5A Regional Previews, Players to Watch

It's been a wild ride across the state in Class 5A volleyball this Fall. Changes in the weekly <a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/10/final-class-5a-rankings-of-2024/">Prep Dig weekly rankings</a> have reflected it.   Regional play between the state's 40 largest schools begins Tuesday night. The eight state-tournament teams will be decided a week later in the finals.   Here's a closer look at the 5A regionals (Click on region to view bracket):   <a href="https://www.gobound.com/ia/ighsau/vb/2024-25/brackets/h202409300620184845b9d2be488ae49">Region 1</a>   Favorite: Ankeny Centennial (29-4)   Others: Urbandale, Des Moines East, Ottumwa, Des Moines Roosevelt   Players to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='215464' first='Delaney' last='Miller'], Centennial; [player_tooltip player_id='215425' first='Jaeden' last='Pratt'], Centennial; [player_tooltip player_id='261088' first='Mya' last='Lei-Butters'], Centennial; [player_tooltip player_id='758828' first='Sophia' last='Heither'], Centennial; [player_tooltip player_id='389060' first='Tatem' last='Schmidt'], Centennial; Maegen Cheeseman, Centennial; [player_tooltip player_id='511508' first='Addison' last='Storjohann'], Roosevelt; Morghan Harvey, Roosevelt; Noma Rodgers, Roosevelt; Nani Bell, Roosevelt; Brylee Jaeger, Ottumwa; Miya Fuller, Ottumwa; Makayla Brown, Ottumwa; Rylea Hinebaugh, Ottumwa; Camdyn Crouse, Ottumwa; [player_tooltip player_id='727692' first='Sheena' last='Jepchumba'], Des Moines East; Janessa Lee, Des Moines East; Reese DeVooght, Urbandale; Ela Tabakovic, Urbandale; Danni Pederson, Urbandale.   Outlook: Centennial is a heavy, heavy favorite to reach the state tournament for the fifth year in a row and the 11th time in the last 12 seasons. The Jaguars have looked like a title contender with a veteran lineup led by Miller, Pratt and Lei-Butters. Ottumwa (30-6) shares a similar record with the Jags, but the Bulldogs have faced the 180th-ranked schedule, according to Bound, while Centennial's slate is 7th. Roosevelt lost to Ottumwa, 3-0, on the road back on Sept. 17.   <a href="https://www.gobound.com/ia/ighsau/vb/2024-25/brackets/h2024093006240193520a7b61606e74a">Region 2</a>   Favorite: Pleasant Valley (30-2)   Others: Davenport North, Davenport West, Linn-Mar, Dubuque Hempstead   Players to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='243182' first='Isabelle' last='Kremer'], PV; [player_tooltip player_id='490015' first='Mazie' last='Sweers'], PV; [player_tooltip player_id='508627' first='Stella' last='Smith'], PV; [player_tooltip player_id='215760' first='Gabriella' last='Ragins'], PV; Abbie Staats, PV; Lauren Brohm, PV; [player_tooltip player_id='389006' first='Carsyn' last='Kelley'], PV; [player_tooltip player_id='508685' first='Addi' last='Wright'], Hempstead; Lexi Kuhle, Hempstead; [player_tooltip player_id='454583' first='Gabbi' last='Smith'], Hempstead; Luci Weber, Hempstead; [player_tooltip player_id='552873' first='Karsyn' last='Michael'], Linn-Mar; [player_tooltip player_id='447579' first='Kelsey' last='Klesner'], Linn-Mar; [player_tooltip player_id='730856' first='Kira' last='Klesner'], Linn-Mar; [player_tooltip player_id='215762' first='Emily' last='Brunson'], Linn-Mar; Rachel Ehlers, Davenport West; Alissa Nguyen, Davenport West; Halle Comer, Davenport West; [player_tooltip player_id='388991' first='Molly' last='Kemp'], Davenport North; Makenna Posten, Davenport North; [player_tooltip player_id='538934' first='Gisele' last='Muhammad'], Davenport North.   Outlook: If Centennial isn't the heaviest favorite to reach the state tournament, Pleasant Valley would be the pick. The Spartans recently topped Centennial at the Jefferson tournament, avenging a loss to the the Jags in August. PV last lost in a five-setter against North Scott on Sept. 10. Kremer is Prep Dig's top in-state 2026, and Smith is a D-I signee. Sweers is one of the state's better sophomores, and Raggins is one of its most underrated middles. Linn-Mar would seem to have the best shot at keeping the Spartans out of the state tournament for the first time since '18, but the other trio of teams feature strong players, too.   <a href="https://www.gobound.com/ia/ighsau/vb/2024-25/brackets/h20240930062449921bb8321b403df4f">Region 3</a>   Favorite: Ankeny   Others: Iowa City High, Waterloo West, Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Cedar Rapids Washington   Players to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='215465' first='Reagan' last='Hanfelt'], Ankeny; [player_tooltip player_id='207016' first='Baileigh' last='Carlsen'], Ankeny; [player_tooltip player_id='204525' first='Kamryn' last='Scheib'], Ankeny; [player_tooltip player_id='443093' first='Maya' last='Ridgeway'], Ankeny; [player_tooltip player_id='215752' first='Olivia' last='Eike'], Ankeny; Miya Steinkamp, Ankeny; [player_tooltip player_id='555795' first='Gracyn' last='Adams'], Ankeny; [player_tooltip player_id='508686' first='Jada' last='Smith'], Waterloo West; [player_tooltip player_id='495803' first='Ava' last='Jones'], Waterloo West; Allyson Landers, Waterloo West; [player_tooltip player_id='531752' first='Hazel' last='Schluckebier'], City High; Kaitlin Loria, City High; [player_tooltip player_id='493658' first='Hattie' last='Galloway'], City High; [player_tooltip player_id='215434' first='Emmy' last='McComas'], City High; [player_tooltip player_id='490018' first='Selia' last='Stein'], Washington; Sophie Rahe, Washington; [player_tooltip player_id='555785' first='Lexi' last='Haller'], Jefferson; Danielle Boche, Jefferson.   Outlook: Like the first two regions listed in this preview, it would be surprising if the favorite didn't end up at state. Ankeny is loaded with talent, including Power 4 recruits Hanfelt (Iowa State) and Carlsen (Auburn). Scheib is an underrated, six-rotation standout, and Eike is one of Iowa's rising stars. City High won at five-setter at Top 10 Cedar Falls and has faced a challenging schedule. Galloway is a dominating middle hitter, and McComas helps out all around the court. Waterloo West features a top senior in Smith and a super sophomore in Jones.   <a href="https://www.gobound.com/ia/ighsau/vb/2024-25/brackets/h202409300625187042fc013fe187846">Region 4</a>   Favorite: Dowling Catholic   Others: Iowa City West, Marshalltown, Sioux City North, Sioux City West   Players to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='500340' first='Kaylie' last='Klein'], Dowling; [player_tooltip player_id='215412' first='Ella' last='Rogers'], Dowling; [player_tooltip player_id='189864' first='Annalise' last='Grant'], Dowling; [player_tooltip player_id='389933' first='Ellie' last='Muller'], Dowling; [player_tooltip player_id='215728' first='Kate' last='Nelson'], Dowling; [player_tooltip player_id='215427' first='Ava' last='Groeteke'], Dowling; Maddie Chapman, Dowling; Kennedy Feldman, Marshallltown; Madison Rogers, Marshalltown; Olivia Holmgren, Marshalltown; [player_tooltip player_id='360642' first='Sophia' last='Austen'], IC West; [player_tooltip player_id='697463' first='Audrey' last='Small'], IC West; [player_tooltip player_id='555736' first='Lila' last='Eastvold'], IC West; Ava Bruxvoort, IC West; Hannah Burge, SC West; Trinity Claussen, SC West; [player_tooltip player_id='493655' first='ZaRyiah' last='Van Buren'], SC North; Ava Kelley, SC NorthHayden Lovrien, SC North.   Outlook: The theme of this story continues with Dowling being an extreme favorite in this region. Rogers is a tremendous setter with a ton of experience, and the same can be said about Grant at libero. Klein ranks among the best 10th-graders in the state, and Muller and Groeteke are a lethal 1-2 punch in the middle of the net. Iowa City West also boasts a top sophomore in [player_tooltip player_id='360642' first='Sophia' last='Austen'], Prep Dig's No. 1 player in Iowa for '27, and [player_tooltip player_id='697463' first='Audrey' last='Small'] is rising up the '28 rankings. Feldmen and Rogers provide Marshalltown with a pair of sound six-rotation performers.   <a href="https://www.gobound.com/ia/ighsau/vb/2024-25/brackets/h20240930062543195d6caf4d87abc40">Region 5</a>   Favorite: Indianola   Others: WDM Valley, Ames, Southeast Polk, Des Moines North   Players to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='215469' first='Maci' last='Lerseth'], Indianola; [player_tooltip player_id='215470' first='Camryn' last='Overton'], Indianola; [player_tooltip player_id='215466' first='Aspen' last='Nelsen'], Indianola; [player_tooltip player_id='493609' first='Madison' last='Grover'], Indianola; [player_tooltip player_id='215468' first='Makenzie' last='Sloan'], Indianola; Dana Blake, Indianola; [player_tooltip player_id='490001' first='Elizabeth' last='Greenfield'], Ames; Josey Hill, Ames; Josie Theilen, Ames; [player_tooltip player_id='261075' first='Kaelyn' last='Wieland'], Valley; Thia Raridon, Valley; [player_tooltip player_id='443086' first='Brynn' last='Cibula'], Valley; Myla Rude, Valley; [player_tooltip player_id='517919' first='Brooklyn' last='Brown'], Valley; Mia Sarceno-Mata, DM North; Gabriella Severs, SE Polk; Kennedy Harris, SE Polk; [player_tooltip player_id='730416' first='Grace' last='Vandehaar'], SE Polk; Ellie Wood, SE Polk.   Outlook: Region 5 is one on which to keep an eye. Indianola is a clear favorite with the veteran trio of Lerseth, Overton and Nelsen leading the way. It's making the jump up to 5A this season after reaching state in 4A a year ago. Valley has faced the seventh toughest schedule according to Bound. The Tigers are dangerous with Wieland being one of the Iowa's best all-around performers and Raridon a powerful pin.   <a href="https://www.gobound.com/ia/ighsau/vb/2024-25/brackets/h20240930062629816bee39e7ee3b94a">Region 6</a>   Favorite: Waukee Northwest   Others: Sioux City East, Des Moines Lincoln, Council Bluffs Lincoln, Council Bluffs Jefferson   Players to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='490013' first='Logan' last='Vogt'], Northwest; [player_tooltip player_id='389019' first='Avery' last='Vogt'], Northwest; [player_tooltip player_id='493601' first='Piper' last='Ladwig'], Northwest; [player_tooltip player_id='545971' first='Avery' last='Cordes'], Northwest; [player_tooltip player_id='490011' first='Leah' last='Janulewicz'], Northwest; Cassidy Danburg, Northwest; Alyssa Bird, DM Lincoln; Marisa Newhouse, DM Lincoln; Marah Popenhagen, DM Lincoln; [player_tooltip player_id='215439' first='Hollie' last='Peterson'], SC East; Madelyn Jackson, SC East; [player_tooltip player_id='389843' first='Jaylee' last='Jackson'], Sioux City East; Mattie Wineland, SC East; Rylee Perrine, CB Jefferson; Ava Rief, CB Jefferson; Aubrey Sandbothe, CB Lincoln; Hutson Rau, CB Lincoln; Preslie Girres, CB Lincoln.   Outlook: The defending state champion Wolves enjoy a favorable road back to Coralville if they play to their potential. That's been challenging with a young roster, but they appear to be rounding into form with the Vogts and Ladwig leading the way. Northwest isn't deep but it is talented enough to repeat. Sioux City East has spent a lot of the season in the girls union rankings, and the Raiders bring star power in the Jacksons and Peterson.   <a href="https://www.gobound.com/ia/ighsau/vb/2024-25/brackets/h20240930062703041554ee79f6e2348">Region 7</a>   Favorite: Cedar Falls   Others: Iowa City Liberty, Dubuque Senior, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Davenport Central   Players to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='389853' first='Kennedy' last='Krecklow'], Cedar Falls; [player_tooltip player_id='261058' first='Brynn' last='Bakula'], Cedar Falls; [player_tooltip player_id='523167' first='Natalie' last=''] Schmadeke, Cedar Falls; [player_tooltip player_id='389010' first='Annistyn' last='Wedgbury'], Cedar Falls; [player_tooltip player_id='215408' first='Grace' last='Hannam'], Cedar FallsKya Bradfield, Cedar Falls; [player_tooltip player_id='389066' first='Cambel' last='Drapeau'], Dubuque Senior; Brooklyn Klaas, Dubuque Senior; Maddie Prehm, Dubuque Senior; [player_tooltip player_id='316419' first='Edie' last='Miller'], Liberty; [player_tooltip player_id='316380' first='Hadley' last='Miller'], Liberty; [player_tooltip player_id='215429' first='Asta' last='Hildebrand'], Liberty; [player_tooltip player_id='497594' first='Lucy' last='Maassen'], Liberty; [player_tooltip player_id='273001' first='Ellie' last='Wilson'], Liberty; Madison VanDerLeest, Davenport Central; Falyn Mussmann, Davenport Central; [player_tooltip player_id='215388' first='Adalyn' last='Hermanson'], Kennedy; [player_tooltip player_id='215393' first='Jenna' last='Younge'], Kennedy; [player_tooltip player_id='621326' first='Dylan' last='Amling'], Kennedy.   Outlook: Barring significant upsets, it should be a Cedar Falls-Liberty regional final, assuring an MVC team reaches the state tournament. Krecklow has been a breakout sophomore for Cedar Falls, joining proven talent in Bakula, Schmadeke, Wedgbury and Hannam. Liberty boasts one of the state's top all-around performers in Hildebrand, and [player_tooltip player_id='316419' first='Edie' last='Miller'] is one of its best liberos. Drapeau is a Power 4 prospect and one of the better middle blockers in Iowa. Hermanson and Younge will be leading a young Cougar outfit.   <a href="https://www.gobound.com/ia/ighsau/vb/2024-25/brackets/h202409300627268815bb3a5901ef546">Region 8</a>   Favorite: Cedar Rapids Prairie   Others: Waukee, Johnston, Bettendorf, Muscatine   Players to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='215742' first='Carly' last='Wazac'], Prairie, [player_tooltip player_id='221340' first='Taylor' last='Ray'], Prairie; [player_tooltip player_id='447581' first='Grace' last='Knock'], Prairie; [player_tooltip player_id='775182' first='Olivia' last='Marais'], Prairie; Johanna Caspers, Prairie; [player_tooltip player_id='493983' first='Heather' last='Hingst'], Prairie; [player_tooltip player_id='538919' first='Jaida' last='Bell'], Johnston; Cora Shaw, Johnston; Reagan Pitts, Johnston; Lila Shaw, Johnston; Claire Holub, Johnston; [player_tooltip player_id='443092' first='Malia' last='Rogers'], Waukee; [player_tooltip player_id='500115' first='Maggie' last='Craig'], Waukee; [player_tooltip player_id='455721' first='Stella' last='Braddock'], Waukee; [player_tooltip player_id='443125' first='Liv' last='Davis'], Waukee; [player_tooltip player_id='498752' first='Allie' last='Ruddy'], Waukee; [player_tooltip player_id='489998' first='Belle' last='Seaman'], Muscatine; Myla Halloran, Muscatine; Elsie Lewis, Muscatine; Makenna Miller, Bettendorf; [player_tooltip player_id='474884' first='Peyton' last='Nagle'], Bettendorf; Dylan Harn, Bettendorf; Kelsi Smith, Bettendorf.   Outlook: On paper, this is the most wide-open region where it might come down to who's hot on the right night. Prairie earned the top seed here with a strong finish to the regular season. Wazac can take over a match as well as anybody in the state, and Ray is a four-year starter at setter. Knock is a sound libero, and Marais is a freshman to watch. Waukee features a super sophomore in Rogers, and another aggressive attacker in Craig. Bell and the Shaws make Johnston an underdog with bite.

It's been a wild ride across the state in Class 5A volleyball this Fall. Changes in the weekly Prep Dig weekly rankings have reflected it.