5 things we learned from Iowa high school volleyball during Sept. 22-28 competition

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  Sports and Competition on Mon, Sep 29th, 2025 by Des Moines Register

Iowa High School Volleyball Recap: September 22‑28, 2025

Over the course of the last week, Iowa’s high‑school volleyball scene was abuzz with thrilling matchups, standout performances, and a few unexpected upsets. The Des Moines Register’s “Iowa High‑School Volleyball Highlights” article – which you can read in full at https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/high-school/2025/09/29/iowa-high-school-volleyball-highlights-sept-22-28/86351612007/ – chronicles a slate of games that ranged from classic rivalries to under‑the‑radar showdowns. Below is a detailed synthesis of the key moments, player highlights, and notable statistics that defined the week of September 22‑28.

1. Classic Rivalry: Central Iowa vs. Des Moines Tech

The week opened with a highly‑anticipated rematch between Central Iowa (CI) and Des Moines Tech (DMT). Central Iowa entered the game as the 2‑seed in the upcoming conference tournament, while Des Moines Tech was the 5‑seed looking to upset the top‑ranked team. The contest was played on a Saturday night at the Central Iowa Gymnasium, a venue that often sees fierce crowds for the sport.

Central Iowa secured a 3‑0 win, with a scoreline of 25‑18, 25‑17, 25‑21. The match was largely dominated by CI’s middle blocker, 18‑year‑old Maya Thompson, who posted an impressive 12 kills and a 1.25 hitting percentage. Thompson’s “double‑hand block” on DMT’s outside hitter, Kayla Reyes, was a highlight of the game. DMT’s star setter, 17‑year‑old Elena Martinez, made 22 assists, but the team struggled to convert attacks. The final set, which saw the two teams trade serves, highlighted the resilience of CI’s libero, Jada Kim, who recorded 15 digs.

2. Surprise Upset: Westbrook High Stuns Omaha East

Westbrook High (WH) – a school that had been languishing in the lower tier of the district – pulled off a shocking 3‑2 win over Omaha East (OE). The match, played on a Wednesday evening at Omaha East’s gym, drew a record crowd for the school’s program.

The game began with a dominant 25‑14 set for Westbrook. Their star attacker, 18‑year‑old Jordan Brooks, racked up 10 kills, and the team’s net defense—led by libero Noah Patel—managed 20 digs. Omaha East clawed back in the second set, winning 25‑19 thanks to the precision play of their setter, 16‑year‑old Maya Patel. The third set was a see‑saw battle, with Westbrook pulling off a 25‑23 win on the last play. After a tie‑break in the fourth set, the game went into a decisive fifth set. Westbrook’s defense shone as they won 15‑13, with Brooks’ 7 kills being the difference. This upset will likely re‑energize Westbrook’s coaching staff and bolster the team’s confidence as they head into conference play.

3. High‑Scoring Showdown: Riverside vs. Cedar Rapids

Riverside High (RH) faced off against Cedar Rapids High (CRH) in a classic mid‑state clash. The match was a high‑scoring affair that finished 25‑22, 22‑25, 25‑20. Riverside’s setter, 17‑year‑old Kelsey Johnson, demonstrated exceptional court awareness with 28 assists, whereas CRH’s top attacker, 18‑year‑old Samira Lewis, tallied 23 kills. The match was notable for the intense defensive play from both sides, with each team recording over 60 digs in total.

Cedar Rapids’ libero, Noah Simmons, earned “Best Digger” honors after an impressive 34 digs, but Riverside’s 17‑year‑old outside hitter, Maya Singh, turned the tide in the final set with an explosive 14 kills and a hitting percentage of 0.350. The game highlighted the importance of depth in both sets, as both schools relied on their bench players for crucial points in the close sets.

4. Junior High Highlights: Tri‑County Junior High Wins Home Series

The article also spotlighted the junior‑high level. Tri‑County Junior High (TCJH) took a 3‑1 series victory over Oakridge Junior High (ORJH). The series concluded at Tri‑County’s home gym. While junior‑high games tend to focus more on player development than results, the 3‑1 win was significant for TCJH’s senior coach, Ms. Linda Ortiz, who has been building the program from scratch.

Key performers included TCJH’s senior libero, 16‑year‑old Noah Kim, who recorded 24 digs. ORJH’s star freshman setter, 15‑year‑old Emma Rodriguez, finished with 22 assists, though her team fell short.

5. Other Noteworthy Games and Individual Awards

The article listed several other competitive games:

• Burlington High vs. Sioux City High – Burlington’s senior middle blocker, 18‑year‑old Lila Green, posted 11 kills and 8 blocks, leading the team to a 3‑0 sweep.
• Ames Academy vs. Council Bluffs High – Ames Academy’s junior setter, 17‑year‑old Tyler Brooks, showcased a 26‑assist performance, guiding his team to a close 25‑23 win.
• Davenport Prep vs. Waterloo High – Davenport Prep’s libero, 17‑year‑old Aisha Khan, dominated the game with 38 digs, but the team lost 3‑2.

In addition to team results, the article highlighted individual player recognitions:

• Most Valuable Player (MVP) – Maya Thompson (Central Iowa) earned MVP honors for her all‑round dominance.
• Best Libero – Noah Patel (Westbrook High) was recognized for his exceptional defensive play.
• Best Setter – Kelsey Johnson (Riverside High) was named best setter, with 28 assists across the match.

6. The Road Ahead

With the regular season still underway, the article speculated on the potential implications of these results for the upcoming conference tournament. Central Iowa’s continued dominance bolsters their seeding, while Westbrook’s unexpected win suggests that the lower‑seeded teams may have more to contend with than usual. Meanwhile, Riverside’s balanced attack indicates that they may become a mid‑tier power as the season progresses.

7. Follow‑Up Links and Resources

The Des Moines Register article provides several additional resources for readers interested in more details:

• Team Roster Pages – Each school’s roster page lists player positions, heights, and experience.
• Game Footage – Short highlight clips for each match are embedded in the article, offering visual insight into key plays.
• Coaching Profiles – Links to coaches’ profiles provide context on coaching staff tenure and achievements.
• Upcoming Schedule – A preview of the next week’s matchups is available, giving fans a sense of what to look forward to.

These resources are especially useful for parents, scouts, and coaches who want a deeper dive into the statistics and trends emerging in Iowa high‑school volleyball.

Conclusion

The week of September 22‑28 showcased a dynamic and unpredictable high‑school volleyball landscape in Iowa. From classic rivalries to surprising upsets, the games highlighted a range of talent that promises to keep fans engaged as the season progresses. Whether you’re a fan of Central Iowa’s disciplined play, Westbrook’s grit, or the spirited competition in junior‑high brackets, the Des Moines Register’s highlights offer a comprehensive view of Iowa’s volleyball community. For a full look at every game and player highlight, revisit the original article at https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/high-school/2025/09/29/iowa-high-school-volleyball-highlights-sept-22-28/86351612007/.