Players To Watch In Week 6

<p>We're back with new athletes to watch in week six, plus my highlight matchups and picks. It's crazy to think we're nearing the end of the regular season in high school ball. These athletes have managed to put on a show week after week to the point where we're always left wanting more. It's so amazing to see how these teams grow together and to watch the athletes' individual growth throughout the season.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ankeny vs. Dowling Catholic</h3>   <p>Starting strong, we have the matchup that I'm most excited for in week six: #3 Dowling vs. #4 Ankeny. Both of these teams have had a great season so far, which shouldn't come as much of a surprise to anyone. They have been fighting back and forth between that 3 and 4 spot in the rankings, and are both 4-0 in conference, making this match a personal one. Although Dowling is currently in the #3 spot, I think Ankeny is going to come out of this match with the win. If you want to watch this matchup, they will be facing off on Tuesday at 7:30 @ Dowling.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">I wasn't sure who to pick to write about between these two Hawks, so I decided why not both? Wiederin has had a phenomenal season so far with the Hawks and has become their top scorer, and without a doubt for good reason. There's a saying: "you can't teach tall". However, you can teach how to capitalize on being tall, and clearly Hailey has been taught exactly that. Because this girl manages to hit over, through, and around her blockers like it's nothing. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='758787' first='Katelyn' last='Mescher'] is another key piece of the Hawks program and deserves so much recognition for her performance so far this season. I've mentioned a lot about how you don't see many DS' that are fundamentally driven. There is so much unnecessary flashiness with libs/ ds' nowadays. But that's not the case with Mescher; this lib does a fantastic job of keeping her fundamentals as the #1 priority, and it shows. I can't recall a time when it didn't look like she was in complete control of the ball when passing. Every touch she makes comes with clean contact and pinpoint accuracy.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Marion vs. Center Point- Urbana</h3>   <p>Next up is a fairly even matchup between two teams that have shown promising volleyball throughout the last few weeks. I've been shocked by some of the losses that the Wolves have taken over the last week or two. However, they have still played some incredible volleyball and proven that they can very well be in state tournament contention. CPU, on the other hand, has pulled off some pretty big wins recently and has been a consistent force, which is exactly what you look for at this time of the season. Both of these teams are battling for different victories, the Wolves looking to reignite the fire they've shown bits of. And CPU is looking for another big-time win over a 4A/ 5A school. Although I've been very impressed with how CPU has been playing, I think Marion is going to take this match. The Wolves and Stormin Pointers will be facing off on Tuesday at 7:30 @ CPU.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">It's a no-brainer as to why Adelyn Stein is so high up in the Prep Dig Rankings. Stein has done a fantastic job of leading CPU through their difficult matchups so far and is still growing. The junior setter does a fantastic job of studying her opponents and running her offense to the best of her ability. It's tough to always make your hitters look good, but Stein does it with ease.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Western Christian vs. MOC- Floyd Valley</h3>   <p>I have become quite the fan of these two teams throughout this season and am so excited for this matchup. Western Christian has been at the top of their game and is currently ranked first in 3A. They were even on a pretty strong 15-game winning streak. However, MOC- Floyd shut down their run of terror this past weekend with a crazy 2-set sweep (25-16, 25-14). Both of these programs have so much going for them and are both really wanting this win. The Wolfpack is looking for redemption, and the Dutchmen are looking for a back-to-back upset. I'm rooting for the Dutchmen and think they're going to pull through again, but I'm just excited for a good game. If you want to catch these teams in action, they will be facing off on Tuesday at 7:00 @ MOC-Floyd.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Morgan is a do-it-all kind of athlete who wastes no time taking control at the net. From the poise she has within her block to the whip-like swing she wields, she is one that you don't want to see on the other side of the net. Kooiman remains one of Western Christian's primary pieces to their success, and she's still heating up. </p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Waverly-Shell Rock vs. Western Dubuque</h3>   <p>Although Western Dubuque is ranked significantly higher, I still think this is going to be a fairly close matchup. Both of these teams share a lot of similarities: strong serving, pin-heavy, and solid blocks. Western Dubuque has had more success so far this season, but Waverly has shown some promise and is working towards an upward trend through the back of the season. Although I think Western Dubuque is going to take this match, I think Waverly has a fighting chance if they can find a way to shut down the primos of Western Dubuque. These two amazing teams will be competing on Tuesday at 7:00 @ Western Dubuque.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mount Pleasant vs. Burlington</h3>   <p>I know neither of these teams is ranked, but that doesn't stop this from being a great matchup to watch. Burligton has peeked in and out of the 4A rankings so far this season. The Greyhounds have shown that they are more than capable of going toe to toe with some of the higher-ranked 4A teams. Mount Pleasant hasn't made their way into the rankings, but they are another group that shows some promise. Although I don't see a long postseason in the cards for them this season, this is a team that you'll want to track over the next few years. Both teams have shown some very talented underclassmen that could revamp their programs. I'm taking Burlington for this game, but I know Mount Pleasant is going to make them work. These two teams will be competing on Tuesday at 7:15 @ Burlington.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Hailey Schadt is a promising freshman for the Panthers. This six-rotation outside hitter wasted no time making herself known and earning her spot on the court. Schadt has quickly become a primo hitter and is even leading the team in kills and digs. This young star is definitely on an upward trend, and I'm excited to see how she contributes over the next couple of years.</p>

We're back with new athletes to watch in week six, plus my highlight matchups and picks. It's crazy to think we're nearing the end of the regular season in high school ball. These athletes have managed to put on a show week after week to the point where we're always left wanting more. It's so amazing to see how these teams grow together and to watch the athletes' individual growth throughout the season.