Under The Radar Athletes To Make Big Impact @ Iowa Regionals
There is always a different feel when there is something at stake which is definitely the case this weekend at Iowa Regionals where the 16s-18s will be chasing after some bids to USAV Nationals in Vegas. We know the big…
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Continue ReadingThere is always a different feel when there is something at stake which is definitely the case this weekend at Iowa Regionals where the 16s-18s will be chasing after some bids to USAV Nationals in Vegas. We know the big names, the top players who have always been at the top of their class with big time honors, but who are some of the athletes that might be under the radar and looking to breakthrough for their squad and make a big impact where they can clinch a bid or put themselves in position to be available for a trickle down bid if teams are able to clinch bids in other qualifiers.
Strong outside hitter and athlete from Macomb (IL) Kennedy Adair, 2023 pin for @iowaselectvbc – great match between CIA and Iowa Select. CIA wins in three. pic.twitter.com/pRLptP4sYF
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) February 6, 2021
Kennedy Adair – Iowa Select 17-Baden
This squad from Iowa Select is sneaky good and will be ones who could sneak up on a few squads this weekend. Adair is out of Macomb, IL and from the Class of 2023. She’s long, athletic, and has the ability to score points and make a big block for her team. This team is scrappy with athletes who are accustomed to success which includes setter Jenna Bentz Jenna Bentz 5'8" | S Burlington Notre Dame | 2022 State IA who was on the state championship team for Burlington Notre Dame last fall.
Addison Poppe Addison Poppe 6'2" | MB Dubuque Wahlert | 2022 State IA – CIA 17 Black
Poppe is going to be one who can soar on the radar with a major upside. She is over six feet tall and is just finding her groove in the middle. I like how she can get from pin to pin to close the block and also become an offensive threat. She is strong and physical and with the other top athletes of CIA 17 Black, she makes her presence known.
Kelsey Drake Kelsey Drake 5'7" | OH Wilton | 2022 State IA – Iowa Rockets 17R
Drake is definitely the swiss army knife of Iowa Rockets 17R where she can be used on any pin or as a DS. She was just named to the Class 2A All State basketball team and her athleticism is welcomed anywhere on the court. This Rockets squad also other All State basketball players in Calia Clubb Calia Clubb 5'10" | RS Clear Creek-Amana | 2022 State #138 Nation IA and Macy Daufeldt Macy Daufeldt 5'10" | OH West Liberty | 2022 State #74 Nation IA . This team is full of athletes who can contribute in multiple ways which makes them so tough when it comes to crunch time.
Peyton Mitchell Peyton Mitchell OH Ankeny Centennial | 2022 State IA – Iowa Power Plex 17 Black
Mitchell is someone who can set a solid block and is quietly effective for Plex 17 Black. She can find the corners or do all the gritty things to keep her squad in the match. This team has competed at the Open Level for NLQ and Omaha Presidents Day. There is no fear in this squad as they will look to make some waves and to play some big matches heading into Sunday.
Brynn Smith Brynn Smith 5'6" | OH AGWSR | 2023 State IA – CIA 16 Black
Smith is sneaky good with her all around ability. She is fun to watch on the sand with her ability to hit some crafty shots and is always dependable to put a pass on point. Having versatility like Smith makes her valuable anywhere on the court. She could DS, hit on the pin, or like most volleyball athletes – would be happy to set or play in the middle (don’t quote me on that). However, watching her jump she definitely can play above the net.
Erin Bathie Erin Bathie 5'7" | DS/L Gilbert | 2021 State IA – Club Ignit 18 Blue
Bathie had a breakout Senior season for Gilbert which landed them in the final four of Class 4A. She is one who can play on the pin or as a DS who can provide a swing in the backrow. She is a Class of 2021 prospect who is uncommitted and would make for a great late pickup at the next level.
Kendall Anderson Kendall Anderson 5'7" | OH Bondurant-Farrar | 2022 State IA – IPVA 17 Black
Anderson is a fun, powerful athlete who can play on the pin or is a solid passer and attacker in the backrow. IPVA 17 Black also has Lexi Stephens Lexi Stephens 5'4" | DS/L Ankeny | 2022 State IA as libero and Madison Geise Madison Geise 6'0" | S Roland-Story | 2022 State IA who provide a solid first two contacts. This 17s field is loaded with strong teams, making it a very tightly contested tournament to grab those two bids. A couple big wins and depending on the matchups, this team could make a big run and play for some hardware.
Shelby Kimm Shelby Kimm 6'0" | OH Iowa City Liberty | 2023 State IA – Iowa Rockets 16R
I wouldn’t really call Kimm under the radar because she had a huge season for Iowa City Liberty enroute to the Class 5A State Runner-Up finish. She played middle this past fall, but she can play anywhere. Long, athletic, can hit the quick tempo she is a tough matchup where she can pass, play middle, on the pin, she can do it all. She has a high IQ where she knows how to find the open spot and score plenty of points.
Huge win for DNH over Mount Vernon. Payton Petersen was huge for the Wolverines. Madelyn Norton Madelyn Norton 5'8" | S Dike-New Hartford | 2023 State IA controlled the whole tempo setting. Most of this team can’t even drive to school. pic.twitter.com/ex3iQf8f6w
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) October 10, 2020
Madelyn Norton Madelyn Norton 5'8" | S Dike-New Hartford | 2023 State IA – SIx Pack 16U
Yes, Norton has won a state title for Dike-New Hartford and had a standout Sophomore season, but she is one that is moving up on the radar because she is so effective on the court. As a setter, she has a presence where she knows how to nail all the tempos and isn’t afraid to attack where she knows the open spot and has a quick left handed slap shot. This Six Pack 16s has a really versatile lineup where they have one of the top attackers in the state in Cassidy Hartman Cassidy Hartman 5'10" | MB Iowa City Liberty | 2023 State #130 Nation IA who was one of the top Sophomores in the state this fall.
Delaney Bombei Delaney Bombei 5'11" | RS Solon | 2023 State IA – Adrenaline 16 Marty
Bombei brings a physical presence to the front line where she can play in the middle or on the pins. She has a high motor and isn’t afraid to take a big swing. With her aggressive style she can split the block, power past, or use the block to her advantage. If 6’3 Anika Ivester Anika Ivester 6'3" | MB Xavier | 2023 State IA is in the middle for Adrenaline and Bombei is on the right side, that is a tough match up for the opposing team.