Stop me if you have heard this story before. I want to describe a girls basketball player from West Des Moines, Iowa. She was a high school point guard who was named Ms. Basketball in Iowa. She went onto to play D1 college basketball and win her college conference’s MVP Award.
It may sound like another Caitlin Clark story but it is not. I am talking about Drake’s Katie Dinnebier. Dinnebier is from West Des Moines like Clark, but she went to Waukee High School. Waukee is a school in the suburbs that has “college like facilities.” Basketball is big in Waukee.
In 2021, Dinnebier was Ms. Iowa Basketball and led Waukee to the State Championship. In 2021, Tucker DeVries was Mr. Iowa Basketball and led Waukee to the Boys State Championship. Impressive- the same high school had the best female and best male players in the State, and the best girls team and best boys team in State.
Katie Dinnebier may be the best keep secret in college women’s basketball. She plays for the Drake Bulldogs. She is WELL KNOWN in mid-major circles but doesn’t get the publicity that the Power Four players receive.
As a junior she was the Jackie Stiles Award as the MVP of the Missouri Valley Conference. She was First Team All-Conference as well as First Team All-Defensive Team. She averaged 18.1ppg and 6.1apg.
The 5’8” guard has had an even better senior year, and most would expect her to win the Stiles Award again this year. She is averaging 22.4ppg, 7.4apg, and shooting 41% on threes.
Many who are reading this will probably say,”She sounds good but realize it is against D1 mid-majors.” Consider this, over the last two years vs. Big 10, Big 12, and Big East opponents, she is averaging 26.0ppg. This year she drained 40 points vs Iowa.
She is being recognized nationally for several awards. She is on the Wooden Award watchlist. Dinnebier is a finalist for the Becky Hammon Award as top mid-major player. She is a finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award as the top point guard in women’s basketball.
Katie Dinnebier has been on fire down the stretch of the season. In her last six games, she is averaging 32.3ppg.
As Drake heads into the post season tourney, there are only a few opportunities left to see her play. Drake is #3 seed in the MVC Tourney, playing their first game on Friday, March 14 vs either Indiana St or UNI. The games will be on ESPN+. If they advance, Saturday’s game will be on ESPN+, and the finals on Sunday will be on ESPN2.
If you are a high school player that wants to watch a great college point guard, Katie Dinnebier is a player for you to watch. You can learn a lot by watching her games. I am sure that you can go back and watch highlights and games on the internet.
Dinnebier is projected to go in the third round in the WNBA draft so there is a chance that we will see more of Katie going forward.
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