April 15, 2025
Local NewsState & National

Eisbach verbally commits to Northwest

Chooses Bearcats from several solid choices

By Ryan Stonebraker
Izzy Eisbach of Nodaway Valley drives to the basket during Thursday's game at Martensdale-St. Marys. Eisbach made 4-of-7 3-pointers in scoring a game-high 29 points for the Class 2A fifth-ranked Wolverines, who were edged by the Class 1A third-ranked Blue Devils, 58-56. Sophia Shannon had 16 points and 11 rebounds for Martensdale-St. Marys, which rallied from a 32-15 halftime deficit. Lindsey Davis added 18 points and seven rebounds for the 6-1 Wolverines, who host Mount Ayr Tuesday night.

Shown earlier in her playing career, NV junior Izzy Eisbach verbally committed to Northwest Missouri State University's women's basketball program this week. (Larry Peterson)

In a big development on the sports news front Friday, April 4, Nodaway Valley standout junior guard Izzy Eisbach announced where she will continue to play basketball after she graduates from high school in 2026.

The multi-time all-state player who led the state this year in scoring has verbally committed to Northwest Missouri State University, picking the Bearcats from seven Division II offers she had to play hoops. The two final choices were the Bearcats and Pittsburg State in Pittsburg, Kansas.

“I went back and forth between these two for so long and they are both outstanding programs. In the end, I was catching up with the coaches at Northwest last Friday, and I just felt like it was the right time to decide,” said Eisbach.

Eisbach said one of the more difficult things was having to tell other coaches that she wasn’t going to attend their school.

“It was really difficult for me to tell all the coaches I was no longer interested. I built amazing relationships with a few of them and I really hope we won’t be strangers down the road. It was very hard and stressful to call them because they are such great people with amazing programs,” she said.

Eisbach mentioned she was interested in attending a decent-sized school that was just far enough from home. She also mentioned that she was equally interested in a school with smaller class sizes. Early leaders in a major for Eisbach are business or journalism.

Nodaway Valley head coach Brian Eisbach said his point guard daughter has worked really hard at improving her game to get this opportunity.

“She’s relentlessly worked at improving her game,” coach Eisbach said. “During her recruitment, her high energy on both sides of the ball and willingness to do more than just score helped her get serious offers. Also, her mental toughness and positive demeanor in the face of adversity set her apart. Several coaches mentioned they appreciate Izzy’s passion for the game and her desire to celebrate the success of her teammates, whether the team is winning or losing.”

Eisbach will officially sign a National Letter of Intent later this year and will be featured more fully at that time.