Iowa’s Top Returning Statistical Producers: Class of 2023

<p>In case you missed the series premiere, we’re revisiting some of Iowa’s best stat machines from last year’s 2020 season. Schools from different regions, classes, and conferences are well represented at the top of the stat sheet. We’ll continue to see that throughout this feature.</p> <p>With the 2022s covered, it’s time for the rising juniors!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="108422" first="Madelyn" last="Norton"] - 5’9 S/RS - Dike-New Hartford</strong></p> <p>Norton’s place near the top of Iowa’s 2020 assists leaderboard is indicative of how much she can contribute to a team. She’s an aggressive lefty setter who racks up kills in addition to dishing consistent, hittable balls to her teammates. After a strong showing with Six Pack earlier this spring, Norton should continue to put up big numbers for Dike-New Hartford.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> [caption id="attachment_115756" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-115756" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/11/DSC02847-e1605201763922-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> Anderson[/caption] <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="79666" first="Ellie" last="Anderson"] - 5’11 OH - South Hardin</strong></p> <p>Among 2023s, Anderson was Iowa’s "kills champion." Her 405 terminations last fall helped lift South Hardin to a great showing in the 2020 season, and this rising junior outside hitter is looking for more. Don’t be surprised if she puts up even better totals in 2021.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Willow Bleeker - 5’8 S/DS/L - Sioux Center</strong></p> <p>Bleeker’s athletic success spans several different sports. On the volleyball court, though, she’s an apt defender who finished second in digs among 2023s. This is a worthy player to rally around as the Warriors look to make their ascent in the Siouxland Conference.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Maren Miller - 5’9 OH/MB - Des Moines Christian</strong></p> <p>We’re now checking out one of Iowa’s most efficient attackers in the 2023 class, and she hails from Des Moines Christian. Miller put together a season hitting efficiency of .360 last season, and she did it in her own unique way. This is a hybrid attacker who mostly patrols the middle but can step outside and take a swing on the pin. Wherever her swings come from, Miller can deliver.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="79686" first="Anika" last="Ivester"] - 6’3 MB - Xavier</strong></p> <p>I’ve talked about Xavier’s intimidating front-row lineup before, and Ivester was their blocking machine. Her 126 total blocks in 2020 tower over every other Iowan in her class. She will be a vital anchor in Xavier’s continued success in the Mississippi Valley.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="108427" first="Delaney" last="Bombei"] - 6’0 MB - Solon</strong></p> <p>Bombei has a stat line that makes you do a double-take. After appearing in every set for Solon last season, she finished with an incredible .573 hitting percentage...on the <em>season. </em>She thrives on the quicks and 31s in front of the setter. I’ll be fascinated to see if Bombei can terminate at this insane pace again in 2021.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="108449" first="Jessie" last="Julius"] - 5’7 OH - Williamsburg</strong></p> <p>Julius is another one of Iowa’s most prolific scorers. The Williamsburg outside hitter tallied 349 kills over her 2020 campaign, and she’s poised to add to that total. Better yet, Julius plays across the backcourt like a true defensive specialist. Her skills simply glue this team together.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> [caption id="attachment_109208" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-109208" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/09/DSC02923-1-e1600375532584-300x277.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="277" /> [player_tooltip player_id="79696" first="Ella" last="Meyer"], 2023, L, Western Dubuque.[/caption] <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="79696" first="Ella" last="Meyer"] - 5’4 DS/L - Western Dubuque</strong></p> <p>I have to give more hype to the liberos in this class, and Meyer is a player worth bringing into the discussion. She finished first among Iowa’s 2023s in total digs last fall. It’s easy to see why Meyer is so productive, as her fluid movements across the backcourt allow her to cover a ton of real estate.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="79669" first="Ashlyn" last="Badding"] - 5’7 S - Kuemper Catholic</strong></p> <p>Lastly, we have another setter who consistently puts her hitters in good spots. Badding is an all-conference performer who has made a habit of putting assists on her scorecard. Her fearless attitude and will to win make her the kind of player you want on your side.</p>