June 15th Primer: Iowa’s Top 2023 Hitters
Everyone here likely knows the stakes behind June 15th for the Class of 2023. When the open recruiting period begins for 2023s, it might be easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of activity. On our Nebraska site, we…
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Continue ReadingEveryone here likely knows the stakes behind June 15th for the Class of 2023. When the open recruiting period begins for 2023s, it might be easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of activity.
On our Nebraska site, we just completed a revisit of the state’s 2023 rankings in preparation of the upcoming recruiting frenzy. Now, in the spirit of our rapidly expanding coverage around the Midwest, it’s time to turn our attention to Iowa.
Chris Fitzgerald has already dropped some setters to know around the state in a broad regional look. For today, I wanted to break down some outside hitters.
Let’s do it.
Ava Schubert Ava Schubert 6'1" | RS Assumption | 2023 State #153 Nation IA – 6’1 OH/RS – Iowa Select
I first saw Schubert at a Prep Dig high school event in Omaha. Her work for Assumption High School stood out right away. Schubert is a natural opposite who can terminate in all six rotations. Whether she swings in the front row or in the backcourt on a D-ball, Schubert is always a scoring threat. I can’t wait to watch Schubert continuing her development into one of Iowa’s premier hitters.
Kayla Knowles Kayla Knowles 5'11" | OH Denver | 2023 State #161 Nation IA – 5’11 OH – CIA [Title Photo]
Knowles is the kind of player who always wants the ball. She’ll get it, too. This talented hitter put the ball away nearly 400 times for her Denver Cyclones team last fall. Knowles, deservedly one of Iowa’s all-conference performers, can put away tough balls whenever it’s needed. Her rise should only continue as she logs more in-game reps.
Lily Dykstra Lily Dykstra 6'0" | OH Urbandale | 2023 State #127 Nation IA – 6’0 OH – Iowa PowerPlex
I’ve gotten an in-person look at Dykstra in both a tournament and a showcase setting. She has never failed to impress. Dykstra is a pin hitter who can physically overpower a block with her whip-like arm. It’s traits like that which helped cement her place atop our rankings. PowerPlex has a go-to hitter who can change any match, and Dykstra will also bring plenty of success to an Urbandale team that competes in one of Iowa’s most competitive classes.
Reagan Jansen Reagan Jansen 6'1" | OH Sioux Center | 2023 State IA – 6’1 OH – Kairos Elite
Jansen is a Sioux Center athlete who crosses over into South Dakota for club competition. Whichever state Jansen finds herself, she knows how to succeed. She has a special set of physical traits that allow her to be an intimidating force. Not only can Jansen contribute on defense in the back row, but she is also a reliable outlet hitter on the pipe. Most of all, Jansen potential to grow her game is still huge.
Claudia Aschenbrenner Claudia Aschenbrenner 5'10" | OH Osage | 2023 State IA – 5’10 OH/MB/RS – CIA
Aschenbrenner is impossible to miss, and part of that has to do with her willingness to play any position across the front row. She can do it all. While Aschenbrenner’s future position may still be in question, this multi-sport athlete has the skills to make an impact wherever she is on the court. Her contributions to Osage have been incredible, and she will continue to tear it up in the years to come.
Is this all the top hitting talent that Iowa has to offer? Of course not. Expect more features in the days to come.