Prep Volleyball- The Southeast Iowa Super Conference (SEISC) had some standout players that received the attention of the Iowa Girls Coaches Association as five players made their respective classes All-State team.

Class 2A

Senior Carli Cline of West Burlington was the lone member of the SEISC to earn a spot on the All-State team as she made the Fourth Team. Cline kept plays alive for the squad with 746 digs on the year. The senior provided a presence from the service line as well with 47 aces for the year.

Class 1A

Holy Trinity Catholic’s dominant front row was well known throughout Iowa as Presley Myers grabbed a spot on the First Team and Adalyn Kruse took a spot on the Second Team. Myers finished the season with a kill efficiency of 0.326, while Kruse collected 310 kills for the year.

Crusader seniors Anna Bendlage and Teagan Snaadt received Fourth Team honors.

Lastly, Burlington Notre Dame’s Madalyn Knapp earned Fourth Team honors for her 286 kills and 457 digs. The senior also collected 18 blocks and 27 aces to help the Nikes.

Wayne Cooley “You Can” Award

The “You Can” Award illustrates the qualities of determination, character, and the values of pursuing victory with honor. The athlete must show the elements of good character, and all nominated athletes receive a certificate.

Here are our local winners:

Jocelyn Hernandez, Columbus

“Jocelyn has a drive and dedication to the sport of volleyball, but the biggest moments come from the passion she shares when she helps others learn the sport. She is a role model athletically, academically, and in other extracurricular activities like speech and BPA..”

Nominated by: Lori Beenen, Rachel Kuebler, Addison Six Head Coach Columbus Volleyball

Bizzie Richtman, Mount Pleasant

“Bizzie is an all-around team player. She has been dedicated to our volleyball program and has embraced each and every role she has been assigned whether that is playing defense, cheering on her teammates from the sidelines, or coming into serve a game winning point. She has not wavered in her positive attitude and leadership qualities. This specific season she has put in the work and earned a vital defensive role on our team. While not on the court Bizzie is genuine, kind to everyone she meets, and excepts people for who they are! Bizzie is definitely a deserving candidate for the E. Wayne Cooley “You Can” award! Not only has she shown “She Can” but she believes that others can to! Thank you for the consideration.”

Nominated by: Logan Wall Head Coach Mount Pleasant Volleyball

Rachel Hoeg, Wapello

“I am nominating this player for her commitment to the team. She is the only senior on the team and stepped up to be a leader on the floor and to 30 girls on our team. She motivated our younger teammates to keep them enjoying the game of volleyball. She has been a great support system when her teammates needed guidance. She had to take on a big role this year as our captain for the team and did not disappoint.”

Nominated by: Kenna Greiner Head Coach Wapello Volleyball

Brylie Lorence, Fort Madison

“Brylie has made a positive impact on the game of volleyball in our school community her senior year. She stepped onto the court and made a presence as a right-side hitter with her heavy hand and strong block. She was also a member of our Captain’s Council where she was a voice for supporting her teammates and building the culture of Bloodhound Volleyball. In her free time, she volunteered as a youth coach for the YMCA league. She helped coach a 3rd and 4th grade team that practiced twice a week and played on Sundays. Brylie is a model for reliability and will leave a legacy dedication that will inspire teams to come.”

Nominated by: Kelly Knustrom Head Coach Fort Madison Volleyball

Lila Shepard, Central Lee

“Lila demonstrates unwavering character, enthusiasm, and dedication to our team. She has not only demonstrated exceptional skill on the court but has also been an incredible source of support and positivity for all of us. Lila’s passion for the game is contagious, inspiring teammates to push their limits and strive for greatness. Off the court, Lila continues to offer encouragement, creating a sense of unity that elevates our entire team. Lila embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and is a shining example of what it means to be a true teammate.”

Nominated by: Amy Cook Head Coach Central Lee Volleyball

Prep Volleyball- The Iowa Girls Coaches Association (IGCA) released the All-District teams today and southeast Iowa was plenty populated throughout the classes.

Class 4A

For the East district, Burlington’s Annalise Buxton earned a spot on the team. The senior helped the Grayhounds collect 31 wins on the season as she led the team with 283 kills and 45 aces. Buxton had a kill efficiency of 0.196 and 11 blocks for the season.

Class 3A

The Southeast team was dominated by Mid-Prairie after the Golden Hawks made the state tournament. Callie Huber, Dakota Mitchell, Harper Pacha, and Jovi Evans all earned a spot as Sherry Evans was named District Coach of the Year.

Leighton Messinger of Washington, who also earned Southeast Conference Player of the Year, made the team as she totaled 285 kills on a 0.251 kill efficiency as a junior. Messinger also added 35 aces and 244 digs as the Demons claimed the conference crown.

Lastly, another junior made the list as Central Lee’s Taylor Jones led the Hawkes with 233 kills on a 0.204 kill efficiency. The fearsome middle hitter blocked 93 attacks, tabbed 28 aces, and collected 216 digs.

Class 2A

West Burlington has now put together four straight seasons of 30 or more wins and finished a game shy of making the state tournament, losing to #2 Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont. Finding a spot on the list was their main attacker, their setter, and a defensive specialist.

Brenna Beggs, a senior, was unstoppable at the net with a kill efficiency of 0.418 and leading the team with 351 kills. Beggs also blocked 44 attacks.

The second senior, Taryn Snodgrass, finished the season with 1,018 assists and 30 kills. She also tallied 356 digs and 46 aces.

Lastly, Carli Cline, the final Falcon of the list, kept plays alive for the squad with 746 digs on the year. Cline provided a presence from the service line as well with 47 aces for the year.

Class 1A

The Southeast team featured five members (four players) of Holy Trinity Catholic, two athletes from Burlington Notre Dame, and two players from Wapello.

Starting with the regional champion from the area, the Crusaders made it to the state tournament for the 14^th time in the last 15 years after a 29-win season.

A big reason for their success was setter Anna Bendlage. The senior set her talented teammates up perfectly as she tallied 582 assists for the season and added 144 kills to present a dual threat. Bendlage had 19 blocks, 227 digs, and a team-leading 44 aces for the season.

Another senior to make the team was Teagan Snaadt. The libero dug out 444 balls, created 31 aces, and assisted on 102 points.

Holy Trinity Catholic has always provided dominant attackers, and this year was no different as Presley Myers finished the season with a team leading 347 kills, 0.326 kill efficiency, and 82 blocks. The junior also sits at exactly 1,000 kills for her career and has finished with a kill efficiency north of 0.315 every season.

Joining her was Adalyn Kruse as the sophomore collected 310 kills on a 0.217 kill efficiency. Kruse also proved formidable on defense with 357 digs and added 33 aces for the season.

Holy Trinity Catholic head coach, who currently sits at 1,101 career wins, Melissa Freesmeier was named District Coach of the Year.

A young Burlington Notre Dame managed to put up an impressive 24 wins on the season before being upset in the postseason. Despite the sour note to end the season, the Nikes had plenty to be excited about.

One of the points is the return of junior Addi Brockway, who earned a spot on the team. Brockway was efficient with her swings, attacking with a 0.217 kill efficiency, nabbing 271 kills. The junior grabbed 30 blocks, 236 digs, and 30 aces.

The one they will miss next season is Madalynn Knapp. The senior led the team with 286 kills and 457 digs. Knapp also collected 18 blocks and 27 aces to help the Nikes.

Lastly, the team to upset Burlington Notre Dame was Wapello, who had two underclassmen make the team.

Annaka Greiner had the Arrow offense running smoothly with 619 assists on the season. The sophomore was also the best at scoring with serves, totaling 34 aces—if she can improve the serve efficiency of 73.4%, she can be even scarier.

Another sophomore taking a spot on the team was Mya Wagner. The defensive specialist tallied 468 digs for the season, while complementing her defense with 27 aces from the service line.

Mt. Pleasant, IA- The Iowa High School Athletic Association released the Class 3A All-District 4 teams after Mt. Vernon was eliminated from the state tournament over the weekend. The Mustangs ended the year as the District Champions and, expectedly, swept the District Players of the Year awards.

District Players of the Year

Jase Jaspers grabbed Offensive Player of the Year as he led the district with 1,879 all-purpose yards and 10 total touchdowns on offense. He was also a spark plug on special teams, leading the district in average punt return yards, returning one for an 86-yard touchdown, as he earned First Team Special Teams.

Defensive Player of the Year went to Jaxon Anderson. The junior linebacker accumulated 70 tackles, leading the way for a stout group that allowed only 11.9 points per game. Anderson also added 8.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, and a pick-six.

Josef Briesmeister earned Offensive Lineman of the Year as the Mustangs touted the second-best rushing attack and the best passing offense in the district.

Unsurprisingly, Kael Riniker was honored with Defensive Lineman of the Year. Riniker was a problem for opposing offenses, collecting a district-high 15 sacks and 28 tackles for loss.

Mt. Vernon

The Mustangs finished the year ranked #5 in the Class 3A RPI, getting eliminated in the semifinals by Humboldt. Their 10-2 record topped the district as they went a perfect 5-0 in district play, resulting in 14 players earning a spot on the All-District First Team Offense and Defense.

Kellen Haverback was named First Team quarterback as he led the district with 2,285 passing yards to go along with 27 passing touchdowns. The junior signal caller also added 10 scores on the ground. His third-favorite target Watson Krob was named First Team wide receiver with 479 yards and eight touchdowns.

Cooper Hird grabbed First Team running back as he ranked second in the district in rushing yards with 862 and touchdowns with 13. Josef Briesmeister and Aaron Bellamy helped pave the way, garnering First Team selections for the offensive line. Lastly, the aforementioned Jaspers earned First Team Utility.

On the defensive side of things, Riniker and Nova Lane were First Team Defensive line as Lane totaled 23 tackles for loss to go along with 10 sacks. Anderson was First Team Linebacker.

Defensive backs Michael Ryan and AJ McDermott each earned First Team spots with Ryan nabbing three interceptions, while McDermott snared two interceptions, including a pick-six. Lastly, Ethan Wood, last year’s Defensive Lineman of the Year, was named First Team Defensive Utility for his 12 sacks.

Bennett Harp was named First Team Punter as he averaged 33.3 yards per punt.

Second Team members: Cole Thurn (WR/TE), Brody Nosek (OL), Tyler Williams (DL), Caysen Curran (LB), and Luke Paulus (DB).

Davenport Assumption

An 0-4 start to the season is will usually derail a team, not so for the Saints as they finished 4-1 in district play to punch their ticket to the postseason where they fell to Wahlert Catholic. For Assumption, they tout four total players on the First Team and six on the Second Team.

Junior Ben Armstrong was named First Team offensive lineman, and he helped senior running back Ben Yeggy finish the season as the only 1,000-yard rusher in the district to go along with 14 touchdowns, earning him First Team honors.

On the defensive side, Joey Funderburk’s 77.5 tackles, seven sacks, and 13 tackles for loss led the Saint defense, which gave him First Team defensive lineman. Helping clean up any plays that got past the first line of defense was First Team linebacker Keaton O’Neil with 53 tackles and four tackles for loss.

Second Team members: Braylon Thomsen (QB), Brady Curoe (WR/TE), Dru Diaz (Offensive UTL), Ben Leinart (K), Luke Argo (LB), and Ben Yeggy (SP)

Washington

The Demons had an incredible bounce back season, going from 2-7 last year to 6-3 (3-2 district record) and knocking on the door of playoffs. The senior heavy squad earned five spots on the First Team and eight spots on the Second Team.

Mason Morgan grabbed First Team wide receiver/tight end as the senior caught 21 passes for 464 yards, which led the team, and four touchdowns. Helping the offense was First Team running back, junior Kael Williams. The junior tallied 528 yards rushing on the season to go along with six rushing touchdowns as he also added 215 receiving yards and four scores through the air.

Helping lead the way for this balanced offense was senior Summit Keith as he earned First Team offensive lineman.

Transferring over to the defense, Jayfred Espinosa’s two interceptions garnered him First Team defensive back, while the district’s leading tackler Jude Carter with 84.5 wrap-ups and 10 tackles for loss nabbed him First Team defensive utility.

Logan McDole, senior quarterback, was the first signal caller out despite throwing for 1,157 yards, rushing for another 521 yards, and scoring 20 total touchdowns for the season, the Demon was named Second Team quarterback.

Second Team members: Lucas Zahs (OL), Greyson Hartman (OL), Keider Gomez (DL), Rudy Wolfe (DL), Blaine Rees (LB), Caden Greiner (DB), and Conner Leyden (P)

Mt. Pleasant

The Panthers turned back-to-back 0-9 seasons into a 4-5 (2-3) campaign and one district win away from possibly sneaking into the postseason. Mt. Pleasant had three players make the First Team and two players make the Second Team.

On the First Team for defense, Payton Walker and William Birdsell each earned a spot at the linebacker position. As the middle linebacker, Walker led the team with 75 tackles and 11.5 tackles for a loss. He also added a fumble recovery, an interception, and 1.5 sacks, which included a safety against Tipton.

Head coach John Bowlin talked about the leader of his defense,

“I mean, he is just a goer. He, if we don’t have him out there, you know, our defense looks a lot different. So, he flies around side to side, line to sideline. And definitely he was the second team all-district last year, I believe, at linebacker and probably could have been first team. I mean, he was just as good last year as this year. Obviously took a step forward and well deserved me that I think he was one of the best linebackers in our district and definitely one of the best leaders on our team.”

Walker also added 519 total yards on offense with a team leading seven rushing touchdowns for the season. Two of those touchdowns were against Fairfield in the opening game of the season. An overtime thriller, which ended the Panthers 23-game losing streak.

Birdsell was a constant nuisance in the backfield, tallying 11 tackles for a loss with 3.5 sacks as he finished tied for third on the team with 32.5 total tackles. The senior also blocked a punt, which turned the tide in Mt. Pleasant’s comeback victory against Fort Madison in week 8. For coach Bowlin, it was not a surprise when he made the play,

“Yep, and that speaks to his energy getting off the football. So, I think that’s one of the best things he did was he was quick off the ball, and that’s what allowed him to make those big plays in the backfield.”

Nolan Frueh was the last member of the First Team for the Panthers, earning a spot on the offensive line. Frueh helped clear the path for a Mt. Pleasant rushing attack that gained 1,279 yards and scored 17 touchdowns on the season, their best marks since 2020.

“Yeah, he was really both sides,” said coach Bowlin. “We could pull with him. We ran behind him all the time just because he was our most consistent guy is just moving the line of scrimmage. I mean he would always get movement and you could rely on him to go blow somebody up across from him. I just thought he had really an outstanding year on the O-line. He said those statistics don’t show up but the yards rushing do. And he was a big part of leading that for us.”

On the Second Team was junior offensive guard Kellen Kohorst, who also nabbed an interception on defense, as he helped lead the Panthers at the line of scrimmage and Ramzy Davis, the junior running back and defensive back.

Coach Bowlin is excited that he gets another year with Kohorst on the line,

“He just played, just was really solid for us. Great leader. Definitely one of our smartest players that can just get after it. So, he got on an O-line. I think he could have got on D-line too. And just really well-deserving, works his tail off. And he’s going to be a big force for us going into next year, so excited that we get to keep him for next year.”

Davis had recorded two carries for five yards through the first four games; the junior got the starting spot in week five and never looked back as he accumulated 245 yards and six rushing touchdowns in a three-week span. He finished the season with 312 yards and an interception on defense.

In an effort to keep players fresh, coach Bowlin kept Davis limited to defensive snaps but when injuries piled up, he decided to give the junior a chance he didn’t give back,

“…I was trying to keep some people defensive fresh and some people on offense fresh, so, you know, we didn’t give him too many carries start the year and then once we decided you know kind of give a shot out there and he just saw the hole for us really well, you know, he’s not your fastest kid but he’ll outwork anybody and I think that showed up. He kind of gave us another element running the football. And I think six touchdowns in District play just really had an outstanding year for us. And I’m just excited to see what he does next year, both offensively and defensively. He’s going to be a force to reckon with.”

Keokuk

The Chiefs entered the year with plenty of momentum in hiring former NFL wide receiver and Hawkeye great Marvin McNutt to patrol the sideline with the return of three-year starter and senior quarterback Brenton Hoard. However, a tough non-district schedule and a porous offensive line knocked Keokuk back to 3-6 (1-4) for the season.

The glue that held the Chief offense together was First Team quarterback Brenton Hoard. The senior tossed for 1,893 yards, 22 touchdowns, ran for 608 yards, and scored eight touchdowns on the ground. His go-to target was fellow senior Drew Campbell, who finished the season with 37 receptions for 691 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Mason Claus ranked second in the district in tackles with 75 to go along with 3.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss to earn him his second First Team linebacker honor.

Second Team members: Braxton Hayner (DB)

Fort Madison

After four seasons of winning records and a couple trips to the postseason, the Bloodhounds hurtled back down to earth, matching their 0-9 (0-5) record from 2016. Their defense struggled the most, allowing an average of nearly 38 points per game, while the offense managed to score over 20 points in one game.

Nevertheless, the team certainly had talent as Brody Cashman earned Frist Team wide receiver. The senior hauled in 26 passes for 302 yards and a touchdown. Henry Graham nabbed First Team kicker.

Marcus Guzman could have grabbed a spot on offense or defense, but the senior was named First Team defensive back. Guzman made 40.5 tackles, including two for a loss. His biggest mark was on offense as he finished the season with 1.506 all-purpose yards and was responsible for all 15 touchdowns.

Second Team members: Hunter Cook (OL), Aaron Warner (DL), Justin Maitner (LB), Noah Swigart (DB). Swigart was second in the district with four interceptions.