State Tournament Preview — X-Factors in Class 4A

With three out of the five classes set for the Iowa Girls State Basketball Tournament, I thought it would be fun to browse the brackets and highlight potential X-Factors that will battle it out for the title of Champion. Class 4A is stacked with talent, that's for sure, and this article will focus on the players I think will be difference makers — players that aren't the top scorers, but are consistent producers that are capable of stepping up to provide valuable minutes and big plays. Keep reading to see which athletes from each team has the X-Factor gene.    [player_tooltip player_id='686901' first='Tessa' last='Jones'] is a shooting guard who is converting at a high level. Starting every game as a junior this year for Dallas Center-Grimes, Jones flaunts an impressive three-point percentage on the season (43%). If she is on her game during the State Tournament, I believe the Mustangs will be a tough out. DCG has a handful of players who can score the ball so if the defense slips up on their help side, you can count on Jones to hit her looks. She's more than capable of hitting 3+ long balls per night, so keep your eyes on Jones to stretch the defense, drain some deep shots, and help create driving looks for her teammates in the process.     If you need a hustle player and the ultimate teammate you can count on Waverley-Shell Rock's [player_tooltip player_id='1130671' first='Brittney' last='Bodensteiner']. She's a hard-nosed small forward that moves well, scores at a high percentage, and does a little bit of everything across the stat sheet. She's shooting 46% from the field (scoring just under 9PPG), pulling in 8.2 boards, and tallying 1 assist and steal per game. Production aside, I love this kid's energy on the floor. She's a player any coach would want on her team because of her positivity and the way she treats her teammates. If Bodensteiner is able to bring this leadership and take some pressure off top scorer [player_tooltip player_id='833966' first='Lizzy' last='Frazell'], I think it will be go time for the Go-Hawks.     [player_tooltip player_id='1117188' first='Pearl' last='Brown']'s ability to affect the game across the board will be a big time factor for Norwalk at the State Tournament. The lanky senior (currently listed at 5'11") has stuffed the stat sheet this season and I believe her production is what the Warriors need to get over the line. Brown's season averages include 7.8 points, 5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2 steals and 1.3 blocks per night, and she's capable of big time numbers. Scoring in double digits against multiple ranked opponents this season, Brown knows how to step up against top competition. If Norwalk wants to make a Championship run, I'm looking at Pearl to find that clutch gene once again.     The playmaking ability and pace from [player_tooltip player_id='1060063' first='Kinley' last='Birt'] makes Central DeWitt a dark horse in this year's tourney. Averaging 7.8 points and an eye-catching 6.7 assists per game, this senior can dish the rock and convert at the rim. Kinley is shooting 40% from the floor and has also caught fire from deep as of late. Birt has had games with 2, 3, and even 5 made three pointers in the last few weeks, adding another element to the Sabers' offensive attack that defenders will have to adapt to. If Birt carries this hot shooting streak while continuing to distribute to scoring teamates, you'll have to watch out for Central DeWitt.     The Bishop Heelan Crusaders are the top dog in Class 4A for a reason, and [player_tooltip player_id='1305404' first='Ella' last='Otten'] can take some of the credit for helping them get there. The super sophomore has had a breakout year in Iowa — she's scoring at an excellent rate from inside the arc and out (55% eFG), creates energy with assists and steals, and keeps turnovers to a minimum (2.04 A/TO) — what more could you ask for from one of your top guards? With upperclassmen teammates [player_tooltip player_id='582806' first='Trishelle' last='Miller'] and [player_tooltip player_id='777232' first='Melina' last='Snoozy'] leading the way, I predict [player_tooltip player_id='1305404' first='Ella' last='Otten'] will be the next man up that gives Heelan that extra spark. Otten hast the potential to be the next elite player from Heelan following their 2026 tourney run.     I am loving the season that [player_tooltip player_id='655384' first='Campbell' last='Schulz'] has put together at North Polk. The steady junior has put herself on the map in Central Iowa and has steadily improved in every statistical category since last season. Currently second on the team in scoring at 14.7 points per game, Schulz has proven she can score efficiently at every level on the floor while leading the way on the defensive end (she leads the Comets in both steals and blocks). Schulz is listed at 5'10" and her versatility on the floor, both offensively and defensively, will be critical for North Polk if they want to cause some upsets in the tourney.     The engine that makes her team go, [player_tooltip player_id='782232' first='Lena' last='Evans'] is without a doubt the X-Factor for Clear Creek-Amana's upcoming tournament run. CCA's only two regular season losses were without Evans, who was briefly sidelined with an ankle injury. With Evans back in stride the squad looks to be back at full strength. Evans has put up a heck of a senior year, averaging 18 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and an impressive 4.1 steals per game. Her leadership, poise, and hustle on both ends of the floor are a difference maker for CCA and help them to maintain their high-octane pace. I've got my odds on Evans to help CCA finish their season with a bang.     [player_tooltip player_id='880909' first='Kami' last='Clark'] is yet another glue player who does a little bit of everything for her team — there is a lot to like about this sophomore's game. Her stat line is solid — 7.3PPG, 2.3RPG, 3.5APG and 2.3SPG on a Carlisle squad with a 23-1 record this year. In other words if you need something done, you can count on Clark to do it. One of my favorite aspects of her game is her versatility. With length and athleticism, Clark is able to switch on to forwards with ease and has quick hands to hassle guards and force steals. On the offensive end, she's shooting at a solid level from the floor as well. If Carlisle makes a deep run next week, you can count on Clark to be a part of the charge.

With three out of the five classes set for the Iowa Girls State Basketball Tournament, I thought it would be fun to browse the brackets and highlight potential X-Factors that will battle it out for the title of Champion. Class 4A is stacked with talent, that's for sure, and this article will focus on the players I think will be difference makers — players that aren't the top scorers, but are consistent producers that are capable of stepping up to provide valuable minutes and big plays. Keep reading to see which athletes from each team has the X-Factor gene.