Class 2A — Hinton Blackhawks vs. Denver Cyclones

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Extreme Arena in Coralville, Iowa, is the place to be today, as its championship. Thursday. And that's a look at one of the championship trophies being handed out today as we move to class two. A a look inside Extreme Arena as Hinton the Blackhawks 30 and two overall. The three seed taking on the Denver Cyclones the reigning champions, the number one seed. Greetings my friends. We're back Eric Braley and Beth West Hinton is good. They have been rolling all year. What do you like about this Hinton squad?

Hinton is a talented team. They know how to win. They just want a basketball state championship back in March. But they're going to face a quality Denver program. They've been a recent powerhouse in Two-a. They're looking to defend their title.

Let's continue to set the stage for you so you can learn about these two teams. Hinton fifth trip to state, and they have arguably one of the best players in the state of Iowa. Keep an eye on senior Bailey Boeve. She can do it all. Last year, a knee injury, but she's back and looking better than ever.

She looked fantastic in the quarterfinals, 28 kills, and then she followed it up in the semis with 30 kills.

And we mentioned state champs in basketball. Denver it's hard to have the target on your back as defending champs.

Denver brings in a balanced attack, but they have senior Bailey Mullihan and her twin sister Grace, who bring a lot of firepower in the offense.

Sixth straight state tournament appearance for the Denver Cyclones. Let's go to the public address announcer. As we meet these teams and have, ladies and gentlemen.

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union's Golden Plaque of Distinction award is given annually to an Iowa coach who has demonstrated a successful career while making notable contributions towards school, community, and the coaching profession. Presenting this year's Golden Plaque Award is IGHSAU Executive Director Aaron Gerlich, along with volleyball administrator Ben Van Wyck. The 2025 recipient of the Volleyball Golden Plaque of Distinction Award is Maureen Heath of West Burlington. Maureen is just one of six coaches that have collected over 1000 career victories. After starting her career in 1985 at Burlington Notre Dame. She later went on to lead Burlington High School to its only state volleyball tournament appearance. She went on to enjoy a stellar 23-year-old 23 year career at New London, taking the school to eight state tournament appearances, including a run of five straight trips from 2005 through 2009. She now coaches at West Burlington. Maureen has been active in the volleyball community, serving on many, many committees and also earning many district awards. She's also a decorated track and field coach, having coached track and field at Burlington High School for over 20 seasons, and was a recipient of the Golden Plaque Award in that sport. Athletics runs the Marines family. As her husband, Larry has been the longtime softball coach for Burlington High School. While daughter Natalie was a softball all-stater and is a member of the IGHSAU Softball Hall of Fame. Ladies and gentlemen, the recipient of the IGHSAU Golden Plaque of Distinction Award in Volleyball. Congratulations to Coach Maureen Heath of West Burlington High School. Congratulations.

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Congratulations on that well-deserved honor impacting all the sports. And now the lights are off. Let's meet these teams.

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It's time to bring our teams on the floor. And fans, give it up for your Blackhawks.

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High school in charge.

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I didn't, I knew there was no turning back

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. Now. Living rage in thought. What can I do?

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In you there was no no help for you. I'm not sound just.

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Feel my heart.

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Call me about

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my.

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Denver fans. Let's hear it for your Cyclones.

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Dunkel.

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With the team.

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We.

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Tess Nielsen something we missing, guys? All right, fans, it's.

Now time to introduce our players and coaches. Today's Two-a championship matchup. First of all, for the Hinton Blackhawks, here are your Nonstarters number one, Payton Beck. Number two, Becca Lahrs. Number four, Kimmy Hoefling. Number five, Taylor Derocher. Number seven Addison Dunkel. Number 11 Ashlyn Kramer. Number 14 Macie Charlson. And number 15 Rory Cook. Your assistant coaches, Emily Olson and Aspen Coffee. Now, here's your starting lineup for the Blackhawks of Hinton, A59 freshmen. Number six Adalyn Ortegren a six foot freshman. Number eight, Ellie Friessen a six foot senior. Number nine, Bailey Boeve a 511 senior. Number ten Karlyn Kovarna a, six one sophomore. Number 12 Raelyn Kempema and A56 senior. Number 13 Katelyn Hoefling. Your libero is A56 freshman. Number 17 Brynlee Boeve co-head coaches for the Blackhawks, Robin Mohr and Kate Ortegren. And now let's meet the team from Denver. Here are your Cyclones. Number two Mackenzie Simmons. Number three Addie Brauman. Number four Jillian Clayton. Number six Brilee Ackerson. Number seven Mollie Tierney. Number eight Aubrey. Rattler. Number 11 Lexie Benham. And number 15 Addy Gleason. Your assistant coaches, Paul Gable and Megan Newbrough. Now your starting lineup for the Denver Cyclones. A six foot senior. Number one Channing Johnson five. Senior number ten Madeline Hildebrandt 511. Senior number 12 Bailey Mullihan five eight. Sophomore number 14 Edina Murch 511. Senior number 17 Grace Mullihan A61. Senior number 18 Mylee Thurm. Your libero is A57 junior. Number five Mackenzie McEwan. Head coach for the Cyclones Jamie Johnson. Now, fans, let me introduce to you our officials for this Two-a Championship match. Our first referee Casey Hopp. Second referee Jennifer Lewis. And your line judges Vince Workman and Chris Rentz. All right, who's ready to win a state championship?

Outstanding coaches, student athletes and officials. Let's look at the keys to the match. Our analyst Beth West. What's it going to take here to win a state championship for Hinton.

For the Blackhawks, they want to apply pressure from the service line. We're looking for them to hit their serving targets to try to get the Cyclones out of system. And Hinton wants to communicate well and fight as a unit. They've accomplished so much this year and they are prepared to battle with confidence and leave it all on the court.

Denver graduated some talent off last year's state championship team. What are their keys?

Denver brings back some great experience from that last year's team, and we're looking for them to display scrappy defense. If they can cover the court, they're going to frustrate Hinton's offense and hopefully slow down. Boeve the Blackhawks top hitters and overall, they need to execute their strategy so that they can bring home back to back state volleyball titles to their school.

Not going to be easy. As you look inside the huddle for Hinton and you look at the team love and chemistry, it's the final match of the season in class two, a Denver 49 and one in the quarterfinals. They swept Wapsie Valley with the team attack percentage of close to 400. In the semifinals, they took care of Grundy Center three sets to one Hinton. They defeated Iowa City Regina in the quarterfinals and in the semifinals they defeated Dike-new Hartford three sets to one. They're going to turn on the lights and we're going to serve the volleyball here as Hinton. The Blackhawks will be wearing the black and gold and Denver the Cyclones will be in the maroon, white with black bottoms to serve for Hinton. It's Adeline Ortegren, the freshman to serve first and that's making a statement. First of all, you're a freshman. Second of all, you have 64 aces on the year. And the first point is an ace. Good pass.

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That's Boogie. We talked about her being a problem for Denver. She's going to get a lot of balls sent her way. She's going to get a lot of swings.

She carries a lot of offense plays great defense. We see why she has their kills. Leader. Such a big approach. Big swing to start the match.

Denver gets their first point and the side out. Madeline Hildebrandt the five eight senior. Diaz to serve. She's pretty good behind the service line as well. 55 aces.

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Good battle at the net there. We play on locked. Back and forth. Nice rally. Blocked again. The defense the brick wall.

Nice job from Denver out of the middle we see number 18. Look at her press over the net. One on one, but nowhere to go.

Mylee Thurm, A61 senior middle hitter. She's number one on the team in blocks with 93. That was a big one that lands in the cross court. Kill by Bailey Boeve. Big smiles and high fives for her. Here's a look at that last point.

30 elevates with her approach so easily able to contact high. She really winds up with her arm swing and then a smart shot going deep. Cross court.

, quick set, middle and any time you get the middle hitter involved, usually good things happen. The kill for Thurm.

I like her choice. Turning back to her left, changing the flow. There, finding open court.

Checking in Karlyn Kovarna the senior middle hitter for Hinton ball popped around. Here's Hinton back set result kill. Raelyn Kempema the six one sophomore right side hitter hits it a high percentage close to 300. Kill efficiency on the year.

The cyclones are going to be focused on Boeve on the outside. So with other attackers for the Blackhawks can get involved, can be efficient.

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It's going to be so important for Hinton to be successful tonight.

Hitting air makes our score five three. Hinton has looked like they are ready for the moment right out of the gates here.

Coming in very composed running their offense, playing some scrappy defense so far. Even threw in an ace serve. Wanting to continue that. And man are they doing it from the outside. Love that swing.

Here's a look again at the power the Bailey Boeve brings. Had a knee injury last year. Really derailed Hinton's hopes of getting back to the state championships. She's committed to play Division one volleyball at Creighton, a powerhouse out of the Big East Conference all tournament team at the state tournament in 2023. A side out and high fives from head coach Jamie Johnson, she earned her 250th career win this season. She knows volleyball inside and out. Mackenzie McEwan, the junior libero, serves. A lot of pop on that swing as well from Dubai.

Boeve turning line on that left pin attack. Denver prepared from a defensive position with a defender on that line. But it's coming so fast. She just got her hands out. Couldn't control it.

Look at that hustle. Sticking with it was Hildebrandt. Setter dump. And it's an attack error. But wait, hold on. Violation and Denver's going to get the point.

Blocking violation in the net for the Blackhawks. Otherwise the ball would have been out and Hinton point. But got to stay clean. Clean out of the net.

Going right down the line with the kill 8 to 5 high energy spreading it around offensively. The kill by Friesen, the freshman and now a serve from Ellie Friessen.

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That is a tough, tough swing by Bailey Mullihan.

Mullihan reaching for that one. She had to arch back the timing on the approach was a little off. The set was wide, but she made good use of it. Tooling the block, able to get it through for the Cyclones.

Mullihan checks out. She's committed to Saint Cloud State. She has over 1000 career kills. She was named the All-Tournament volleyball team last year on that state championship. That one will drop in and we have the one point opening first set here.

This swing had a slower pace. It had an arch to it a little bit higher, but it's all about placement in volleyball. And if you can find an opening in the court, it doesn't matter if it's speedy or swell, you can get it down.

Off the block, out of bounds, side out Hinton with the point. To our net cam. Not to rank my favorite cameras, but I love that view from the above. The net. Tip over the block. Palm patient. The back row attack from Boeve. Back set Kempema had a good attack. Beautiful. Up by the libero and that's down for a point.

Really good patience on both sides of the net. Playing defense first, transitioning that into offense. Great dig there from Boeve to start it. And then look at that fantastic swing from the left pin.

There's two Boeves on the court. Brynlee Boeve the five six freshman says she's wearing number 17 and Bailey Boeve wearing number nine. The senior. Side out. Another point ten nine.

And that was a well formed block from the Cyclones double block pressing over the Blackhawks a little surprised that it came back. No one was ready down in coverage to keep that ball alive.

Serving is. Addie Brauman and serving. Tough. Getting the kill in the middle. Brauman just a sophomore. Only played in 14 sets and making the most of her moment here in perspective, there's been 107 sets heading into the state tournament. She'd only played in 14.

You never know when your number is going to be called, when your team is going to need you, practice like you're going to go in warm up, like you're going to go in. Be prepared. Because as we say, volleyball is a team sport and it takes everyone on the court. It takes everyone on the bench encouraging, communicating, motivating each other. And then when it's your turn, make the most of it.

Stringing some points together is Denver takes the lead and the momentum again behind the tough serving verve. Addie Brauman the sophomore last touch by Denver and Hinton with the side out, rotating back, it'll be Adeline Ortegren to serve the freshman outside hitter with 64 aces on the year. One of the state leaders in service aces. And as the words come out of my mouth, she dials one up there on cue.

I think we can mark down Eric Braley one point, calling it from the announcer's booth ace.

It's one of her strengths that she brings to the team. Quick set, middle tip over the block off the hands kept alive. Not going to get that one.

We gotta give credit to the Cyclones number six Ackerson all out. Dive to keep that alive in the back row. And then they transition it to such beautiful offense.

You can use any part of your body to keep that volleyball off the court. You're going to see bumps and bruises after the long volleyball season on all these student athletes. August September, October. And now the final day, Thursday, November 6th, of Iowa high school volleyball season. This is the class two a match. Strong swing, but it's off the block and out of bounds. Last touch by Thurm and we're tied at 13 apiece.

Cyclones beat aggressive with the block, putting up a double. Good lineup as well on Boeve, but she's able to pull it out of bounds.

It's such a mental part of the game. It's like chess. It's good to be physical, but you need to know what you want to do and what you want to try and take advantage of with your opponent. Seizing the opportunity in front of you. So the Cyclones out of Denver, Iowa, leading by one in the serve. Boeve relatively held in check. Beth. She only has five kills, which is still a ton for where we are in this set. She came out firing early and often, but has been relatively quiet. That one's blocked and it's down for a point.

Off the block to the opposite side, going wide. Denver got excited thinking they had actually got a stuff block on Boeve, but she brings such power if she's able to contact high, she can still use the block to her advantage. Staying away from being low into the meat of it. Stay high, swing away.

We're past the halfway point of the opening set here. Class two a final and oh, my goodness, get out of the way! Bailey Boeve.

The floor had to shake. Maybe there's a dent in the floor. That ball was dying inside. But Bailey Boeve. She sped up her approach. She got to it and she was able to hammer it.

Heading to play at Creighton University next year. Looking to bring a state title to Hinton today. Going to be tough to get. This ball has to send it over. They do out of system though, and seizing the opportunity. Folks, that's Channing Johnson, the six foot senior setter, has over 1000 assists, over 4400 career assists. But how about 136 kills in the regular season? Call her own number.

An offensive setter. Perfect decision. Deception as well with the left hand throwing it behind.

Had to alter the approach. And it's gonna land in. Grab that sideline. And now Bailey Boeve to serve. Boeve now in the back row. She can still attack in the back. Let's see if they try and get it to her. No, they're going to go to the outside. Free ball Boeve swing blocked. Point.

Not a lot of space for Friesen to work with. It was a tight set and there was a big double block from the Cyclones. All she could do was try to swing away. Maybe wanted to tip instead. But you see it right there. A wall.

Grace Mullihan was there and now pushing it too far past the service line. You look at just the body language of the coaches, of the student athletes on the sidelines, trying to will their teammates on for good things to happen. Because we're at this really critical time here. The later stages of this first set. Robin Moore and Kate Ortegren, co-head coaches for Hinton. Neither team is used to time-out yet. And now Hinton will take one. Trailing by 319 to 16 Denver on a run here in set one in the class Two-a Championships. Well, Beth, we're just two weeks away from high school championship football from the uni-dome seven classes over two days in Cedar Falls. Toe meets leather. Beginning Thursday, November 20th at 9:30 a.m. You don't want to miss. It. Continues through prime time Friday, the 21st on statewide Iowa PBS. Your home for high school sports. Championships.

The Uni-dome with a little bit of a facelift this fall. And so they are ready to welcome all of the high school football fans into Cedar Falls to show off the Uni-dome and crown some champions in a few weeks.

Building opened in 1976. It was ready for a little bit of a facelift. You know, it's championship time for the fall sports. Volleyball ends today. You have football, cross country ended golf, and then you flip the page. And just like that, you blink and the winter sports are going to get underway. But no one's thinking about winter sports right now. 1916, right out of a time-out. Well deserved. Designed, well executed. Play. That's Ellie Friessen the freshman with the kill.

Good response out of the time-out. Quality pass. The right decision from a setting perspective and freezing with the kill.

Over the block. Good touch off the block. It goes out of bounds Lund up Charlson was there along with Kovarna, a three point lead in the serve for the Cyclones 49 wins on the year 49 and one. Their lone loss coming against Sumner-fredericksburg all the way back on September 27th. Otherwise, it's all been wins. They dropped just nine sets all season long. Many players for Denver on a soccer team that were state runners up at state in June. Needed that point. Hinton attacking the middle and now in the rotation to serve will be Hoefling. Hinton a state championship title in March for basketball. Five trips to the state championships in volleyball 2023. They played in this state final, losing to Dike-new Hartford.

Murch for the cyclones. Responding with a kill on the outside, being aggressive, taking it right at the double block for the Blackhawks. She got it through, but the response first swing side out. Needing to do that for Hinton, keeping it close.

Adalyn Ortegren with the kill right down the line. Two point differential. She'll serve it up and it's a beauty. Thought it was going to drop for a service ace, but we play on tip over the block and that is not going to be returned. Checking in on our Boeve km. She now has seven here in the opening set. It's not crazy for her to get 25 to 30.

She did it in both the semis and the quarters twice already with 25 plus kills in this state tourney. And we've seen her hammer it off the block every single direction off the court, to the left, to the right. Now all the way to the back. That's what happens with power.

2121 Denver now calls a time-out. But we told you about the football championships. Let's tell you about some of the other sports that you need to put on your calendar. Coming up, football's November 20th through the 21st. We have girls wrestling February 6th. The boys wrestling finals, February 21st. It'll be here before you know it. Girls basketball March 6th and seventh and boys state basketball finals. March 13th, all of which you can find where only on Iowa PBS.

All this talk about winter. I'm not quite sure I like it. I love all of those sports and I plan on watching them on Iowa PBS. But it's beautiful outside today, so let's just keep that a little bit.

A beautiful setting and it's now anybody's opening set here. 2121. Getting the point out of the time-out Denver responds as Madeline Hildebrandt to serve. No room for error and a miscue. There. And now Denver just two points away, forcing Hinton to use their second and final time-out. Look at the emotion on Denver's side.

They are fired up. Lots of excitement, wanting to finish two points. Focus and finish.

Let's listen in to Hinton's huddle.

Okay? Is she up now? Yeah. Okay.

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Hey.

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Keep pushing.

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We need.

A pass. They're gonna fire for you two right now. Coming in hard. All right, own it. Put it down. We're at 22. Got three more to push. We've been in this situation before. Not a big deal. Let's go.

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Here we go.

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Three.

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Watch this point. This point. Come on.

Lots of encouragement. Warming her team down. We're right in this. Just a two point differential. Get a pass side out and then push from there.

Robin Mohr Kate Ortegren co-head coaches. It's the third Hinton team. These co-head coaches have led the state. Needing a side out Hildebrandt to serve. And it's into the net. There's the side out. And now to go to work is Hinton in the rotation will be Ashlyn Kramer the five three senior des.

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One points between Hinton and Denver. Diving for it.

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Able to keep it off the court. And that brings up set point.

Great effort. But the execution from the Cyclones being able to connect and then find an opening with just one point away.

Lexie Benham the libero serving for Denver beautiful up. Down for the point. Hinton started off strong, but Denver dug deep, rallied back and pulled away to win by three. Oh, we're a long ways from over. We're just getting started in the class two AA championship. We'll be back to Xtream Arena right after this.

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No one ever saying you.

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Know. Never say.

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Local. Regional. National artists take the stage to perform original sets and share their musical journeys on studio three live. Enjoy weekly performances Fridays at 830, online or as a podcast. Well, stay connected with Iowa PBS sports. No matter where you're watching from, join the conversation. Follow us on Facebook and X and use hashtag Iowa PBS sports. To enjoy the championship with other fans. Beth West and Eric Braley. Bringing you the three A, two and one a championships. And that was entertaining. Holy buckets. Beth.

Back and forth. Such great volleyball in set one. Ten times the teams were tied five lead changes. You can't ask for anything more from that first set, but Denver hitting 333 as a team with three blocks, they really put the pressure on Hinton only as a team, hitting 184. They don't have any blocks, so they want to get that net presence elevated in set two.

Mylee Thurm with five kills leading the way for Denver offensively, hitting 385 Denver as a team, hitting three 3314 kills, two errors on 36 attempts, and for Hinton Bailey Boeve nine kills. She's hitting 333. Only a 184 attack percentage for Hinton. Denver looking to defend their title. Hinton has other plans. Getting the first point here in the second set.

Being active at the net, we just said they needed to get that net presence, make it known. Taking care of the over dig their wiping it, throwing it down.

Tied at one apiece or one thing that I like to do is introduce our viewers to some of these schools in towns that they might not know about. Denver the mile wide city, not mile high, mile wide. It is about a mile wide from Bremer County. Small town values, convenient location near Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Waverly in northeast Iowa. Population about 2000. Officially 89 miles from the center of Denver to where we're sitting here, about an hour and 28 minute drive. Denver High School, ninth through 12th grade, about 275 students. We talked about the success they had placing second at state in soccer, winning volleyball last year, a lot of good things. Cooking in Denver when it comes to the school and and sports.

They're building this volleyball program into a powerhouse. Six straight state appearances. They won the title last year, trying to continue that and defend that championship tonight.

Hinton with the point pull ahead 3 to 2. Well, what do you know about Hinton population? 935 out of Plymouth County? It is in the far northwest corner of the state. 292 miles to Coralville. So out of all the teams playing, it is the furthest drive four hours and 30 minute drive. One way for them to get here, but they are happy to make the trip to Coralville to play for a state title.

Such an accomplishment for these Blackhawks to get to the championship again. They've been here before two years ago, so again in the championship. So of course their students, their family, their friends, their community is going to drive that 4.5 hours to Coralville.

Cross court swing. I really like the idea, but it goes out of bounds. You have a lot of options when you're up in the air about ready to make contact. Boeve so smart has that vision. Tried to go sideline to sideline with that swing.

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And the black and gold is Hinton Denver and the white tops and black bottoms attack air. And it's now five three Denver with the advantage.

Denver staying very disciplined on their defense. They know exactly where the sideline is, exactly where that end line is. So with that ball is sailing high. They know if it's going out.

Hard to get a block up in time to stop that.

So impressive. That set was bringing Bailey Boeve inside. We saw her in set one hammered one of those inside sets. Cross court. This time she chops it back to the line. When you don't know where the attacker is going, when they can be deceiving like that. So hard to defend.

You here. Sometime coaches talk about tempo. Why is that so important? Tempo offenses and being quick in the sport of volleyball.

Exactly. So tempo. The pace of your sets, the pace of the game. You can run a fast tempo offense meaning bringing those sets down faster sets when you run a quick tempo offense, it's tougher for the opponent's defense to get set up right. It's likely that they're still going to be moving. There might be holes in the block, but. So even though it can be tougher to defend, teams might run a slower tempo offense because that connection is better. So different options. What works best for the personnel on your team?

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Nice look at that replay of the Cyclones leading 7 to 4 here right now over the Blackhawks.

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They took the first set by a score of 2522. Point four Hinton same angle. Another look at it.

Kate Ortegren. Yeah. Ortegren on the outside. Five nine freshman. We talked about her high level serving, but she's able to cool it off the block in the front row as well.

Reaching up and just barely goes inside that antenna. And now it's going to be a point for the cyclones. And a side out. The down official. And we need to say if you're watching any of the the people that are wearing the blue tops are the officials. So you have one standing up above the net, one down. Official opposite them, and two line judges on the corners. And these are the best in the state that.

They are. There's rating throughout the year. So in order to get assigned a state match and let alone a state championship match, you have to have those good ratings. So their quality, they know what they're doing.

We have a time-out on the court, a four point lead for the Denver Cyclones. Well, this week the Iowa girls High School Athletic Union, they did something that was a lot of fun. One. Let's listen in to the Denver huddle.

Keeps running our hands on blocks. Yes that's right, that's right.

All right. Cyclones 123. Sorry I couldn't hear you until at.

So not much talking about because everything's working right. Called him over. Keep doing what you're doing. Keep the foot on the gas as really the momentum from the end of the first set is carried over to the start of the second set.

Here it has. And sometimes that's just what you need to hear from your coach. That extra encouragement saying you're doing it right, keep it going. I don't need to change anything. You've got this. Play your game.

The overpass results in an easy swing. Grace Mullihan she's a special player for the Denver Cyclones, the senior committed to Saint Cloud State. She's very efficient with her. Kills over 100 kills this season. A tough serve and Hinton starting to come a little unraveled here as Denver applying pressure.

Ackerson with the line drive serve. That was a bullet going through that serving zone floating and just really caught that Blackhawks serve receive pass there off guard.

The antenna waving, meaning the ball hit it and that's out of bounds again. Love the idea, but just the execution wasn't there due to where the block was. Hinton defeated Iowa City Regina in the quarterfinals, three sets to one, and in the semis, perennial power dike-new Hartford in four. Another point and the run continues.

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Wow.

Denver is so gritty in their backcourt defense. They are digging everything up, giving their front row an opportunity to attack. They take advantage of that cross court swing.

Hinton really wants to try and get the ball to Boeve. She's positioned in the rotation in the back row here, a joust and a point for Hinton that'll give them the ball part of the rotation and the side out. Checking in as you see the net cam a joust, meaning players from both sides jousting meeting right above the net.

Such a perfect term for the battle that is going on right above the top of the net. A joust.

And now an opportunity to string some points together. They dug themselves a hole. The Blackhawks out of Hinton, their only losses coming to Sioux City east on September 27th and Unity Christian on October 11th. Other than that, it's been all victories for Hinton this year. Another point that's three in a row.

Three in a row for the Blackhawks trying to swing the energy to their side. They get a great dig, push it high to the outside, and there we see Ortegren getting that cross court swing.

Back set. Good attack off the hands. Denver will not let it hit the court though. We play on. Good play by Brynlee Boeve Libero. She plays setter. She keeps it up. But an attack there again. It's so tough because a lot of those attacks in the regular season are going down for points and are not being returned.

[LAUGHTER]

You have to be patient, especially in the state championship. You're going against the best competition, so it's going to be tough to get a kill. You got to earn it. Be patient, keep working at it.

Attacking the block on the side, out of bounds. Ortegren with the kill. She's just a freshman and now she serves 116 kills, 64 aces. She has one already here in this championship match. One of the state leaders and a couple of categories. And she's so young.

Something about serving. You always want to be aggressive. You want to be smart. Love to get an ace. But if you're not getting an ace, you can contribute by getting the other team out of system, right? Limiting their attackers. So there's a lot more sometimes to serving than maybe what meets the stats at the end. In the box score. That's a perfect example. She got Denver out of system limits.

[LAUGHTER]

Their attack ends up with an error, but it's not going to show up in the stat book as an ace for her.

Ideally, you want to make the setters job as difficult as possible.

[LAUGHTER]

How do you do that? You make the pass to the setter.

[LAUGHTER]

Not good. Here's a good assist. And you just had a feeling the way that it was being set up there for Boeve. She dials it in Hinton was down. Now they're only down two. Time-out on the court and want to tell you about the. This week, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union held their second annual volleyball Future Champions Youth Clinic series right here in Coralville, led by varsity high school coaches from around the state. The clinic gives middle school girls a taste of the state tournament experience. Look at the smiles on the face from the video there. With expanding capacity and overwhelming demand, the event sold out in just two minutes. Better bookmark that for next year. It's the youth clinic, volleyball future champions. Got to start young. That looks like a blast.

Amazing footage from that clinic. I just my jaw is dropping that it sold out in two minutes. I love it. The response from young athletes wanting to get a taste of what high school state volleyball at a high level is, and getting to experience it right here in the extreme arena.

Over 11,000 girls out for Iowa high school volleyball. Just incredible numbers.

Great job from Hinton you see Boeve picking up that front row dig. She's playing left front. They're picking it up and then reversing that flow to the right side. Great swing.

Movie with 13 kills and just one point. Now the difference at the halfway point of the second set. Amazing effort. And Denver wins that point.

Denver taking a breath, needing a side out, getting it here, but full on effort from the Blackhawks.

Boeve blocked, but it doesn't matter. Off the hands of the block and point for Hinton a look at the sideline. Every player so valuable to this state tournament run Kramer one of those senior leaders. She'll be missed next year. That's a big point. Look out! We're tied at 15. No returning that one by every player on the court touched the volleyball in that sequence. And Hinton has the lead. They were down big using time-outs, looking at each other. How can we come back? They believed they not only came back, they're leading now.

[APPLAUSE]

In System Options. Gritty defense by the Cyclones Hinton. That's where they want the ball to go. Joust. And it's won by the Cyclones flexing her muscles. Channing Johnson one of the best setters in the state of Iowa. She'll be playing volleyball next year at Wayne State College. She's a good one.

What a fun sequence of events. A great rally. What pursuit? On both sides. But that joust at the net. Channing Johnson the second one to touch it, pushes it back for the Cyclones.

A point for the cyclones. Excuse me? For the Blackhawks. The cyclones were there again. But it's so hard to get a solid block taking away all the hitting angles and options. Channing Johnson to go back to her. She's number one on the team in blocks number three in digs, number three in aces, and obviously number one in assists. She's a six foot setter. She's pretty good for especially class two A to have that length a lot of options when you have a tall setter.

Great size able to put up a strong block, able to be offensive and take it over if she needs to. A wonderful athlete at the setter position.

Well, we told you about the youth clinic at the last time out. Follow up on that earlier this week at the middle school youth clinic. Attendees here in Coralville, they wrote on fun and inspiring messages on note cards. And then they posted them to the walls backstage right here at Xtream Arena. We had a chance to look at them. They hope to help fire up the state tournament athletes to compete at the highest level. Their connection to these student athletes battling for a state title 1816.

[APPLAUSE]

What a match! Hinton leading by two Denver won the first set 2522. Head coach for the cyclones and head coach for Hinton. It's the strategy. It's a chess match and trying to pull the best and most out of these student athletes. That one will drop Mylee Thurm having herself a night seven kills for Thurm.

She's been consistent. She's been a go to when the cyclones need a point. They've been feeding her in the middle.

[LAUGHTER]

Attack air out of bounds. And now, after a Denver time-out, a couple of points for Denver and Thurm serving just the atmosphere. It's so great thinking about places you played as a divisional and athlete. You know it's different here compared to, you know, Hilton Coliseum or the McLeod center. The U.S. Cellular Arena where it was before. Each setting is different. And you know what most these players are coming from small high school gyms right.

Exactly where this arena how the fans seem on top of you. The student section able to bang on the hockey walls around it gets so loud in here, so very different from the regular season and the high school gyms that they're used to playing. But what fun, what excitement. And just an amazing atmosphere.

Fans, on top of the action, on top of the block, there and celebrating Charlson on the outside, along with Friesen. Big smile. Maybe not a big smile, but a little smile there from coach now 20 to 18. Setter dump. They weren't ready for it. Smart call.

Such a great decision. The timing of that setter dump taking it over on two Blackhawks were waiting for that third ball to come over and they're flat footed. And then another point on top of that with a tough serve receive pass and we're all tied up again.

[APPLAUSE]

Anybody can walk away with the second set. Blocked. But it goes out of bounds off the hands of the Hinton block. That's three in a row for Denver.

Denver on a roll. Bailey Mullihan on the outside doing her part, getting the kill for her team.

Two contacts with the push over. Trying to just, you know, push it, keep them off guard.

[APPLAUSE]

But the officials said kind of like a carry in basketball. Shoved it over. So a run here by Denver and a time-out on the court. Let's listen in to the Denver huddle.

[LAUGHTER]

She's in the back row right now. Right. For many spots.

[LAUGHTER]

Let's just keep pushing points.

[LAUGHTER]

You're doing everything you're supposed to do.

[LAUGHTER]

You're communication is really high I like it.

[LAUGHTER]

Keep talking, keep believing. Great serving, great passing, great digging off of block touches. Yes. All right. Deep breath in love. You girls. To Cyclones. One, two, three.

We appreciate Coach Jamie Johnson letting us put the microphone on her. She earned her 250th career win this season. She's coached ten years of high school volleyball, all ten of them at Denver hasn't lost much. She's led the school to six. Trips to state. And right now, Denver has the momentum. Can they push it to 25, though? Tough serve back. And now in system are the Cyclones Hinton with options though. And that's a smart play.

Very smart. It started with a pickup in the off blocker. And then Charlson with the tip Denver though putting it just right on top of the net for the Blackhawks to hammer it down.

Here's Ellie Friesen and it's into the net. The freshman has played so strong all year, but now the ball rolls over to the Denver Cyclones side, needing just two more points here and the serve coming for Brilee Ackerson. The senior Diaz. Nice. As they go with the swing and caught and popped up the libero. And Hinton now just trails by one.

The poise to be able to respond when you're down late in the set to get a pass and swing away. Still being aggressive. I love the aggression that they're showing.

Hoefling serving good up to the outside.

[APPLAUSE]

Hinton and a free ball. Pass it over the net. Denver Cyclones trying to win this long rally and they get the point. Booby was trying to cover a lot of area in that back row all by your lonesome.

She had so much back line to cover. Murch a little chop shot rolling it down the line, knowing that it's open. She didn't have to get it there fast. She just had to place it.

Set point for the Denver Cyclones blocked down point. The door of opportunity still open. A crack here for Hinton trailing just by one. And now Adalyn Ortegren another freshman to serve one of the best in the state. And I'm going to call that an ace. I mean, it pretty much. It's the same result, right?

Overpass on the serve. Receive contact Blackhawks take care of business. Own that net. Put it away.

Good pass. There. 2524 are you entertained? What a second set. The first one was great. 2522 we got overtime. Free volleyball here. Set point again for Denver. And guess who with her eighth kill, I believe that's Boeve flying high.

Booby with the confidence swing on the left using the hands approaching strong, tying it up here at 2025. Here.

Fast and forth. Back and forth we go. Who's going to be the one that makes the final play to win the second set?

The fans on both sides. Both teams. Everyone is standing up. Bonus volleyball here in set two.

Set point again. Lexie Benham. She terminates another one. Booby. The Creighton commit. All smiles. She's a special, special player.

The awareness to change up that speed. She's going hard. Hammer power that time she approaches like she's going to swing away. Changes it up. Roll shot catches Denver off guard. Still gets the point.

Click. She's through the emergency brake on flying through the air and changed momentum. Smart play by Johnson to send it over. Booboo. That time she went with the power and now it's set point for Hinton. They battled off numerous set points here in the second, and now they're on the right side of things. And Hinton wins it 2826 in a thriller. They were down big early on. They face set point numerous times. It doesn't matter. We're tied at one apiece as we go to the third set in this two a championship final, you're watching it here on Iowa PBS.

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Denver wins the first Hinton wins the second. Both went down to the wire where either one could have won. It's a toss up and it's still a toss up. Beth West and Eric Braley welcome you in. Championship Thursday, five a 43 A chance have already been crowned. This one's been arguably the most fun so far.

So entertaining. High level volleyball from both sides. So many lead changes. Multiple attackers getting involved on both sides. But what I'm liking the most is the defense. This is just some gritty, all out effort. Relentless pursuit on both sides. And that's why we love volleyball.

Quick glance at the statistics and some great leaders for Hinton. As you see, just individual performers stepping up as Boeve with 21 kills. Carrying that offense.

[LAUGHTER]

Total. In this match, we've seen 20 ties and nine lead changes. Denver Cyclones 49 and one overall. They won the title last year. Graduated some key members of that team. Hinton, 30 and two overall. They played for the state title two years ago.

Great touches on the Denver side. They scrambled just to get it over and then a lapse of communication. It drops right in the middle on the Blackhawks side.

Movie again, the set was right there and she's playing with that knee brace. That again. Really derailed last year. And without Boeve it just isn't the same team. And not sure if she's at 100% or 94.6% or whatever it is, but she's playing with that big old knee brace still extremely impressive. What she does playing all around.

Knowing what it takes to come back from an injury, especially a knee injury. I'm sure there was a lot of rehab and work in the off season to get back to such a wonderful place where she's able to compete at a high level, lead her team and other pieces on this Blackhawks squad that are playing phenomenal. It's a team effort, but she is the clear leader from an offensive perspective.

She's the one on the team committed to play Division one volleyball next year and again, not only going out there and getting the stats, but also you can tell that that captain, that leadership, when the team needs a point, they need someone to lift him up. She's there for good. Leaders do well. Denver they have a lot of good leaders and they have several players during their play. College volleyball next year as well. They're not used to having a team push them maybe as hard as what Hinton has done in that second set. So interesting to see how the Denver Cyclones respond here.

Good to be challenged. If you want to be the best, you have to play the best, right? And so to earn a state championship today, no better way to do that against a tough, challenging team.

Congratulations to the Five-a champions Waukee Northwest. They won in three North Scott High School, winning in four and assumption the three A champions. After this two way match only have one match remaining as Saint Ansgar will battle Janesville for the one. A match that is scheduled to start at 7:00. We'll see, as this one has all indications it's going five.

[APPLAUSE]

Denver in the white uniforms, Hinton in the black and gold.

It looked like Hinton was going to win that point, but the patience and resilience on the Cyclones side to keep digging balls to stay after it, it results in a Blackhawks hitting error.

For contacts, as the ball did not go over or touch any members of the Denver squad, you have to hit it over in three contacts. Again, we know that some of the viewers tuning in might not know all of the rules of this exciting sport, so we want to educate you. I'm sure you can feel the excitement. One of the things that has evolved over the years, you know, they have rally scoring. So before to me, it's not that long ago you had to. The only way you could get a point was if you were actually serving.

Yes. So yes.

It kind of took a while because you had to.

[LAUGHTER]

Not that we want to age, you know, ourselves, but yes, we absolutely remember Sideout scoring my first year of high school. Actually, we still played Sideout scoring and then it moved to rally. And the libero position and all those fun things that have sped up the game that we know now.

And that's the thing constantly looking at as the the athletes evolve, as technology evolves, you know, rule changes, things like that. And again, record numbers of student athletes here in the state of Iowa just falling in love with the sport of volleyball with over 11,000 out for the sport. 76 tied at one apiece, third set action from Coralville, Iowa. Xtream Arena. We've seen some long rallies, and what I mean by that is it takes a long time before the ball hits the court. And a point is awarded to a team.

When you have those long rallies. We've mentioned, it takes discipline and patience because you want to just put it away. You want to get it done right. And so sometimes that can lead to some mental errors or miscommunications. But truly good teams have patience and discipline and know when to really go after it and put it away. And so that's what we've seen multiple times. Be patient. Put it away. Keep swinging.

So important serving Brilee Ackerson one of those great seniors. Diaz over 100 digs on the year for the cyclones. Got it through the block and a side out.

For a split second there. There was another touch on the Cyclones side. I thought they were going to keep it alive, but going straight at that double block, making sure that you stay high on it and power it through.

Really getting some nice attacks. We've seen throughout as Edina Murch, the five eight sophomore outside hitter. She has about 300 kills on the year, about two and a half kills per set. When she goes up, the fundamentals are there. The technique, the footwork, and she's packs a powerful punch. That one's down on cue and it's now 11 to 7. Very similar. Denver pulls ahead, but don't celebrate too much because we saw in the second set Hinton stormed back. Well, here's a look at an interesting thing. It's called the Players Lounge, a staple at many Iowa girls teams tournaments. It's a place for teams to relax, to hang out prior to and following competition. Lots of games, lots of fun things to do. And they can watch. They can do whatever that is. They're doing there. And then it all happens.

Bench press.

The bench press, they can do it. And it all happens inside the arena, inside Extreme Arena. So when those young girls grow up and are playing at the state tournament, they can to hang out in the players lounge.

A wonderful idea, a great space for these teams to bond and hang out in between matches. Love the clips and the just entertaining from the players lounge.

So.

One of our close personal friends, Jean Berger, took over as the Executive Director several years ago and really put emphasis on making the state championships for the sports a bigger deal. And the branding of the pink and the Iowa Girl. And if you saw the starting lineups with the fire and then the strobe lights and all that, mission accomplished.

[LAUGHTER]

Jean.

Absolutely. Mission accomplished. Great job, Jean Berger. Building it up a true destination, a quality environment for the various girls state tournaments, not just volleyball, other sports as well. Truly special and then able to hand that off to Aaron, the current executive director.

A look at the extreme Arena. So the quarterfinals and semifinals, there's actually two courts going on at one time with a big curtain down the middle. And then at the end of the quarterfinals, they rip up the floor, they move things around. There's extra room on the far end where the winners can go sit in a pink throne, take pictures and celebrate. So Denver and Hinton, they want to be the team that's celebrating when the Janesville and Saint Ansgar won a championship. Get started. A three point lead for the cyclones. Another point in system Murch.

On that left pin for the cyclones turning down the line with force, she puts some pace, some punch on that ball straight down the line.

You know, looking at schools and programs that are consistently at state as Boeve with another kill her 26th of the match. You know a lot of things a junior varsity, you know, junior high program, youth club, volleyball strong coaching consistency at all levels. You can't just roll out of volleyball to your sophomores, juniors and seniors and say, okay, let's go. You really have to get that buy in early on. And and that's what, you know, the Western Christians, the Dike-new, Hartford, the, the schools that are here every single year do. And, and that's what some of these schools like the Denver Cyclones, this is their sixth straight state tournament.

It's fun to be able to instill that passion, that love of the game, being able to compete with your teammates, instilling that at a young age, starting that you don't have to be perfect. You just have to try and and start building those technical skills, and they'll get honed to near perfection. Right when you get into high school, continue to develop, but just starting that interest at a young age sure is fun. But hey, if you want to give it a try first thing in high school, that's okay. If you've never done it before, please try. Come out for volleyball. Wonderful sport, awesome team environment. Learn, grow. Develop into a great player.

Effort goes a long way. Reps go a long way and just teamwork. Wow. When you go off into graduation, the real world, being a student athlete, being part of a team, it's hard to put value on what that does.

The intangibles that you learn through sport. We could sing those praises all day.

Absolutely serve coming here for Hinton. This is Addison Dunkel, the sophomore setter. The block. Thought it was going to be blocked for a point. Second time will work in big celebration there. Ellie Friessen and Macie Charlson. They put up a nice block when they get force for hands and four arms up there.

If you don't succeed at first try, try again. And that's what the Hinton block did.

Three point difference here in the third set, here in the class two, a championships that's going to be blocked in for a point. I wasn't sure if it grabbed that sideline or not. The official right on top said yep. Let's take a look.

Quality net presence from the Blackhawks you see them move together as a unit and then press over.

[APPLAUSE] [LAUGHTER]

Wow. Some way. Pop that over and then a little. Just when you're scrambling out of system all over the place, there's open zones that just aren't covered.

Total scramble mode on the Blackhawks side, and good awareness from Denver Channing Johnson. We talked about her decision making as the setter. She knew that she could take it over because they were all out of sorts.

Boeve didn't get the kill, but it pops right up and Macie Charlson she's a strong six two freshman right side hitter over 100 kills. She's going to be something special. Well, she already is.

Yes, taking care of business. I love it. The star performer causes an over dig and Charlson is there to put it away.

Look at that up. Beautiful. One handed save to keep it alive by Mackenzie McEwan the junior libero. Number one on the team and digs and aces. Does all the intangibles. But Hinton with the point and look out a one point difference again.

I'm getting deja vu of the last set. These Blackhawks. They do not quit. They keep fighting.

It's hard in practice and drills to make it feel like this moment, the pressure of. Okay, you're playing for a state title and right now we're right where we started. Tied 1616. Time out on the court. Let's listen in to Hinton's huddle with coach Kate Ortegren and Robin Mohr.

Even if we don't get it, kill there. At least back in the corner and they have to bring it back up there late. Okay, so keep using that as an option too. If that ball you went up and did a triple block there, that's great. That's okay. If you feel like it's more over to your side, get over and block that okay. Back row. If we put up a triple block because she's moved over, be ready for the tip, okay. Hey, we have the momentum. Use it.

[APPLAUSE]

Let's go.

[LAUGHTER]

One, two. Three.

Yes! Keep it up. Nothing drops. Nothing drops.

They have the momentum. And that's a big thing. Beth.

It's a huge thing in volleyball. The energy, the momentum pushing that forward. Coach said nothing drops. We give pursuit to every ball. Nothing touches the floor. Talking about some blocking schemes. Watch for the tip. Some strategy, but most importantly, some encouragement for her team to just keep pushing.

These coaches do such a great job. Antennas waving Hinton with the point 30 wins on the year. Only two losses. Here's another look.

How does system set? You see Hinton attacks it into the block. Then the ball hits the antenna off the block. Therefore it's a point for Hinton.

Hinton continues to have the momentum. They dropped the first set. They won the second. They were down here in the third. They now lead by two, representing the War Eagle Conference where they went a perfect 11 zero.

[LAUGHTER]

Out of Plymouth County in the far northwest corner of the state. 292 miles from here, a 4.5 hour drive. And the run continues.

I love a big block. And right now the Blackhawks are putting up a wall. Just look at them all, forearms pressing over. But it's really number 14 you saw their Charleston angling her hands, turning that hand back into the court so she makes sure it goes down for a stuff.

Let's listen in to the Denver Cyclones huddle.

It's the game. You know what? I know you're going to finish this match. Having a great night. Do you know what I'm saying? Let's fast turn around. What'd you say? Yeah. Should we try this? Three slots.

[LAUGHTER]

Let's try the three slot for you. Okay, let's do that. All right. You're doing great, guys. Hey, look at me. Movie is back row.

[LAUGHTER]

You can do this. Let's go right out. One, two, three.

Love it.

Love it. The message is saying, I know this will happen. Sending that confidence, trying to push that into her student-athletes. Talking strategy. But more than anything, trying to lift them up, digging them out of a hole. But right in that seam, right between two zones on that serve, receive.

An aggressive serve through the zone and then between two players. That's so tough. You got to communicate, you got to move. But then someone has to take.

It and it's loud. Hinton they'll need to send this ball over on three. Smart decision Channing Johnson such a threat. She'll be playing volleyball next year at Wayne State as 136 kills in the regular season. Over 4400 career assists.

[LAUGHTER]

She said. I'm going to call my own number. That's the level of difficulty of that play. And now a block by Denver showing they can do it as well on their side of the net.

Back and forth. Just when we think one team is going to pull away with aces and blocks, then the opponent comes right back into the same thing. Another step block, this time from the Cyclones.

We don't give out, you know, MVP's of a set, but I have just been very impressed with Macie Charlson, the six two freshman right side hitter.

I would agree quality play from Charlson. She's getting a big block up.

[LAUGHTER]

She's doing it on offense. You got to have an additional spark for the Blackhawks and she's been in.

Leading by four Hinton so close to the finish line here in the third set. Denver won the first 2522. Hinton rallied to win the second 2826.

[LAUGHTER]

Into the net. The side out. Denver needed substituting in will be Murch and Ackerson. And to serve will be Brilee Ackerson. The senior Diaz. 36 aces on the year, not an ace because Boeve made an incredible play. She does it again. Look at Hinton defense. Relentless. Wow.

I am almost speechless with the effort that we are seeing from these.

Black lives.

Wound ups, just burying that ball, keeping it alive. It pays off.

I love that phrase. Better the ball. Make the ball in a better position. 2319 Denver needs a point badly. They get one right there. The door is open now. Denver the Cyclones last year's champion needs a run.

Take a breath, get a good quality serve and then just play defense. If you're the Denver Cyclones.

Addie Brauman in.

[APPLAUSE]

That is an incredible play.

[LAUGHTER]

Just to pop that up. By Johnson. It's open. The defense is creeping in toward the middle. Went toward the sideline, got one point back. Still some work to do as they climb the mountain. Hinton that brings up set point 2421.

Small but mighty. Number six on the outside. Freshman five nine. She's not afraid.

And now. To try and finish the job behind the service line. Cyclones get a good attack. Hinton Bailey Boeve hammer time and 2521. Your final score. Denver again jumped out to the early lead. And again the Blackhawks a Hinton came back to win it will be back with the fourth set from the class Two-a Championships right here on Iowa PBS.

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Executive season. What is it? It's college wrestling. The heart of the mat beats in the great state of Iowa. Catch the grit, the glory, and the champions of tomorrow. Featuring the Iowa Hawkeye. Women. The cyclone men, Naia Division two and three, as well as some double headers. Join us as college wrestling coverage returns again this December on Iowa PBS. A look at the schedule kicking off Thursday, December 11th at Waukee Northwest High School as Grandview versus Iowa Women also have some double headers all the way through early February. Well, if you're just joining us, Denver won the first set here in the class two AA Championships, 2522, and they had multiple opportunities for set point to win the second set. Hinton fought it off and won the second set 2826. And then Hinton won the third set 2521. The first team to win three sets wins the match. The team that wins the match is your class two, a state champion.

This has been so entertaining so far in this two a title match back and forth, just like you described.

1 to 1 here in this big important fourth set, the coaches looking on is Kate Ortegren, co-head coaches with Robyn Moore third Hinton team. These co-head coaches have led the state. Robyn has coached for 25 years. Kate for 11. The Hinton Blackhawks and for Denver. They got a good one as well. Jamie. She's coached ten years, all ten years at Denver High School, hit a big milestone this year, earning 250 career victories this season. Denver how'd they get here? On Tuesday, they swept Wapsie Valley 2514, 25, 17 and 2511, in the quarterfinals. And then yesterday in the semifinals, Denver took down Grundy Center three sets to one. Hinton. In the quarterfinals, they defeated Iowa City, Regina in four and yesterday in the semifinals. Here in, Xtream Arena defeated Dike-new Dike-new Hartford three sets to one. Nice placement. And again, I think figuring out your opponent, these two teams have not played each other in understanding maybe hitting the ball as hard as you can isn't always the right decision.

An incredibly long rally and the swing that ends it is the roll shot in the donut in the middle of the court. So you are exactly right that you can swing away. Absolutely bring that power. But don't be afraid to mix it up. Try a different shot from your toolbox. Catch the defense off guard.

I like that the toolbox. You got to have a lot of tools in your toolbox. What do I need to pull out for this job? Right here? That time, the block was pressing over, attacking into it off the hands. And that's a point.

You think about other sports and having set plays and running those set plays. Volleyball has offensive plays as well, but it's so dictated. On whether you can get a pass or not. So being able to adjust and like we said, mix up your shots is so important. You got to be able to change and make decisions because it might not be the set play that you thought you were going to bring forth.

You can have a plan. Yep. But a lot of sports is improv.

Absolutely.

Isn't that life pivoting?

We're getting deep here and it is life. That's right. Have a plan, but be flexible. Be able to adjust.

5 to 3 very early stages here. As the sophomore Addison Dunkel to serve for Hinton, she's looking over to see what zone the coach wants her to serve to. Nice placement in the side out.

Bailey Mullihan number 12 on the outside. Getting that kill early here in set four. So tight. We mentioned for Hinton number seven coming back in they run A62 offense. That means they have two setters who set from the back row. And so we see on display here when your back row setter and that ball is tight to the net it's tough to stay clean and to get up a good set to your teammate. So just different offenses six two from the Blackhawks A51 offense with one setter from Denver.

Powerful. Another kill if you're keeping track. How many does Boeve have? Well, I'll tell you. 29. Also ten digs. So she's has a double double already here, and we're just the early stages of the fourth set. The class Two-a championships.

[LAUGHTER]

Yeah, multiple different offenses that schools and teams can run in different sports. Really? In volleyball, there's two the five one where you have one setter who's out there all the time and plays all around. And it's her job to be the quarterback, to distribute the ball service ace. That's a big one. And Denver now widening the gap up by three.

Denver similar to the script of previous sets coming out strong in the beginning, building that lead. But this time they want to sustain it.

I think that's the toughest thing. Denver has had the lead in all three sets. You got to find a way to finish Hinton and I don't, I don't know, I don't have an answer. I don't have a solution or or if that is even possible with the fight and drive that I've seen out of these Blackhawks here. Great concentration. Anytime you're next to. The ladder and the official. They're to not run into it and still make the play long rally here. Who's going to win this point? Hard fought. A lot of great defensive plays on both sides of the net, and it's going to be a point. Wow. Take a deep breath. Right.

The stamina and the physicality that it takes for a long rally like that. I feel like we were over a minute. I don't know how long that was, but just taking a deep breath now to get your bearings, fight on. It's so tough in those long rallies but amazing defense. So fun to see.

Yeah, we showed you the replay of the last eight seconds. We couldn't show you the replay.

[LAUGHTER]

The full two minute rally there. Eight six the Denver Cyclones last year's state champions with the lead in a must win fourth set net violation. And it'll be a point and a chance to serve for Channing Johnson, who might be the best setter in the state of Iowa. She is tremendous, leads all classes in total assists into the all tournament team last year, over 4400 total miscommunication. Might see a time-out here for Hinton. But also the coaches relying on student athletes to kind of figure it out themselves to a point. Reaching back. It goes long. And there is the time-out requested by the Hinton coaching staff. Kate Ortegren says. Let's regroup here for the fourth consecutive time, Hinton falls down a deficit here.

Behind early in set four, there's been some long rallies, so it's not like the Blackhawks are playing poorly. There's been great defensive effort. Denver able to be patient, being very disciplined to win those long rallies. And now, like we mentioned before, needing to continue on the gas. No letup. Right. They've been in this position in the previous sets. They need to finish.

Love seeing fans of all ages coming out from these respective communities to cheer on and support these schools. It's a memory that they'll take with them their entire lives. Not every day you get to go cheer on your school for a state championship. You don't know the next time you'll get to Denver six straight state tournament appearance. And for Hinton fifth trip to state, state finals back in 2023, Hinton one basketball state title in March, Denver state runners up in soccer back in June. Lot of good athletes at both these schools.

Denver having success.

[LAUGHTER]

Just getting the ball in the middle of the court, right? The perimeter is being covered by the Blackhawks, but that middle, the donut, the campfire, it's wide open and that's what Denver has been able to attack multiple times. And then getting some bonus points off of errors from the Blackhawks.

A rare miscue there by Bailey Boeve, the six foot senior outside hitter, has 29 kills and ten digs. And now another miscue and the largest lead Denver has had this entire night. Eight points still feels like a long ways from 25, though. Off the hands point for the Blackhawks side out.

When you're trying to come back from a deficit, you have to start with one. And so pulling it off the block, they're getting that side out. Unfortunately not able to stack on points. A first string not even showing. Right. It's an error. So getting the ball right back, making it a little too easy for Denver.

Eight point advantage in a must win opportunity here in the class Two-a Championships for the Denver Cyclones. Another miscue and it's just so tough because not sure exactly the trajectory of where that ball is going to go.

Flying as a middle Grace Mullihan here she goes up, she blocks and then she has to turn quickly off of that block and it's coming right at her. So having to do a lot of work as a middle, she tried to tip it over, but just not in the right spot. With that left hand.

Another stellar play. RaeLynn Kempema, a sophomore, another underclassmen who will look to take the baton and keep it moving forward. This one will be a redo as serving it before the whistle was Katelyn Hoefling. And again, that that hand off timing is everything. It's so fast.

Timing between the setter and the middle very important. And when you have that blind behind your back set trying to tip it just a little short.

Beautiful block that is textbook.

Responds well, though, coming off of an error on the attack attempt and then just putting up a strong double block right there. Great job from Grace Mullihan pressing over, smothering the ball.

Hildebrandt a strong player for Denver out there making plays. A seven point lead for the Denver Cyclones Denver the mile wide city in Bremer County, northeast Iowa near Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Waverly. Population about 2000, an hour and 28 minutes from here, 275 students in grades ninth, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade in the high school. And a time out, an eight point lead as we head on down the home stretch here in the fourth set. Let's go inside the Hinton huddle and take a listen in.

We're going.

To do with this game. Okay? Yesterday we were down 1710. Right now it's 1810. Do you believe in yourself. Yeah. Can we sign out right now we're down by seven. We push back one at a time. Okay. We know you can do it. You did it yesterday, but you have to do it now. Okay? Are we going to set five? So. Hey, listen, we gotta give everything we got. Remember what I said yesterday? Do not give up on this set, okay? They think they have this set one. Let's show them who we are and let's put it away on him. Come on, come know what? You have. Hitters. Know what you have. Come on.

One, two. Three.

Let's go, let's go.

We appreciate the Hinton coaching staff for letting us put a microphone on so we can let you listen in to the huddle. It's the sights and sounds from the state championships. You gotta believe no matter how far you're down. And you know, I don't know what Bailey Boeve wants to do when she grows up, but I think she might make a darn good coach.

A fantastic leader for her team, giving them encouragement, telling them, hey, I believe in us. I know we can do this starts with one point. They're going to have to reset and do it next point, because these Denver Cyclones wow. On a roll.

And you're backed into the corner with your back against the wall and you're looking up and saying, if we don't win this, our season's done. That's when you're truly tested. And that's what Denver looked up and realized. If we don't win this fourth set, we do not defend our title, which has been the goal all season long, leading by eight. Still not finishing the job yet. All right, a couple straight points for Hinton and this is their rotation. They like Beth.

A great server behind the line. You got Boeve in the front row. They're going to need to play some tough defense.

That one went straight down. But it's an attack. Air sailing out of bounds forcing her to change and alter her swing. And now Denver a quick stoppage of play for a volleyball. Big shout out to the volunteer younger girls who ball. Girls who are helping out keeping this tournament running smooth all week long.

[LAUGHTER]

Out of bounds. It's all about momentum. There's a look at one of those volunteers. Be a sponge. Soak it up as dreams and aspirations of one day playing out here. The overpass and a slam dunk Mylee Thurm six one senior middle hitter.

Straight down. That was on like the three foot line. You see the white line. That's the ten foot line that went down in like two foot, three foot straight down.

And that one from one of the best setters. Charlson Johnson at no. Look behind the back tip dropped point. The largest lead of this class. Two-a championship. You have a feeling Denver is going to win, but what is it going to be by and right now? Hinton just wants to get some positive momentum going in their favor as this one's going five right?

It sure looks like it. 2313 Blackhawks wanting to show each other that they still have effort and grit within them, whether that's carrying it to set five, which seems pretty evident right now. Beautiful block from the Cyclones.

Thurm number one on the team in blocks number three in class Two-a in kill efficiency. I play college basketball or volleyball. You don't need to decide yet. Miley focused on winning a state title set point for the Denver Cyclones. Hinton with the point there.

Boeve with a sharp crosscourt. We've seen her all night getting her kills, mainly from that left pin. Just bringing the power.

Addison Dunkel the sophomore serving. Attack air and again, with each point, it's like a balloon. That feels like little, little momentum leaking out and going toward Hinton. Here's a good pass. The set blocked. The Blackhawks standing down ball. Little roll shot. And there is kill number 32. Bailey Boeve. Have yourself a night. 32 kills.

Impressive. Swing so tight to the net, but she's able to contact high and takes care of it.

Set point again. Backs against the wall. Hinton. No room for air. And a time-out called by Denver.

Credit to Friessen in the middle. Number eight. Staying home. Staying alert. Staying active. Blocking the setter dump attempt.

Let's listen in to the Denver huddle meeting.

Great. If we could just. Hey.

[LAUGHTER]

Starts with the pass right a little more spacing here a little more spacing here. So we can get a pass up to chance. And then that's going to help all of these guys up front. You're fine I like what you're doing.

[LAUGHTER]

Hey guys it's game point us.

[LAUGHTER]

We have a lot of cushion. Is that a great spot to be.

[LAUGHTER]

Yes okay. All right, all right. Let's go. You can do it. Girls.

[LAUGHTER]

I love you.

[LAUGHTER]

Don't make us side out and have fun doing it.

[LAUGHTER]

It's sending you to step five. All right, let's go. Deep breath in, side out. One, two three out. Thank you.

She loves him. She sends that positive vibe. You got the cushion. You worked so hard to get this cushion right. And on the other side strategy. Set point.

[LAUGHTER] [APPLAUSE]

Denver needs just one more point to send this to the fifth set. Not going to get it there. 33 kills.

There were so many touches at the net block coverage. Sending it back over. But the kill goes to Boeve.

And ends in a service error. You gotta serve aggressive. What a fun, wild ending. And we are going to have to decide this in the fifth set.

[APPLAUSE]

If you haven't, watch the fifth set in volleyball. I don't even know how to explain it. It's wild. It's shortened every point is magnified. It's intense. Oh, and by the way, it's for the state championship. It's two captains are out there.

There right now to decide exactly how it gets possession. And right now. Advantage. Who? Advantage? Nobody. Right. We're back to.

Square one. Two sets apiece. We've gone back and forth so many times in this match. 26 tie scores, 13 lead changes. We're anticipating the same thing. And the quick sprint that is set five.

You don't want to miss it right here on Iowa PBS.

[MUSIC]

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A lot on the table as we enter the fifth set. Denver won the first. Hinton won the second and third. Denver won the fourth. Eric Braley and Beth West loud in here. It's electric in here. I don't know how these student athletes are doing it. The concentration, the poise. They're tired, right?

The environment is incredible. We're going to a fifth set. Now is the time for extra energy. Extra focus. It's going to be back and forth.

Let's take a look at some of the highlights from set three. And set four. You see some great defensive play, some powerful setting. The blocks turning into points. The overpass resulting in easy throw down kills from set four highlights Hinton and Denver battling it back and forth. You know Denver's hitting 167 as a team. Hinton hitting 175. There's a lot of equality. You know similarities on the stat sheet right now.

So similar from a statistical perspective. You mentioned the hitting percentage. They both have four aces Hinton has nine blocks to eight at Denver. It's just all around Even play. It's anyone's ballgame right here.

Hinton, who has dug a hole early in the first, second, third and fourth set, really can't afford to do it here in the fifth as there's just not as many points to come back from Denver. They want to jump out to that early lead like they've done. But Hinton gets the first point.

It feels good to get that first point when it's so fast to 15. Serve aggressive, play defense, put up a big block. And if you're Denver you know that you can put together points.

Well, Hinton did not look strong in that fourth set. But then they finish strong. And we talked about momentum carrying over to the fifth set. It appears that it has. Denver gets on the board 2 to 1. Our score.

Started with a tough serve. But Denver able to run their offense hitting off the top of the block. And again, it's going right in the middle. And he's Blackhawks needing to play defense first. Move forward. Pick up that middle ball. Unfortunately, then a hitting error. But Denver's putting up a big block. So, these hitters needing to be aware to swing around swing high.

2 to 2 big digs big blocks serving aggressively trying to put a service run together goes out of bounds. We have some outstanding coaches leading these young student athletes.

[LAUGHTER]

Last touch by the Blackhawks of Hinton Betts. Between these two schools, only three matches were lost all year.

Incredible seasons. The consistency from August until now to put up the records and the performances that they have done so much to be proud of and wanting one last opportunity here in set five. They want this title.

Another point for the cyclones.

As you get a little bit tired in set five, needing to dig deep as an attacker, still wanting to contact high right. You don't want to go low into the block. Stay high. But it gets tough when you're tired and there's a lot of emotions going.

When you need a point. Who do you call?

Boeve on the left? Pin hammers it home.

The Boeve kill tracker now tallies up to 35. 4 to 4. Sophomore Addison Dunkel serves it up. And that one's a tough one to get a good pass on right down the line. She's in position, but what a swing.

Bailey Mullen on the outside hammering it. Line gets a touch. You're right. But you got to control it into the court. Good pursuit to try to track it down.

A service error. So, we've seen a couple of those here early on heading into this fifth set. We had 26 ties and 13 lead changes. Right now. We haven't seen either team put together a run here in the fifth set. Play to 15 win by two. That ball dropped. Try to get the hand to slide under it like a pancake. But it hit the court in Denver. Earns the point.

A very composed swing from Bailey Mullen on the outside. That set was off the net. She had to adjust her approach and take a good quality swing, even though it wasn't a perfect set.

Absolutely love the defensive plays from good ups in the back row to blocks at the net. Freshman making plays, sophomore stepping up and juniors and seniors leading the way.

[LAUGHTER] [APPLAUSE]

Hinton, 30 and two overall. The antenna. Ball goes out of bounds. Denver with the point. And in the rotation to serve will be Brylee Atkinson, the five seven senior. Diaz.

Atkinson has had some fantastic digs in this Championship match, bringing a lot of heart into the back court for the cyclones.

Hearts a pretty big deal in this sport.

[LAUGHTER]

It really is.

[LAUGHTER]

You gotta be aggressive all-out effort and that comes from the heart.

Block sticking with it though, the Blackhawks over the block. Easier said than done. Great rally. All right in systems Denver here little give and go action. And they're going to say in the net Hinton whistled.

So tough to end on a violation when it's such a long rally and there's been amazing defense on both sides. But again, as you get tired staying alert, staying disciplined to stay out of the net.

Big celebration is the largest lead of the fifth set grows to three. And that'll be a time-out. Co-Head coaches Robin Moore and Kate Nordgren will use their Time-out after this big play and kill by Merck. Here's some of the sights and sounds. The Denver student section all fired up looking to defend their title the last time Denver lost. September 27th to Sumner-fredericksburg. Otherwise, it's been all victories this year. Swept Wapsie Valley in the quarters. Three set to one victory over Grundy Center in the semifinals. Dominant dropped just nine sets all season. Many players on the soccer team that placed second at state in June. They have that championship mentality and on the other side of the net, Hinton as well, played for the state title two years ago. Won state basketball last March. I'm guessing they'll take a couple days off after today and then they'll put on the basketball shoes and they'll be the team to beat and the target on their back again come March nine six. Hinton needs a side out badly. They got the block, but it sails out of bounds. It's so hard to direct where the ball goes off that block.

As you're moving to the outside. As a blocker, you want to reach for it. That's the inclination you want to reach, but you want to press over so you don't get tooled. It's tough. Blocking is tough.

So Boeve in the back row. This is where Denver's stringing. This points together. And now the side out. No, they're going to say touch was called. The ball was tipped by Hinton. Last touched by Hinton. And now it's a five-point lead for Denver. Just four points away from defending their title. Smart to let that ball go whiz right by you.

Good discipline. Foot on that line. Knew where on the court as a defender so that you can let it go wide now starts with an aggressive serve. Play some defense Hinton trying to claw back into this. But they got to go quick.

Blocked and down for the point 12 seven. Another great defensive play Denver battle tested. One. The Nicl arguably the best conference in the state. One time this year. Nine teams from the conference are ranked. So, they've been poised for this moment. Final time-out called by Hinton 12 seven. The score Denver in the driver's seat. Let's go inside the Hinton huddle and listen in.

Are running A11.

[LAUGHTER]

Pull it pull it pull it pull it pull it.

Hey. one tap sign out rotate. We're gonna push a lot of points in the next one, okay? We have to get this point right here. Okay? 12 seven.

[LAUGHTER]

And then we just chip away. After that, you have to have this one. This point. Okay? Dig in.

[APPLAUSE]

Heart one. Out.

Dig in and then shift away. Cover your hitters Denver puts up a big block. But just like coach said it starts with one. We got to get this one. Focus on the pass. Put it away.

[APPLAUSE]

Deep breath. So much on the line. The class two A championship. The pass perfect. The set.

LAUGHTER]

Going with the tip. That was the right call. Beth.

Fantastic combination. What a pass. Brilliant decision to go to the right side. And then the vision and the poise to tip it over the block.

I can't imagine being a freshman in this position. And there's a number of them out there in this spot playing in this match, 13 eight after another cross-court point. And here's now a senior Hildebrandt. Boeve. 36 kills, 13 digs for the phenomenal. Creighton's getting a good one. Bailey. Boeve, the senior outside hitter keeping her team in this.

[APPLAUSE]

Powers it through some way. Somehow forces that ball through the block.

Great. Dig from the Blackhawks to keep it alive and then setting it up on the outside, bringing the heat.

Popped up that would hit the ceiling. And a lot of high school gyms. Well played. And that brings up match point for the Denver Cyclones. They faced adversity here today, but now they need just one point.

[APPLAUSE]

Booby replay on 14 to 11 Hinton trails just by three population of 935 Plymouth County far northwest corner of the state, 292 miles away. A 4.5-hour drive needing points now. Match point Denver has it down the line and it's in Denver for the second consecutive year. Is your state champion in class two A?

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE]

Great sportsmanship as the teams shake hands, embrace. Quick, look at some replays before we hand out some hardware. The cyclones improved to 50 wins, only one loss. Hinton, 30 and three. A remarkable season. Q the celebration well deserved.

Well deserved, very evenly matched. Back and forth fans, please switch your attention to the. court for the awards.

Presentation.

Volleyball for this two a championship match, but just a team effort for Denver.

Presenting awards to the 2025.

Class 2A all-tournament team is executive Director Aaron Gerlich and board member Ron Fadness. Here is your class 2A All-Tournament team for 2025 from Denver. Miley Thurm.

[APPLAUSE]

From Hinton, Ellie Friesen.

[APPLAUSE]

From Denver, Bailey Mollohan.

[APPLAUSE]

From Dike-new Hartford. Abby Jensen. From Grundy Center Ryan Brubaker.

[APPLAUSE]

From Hinton. Bailey. Bovey.

[APPLAUSE]

And your class 2A all-tournament team captain for 2025. From Denver. Channing Johnson.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE]

Can't say enough positive things about Channing Johnson, 42 assists in this match. She is the quarterback of this team. Congratulations to all the members of the all-tournament team. Again, only one team can win, but all of those individual student athletes well deserving of that individual honor. You see, the emotion as we will hand out the championship and state runner up trophies in just a couple seconds here.

Fans, the Iowa Pork producers would like to present the Top Producer award for the two. A championship match. Presenting the award is Taylor Anderson of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. This year's top producer of the two, a championship match, she had 38 kills from Hinton Bailey Boeve.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE]

Should go on to play Division one volleyball at Creighton out of the Big East. A talented, talented player who can.

Now for the.

Team all around.

Fans. Introducing your class two a runner up, the Hinton Blackhawks and head coaches Robyn Moore and Kate Nordgren. Congratulations.

[APPLAUSE]

And it was a long season, but they punched their ticket to get here. And now they redeem it. This evening as your 2025 class Two-a champions, head coach Jamie Johnson and the Denver Cyclones.

[APPLAUSE]

And now we'd like to recognize today's quick star star of the game for an outstanding performance throughout the championship match and leading your team to victory. Complete the Two-a bracket. Channing Johnson.

[APPLAUSE]

Denver fans are welcome to meet your team in the winner's circle.

Congratulations to Denver. They are your class two, a champion. That was a that was a fun one. We're a little behind schedule. Class one A was set to start at one. We'll take a bit of a break and have Janesville and Saint Ansgar right here on Iowa PBS. Be back for that soon.

[MUSIC]

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