility and coordination with good reaction time.
Roush is a super athlete with a first-rate skill set. She hit .326 as a junior with 287 kills on a loaded team. She defends well at the net with solid leaping ability and timing. The best news for Roush and Ankeny is that, as good as she already is, she’s not close to reaching her ceiling.
Highlights
Addison Gisleson
Addison Gisleson
Gisleson can get lost in the shuffle on a talented team but she’s an integral part of the Clippers’ success. She contributes all around the floor from front to back. She can swing it or dig it out. Her athleticism allows her play bigger than the 5-foot-7 at which she’s listed on the roster. She plays hard all the time.
The Iowa City West senior-to-be improved a lot from her sophomore to junior seasons, settling in as a reliable setter. She shows soft hands and good court vision. She’s an instinctual player with steadiness and consistency.
I’m looking forward to seeing more of Elliott on the club tour after catching her at the state tournament. She’s another smaller-school performer who can compete with anybody in the state. At 6-foot-1, she can do it all. She cranked out an incredible 677 kills this season, hitting at a .454 clip. She also racked up 293 digs and 32.0 blocks.
Sydney Wagner
Sydney Wagner
Wagner took over as the Regals’ setter this season and it couldn’t have been a smoother transition. The 5-foot-8 junior ranked third in Class 2A with 870 assists. She backed that up with 213 digs. She knows where her hitters want the ball, and consistently delivers it on time and in the right place.
Klinkkammer teamed up with sophomore Madelynn Falco to give the Bears a productive back row. The duo combined for 692 digs. Klinkkammer helped West Branch in other areas as well. She led her squad with 40 service aces and added 76 kills.
Sydney Skarich Sydney Skarich 5'9" | OH North Scott | 2024 State IA
Sydney Skarich Sydney Skarich 5'9" | OH North Scott | 2024 State IA
Skarich was a huge part of the Lancers ‘ last=”]’ successful season. She benefits North Scott with contributions all around the court. She ranked second on the team in kills (266) and digs (281). She added 25 aces. She’s positioned for a big club campaign and senior season.