One Thing on Every 3A, 4A, 5A Team Headed to State

<!-- 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>Teams from around Iowa punched their tickets to the state tournament Tuesday night. I was in Grimes, watching our daughter's Iowa City High team try to knock off a really good Dallas-Center Grimes outfit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alas, the Mustangs were too slick for our Little Hawks, but we were the only 5A loser to win a set. City senior six-rotation right side [player_tooltip player_id='493658' first='Hattie' last='Galloway'] willed the team to a second-set triumph as a two-way force. The Milwaukee commitment was the best player on the floor, but DCG adjusted to her presence and took the final two frames, convincingly, 25-11, 25-15.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was wonderful sitting in the stands as a dad and supporting our daughter and her teammates in a great environment for volleyball. The student section was loud and everyone in the gym was into the action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Good luck to the Mustangs at state. It's a trip well earned. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I decided to write something fun today that included all of the teams clinching a precious state tournament bid in Classes 3A-5A on Tuesday. Here's something on all 24 squads...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-<strong>No. 1 Waukee Northwest - </strong>The Wolves are competing for their third state title in the last four years and to add to the incredible legacy of a super senior class that includes [player_tooltip player_id='490013' first='Logan' last='Vogt'], [player_tooltip player_id='490011' first='Leah' last='Janulewicz'], [player_tooltip player_id='555820' first='London' last='Taylor'], [player_tooltip player_id='493601' first='Piper' last='Ladwig'], [player_tooltip player_id='812248' first='Cassidy' last='Danburg'] and [player_tooltip player_id='555796' first='Lydia' last='Burrell']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-<strong>No. </strong>2 Dallas Center-Grimes - </strong>DCG clinched back-to-back state bids for the first time in school history thanks to a wonderful senior class of [player_tooltip player_id='394331' first='Maggie' last='Leifker'], [player_tooltip player_id='493973' first='Gwen' last='Farley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='443085' first='Avery' last='Edgington'] helping build the program's strong foundation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-<strong>No.</strong></strong> <strong>3</strong> <strong>Ankeny - </strong>The Hawks are flying into their ninth straight state tournament with as good of a chance to knock off mighty Northwest as any team out there. [player_tooltip player_id='730419' first='Hailey' last='Wiederin'], [player_tooltip player_id='555797' first='Marlee' last='Ellison'], [player_tooltip player_id='732859' first='Elle' last='Isaacson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='758787' first='Katelyn' last='Mescher'] lead the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 4 Dowling Catholic - </strong>The Maroons own the current streak for consecutive state tournaments in a row among Class 5A teams with 15. [player_tooltip player_id='730098' first='Caroline' last='Crane'], [player_tooltip player_id='500340' first='Kaylie' last='Klein'], [player_tooltip player_id='845755' first='Kennedy' last='Klein'] and [player_tooltip player_id='763850' first='Gianna' last='Stanfel'] head a formidable attack. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 5 Iowa City West - </strong>The Trojans reached state last season for the first time since 2016, which ended a three-year streak of getting there. They return a season lineup that includes [player_tooltip player_id='360642' first='Sophia' last='Austen'], [player_tooltip player_id='555736' first='Lila' last='Eastvold'], [player_tooltip player_id='540833' first='Izzie' last='McDonald'] and [player_tooltip player_id='754657' first='Cyan' last='Blommer'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 6 Ankeny Centennial - </strong>A squad that reached the state championship match last November, Centennial reloaded after graduation losses hit hard. The Jaguars keep getting better behind [player_tooltip player_id='1039016' first='Madi' last='VanBruggen'], [player_tooltip player_id='758828' first='Sophia' last='Heither'], [player_tooltip player_id='747361' first='Sidney' last='Rogers'], Emma VandenHull, [player_tooltip player_id='498069' first='Kaelyn' last='Rinehart'] and [player_tooltip player_id='946860' first='Ellie' last='Pollock']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 7 Cedar Falls - </strong>The Tigers proved me wrong by sweeping Liberty and advancing to state for the 10th time in the last 12 years, an impressive model of consistency. [player_tooltip player_id='389853' first='Kennedy' last='Krecklow'], [player_tooltip player_id='781517' first='Hadassah' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='764299' first='Kenley' last='Mather'] and [player_tooltip player_id='754242' first='Piper' last='Smith'] are accomplished attackers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 8 Pleasant Valley - </strong>PV will be appearing at the state tournament for the eighth year in a row. These Spartans leaned heavily on a veteran group that includes [player_tooltip player_id='490015' first='Mazie' last='Sweers'], [player_tooltip player_id='555746' first='Clare' last='Yeggy'], [player_tooltip player_id='493657' first='Addison' last='Allaman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='555773' first='Liv' last='Barudin'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 1 Norwalk - </strong>The Little Hawk Conference champs join the school's 2023 and 2025 teams in reaching the state tournament, this time as the favorite. [player_tooltip player_id='560368' first='Elle' last='Hatlevig'] ranks among the state's top players, regardless of class or position. She has plenty of help around her in [player_tooltip player_id='730403' first='Delaynee' last='Steele'], [player_tooltip player_id='493974' first='Hadley' last='Michael'], [player_tooltip player_id='809159' first='Reese' last='Heim'], [player_tooltip player_id='758781' first='Myla' last='Brown'] and Embry Dupont.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 2 Assumption - </strong>The jump up in class did little too slow down the defending 3A champs from chasing another crown. Veterans [player_tooltip player_id='694203' first='Belle' last='Cotton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='742600' first='Piper' last='Hodge'] lead a youthful group without a senior in the rotation that includes Natalie Depoorter, [player_tooltip player_id='854516' first='Zoe' last='Cinadr'], [player_tooltip player_id='877691' first='Piper' last='Peterson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1037650' first='Taylor' last='Camarena']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 3 Clear Creek Amana - </strong>It marks the fifth season in a row that Clear Creek Amana has reached the state tournament. While outside expectations might be lower based on seeding, the Clippers have a team that can win it all, featuring [player_tooltip player_id='516002' first='Julia' last='Schlarbaum'], [player_tooltip player_id='493660' first='Bailey' last='Simpson'], [player_tooltip player_id='693879' first='Delaney' last='Vaske'], [player_tooltip player_id='571219' first='Haydin' last='Wauters'], [player_tooltip player_id='902716' first='Kendall' last='Ronnfeldt'] and Payton Curtin. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 4 Western Dubuque - </strong>The Bobcats return to state for the first time since 2022 and the seventh time overall. They finished third in one of the state's top conferences behind a deep roster that includes [player_tooltip player_id='493984' first='Kyla' last='Ramler'], [player_tooltip player_id='555692' first='Gabrielle' last='Demmer'], [player_tooltip player_id='987305' first='Ellie' last='Berning'], [player_tooltip player_id='942755' first='Lauren' last='Walker'], [player_tooltip player_id='744976' first='Sylvia' last='Kruse'], [player_tooltip player_id='748340' first='Lola' last='Quagliano'] and [player_tooltip player_id='934822' first='Ella' last='Burds']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 5 North Polk -</strong> A historically strong season at North Polk has resulted in the school's second-ever appearance at state (2016). [player_tooltip player_id='946957' first='Jaslyn' last='Rasmussen'], Jacinda Nemmers, Madelyn Klever, [player_tooltip player_id='754649' first='Peyton' last='Dirks'], [player_tooltip player_id='828250' first='Jaiden' last='Uhl'] and [player_tooltip player_id='939175' first='Claire' last='Riker'] front an outfit capable of advancing past Round 1. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 6 Sioux Center -</strong> The Warriors reached the state title match last season and then were tasked with replacing a really impactful senior class. To their credit, they've done that and are capable of moving on with a crew including [player_tooltip player_id='816843' first='Maryn' last='Franken'], [player_tooltip player_id='841522' first='Adison' last='Brantsen'], Stella Hietbrink, Jorgia VanDeBerg, [player_tooltip player_id='902722' first='Taylor' last='Holverson'] and Kate VandeHoef. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 7 Waverly-Shell Rock -</strong> There may not end up being a more dangerous seventh seed in this tournament than the Go-Hawks. While a prohibitive underdog against Assumption, [player_tooltip player_id='893927' first='Amalia' last='Djoumessi'], [player_tooltip player_id='950565' first='Lizzy' last='Frazell'], [player_tooltip player_id='1053868' first='Lauren' last='Gade'], [player_tooltip player_id='745662' first='Julia' last='Sundblad'], [player_tooltip player_id='952437' first='Anika' last='Wrage'], [player_tooltip player_id='828130' first='Adalyn' last='Tucke'] and [player_tooltip player_id='522957' first='Regan' last='Pries'] are a connected group with punch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 8 Ballard -</strong> The Bombers will be playing at the state tournament for the first time in school history. A squad powered by [player_tooltip player_id='754258' first='Kendall' last='Ersland'], [player_tooltip player_id='939167' first='Norah' last='Mudd'], Addison Hosteng, [player_tooltip player_id='490006' first='Harley' last='Askelsen'], [player_tooltip player_id='709085' first='Hailey' last='Estrem'], [player_tooltip player_id='728886' first='Lilly' last='Huntrods'] and [player_tooltip player_id='729559' first='Halle' last='Gardner'] won't want the magical ride to end and will take its best shot at No. 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 1 Western Christian - </strong>The Wolfpack has been working towards a return to the mountain top after being upended by Humboldt in last year's semifinals. It's active streak 26 consecutive state tournament appearances is a record as is its 43 overall trips. Western is a deserving favorite with the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='781456' first='Morgan' last='Kooiman'], [player_tooltip player_id='1053499' first='Josie' last='Hall'], [player_tooltip player_id='767740' first='Maddyn' last='De Jager'], [player_tooltip player_id='741260' first='Hadley' last='Dekkers'], [player_tooltip player_id='902904' first='Kennedy' last='Van't Hul'] and [player_tooltip player_id='741262' first='Breslyn' last='Kooima'] lining up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 2 MOC-Floyd Valley - </strong>It's the first state tournament for MOC-Floyd Valley since 2018 and the fourth overall appearance in program history. The Dutchmen have been building towards this achievement with the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='573313' first='Deviryn' last='McCarty'], [player_tooltip player_id='493656' first='Lily' last='Vander Pol'], [player_tooltip player_id='758792' first='Camryn' last='Brightwell'], [player_tooltip player_id='741261' first='Brielle' last='Hoegh']<a href="https://prepdig.com/player/brielle-hoegh/"></a> and Beau Gilmore, and they're poised to make some noise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 3 Dike-New Hartford - </strong>A Wolverine and Wolfpack final would be epic, and Dike-New Hartford has climbed back into contention with a veteran group that includes [player_tooltip player_id='751358' first='Emmie' last='Sager'], [player_tooltip player_id='893719' first='Aubrey' last='Asche'], [player_tooltip player_id='893076' first='Kailyn' last='Meester'], Jaelyn Smith, [player_tooltip player_id='1045426' first='Keilana' last='Berinobis']<a href="https://prepdig.com/player/keilana-berinobis/"></a> and [player_tooltip player_id='894796' first='Ruby' last='Varney'] leading the way to a 35th trip to state, the second most in history to Western Christian.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 4 Solon - </strong>The Spartans are back at state for the first time since winning it all in 2014, which ended a run of four consecutive appearances. [player_tooltip player_id='754537' first='Amelia' last='Guinn'], [player_tooltip player_id='768502' first='Charleigh' last='Whitford'], [player_tooltip player_id='993804' first='Addison' last='Walter'], [player_tooltip player_id='1017507' first='Zephie' last='Bishop'], [player_tooltip player_id='1036948' first='Macy' last='Fuller']<a href="https://prepdig.com/player/macy-fuller-2/"></a> and [player_tooltip player_id='720363' first='Scarlett' last='Ferin'] give Solon a chance for more success in Coralville. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 5 Humboldt - </strong>A team that upended last year's tournament by upsetting top-seeded Western Christian, Humboldt has done well in replacing key members of that team lost to graduation. [player_tooltip player_id='545946' first='Addison' last='Waldorf'], [player_tooltip player_id='746258' first='Adelynn' last='Goodell'], [player_tooltip player_id='833174' first='Jazzie' last='Dodd'], [player_tooltip player_id='1046951' first='Callie' last='Olson']<a href="https://prepdig.com/player/callie-olson/"></a> and [player_tooltip player_id='993181' first='Ryah' last='Cirks'] help make the Wildcats a dangerous bunch again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 6 Cherokee Washington - </strong>Cherokee is back at state for a second year in a row and for a third time in four seasons. A group that includes [player_tooltip player_id='574225' first='Addy' last='Wolfswinkel'], [player_tooltip player_id='493982' first='Deidra' last='Doeden'], Ellana Mortenson, [player_tooltip player_id='918847' first='Ireland' last='Kennedy']<a href="https://prepdig.com/player/ireland-kennedy-3/"></a> and Mahren Malausky can lean on experience playing on the big stage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 7 Wilton - </strong>The Beavers ended Mount Vernon's run of eight straight state appearances with a thrilling five-set victory in Tuesday's Region 8 Final. They're back at state for the first time since a four-year run ended with a second-place finish in 2021. [player_tooltip player_id='490009' first='Leah' last='Caffery'], Aliana Walker, [player_tooltip player_id='917987' first='Abren' last='Bazal'], Everly Huthmacher and [player_tooltip player_id='894302' first='Taylor' last='Billhorn'] lead a connected team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-No. 8 Roland-Story - </strong>The first state appearance at Roland-Story since 2002 came in a season already with 36 wins. The Norsemen are experiencing a special campaign with [player_tooltip player_id='493981' first='Brookelyn' last='Jondle'], Maddi Lucas, [player_tooltip player_id='493603' first='Miley' last='Geise'], Karsyn Lande and Riley Johnson playing important roles in the success. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->