Iowa’s statistical standouts
We’re about three weeks into the 2019 high school season, and several players are putting up impressive numbers all across the state. Here’s a look at some of Iowa’s top statistical standouts: (Pictured: Spirit Lake senior Emma Jenness) Beckman…
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Continue ReadingWe’re about three weeks into the 2019 high school season, and several players are putting up impressive numbers all across the state. Here’s a look at some of Iowa’s top statistical standouts:
(Pictured: Spirit Lake senior Emma Jenness)
Beckman Catholic’s new kid
Beckman Catholic is 22-3 and ranked No. 3 in 2A; the team’s only losses have come against teams ranked in larger classes. Their offense is spearheaded by senior Jada Wills, who leads the state with a monster 231 kills (3.85 per set). She’s efficient in her attack (.467) and has also added 110 digs and 19 blocks.
She notched 446 kills for Dubuque Hempstead last year, but transferred to Beckman Catholic this season and is making an obvious impact. Defenses can’t seem to figure out how to stop the 5-foot-10 outside hitter who is committed to play at Drake.
“She is an extremely talented player with tremendous court sense,” coach Todd Troutman said. “I think what makes her such a good hitter is that she sees the court so well and has a tremendous array of shots that she has command of. She always seems to be able to take what the defense gives her and find the opening to put the ball.”
Spirit Lake senior Emma Loveall is second in the state with 208 kills (4.16 per set), and Dike-New Hartford senior Morgan Weber is third with 194 (4.85).
ACGC’s Chloe Largent, a 6-foot-2 sophomore, leads the state in kills per set with an impressive 6.56.
Ace of Hawks
South Hamilton’s Jessica Woodall has racked up an impressive 55 aces this season, good for 1.10 aces per set for the Hawks (12-10). The 5-foot-6 junior seems to contribute a few aces each match and she approaches each serve with an aggressive mindset: she’s committed 35 service errors on the season, but she more than makes up for it with her aces. No one else in the state is within 10 aces of her.
“Jessica approaches every serve with a mindset that she is going to make it as tough as possible for the other team to return,” South Hamilton coach Ashley Rosenstiel. “Jessica is also a spectacular spot server; between the two of us we can pick spots that appear to be open on the court or players that may struggle with her hard serve and she can hit those spots almost every time.”
Lake Mills senior Jessa Gasteiger and Spirit Lake senior Jordyn Hamm are tied for second in the state with 44 aces. The state’s most efficient server (with a min. 100 attempts) is Denver sophomore Reese Johnson. She’s notched 40 aces, good for 1.38 per set.
A “natural” setter in Spirit Lake
Emma Jenness led 3A in assists per set (10.14) last year, and this season has been more of the same. The Spirit Lake senior has piled up 439 assists (8.78 per set) this year, the most in the state. She’s set school records for assists per set in a season, assists in a season, and assists in a single game.
A multi-sport athlete, Jenness qualified for the state track meet in the 400-meter hurdles, running a 1:08.94 and placing 14th, and also qualified for state as a softball player.
Her volleyball coach, Beau Dielschneider, describes her as a calm, confident setter. Her ability has allowed her to be the team’s varsity setter for three seasons.
“She has really natural instincts as a setter and does a great job distributing the ball where she knows we can get a kill,” he said. “She reads opposing teams well and finds weaknesses she can exploit and really works to make adjustments throughout games when needed.”
Spirit Lake (19-2) is ranked No. 9 in 3A and has a potent offense. 6-foot-1 senior outside hitter and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee commit Emma Loveall leads the team with 208 kills (with over 1,000 for her career), and 6-foot-4 middle hitter and University of Sioux Falls commit Jordyn Hamm has 174 on a 3A-leading .521 kill percentage.
Waukee senior Lily Becker is second in the state with 432 assists, while Osage junior Ellie Bobinet is averaging a state-best 11.21 assists per set.
Do-it-all setters
There are a handful of setters who have at least 120 digs and 200 assists, showing how defensively and offensively capable they can be.
Waukee’s Lily Becker has her 432 assists, but also has racked up 150 digs. The 5-foot-6 senior is a key reason for the Warriors’ No. 4 ranking in 5A.
Western Christian senior Olivia Granstra has 120 digs and 270 assists. The 5-foot-8 senior — and four-year starter — committed to Northwestern College in Orange City last week, and has helped Western Christian to a No. 1 ranking in 2A.
“She is a fierce competitor and phenomenal leader. She is so quick and great decision maker,” coach Tammi Veerbeek said.
Finally, Gilbert’s Nessa Johnson has totaled 140 digs and 215 assists. The 5-foot-9 junior, who also hits and has 44 kills this year, was injured for much of last year, but she’s back and has helped Gilbert earn a No. 13 ranking in 4A.