Scouting Reports: West Delaware Hawks 2025

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/10/bracket-breakdown-predictions-classes-5a-4a/">Bracket Breakdown, Predictions: Classes 5A, 4A</a>   <a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/10/bracket-breakdown-predictions-classes-3a-2a-1a/">Bracket Breakdown, Predictions: Classes 3A, 2A, 1A</a>   <a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/10/weigh-in-wednesday-vote-for-states-top-setter/">Weigh-In Wednesday: Vote for State's Top Setter</a>   CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The Westside Invitational on Oct. 11 at Jefferson High allowed for the scouting of top teams across multiple classifications. One of them was an always game and gritty West Delaware squad. I witnessed the 3A Hawks grinding it out against bigger schools as they reached the Gold Bracket.   Here's a closer look at some of the West Delaware student-athletes preparing to put it all on the line as the 2025 postseason gets underway:    LeClere is a joy to watch play, a volleyballer that does whatever it takes to help her team win, doing it at a high level. She has a knack for coming through at important times in matches, but, truth is, she is constantly producing positive results. LeClere led the Hawks in kills (408, .321) through the team's first 90 sets of 2025. She also paced the squad with 59.0 blocks and contributed 145 digs to the cause, too. LeClere performed well when I was watching her at the Westside Invite in Cedar Rapids on Oct. 11. She plays bigger than her listed 5-foot-8 height. That's because LeClere is an explosive athlete that jumps out of the gym. She's quick around the court and agile at the net with plenty of power in her swing.     When you're a 3A program like West Delaware, you need good athletes and well-rounded volleyball players to make up for a lack of sheer numbers in relation to larger schools. Langel fitting that description is a big reason why the Hawks are competing well with most teams in the state again this season. I caught them in action at the Westside Invite on Oct. 11, 2025 in Cedar Rapids. Any opponent overlooking her for her lack of traditional height at the pin quickly learns that was a mistake. Langel explodes off of the court, rises up with a strong vertical leap and hammers her right arm through the hitting zone. She's also smart and plays off of what the defense gives her. Through 90 sets this year, she delivered 224 kills with 253 digs and 30.0 blocks, highlighting a broad set of skills.     West Delaware was powered by a strong senior class throughout the 2025 campaign. The group included a steady, veteran hand at setter in Mensen. With 754 assists through 90 matches, she ranks among the state's leaders in that category. It speaks to her ability to consistently put the ball where her attackers can make plays. Mensen mixes up her offerings and, more often than not, chooses to feed the teammate with an advantage against the defense, keeping opponents on their toes as she learns its tendencies as the match advances. Being able to read the opposition also helps her end points with a dump or swing into the donut, as evidenced by her 86 kills (.289). Her 209 digs and 17.0 blocks prove Mensen also is an asset defensively.     Hildebrand is another key member of the Hawks' super senior class, one that's contributed to a lot of victories in Manchester. I caught them during the Westside Invite on Oct. 11 in Cedar Rapids. Hildebrand was one that had taken a significant step forward since my last in-person scoring opportunity, which was at last year's state tournament. Hildebrand appeared more assure of herself and stood out as someone in command of the back row. She communicated well, before, during and after points. With smooth lateral movement, quick reactions and fast feet, Hildebrand is built for being a defensive specialist. You can tell she doesn't rest of her natural ability, seeming prepared for what the opponent is trying to do and adjusting to patterns during matches. Hildebrand was credited with 327 digs through West Delaware's first 90 sets.     West Delaware is a forward thinking program that develops student-athletes progressively through their careers. Having kids prepared to step into larger roles as they matriculate through high school ranks high on the list of reasons why the Hawks are consistent winners, often competing closely with larger schools. Schulte looks like a kid we'll be hearing more from as she advances in her career. When I watched her play at the Westside Invite on Oct. 11, 2025 in Cedar Rapids, the tools were there for her to follow in the footsteps of her senior teammates operating at an all-state level. Schultle already plays bigger than her height because of explosion of the court and a big vertical leap. With present power in the swing, there's potential for more of it for a player with room go before reaching her potential.     Ogden was serving as a key contributor on a veteran West Delaware outfit with seniors in starring roles when I scouted it at the Westside Invite on Oct. 11, 2025 in Cedar Rapids. Through 90 sets, Ogden accounted for 81 kills and 33.0 blocks, which were the second most on the squad. Ogden has the makings of being an impactful two-middle hitter. Her 39 digs supported the agility with which she plays at the net. Long arms and sharp timing lead to her throwing up an effective block. If she doesn't get her hand on the attack, she deters it more often than not. Ogden takes advantage of her swing chances, displaying ability to hammer it home off high or quick sets, alike. There's a sound skill set there with potential for growth on the slide attack.

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