Week 3 matchups

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I don't know about everyone else, but I have been loving the first few weeks of high school ball. We are rolling straight into the new week with some pretty intense and close-ranked matchups. Here are the games I am putting in the spotlight for week three:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dowling Catholic (4th in 5A) vs. Iowa City West (7th in 5A)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We start strong with Dowling Catholic and Iowa City West. Dowling Catholic has been clawing their way to the top of the rankings, and there's no doubt that they should be in the top 5. The Maroons have shown a good mix of talent and promise so far this season, and they're still getting heated up. On the other end, we have Iowa City West; the last time I saw them was at Marion, where they went down in two sets. Although they didn't look all that great, I know that that's not the true Trojans; it was just an off day. West got bumped down two spots in the rankings, and I think they're going to take that personally and prove why they should be moved back up this week. These are two very heavy-hitting teams with very competitive drives. I can definitely see this game going either way. You can catch this game on Thursday at 6:30 at Iowa City West.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pleasant Valley (10th in 5A) vs. Assumption (6th in 4A)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I don't know about anyone else, but this is one of my most anticipated games not only of the week, but of the season. Two teams that tied for MAC Champs last season; both teams graduated a few key players, and both teams are fighting for the MAC Champs spot this season. Pleasant Valley has been showcasing various lineups and versatility in their athletes, making their next move unpredictable. I think the Spartans will also be coming in with a chip on their shoulder after being moved down four spots in the 5A rankings. Assumption is a team that has been rapidly moving up in the rankings, starting at 12th and now being sixth, and for good reason. The Knights have been proving game after game that they want to come out on top. Not only are these just two fun teams to watch, but they also have opposite rosters. On one hand, we have the Spartans with 13 of their 15 rostered athletes being upperclassmen. On the other hand, we have the Knights with 8 of their 12 rostered athletes being underclassmen. The two powerhouses of the MAC will be battling it out on Thursday at Assumption at 6:30. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dike- New Hartford (8th in 3A) vs. Union (2nd in 2A)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is going to be a close matchup between two fairly equal teams. For starters, we have Dike- New Hartford. They aren't necessarily the biggest team, with their tallest girls being 5'11. However, height doesn't matter when it comes to their gameplay. Every athlete who touches the court for the Wolverines showcases an extremely well-rounded skill set. Going up against them is Union, who has consistently stayed at the top so far. The Knights are also a group that isn't the tallest, but are filled with pure athletes. They have proven why the first touches are so important, and that's exactly what has led to their success. Although I think Union is going to come out on top, Dike is going to give them a good run. This game will be going down tonight at Union at 8 o'clock. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Solon (1st in 3A) vs. Mt. Vernon (4th in 3A)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another highly anticipated match for me are two of the giants of the WAMAC, both gunning to be conference champions. Of course, for starters, we have Solon, who fell just one game short of being conference champs last season. However, they are making sure they get a different outcome this season. With a roster full of various powerhouses, Solon is truly a force to be reckoned with. However, if anyone is going to upset the Spartans, it's going to be Mt. Vernon. This program is just so deep in talent, and when you mix talent with pure resilience, you get a tough team to beat. The Mustangs have been right up there with Solon so far and are just getting started. Although I am picking the Spartans to win this game, all it takes is Solon having the slightest off day for Mt. Vernon to take the game, especially with the Mustangs having the home court advantage. You can catch this game tonight at 7:30 at Mount Vernon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ankeny Centennial (5th in 5A) vs. Waukee (8th in 5A)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ankeny has had a very strong start to the season and has worked their way up in the rankings. Their success should come as no surprise, with the Jaguars having many returners; they haven't seemed to skip a beat. I'm hoping to see Centennial pull out some big wins throughout the next few weeks and keep clawing their way to the top. I am taking Ankeny Centennial to win this match, but part of me is rooting for Waukee to pull through. The Warriors have not had the hottest start and are due for a big win, and this could be the game to do it. This group shows a lot of promise and just needs that little fire lit under them. I can definitely see Waukee making a postseason run if they keep an upward trend. The Jaguars and Warriors will be going head to head tonight at 7:30 at Waukee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Valley (6th in 5A) vs. Dowling (4th in 5A)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I already discussed Dowling, so this is going to be more focused on Valley. The Tigers have already proven what they are capable of this season after taking down Waukee NW. They haven't been all that consistent, but I think now that they're a few weeks in, there's going to be a shift within this group. I think once they start gaining more confidence as a team, they are going to shoot to the top. Although most probably won't agree with me on this, I'm taking Valley to pull through and take this game. If you want to watch this showdown, they will be competing at 7:30 tonight at Dowling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->