Iowa Prep Dig Sizzle 2025 Day 1 Recap

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/08/prep-dig-iowa-sizzle-day-1-photo-gallery/">Sizzle Day 1 Photo Gallery</a> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CORALVILLE, Iowa - </strong>Teams from around state traveled to Coralville Tuesday for Day 1 of the second annual Prep Dig Sizzle here at the GreenState Family FieldHouse. The theme of the day was building chemistry and working out the kinks. It was not uncommon to see teammates communicating about assignments following points. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That's common with programs just starting training camp this week. No matter how many student-athletes graduated or returned, it's important to remember that these are new teams. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the best parts about covering last year's Sizzle was seeing schools there improve throughout the season. It confirmed what we already knew - It's a team sport and development time is needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tuesday was dedicated to bouncing around the courts trying to find competitive matches and scouting as many players as possible. Mission accomplished. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I look forward to getting back at it Wednesday morning. Here's what was scene Tuesday: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Williamsburg could only commit to competing on Day 1, so I wanted to make sure I watched the Raiders. I took in some of the action when they faced Norwalk, Waterloo West and Cedar Rapids Kennedy, all schools from larger classifications. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though Williamsburg was winless, the pieces are in place for a good season if they connect and improve staying in system. The Raiders can do damage when attacking with [player_tooltip player_id='589347' first='Clarissa' last='Suhr'], [player_tooltip player_id='730449' first='Kylee' last='Suhr'], [player_tooltip player_id='843242' first='Keston' last='Spratt'], [player_tooltip player_id='811391' first='Ava' last='Hocker'], [player_tooltip player_id='805918' first='Jordyn' last='Skaggs'] and others. Setting is solid with [player_tooltip player_id='849192' first='Ellie' last='Nielsen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='551847' first='Averi' last='Nielsen']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Mid-Prairie also was a Day 1-only participant. I only saw bits of a few matches but that's all that was needed to know that [player_tooltip player_id='215390' first='Jovi' last='Evans'] and [player_tooltip player_id='808755' first='Jeorgia' last='Evans'] will be a problem for River Valley Conference opponents. [player_tooltip player_id='753942' first='Avery' last='Helmuth'] looked improved at setter, and [player_tooltip player_id='807984' first='Katelyn' last='Harland'] appeared to have taken a step forward with her all-around game as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-A few matches popped out when the event's schedule was released. One of them pitted defending 5A state champion Pleasant Valley against an Iowa City West team that will be much improved. The Trojans played like they wanted it and came away with a three-set win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='360642' first='Sophia' last='Austen'] (Iowa State) stood out for the winners like she always does. Her attack has steadily become more consistent since the start of last season. What was clearly evident Tuesday was that she'll receive a lot more help this season. And that includes her freshman sister, [player_tooltip player_id='610472' first='Josie' last='Austen'], who played really well against Pleasant Valley. Fellow freshman [player_tooltip player_id='754657' first='Cyan' last='Blommer'] also showed she belonged on the varsity level. Lila Eastvold, who returns as the starting setter, has developed her game since last season, and starting middle [player_tooltip player_id='697463' first='Audrey' last='Small'] has as well. Xavier transfer [player_tooltip player_id='540833' first='Izzie' last='McDonald'] was a nice addition to the back row. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As for the Spartans, nothing I saw Tuesday changed my opinion that they can repeat as state champions. [player_tooltip player_id='243182' first='Isabelle' last='Kremer'] (Drake) impressed, as always, with her swing. Mazzie Swears' versatility will be incredibly valuable. [player_tooltip player_id='261085' first='Maren' last='Ouellette'] and [player_tooltip player_id='389818' first='Hanley' last='Schmidt'] were hammers at the pin Tuesday, and [player_tooltip player_id='493657' first='Addison' last='Allaman'] looked prepared for a bigger role. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='555746' first='Clare' last='Yeggy'] stood out in the middle of the net, where PV is replacing two talented players. When this team figures out the setter position, it will have a chance to reach its high ceiling. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-I was interested in seeing what Cedar Rapids Kennedy looked like with a new coach and a lot of talent back from last season. As such, I watched a significant amount of their matches against Williamsburg, Humboldt and South Tama.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's no doubt that the Cougars are a work in progress but can be a pretty good group if the parts come together. [player_tooltip player_id='525829' first='Addison' last='Phillips'] and [player_tooltip player_id='808100' first='Skyylan' last='Ousley'] have all-conference potential as attackers, and Charley Lovell is a tall, long-armed setter with an intriguing set of skills. [player_tooltip player_id='621326' first='Dylan' last='Amling'] and [player_tooltip player_id='730456' first='Lextyn' last='Pankey'] impress in the back row. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Davenport Assumption only signed up for Tuesday's action. The Knights looked like a 3A title contender. [player_tooltip player_id='389006' first='Carsyn' last='Kelley'], who helped Pleasant Valley win state last year, raised the level of everybody's play with her setting. [player_tooltip player_id='230661' first='Ellah' last='Derrer'] (Kansas State) and [player_tooltip player_id='630696' first='Erin' last='Robbins'], who play club with Kelley, thrived in the middle. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='694203' first='Belle' last='Cotton'] looked like really big accomplishments are ahead for her, and Delylah Graves appeared poised for a super senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->