Class 4A – Region 1: 2023’s to Watch
As we look for other ways to cover prospects we thought it would be beneficial to cover players in a way that allows us to cover those we don’t write much about. We will be using the region’s from last…
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Continue ReadingAs we look for other ways to cover prospects we thought it would be beneficial to cover players in a way that allows us to cover those we don’t write much about. We will be using the region’s from last season as they were constructed.
Obviously, these regions will change into next season but for these stories it was the easiest way to divide players and teams as equally as possible.
We will be writing a series of three stories for each region in the state and the categories are as follows: 2023’s to put on Your Radar, 2022’s who can Breakout, and 2021’s Who Should be Valued by Colleges.
We will continue to go through each region and aim to hit as many players as we can that we haven’t talked about previously. Here are five 2023’s who need to be on your radar.
Editor’s Note: Just two Class of 2023 players saw action in this region last year.
Jenna Hopp Jenna Hopp 5'11" | SG Glenwood | 2023 State IA – Glenwood
A talented guard from Glenwood, Jenna Hopp Jenna Hopp 5'11" | SG Glenwood | 2023 State IA had no trouble adjusting her game to the varsity level a season ago.
Hopp finished the year with 349 points, adding 100 rebounds, 52 assists, 55 steals and 12 blocked shots for the Rams, who won their first 25 games before falling to Lewis Central in the state semifinals.
At almost 41 percent shooting from the floor, Hopp was a tough player to defend. She also knocked down 44 three-pointers, shooting nearly 36 percent from deep, and also sank 70 percent of her free throw attempts.
The Hawkeye Ten Conference champions should be primed for another strong year with Hopp among the returning players back.
Payton Hardy – Sergeant Bluff-Luton
There is great reason to be excited about the upcoming season and beyond at Sergeant Bluff-Luton.
Payton Hardy broke into the starting lineup for the Warriors this past year, producing 117 points with 102 rebounds, 39 assists, 17 steals and eight blocked shots.
Hardy started 18 of 22 games, shooting 34 percent from the field and making 50 percent of her free throws.
She was part of a large youth movement for Sergeant Bluff-Luton, as they look to build off a 13-9 campaign that saw them finish fourth in the Missouri River Conference race.