State Brackets Are Out, Who’s Going To Make An Impact In 4A?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is FINALLY time for the most anticipated part of high school volleyball- the State Tournament. Teams battled through a long season, a tough postseason, and now everyone is on the hunt for a title. Let's take a look at the matchups for the 4A class and talk about some of the kids we can expect to make an impact on the big stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">#1 Norwalk vs. #8 Ballard</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norwalk came into the season ranked #1 and worked hard to remain at the top. Even though there were some weeks when they were bumped to 2nd, they fought their way back and finished the regular season right where they started. I think the Warriors should come into this tournament with a lot of confidence, especially with their tough schedule throughout the season. Ballard has done a fantastic job kicking it into high gear throughout the last few weeks, and I'm expecting them to come into this game with a bang. Although I think Norwalk is going to take this game, I think Ballard could very well come in and catch them off guard and possibly upset the Warriors. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["758781"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae4230d66a52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='758781' first='Myla' last='Brown'] is an all-around all-star for the Warriors' program. The senior manages to play clean volleyball at the net and is currently sitting at a .313 hitting efficiency. Defensively, Brown is leading Norwalk in blocks and has racked up 72 this season and still has more to contribute. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">#4 Western Dubuque vs. #5 North Polk</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although I'm thinking Western Dubuque will come away with this win, I wouldn't be very shocked if North Polk managed to take down the Bobcats. The Comets have done an exceptional job of keeping control of their side of the court and honing in on playing together as a team. Both of these teams truly have all the right pieces, and it's going to come down to who can battle longer, play together, and outlast the other one. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754649"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae4230d66b60"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='754649' first='Peyton' last='Dirks'] is an absolute menace when it comes to her defense. Dirks shows no mercy and refuses to let a ball get past her block without getting some sort of touch. The junior is already at 112 blocks on the season, and I have a feeling she's going to add a lot more to that total on Monday. Not only is she a powerful blocker, but she's managed to throw on 123 kills and 41 aces to the stats as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">#2 Assumption vs. #7 Waverly-Shell Rock</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two groups are so insanely talented in their own ways and should make this matchup a good one. Waverly-Shell Rock has Assumption beat in height and is a very hitter heavy team. Assumption might not be the tallest, but they are incredibly scrappy on defense and are also loaded with talented hitters. Both groups have a good amount of depth, which should make this matchup a good one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["893927"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae4230d66bc4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There's no doubt that Djoumessi is the key scorer for the Go-Hawks and for good reason. The junior is incredibly versatile and does a great job of being an option all across the net. She uses her height and long arms to hit around her opponents. If Waverly-Shell Rock manages to win this game, you can assume Amalia will be at the top of the stats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">#3 Clear Creek Amana vs. #6 Sioux Center</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clear Creek Amana definitely has the potential to make it to the finals, and maybe even come away with a state championship. When this group is playing at their true peak, they are an unstoppable force. The Clippers don't show many weak spots and have a team full of well-rounded athletes who know how to get the job done. Although I don't think Sioux Center is going to win this match, I am excited to see how they measure up to CCA. This team does show a lot of grit, smarts, and passion. I can't wait to see if it's enough to take down the Clippers on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["816843"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae4230d66c31"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='816843' first='Maryn' last='Franken'] is a powerful presence at the net and brings a different level of intimidation to the court. Her swings are commanding, and she knows her way around a block. Even when taking off speed shots, she still knows how to stay aggressive and find the court with authority. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1058187,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/10/5A-State-Tournament-Bracket-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1058187" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->