Eisbach named IBCA’s 2A Player of the Year

After a record-setting career at Nodaway Valley, senior Izzy Eisbach has been named the Iowa Basketball Coaches Association’s Class 2A Player of the Year.

The honor adds to an already lengthy list of postseason accolades for Eisbach following her senior season, bringing her total to 20. Among the most notable are first-team all-state selections from the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association and the Iowa Girls Coaches Association, along with a spot on the Des Moines Register’s All-Iowa Elite Team and its Class 2A all-state first team.

Being recognized as the top player in Class 2A by one of the state’s major organizations meant a great deal to Eisbach.

“If I’m being honest, it really hasn’t registered yet,” she said. “I am super grateful and honored to be recognized for it. It feels like validation for the work and time I’ve put in, especially considering there are some amazing players in 2A and across the state.

“Iowa is a talented and stacked girls basketball state, and to be mentioned alongside some big names feels amazing.”

Eisbach led Nodaway Valley in nearly every statistical category this season. She finished her career with 2,270 points, 623 rebounds, 383 assists, 432 steals and 104 blocks in 93 games. She also made 270 3-pointers and shot 78.8% from the free-throw line.

She leaves as the program’s all-time leader in points, steals and assists and ranks fifth in school history in rebounds and blocks. Her 2,270 career points rank 10th in Iowa girls basketball history.

Eisbach will continue her career next season at Northwest Missouri State University.

Other IBCA players of the year include Ellie Muller of Dowling Catholic in Class 5A, Macy Comito of Carlisle in Class 4A, Savanna Wright of Mount Vernon and Emily Tanny of Dubuque Wahlert in Class 3A, and Rowan Jacobi of Springville in Class 1A.

Joining Eisbach on the IPSWA Class 2A all-state first team are twin sisters Hudsyn and Haevyn Ranschau of Rock Valley, Sydney Doeshot of Hinton, Addie McLaughlin of Iowa City Regina, Izzy Gilbertson of Mount Ayr, Rachel Schany of Emmetsburg and Danika Hoogendorn of Central Lyon.

Second-team selections include Brenna Johnson of Westwood, Avery Wilson of Sioux Central, Nora Konz and Ella Thorton of Treynor, Taya Christie of West Lyon, Caydence Hamsen of Rock Valley, Bailey Boeve of Hinton and Mylee Thurm of Denver.

Camdyn Richter of Adair-Casey/Guthrie Center was named to the third team, along with Audra Burbridge of Maquoketa Valley, Addison Frake of Cascade, Brynn Clarahan of Sigourney and Taylor Rypkema of Central Lyon.

Eisbach said the honors provide added motivation as she prepares for the college level.

“I can’t just be satisfied with what I’ve accomplished,” she said. “Being recognized for these accolades only makes me want to shoot and work out more. I want to have as much success as possible at the next level, and it starts with the work I put in now.”

Before graduating, Eisbach plans to compete in track and field and softball. She is also looking forward to participating in the upcoming spring play with her friends.

Her father and head coach, Brian Eisbach, said it has been special to see Izzy and her teammates recognized.

“She’s earned everything she’s received, and I know it’s not lost on her how big of an accomplishment some of these awards are,” he said. “I’m very happy for Izzy. This will only fuel her drive to be the best she can be at the next level.”