Stock-Risers from 2024 Season

It's not Texas, Florida or California, but Iowa produces a whole lotta volleyball talent for the college level. The competition helps raise the level of play overall, and a lot of student-athletes improve markedly throughout their prep careers.   Here's a look at some stock-risers from the 2024 campaign:    Scheckel opened a lot of eyes this season, culminating in an excellent performance during the state tournament, where the Dutch reached the 4A title match. She's one of the most well-rounded players around with abilities to impact the game in multiple ways. Scheckel led Pella in kills and digs, and also handed out 458 assists sharing the setting duties. When you watch her play, you see how Scheckel produces those statistics. Also a softball standout, her athleticism shines through with her quick-twitch traits, leaping ability and power. She's also super confident without being cocky.     Johnson was named the top producer in the Class 2A state championship match when she racked up 38 assists, nine digs, two kills and a block. That performance in helping the Cyclones to the title capped a wonderful junior season that saw Johnson rank second in the state with 1,198 assists. She finished second on her team in digs (363) and added 143 kills. Johnson brings valuable versatility as a setter along with the desired height and long arms for the position. She delivers the ball with a soft touch and is consistently on point with her passes. Johnson can set teammates from all around the court.     Listed as an outside hitter, Krecklow is a six-rotation dynamo that played a big part in the Tigers reaching the state tournament again. She stands out for her athleticism and quick reactions. The former allows her to rise above the net and strategically direct her heavy hits to be most effective. The latter lets Krecklow shine in the back row as well. She paced a veteran Cedar Falls outfit with 292 kills (.208) and ranked second in digs (303). Krecklow added 29.0 blocks and 26 ace serves.     Ladwig helped the defending state champions back to the 5A title match in what many outsiders thought would be a rebuilding year of sorts for the Wolves. She ranked second on the squad with 240 kills (.285) and her 63.0 blocks also were second. Her height and long arms definitely aid her success, but Ladwig owns advanced volleyball skills and a solid feel for the game. She fits nicely at the right-side pin for Northwest, but her talents would allow her to succeed anywhere along the front row.     Heither stood out during an in-person scout at Iowa City High early in the season. When she shined again at the state tournament, Heither showed she'll be a big factor for the Jaguars during the next two years. Heither has an excellent feel in the middle of the net. She can leap and does so with sound timing and anticipation. Heither puts it down when given the opportunity, as evidenced by her 133 kills (.326). Her 60.0 blocks led Centennial.     Sharing the setting duties with a senior, Kelley led the 5A state champions with 483 assists in her first extended run on the varsity. She displays a really knack for what's needed at the position. Kelley also contributed 62 kills (.382), which was helped by good court vision in dumping the ball over the net at the most opportune times. She's a factor defending the net, too. Kelley's 45.0 blocks were the third most among Spartans. She has a chance to raise her stock even more during the club season, and she should have the confidence to do so after her impressive 2024 prep campaign.     Another setter among our stock-risers, Adams shared the position and made the most of her opportunities. She produced 478 assists in helped the Hawks return to the state tournament. Adams prospers in the back row, too, ranking among the team leaders with 169 digs. She's a quick-twitch athlete with refined volleyball skills. Adams puts the ball in places where her hitters can excel and moves smoothly around the court, taking charge of the attack. The Hawks graduate a lot of talent off this year's team, so expect Adams to take another step forward in a bigger role for 2025.

It's not Texas, Florida or California, but Iowa produces a whole lotta volleyball talent for the college level. The competition helps raise the level of play overall, and a lot of student-athletes improve markedly throughout their prep careers.