Scouting Report: Marion vs. Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont
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WEST BRANCH, Iowa – Ranked teams matched up in an early-season tilt Saturday morning here at the West Branch Invitational. Class 4A eighth-ranked Marion took on No. 4 in 2A, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont. The Wolves won, 2-0. Plenty of strong performances took…
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Continue ReadingWEST BRANCH, Iowa – Ranked teams matched up in an early-season tilt Saturday morning here at the West Branch Invitational. Class 4A eighth-ranked Marion took on No. 4 in 2A, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont. The Wolves won, 2-0.
Plenty of strong performances took place on both sides of the net in this one. Here are players that stood out.
Goad paced the Wolves in kills last season with 407. She’s picked up where she left off in ’22 with 68 kills so far this year, hitting with a .383 efficiency. The senior stands out on the outside and in the middle as a two-way player. That said, she holds up very well in the back row and has a complete skill set. She packs a lot of power in her 6-1 frame, swinging with authority and showing solid athleticism. She needs more attention in recruiting.
Highlights
Sophia Paulsen
Sophia Paulsen
Paulsen is a kid every coach would love to run out on the court each match. She performs at all spots and stands out in several of them. She’s a strong outside hitter. And that might be what she does best. Paulsen also controls the back row and can set as well. She doesn’t neglect defensive responsibilities up front, either, using her long arms, leaping ability and timing in protecting the net.
Hartman excels as one of the better liberos you’ll find in the state. She led Marion with 381 digs a year ago and ranked second with 142 assists, showing that she contributes to her team’s cause in multiple ways. She illustrates strong leadership qualities. Hartman stands out in tennis, too, which makes sense considering the lateral quickness and fast reflexes she displays in volleyball. She’s accumulated 80 digs already this season.
Highlights
In her first varsity season with the Wolves, Webber has gotten off to a good start. Her 39 kills rank second to Goad on the team. She’s hitting with .260 efficiency. She also is second on the squad with 14.0 blocks, one behind Goad. Like Goad and Paulsen, Webber offers versatility across the front line. She might be best suited for the middle, but she stands tall on the right side and outside as well.
Highlights
Kate Shafer Kate Shafer S Eddyville-Blakesburg Fremont | 2025 State IA is one of the most skilled volleyball players in the state, regardless of class. She thrives as a setter, evidenced by her 860 assists as a sophomore last season. The Northern Iowa commitment contributes well beyond setting up her teammates, however. She continues improving as a right side hitter and is good as any setter around at defending the net. The upside here is incredible and Panther fans should be ecstatic she’s headed their way in a few years.
Molly Shafer Molly Shafer OH Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont | 2025 State IA , Kate’s twin sister and fellow UNI commitment, gives Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont another of the state’s top performers. She is a handful on the outside. Molly explodes off the floor with excellent leaping ability and hang time, which allows her to consistently avoid blocks and find holes in the defense. Her swing is as powerful and impactful as any in the state. Oh, and she also led the Rockets in digs as a sophomore last season. If UNI keeps adding this type of talent, the Panthers will continue making noise on the national landscape.
Kaylee Helm
Kaylee Helm
Helm’s game has taken a step forward this season after her 181 digs as a sophomore in ’22 ranked third among Rockets. Her ability to settle pace and produce usable passes in keeping her team in system helps play a big role in setting up the Shafers to do their damage. Helm uses lateral quickness, fast reflexes and a solid base in bringing consistent play to the back row.