Class 5A Favorites & Sleepers

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Looking at the 5A class and all the talent that is out there, a few teams stand out from the rest Some teams have superb personnel while others have experience and team chemistry. We also have many teams that are flying under the radar and could also make a run at the state title.  With all the talent that we have in Iowa there are no guarantees on who is going to take home the state title.</span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">5A Favorites</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ankeny Centennial has always been in the mix the past few years and they are only going to reload from last years squad.  Centennial lost some key seniors but are returning many high level players back to their roster. Their senior class brings 4 big time offensive weapons and returning an experienced defensive specialist.  <strong>Kenna</strong> <strong>Sauer</strong> (OH) Mizzou, brings fire power to the outside position and good ball control in serve receive. Playing opposite of her is <strong>Ari</strong> <strong>Winters</strong> (OH) Denver, she has a huge block on the pin and has a solid platform. In the middle/right side they have 6’4 Megan Lively (UCF) She has a big presence on the net.<strong> Josie Magner</strong> (DS/L) brings experience to the back row. Lastly, Junior <strong>Devyn Robinson</strong> (M) Wisconsin, brings a fiery attitude to the middle, with a fast arm swing and a vertical that anyone would be jealous of.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Valley, West Des Moines, made it to the state championship last year only to fall to Cedar Falls in a tough battle.  Valley is another team that is reloading to make another run at the state title game. With a solid incoming senior class Valley returns many key players from last years run. <strong>Madi</strong> <strong>Kubik</strong> (OH) Nebraska, brings an all around game, experience at the national level and leadership to a team with lots of potential.  <strong>Camryn</strong> <strong>Anonson</strong> (DS/L) has fast reflexes and defends well in the back row. <strong>Macy</strong> <strong>Schuette</strong> (OH) has a heavy swing and good ball control. Lastly the addition of freshman <strong>Hayden</strong> <strong>Kubik</strong> (OH/RS) little sister to Madi could really help tip the scales against other competitive teams in the 5A class.</span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">5A Contenders</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cedar Rapids, Jefferson, Is returning almost their entire team. <strong>Kaylee</strong> <strong>Donner</strong> (DS/L) UNI,  brings a strong presence to the defensive core of this team, her energy and speed helps her keep her team in every point.  Maddie Baxter (S) is back for her senior year and running an offense that she is super familiar with and returning most of her weapons. One of those weapons is Sydney Kloubec (OH). Another returner from last years team will also be key in them making a run to state.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cedar Rapids Linn-Mar, Is looking to get back to the dance and have some really good players to help them get back there. Losing a good number of seniors they return one of the best if not the best setter in the state in her class in <strong>Megan</strong> <strong>Renner</strong> (S) Purdue.  This 6’2 setter has it all. She provides a big block on the right and can deal sets from anywhere on the court. She will be a big key to Linn-Mar success this upcoming season she also has a solid supporting cast in <strong>Anna</strong> <strong>Gorsich</strong> (MB), <strong>Ellie</strong> <strong>Von</strong> <strong>Lemden</strong> (OH) and <strong>Emily</strong> <strong>Strauss</strong> (M/RS)</span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">5A Sleepers</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are a few teams that could crash the party this coming season. Ankeny, Waukee, Dowling Catholic and Cedar Falls</span></p>