Matches to Watch at The Iowa Prep Dig Sizzle

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Year 2 of the Iowa Prep Dig Sizzle will go down Tuesday and Wednesday at GreenState Family Fieldhouse. Top teams in the state are beginning their journey to make it back to the building for the state tournament in November. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check out the full schedule <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15wIyZzNJBDd4ADw6Q9PrIFP8PDXQaIEUB4UZVSSB8VM/htmlview?urp=gmail_link#gid=815085116" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>. Spectator tickets can be purchased on-line <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/purchase-tickets?website_id=3">HERE</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look interesting matches to watch: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TUESDAY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Iowa City Liberty vs Davenport Assumption</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1 p.m. Court 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An intriguing matchup of a strong 5A programs in Liberty versus an always game 3A outfit in Assumption comes with plenty of star power. It's the first match for a new Lightning coaching staff, and we'll get our first look at the Knights with new setter [player_tooltip player_id='389006' first='Carsyn' last='Kelley'], who helped Pleasant Valley win a 5A state title last season. She'll be feeding one of Iowa's top preps in middle [player_tooltip player_id='230661' first='Ellah' last='Derrer'] along with fellow front-row standouts in [player_tooltip player_id='630696' first='Erin' last='Robbins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='694203' first='Belle' last='Cotton']. Liberty libero [player_tooltip player_id='316419' first='Edie' last='Miller'], who recentlly committed to Dayton, is a wall in the back row. Her twin sister, [player_tooltip player_id='316380' first='Hadley' last='Miller'], is one of the best setters around and has an an ever-improving swing. [player_tooltip player_id='273001' first='Ellie' last='Wilson'] impacts matches through six rotations, and [player_tooltip player_id='497594' first='Lucy' last='Maassen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='493985' first='Sydney' last='Van Heukelom'] will look to build on production 2024 seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Iowa City West vs Pleasant Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2 p.m. Court 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West looks to rise up the 5A hierarchy with an improved lineup in 2025. Playing Pleasant Valley will measure where the Trojans are in that quest. The defending state champion Spartans are led by [player_tooltip player_id='243182' first='Isabelle' last='Kremer'] (Drake) and [player_tooltip player_id='490015' first='Mazie' last='Sweers']. They're surrounded by plenty of talent in the form of [player_tooltip player_id='261085' first='Maren' last='Ouellette'], [player_tooltip player_id='389818' first='Hanley' last='Schmidt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='493657' first='Addison' last='Allaman']. Iowa State commitment [player_tooltip player_id='360642' first='Sophia' last='Austen'] in the engine for West. There are other key parts like Lila Eastvold and [player_tooltip player_id='697463' first='Audrey' last='Small'] returning, as well, and help on the way in transfers [player_tooltip player_id='540833' first='Izzie' last='McDonald'], [player_tooltip player_id='754657' first='Cyan' last='Blommer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='533845' first='Taylor' last='Otte'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bennendorf vs Iowa City Liberty</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2 p.m. Court 4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both of these teams reached the 5A regional finals last season and have designs of taking the next step in 2025. [player_tooltip player_id='806603' first='Makenna' last='Miller'], [player_tooltip player_id='474884' first='Peyton' last='Nagle'] and [player_tooltip player_id='575805' first='Dyllan' last='Harn'] pack a punch for the Bulldogs in the front row. Miller and Harn contribute through six rotations. Kelsi Smith is back to run the show at setter, and [player_tooltip player_id='569671' first='Logan' last='Ramstack'] leads a solid back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Williamsburg vs Norwalk</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3 p.m. Court 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This pair of improving programs have designs on the state tournament in 2025. [player_tooltip player_id='849192' first='Ellie' last='Nielsen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='551847' first='Averi' last='Nielsen'] provide Williamsburg with a pair of versatile setters. [player_tooltip player_id='589347' first='Clarissa' last='Suhr'] and [player_tooltip player_id='730449' first='Kylee' last='Suhr'] are potent at the pin, while also contributing significantly on defense. [player_tooltip player_id='811391' first='Ava' last='Hocker'] is solid in the back row. For Norwalk, [player_tooltip player_id='560368' first='Elle' last='Hatlevig'] owns one of the state's top swings, [player_tooltip player_id='809159' first='Reese' last='Heim'] is reliable at libero and [player_tooltip player_id='493974' first='Hadley' last='Michael'] is an established setter. [player_tooltip player_id='443091' first='Jillian' last='Hammond'] and [player_tooltip player_id='829942' first='Ava' last='Carlson'] also stand out on the attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mid-Prairie vs Assumption</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3 p.m. Court 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A pair of state qualifiers in Class 3A last November, Mid-Prairie and Assumption meet up Tuesday to measure where they stand for 2025. As with Assumption, the Golden Hawks have reason for optimism with what they have back. [player_tooltip player_id='215390' first='Jovi' last='Evans'], [player_tooltip player_id='808755' first='Jeorgia' last='Evans'], [player_tooltip player_id='389071' first='Harper' last='Pacha'] and [player_tooltip player_id='807984' first='Katelyn' last='Harland'] all are established six-rotation contributors. Their versatility and that of others on the roster translate to success in Wellman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>South Tama vs. Waterloo West</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3 p.m. Court 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Waterloo West team should not be slept on in 2025. [player_tooltip player_id='495803' first='Ava' last='Jones'] is an established standout that continues improving, which is a scary thought for the opposition. Allyson Landers gets the job done at setter, and Addy Schoepske holds it down in the back row. South Tama is another team that could surprise in 2025. [player_tooltip player_id='514991' first='Paisley' last='Jo Bro'] will impact matches through six rotations. Keinzle Boriskey, [player_tooltip player_id='835425' first='Madison' last='Boriskey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='818266' first='Rylee' last='Ridout'] give her plenty of help in the front row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clear Creek Amana vs Pleasant Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3 p.m. Court 5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It feels like Clear Creek Amana can make a run at a 4A state title this season. The Clippers can glean where they are on that journey facing off with PV. [player_tooltip player_id='361168' first='Averie' last='Lower'] is one of the state's better volleyballers who will hoop in college. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='243457' first='Emily' last='Henderson'] (South Dakota School of Mines) impacts matches all around the court. [player_tooltip player_id='493660' first='Bailey' last='Simpson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='517585' first='Sariah' last='Sherman'] are a dynamic duo in the middle of the front row. [player_tooltip player_id='805302' first='Elizabeth' last='Timmerman'] makes a difference through six rotations, and [player_tooltip player_id='516002' first='Julia' last='Schlarbaum'] is a prime breakout candidate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cedar Rapids Jefferson vs Mid-Prairie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4 p.m. Court 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jefferson might be ready for a rise in 2025 with a good nucleus returning. Setters [player_tooltip player_id='555785' first='Lexi' last='Haller'] and Mia Denlinger set the tone for the J-Hawks. [player_tooltip player_id='815520' first='Kymara' last='Atwood-Mayes'] is productive on the attack. Sacora has a chance to be a difference maker in the back row. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cedar Rapids Kennedy vs Williamsburg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kennedy experienced growing pains with a largely inexperienced lineup last season. The Cougars are planning on that paying off this fall. [player_tooltip player_id='525829' first='Addison' last='Phillips'] and [player_tooltip player_id='808100' first='Skyylan' last='Ousley'] are impactful players at the net. Setter Charley Lovell can be counted on, and the [player_tooltip player_id='730456' first='Lextyn' last='Pankey'] is sound in the back row. [player_tooltip player_id='621326' first='Dylan' last='Amling'] is a versatile performer capable of adding value at multiple spots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5 p.m. Court 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WEDNESDAY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Denver vs Assumption</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defending Class 2A state champion Denver meets up with one of the consistently strong 3A programs in Assumption. The Cyclones return quite a bit from the title team and should be in contention for a repeat. [player_tooltip player_id='389017' first='Bailey' last='Mullihan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='389009' first='Grace' last='Mullihan'] are two of the better players around, regardless of class. [player_tooltip player_id='827473' first='Mylee' last='Thurm'] and [player_tooltip player_id='835359' first='Madeline' last='Hildebrandt'] add more juice to the attack. [player_tooltip player_id='389012' first='Channing' last='Johnson'] ranks among the better prep setters in Iowa, and [player_tooltip player_id='739138' first='Mackenzie' last='McEwan'] will be one of 2A's best in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9 a.m. Court 4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clear Creek Amana vs Norwalk</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10 a.m. Court 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Humboldt vs Denver</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>11 a.m. Court 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Humboldt's operation is run by sound setters in [player_tooltip player_id='545946' first='Addison' last='Waldorf'] and [player_tooltip player_id='758779' first='Kendall' last='Works'], who can help at different positions, too. [player_tooltip player_id='261087' first='Mia' last='Schluter'] leads the attack with [player_tooltip player_id='833174' first='Jazzie' last='Dodd'] and [player_tooltip player_id='746258' first='Adelynn' last='Goodell'] also bringing pop to the pin. [player_tooltip player_id='801455' first='Claire' last='Dieleman'] is a proven performer in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Liberty vs Clear Creek Amana</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>11 a.m. Court 4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Norwalk vs Humboldt</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Noon Court 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Union Community vs Assumption</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1 p.m. Court 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A strong program annually, Union Community can test itself against another 3A outfit of Knights with designs on reaching the state tournament. Union's strength is in its impressive group of front row performers that includes [player_tooltip player_id='830328' first='Bianca' last='Grimm'], [player_tooltip player_id='730396' first='Caitlyn' last='Schneider'], [player_tooltip player_id='754886' first='Taylen' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='837080' first='Reagan' last='Glenn']. Grimm, Glenn and [player_tooltip player_id='793720' first='Emily' last='Anton'] are sound in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clear Creek Amana vs Denver</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1 p.m. Court 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>It's important to note that this tournament is a preseason opportunity for coaches and student-athletes to prepare for the season. As such, lineups and approaches vary from team to team and from match to match. Wins and losses take a backseat to development and chemistry building. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->