In 2018, a younger Ashley Joens helped carry her workforce inside one rating of No. 16 Iowa. With time operating out, Joens missed a nook three because the Cyclones fell shy 73-70 in Iowa Metropolis.

4 years later, a blinding profession and up to date victory over the Hawkeyes helps wash away the unhealthy reminiscence for Joens. However the miss nonetheless lingers for the Iowa Metropolis native, who has but to win in her hometown.

“I don’t actually keep in mind a complete lot, I simply keep in mind freshman 12 months after I missed that shot within the nook,” Joens mentioned. “However, I imply, that’s previously and we’re right here now within the current.”

No. 10 Iowa State will tackle No. 16 Iowa in a second consecutive top-25 matchup. Final season, Iowa State conquered Iowa for the primary time since 2015, marking Jones’ first win within the sequence. Her 26 factors made the distinction within the 77-70 win, and the Cyclones will look to Joens for the same efficiency.

On the opposite facet of the state, junior Caitlin Clark has grow to be a star in her personal proper. She garnered nationwide consideration final season with highlight-reel photographs and the flexibility to generate factors, incomes All-American honors and contending for participant of the 12 months.

Two All-People main ranked groups for an in-state battle is a headline-grabber, nevertheless it’s not your entire story.

“It’s normally the star gamers, I at all times say, cancel one another out,” head coach Invoice Fennelly mentioned.

With two prime gamers within the sport going head-to-head, the distinction may very well be made with all the opposite items on the ground.

Gamers like junior Lexi Donarski — who might be guarding Clark — and junior Emily Ryan might be crucial to the end result. New gamers like senior Stephanie Soares or sophomore Denae Fritz add one other layer to Iowa State’s recreation plan.

“It’s Iowa State vs. Iowa, it’s not Ashley Joens vs. Caitlin Clark,” Joens mentioned.

One of the notable lineup modifications for the reason that earlier matchup is the addition of Soares. She provides a brand new look within the paint and instructions the rim because the tallest participant on the ground. She has averaged 16.3 factors per recreation thus far this season and can look to make her presence identified towards the Hawkeyes.

The matchup might be one of many first high-profile video games for Soares at Iowa State, who transferred to compete on the largest levels. She has been one of the crucial impactful gamers for the Cyclones this season, and her affect on the sport may make a distinction.

“(Soares) is gonna must play properly, however that is her first state of affairs the place she’s been in a recreation like this,” Fennelly mentioned.

Iowa State will face Iowa on the highway 6 p.m. Wednesday.