Players Climbing to the Top In the 4A Class

<p>The 4A class has been an interesting one to follow so far this season. There have been a lot of shifts in the ranks, upsets that no one was expecting, and players stepping up like no other. My favorite thing about this class is how all of the teams are fairly close in matchups. With how impressed I've been with so many of these teams, it's really hard to determine who's going to come out on top in the postseason. </p>   <p>Although there are so many teams that deserve recognition in 4A, I just wanted to shout out a few of the teams and players that have stood out so far this season. For more rankings, coverage, and highlights, make sure to follow my Instagram @Prepdigmarissa</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Clear Creek Amana</h3>   <p>The Clippers have been clawing their way to the top throughout the weeks and don't plan on stopping. With a stacked group of upperclassmen, you can tell this group has been together for a while. Although it does take a whole team to be successful, you can't ignore the 3 standouts on this team. <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/bailey-simpson-3/" data-type="players" data-id="493660">[player_tooltip player_id='493660' first='Bailey' last='Simpson']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/julia-schlarbaum/" data-type="players" data-id="516002">[player_tooltip player_id='516002' first='Julia' last='Schlarbaum']</a>, and <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/delaney-vaske/" data-type="players" data-id="693879">[player_tooltip player_id='693879' first='Delaney' last='Vaske']</a> are a trio of terror. These three alone make up over 2/3 of the Clippers' kills. All three of them are more than capable of getting the job done. However, you can have a good offense without a great setter and a strong back row, and that's exactly what CCA has. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Another shoutout is in order for [player_tooltip player_id='571219' first='Haydin' last='Wauters'], who has been working hard to be an asset for the Clippers. Wauters is an outstanding middle blocker who easily asserts her dominance at the net. The junior has the perfect mix of speed and power when it comes to her swing, making her incredibly difficult to defend. </p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Marion</h3>   <p>Marion has probably surprised me the most so far this season out of all the 4A schools. Although I knew they would be a solid group, they have managed to exceed all of my expectations. This group has a great blend of kids from all classes who have all been making their mark in their own ways. This group isn't the tallest by any means; in fact, their tallest player is 6'0. However, the Wolves have found their success through their aggression, smarts, and grit. My favorite part about this team is that you can tell how well they work together and how they're all working towards the same goal. Everyone knows their role on the team, and they try to fulfill that role to the best of their ability.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Hayden Dietz is the prime example of tiny but mighty. Although Dietz stands at 5'6, this girl can shut down anyone and everyone who stands in her way. I watched this girl take swing after swing against 6' blockers and somehow always found a way to beat them. Dietz has everything you look for in a six-rotation outside. She has the speed, power, agility, and smarts that most players wish they had. Hayden is definitely one of my favorite players to watch so far this season.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Norwalk</h3>   <p>Although most teams have been moving around quite a bit in the rankings, Norwalk has been holding their ground at the #1 spot in 4A. This team is stacked with well-known veterans like <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/gabrielle-hatlevig/" data-type="players" data-id="560368">[player_tooltip player_id='560368' first='Elle' last='Hatlevig']</a> and <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/hadley-michael-3/" data-type="players" data-id="493974">[player_tooltip player_id='493974' first='Hadley' last='Michael']</a>, and everyone has been holding their own and finding ways to get the job done. This group has been playing with so much confidence and aggression; there's no wonder why they're in that top spot. They have been pushing themselves quite a bit so far this season, not only playing against the top 4A schools, but also going toe-to-toe with some of the top 5A schools as well. As long as they all stay healthy with their eyes on the prize, the Warriors are going to be a tough group to beat.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='730403' first='Delaynee' last='Steele'] brings quite the presence to the net. This senior has been quite the spectacle for the Warriors, with a powerful swing from all over the net. Steele remains unpredictable with her head-turning swings and ability to find every open inch of the court. </p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Assumption</h3>   <p>The Knights have proven time and time again why they deserve to be at the top. Now, they're finally getting the recognition they deserve. Assumption started off ranked 12th in 4A, and in the 3 weeks of the season, they've worked their way up all the way to the 5th spot. They've shown just how far hard work and resilience can take you, especially when it's as a team. The Knights have done a fantastic job relying on each other and working their way to the same goal. The other scary fact about Assumption is that they only have one senior within this squad. So if you thought they were good now, wait until you see them over the next few years. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Although the Knights are loaded with all kinds of talent, you can't help but give this kid extra props. Hodge is unlike most libs in Iowa; she is on a whole other level. This girl defends her back row like no other; not only is she insanely good at reading her opposing hitters, but she is also scrappy as all get out. She has always done an amazing job pushing her teammates and guiding them to success, and this season is no different. </p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Burlington</h3>   <p>Burlington isn't high in the 15, but they're not a team to undermine. The Greyhounds are an extremely versatile team with plenty of options. Their hitters have done a fantastic job of moving the ball around and mixing up their shots. Burlington is another team with a good blend of different ages. You can tell they're still trying to solidify those connections. However, once they do, they're going to start steamrolling their competition. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1039255' first='Landry' last='Jones'] is another hitter who isn't the biggest on the court, but definitely plays like she is. The sophomore doesn't put up the biggest block, but with her impeccable timing and ability to read opposing hitters, she always finds a way to shut her opponents down. Offensively, she has great ball control and a pretty swing- nothing over the top, just plain consistency. Her gameplay is the epitome of "a little goes a long way".</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sioux Center</h3>   <p>The best part of the Warriors is that everyone is an active asset. No one is a bystander on that team; they all want to be involved and contribute in some way. You can tell that Sioux Center is very big on creating clean first contacts and being assertive right off the bat. The setters have also done a fantastic job of running the offense and keeping all of the hitters active. The Warriors are definitely a well-oiled machine that finds ways to make things happen for themselves. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">The hang time that [player_tooltip player_id='816843' first='Maryn' last='Franken'] has is ridiculous. She manages to generate a lot of power through her approach and pairs that power with a whip of a swing. Franken also reads her opponent's block extremely well and manages to find any holes or weak spots for her to utilize. Maryn also never shies away from taking a rip out of the back row fearlessly. Overall, Franken is a well-rounded, versatile athlete who plays a big role in the Warriors' success. </p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Benton</h3>   <p>Benton is another team that has every kid ready to make an impact. You can tell that their main focus is clean volleyball and that everyone is an asset. No matter the situation, everyone finds a way to better the ball. The Bobcats leave little room for error from all aspects of the court. Their hitters have heavy arms with great range, and the defense works well together to keep the ball in play.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Talulah is a well-rounded athlete and a reliable playmaker for the Bobcats. Schroeder has a fast swing and great vertical. This gives her the ability to hit over and around most blocks with ease. Although she has the ability to power through most blocks, she instead uses her smarts and various shots to get the job done. Not only is she an asset in the front row, but she also does a fantastic job of covering ground in the back row as well.</p>

The 4A class has been an interesting one to follow so far this season. There have been a lot of shifts in the ranks, upsets that no one was expecting, and players stepping up like no other. My favorite thing about this class is how all of the teams are fairly close in matchups. With how impressed I've been with so many of these teams, it's really hard to determine who's going to come out on top in the postseason.