Scouting Reports: Western Christian-Mount Vernon
In this article:
It looked throughout the season like Hull Western Christian and Mount Vernon were destined to meet in the 3A state title match. They were the only teams in the class to be ranked No. 1 this year. It happened on…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIt looked throughout the season like Hull Western Christian and Mount Vernon were destined to meet in the 3A state title match. They were the only teams in the class to be ranked No. 1 this year.
It happened on Thursday at Coralville’s Xtream Arena. Western Christian won, 3-1, its 19th championship in program history.
Here are thoughts on some players that shined during the final match:
Shayna Van Dyken
Shayna Van Dyken
A member of the 3A all-tournament team, Van Dyken cranked out a team-high 20 kills on Thursday, raising her total to 51 in 10 sets at state. She explodes off the floor and shows an impressive vertical leap. She swings it with power but also sees the floor well and does a nice job switching up her attack points.
Haley Wielenga
Haley Wielenga
Wielenga also landed on the all-tournament team after posting 37 digs Thursday. The senior tallied 87 in the three matches here at state. Wielenga moves fluidly side-to-side in the back row, reading the attack and getting into position. She converts incoming pace into usable passes, keeping the Wolfpack in system regularly.
Bentley Bliek
Bentley Bliek
Bliek has a bright future with an advanced feel for the game for only being a sophomore. She chipped in with seven kills and 19 digs on Thursday. It illustrated a well-rounded game with the versatility to help her team from various spots on the court. She is athletic, which helps her in the back row and at the net. Her swing shows potential.
Keana Wynja
Keana Wynja
Another member of the all-tournament team, Wynja led the Wolfpack in kills with 15 in a semifinal victory against Union. She followed that performance up with 13 kills in the championship match. She added two solo blocks as well. Wynja is an impactful two-way at the net by way of being a good athlete with a sound set of volleyball skills.
Scarlett Winterfeld
Scarlett Winterfeld
Winterfeld might not look dangerous getting off the team bus but don’t let that fool you. She loaded up the stat sheet with 13 kills, 10 digs, two service aces and a pair of solo blocks. She succeeds with sharp volleyball skills, good technique and explosive athleticism. She boasts a big vertical leap and strength in her swing.
Meester was named the captain of the all-tournament team. She did all that she could to lead the Mustangs to the title. She pounded out a match-high 25 kills and led her team with 24 digs in the championship. She added a solo block and an assist. The Louisville commitment as become a complete player that stands out the most for her big swing on the outside. She can hit from anywhere along the net, though, and also from the back row.
I saw Mount Vernon play Solon in person during September. Huber looked comfortable after transferring in from Cedar Rapids Xavier before the season. She looked even more settled in this week. She delivers the ball with a soft touch and accuracy. Her teammates can count on her consistency and their connection with her. She knows where they like the ball and will get it there. She handed out 43 assists in the championship match and totaled 121 this week in earning all-tournament honors.