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<p>The time is FINALLY here; we are in our 8th and FINAL week of regular season! This has been such an amazing season so far, with so many athletes stepping up and making major impacts. There have been major upsets, broken records, crazy rivalries, and energy like no other. We're at the point where we're seeing some of the best gameplay out of these teams while they're trying to prepare themselves for what's to come in the postseason. With that being said, here are my top matchups for our last week.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">West Branch vs. Regina </h3>
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<p>Although I think Regina is going to take this game in 3, I still wanted to give West Branch a shout-out. This group hasn't had the most successful season, but they've shown a lot of promise. With a good number of their key players being underclassmen, they are going to be a successful team over the next few years. You can tell there are some things the Bears have to work through, but I'm excited to see how they bounce back next season. Regina has been on a fairly solid upward trend and is looking to be a true competitor in the postseason. With powerful pin hitters and a solid back row, they're going to be a group that makes a lot of noise in 2A. You can catch these two facing off on Monday at 7:15 @Mid-Prairie. </p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">The Reglas are loaded with talent on the pins, and Jada is one of those contributors. Wiltz is an OH for Regina who is quick on her feet, springy, and smart with her shots. She knows how to contribute from everywhere on the court and has neared the top of the leaderboards in various categories. With how she's been performing throughout the season, I do not doubt that she's going to be a problem for her opponents in the postseason. </p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Western Dubuque vs. Iowa City West</h3>
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<p>This matchup is going to be one of my highlighted games to watch for the final week. The Bobcats have been looking extremely good and have been playing rather well together. They are currently sitting at 5-1 in conference and 29-4 overall. Going up against them, we have the Trojans, who have had quite the season. This group is capable of greatness, and I'm sure we've all seen that at some point this season. Although there are times when I've seen weak spots, they've been pretty solid throughout the season. They've worked hard to get into that #5 spot in the rankings, and I think that's right where they need to be. I think this is going to be a solid match to watch, and I'm going to pick the Trojans to come out on top. If you want to watch this match, they'll be playing on Tuesday at 5:00 @Iowa City Liberty. </p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">There's a reason why [player_tooltip player_id='555736' first='Lila' last='Eastvold'] has been the one to run the Trojans' offense for the last three years. Eastvold has done a fantastic job setting her hitters up for success so far this season. She plays with composure and knows how to set the pace for her offense. I think she does a fantastic job of keeping her team focused, especially in high-intensity situations. I am so excited to see how she leads them through the postseason. </p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bondurant-Farrar vs. North Polk </h3>
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<p>Next up, we have a 4A Battle between #7 and #15. First off, Bondurant is another one of those teams that isn't ranked super high, but they've still had a fairly solid season. The Bluejays are currently tied with North Polk and Ballard at the top of their conference and have pulled off some good wins so far this season. Norwalk is a team that has shown up week after week and gotten the job done. I think that we're going to see something big from them when it comes to the postseason. You can catch these two in action on Tuesday at 7:00 @North Polk. </p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">I don't know how far Bondurant will go in the postseason, but I know that no matter who they play, Edwards will make a big impact. This oppo always finds a way to help her team out and always wants to be a part of the play. Edwards works hard in transition, is quick to adjust to her sets, and does a great job of finding the corners. She is very sneaky with the shots she takes, making it hard for her opponents to know her next move.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Grundy Center vs. Wapsie Valley</h3>
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<p>My other highlighted game is Grundy vs. Wapsie. Although these teams aren't in the same conference or class, I still think this is going to be a very telling game. We have two highly ranked teams that are at the peak of their seasons and are on the hunt for a state title. I expect it to be high-energy, high-intensity, and top-notch volleyball. Both teams flourish in their own ways. Grundy is big and aggressive at the net, and Wapsie is incredibly aggressive and strong in their out-of-system game. I'm going to have to take Wapsie Valley for this match. Come check out these amazing teams on Tuesday at 7:30 @Wapsie Valley.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1004312' first='Haleigh' last='Kiewiet'] is another oppo that brings a power presence to the net. She isn't the tallest (especially when standing next to teammate [player_tooltip player_id='702527' first='Ryanne' last='Brubaker']), but that doesn't stop her from being a strong contributor for the Spartans. Kiewiet brings a disciplined and powerful block to the right side and isn't afraid to take big swings. With her being only a sophomore and being a true piece of the varsity program, I am very excited to see how she contributes in the postseason. </p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Waukee vs. Valley</h3>
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<p>Our last game is another semi-even matchup between Waukee and Valley. Although they haven't had the most successful seasons, I know there is more to see from them. With both of these teams being in the CIML, they've both had extremely tough schedules. However, playing the top-ranked teams in 5A all season gets them well prepared for what's to come in the postseason. I know that both of these teams are ready to come into the next few weeks fired up and ready to battle, and I can't wait to see what they bring to the court. You can watch these two compete on Tuesday at 7:30 @Valley.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='498752' first='Allie' last='Ruddy'] is a back row beast who I know is going to give it her all in the postseason. Ruddy is a fantastic leader when it comes to running the back row. She communicates well and meshes well with the girls around her. Her defense is incredibly strong, and she reads her opponents with ease. Ruddy's grit is next level, and she knows how to cover the court. You can tell she's built trust with her teammates, and they know they can rely on her to keep the ball going, even against the toughest competition.</p>
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The time is FINALLY here; we are in our 8th and FINAL week of regular season! This has been such an amazing season so far, with so many athletes stepping up and making major impacts. There have been major upsets, broken records, crazy rivalries, and energy like no other. We're at the point where we're seeing some of the best gameplay out of these teams while they're trying to prepare themselves for what's to come in the postseason. With that being said, here are my top matchups for our last week.
Liking my content? Make sure to give me a follow on Instagram @Prepdigmarissa.
West Branch vs. Regina
Although I think Regina is going to take this game in 3, I still wanted to give West Branch a shout-out. This group hasn't had the most successful season, but they've shown a lot of promise. With a good number of their key players being underclassmen, they are going to be a successful team over the next few years. You can tell there are some things the Bears have to work through, but I'm excited to see how they bounce back next season. Regina has been on a fairly solid upward trend and is looking to be a true competitor in the postseason. With powerful pin hitters and a solid back row, they're going to be a group that makes a lot of noise in 2A. You can catch these two facing off on Monday at 7:15 @Mid-Prairie.
The Reglas are loaded with talent on the pins, and Jada is one of those contributors. Wiltz is an OH for Regina who is quick on her feet, springy, and smart with her shots. She knows how to contribute from…
This matchup is going to be one of my highlighted games to watch for the final week. The Bobcats have been looking extremely good and have been playing rather well together. They are currently sitting at 5-1 in conference and 29-4 overall. Going up against them, we have the Trojans, who have had quite the season. This group is capable of greatness, and I'm sure we've all seen that at some point this season. Although there are times when I've seen weak spots, they've been pretty solid throughout the season. They've worked hard to get into that #5 spot in the rankings, and I think that's right where they need to be. I think this is going to be a solid match to watch, and I'm going to pick the Trojans to come out on top. If you want to watch this match, they'll be playing on Tuesday at 5:00 @Iowa City Liberty.
There's a reason why Lila EastvoldLilaEastvold
5'10" | S/RS
Iowa City West | 2027 StateIA
has been the one to run the Trojans' offense for the last three years. Eastvold has done a fantastic job setting her hitters up for success so far this season. She plays with composure and knows how to set the pace for her offense. I think she does a fantastic job of keeping her team focused, especially in high-intensity situations. I am so excited to see how she leads them through the postseason.
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Highlights
Bondurant-Farrar vs. North Polk
Next up, we have a 4A Battle between #7 and #15. First off, Bondurant is another one of those teams that isn't ranked super high, but they've still had a fairly solid season. The Bluejays are currently tied with North Polk and Ballard at the top of their conference and have pulled off some good wins so far this season. Norwalk is a team that has shown up week after week and gotten the job done. I think that we're going to see something big from them when it comes to the postseason. You can catch these two in action on Tuesday at 7:00 @North Polk.
I don't know how far Bondurant will go in the postseason, but I know that no matter who they play, Edwards will make a big impact. This oppo always finds a way to help her team out and always wants…
My other highlighted game is Grundy vs. Wapsie. Although these teams aren't in the same conference or class, I still think this is going to be a very telling game. We have two highly ranked teams that are at the peak of their seasons and are on the hunt for a state title. I expect it to be high-energy, high-intensity, and top-notch volleyball. Both teams flourish in their own ways. Grundy is big and aggressive at the net, and Wapsie is incredibly aggressive and strong in their out-of-system game. I'm going to have to take Wapsie Valley for this match. Come check out these amazing teams on Tuesday at 7:30 @Wapsie Valley.
Players Who Are Ready To Step Up For PostseasonPlayersWho Are Ready To Step Up For Postseason
is another oppo that brings a power presence to the net. She isn't the tallest (especially when standing next to teammate Players Who Are Ready To Step Up For PostseasonPlayersWho Are Ready To Step Up For Postseason
), but that doesn't stop her from being a strong contributor for…
Our last game is another semi-even matchup between Waukee and Valley. Although they haven't had the most successful seasons, I know there is more to see from them. With both of these teams being in the CIML, they've both had extremely tough schedules. However, playing the top-ranked teams in 5A all season gets them well prepared for what's to come in the postseason. I know that both of these teams are ready to come into the next few weeks fired up and ready to battle, and I can't wait to see what they bring to the court. You can watch these two compete on Tuesday at 7:30 @Valley.
Allie RuddyAllieRuddy
5'4" | DS/L
Waukee | 2028 StateIA
is a back row beast who I know is going to give it her all in the postseason. Ruddy is a fantastic leader when it comes to running the back row. She communicates well and meshes well with the girls around her. Her defense is incredibly strong, and she reads her opponents with ease. Ruddy's grit is next level, and she knows how to cover the court. You can tell she's built trust with her teammates, and they know they can rely on her to keep the ball going, even against the toughest competition.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
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