Gamechangers From The Iowa Top 250 Expo

This content series is sponsored by GameChanger - The Official Scorekeeping, Stats, Team Management & Technology Partner of Prep Dig.

Throughout the course of an event I am taking notes on my Notes app where I have various numbers and remarks of players who have moments of greatness, a really exciting play, or are doing something impressive throughout the session.  This Saturday was no different at the Iowa Top 250 with plenty of talent in the gym, the “Gamechangers” who were making an impact for their side of the net. 

Reese Naeve Reese Naeve 5'9" | OH Iowa City Regina Catholic | 2026 State #137 Nation IA - Iowa City Regina - Iowa Rockets - Class of 2026

Versatility is the name of the game for Naeve.  She can flat out play and that includes multiple positions across the court.  She is solid in serve receive, can pass to attack, and could be utilized in multiple ways.  If she's needed to score points, she can blast on the pin, but I could see her being a high level libero.  Was great to see Naeve live and notice all the positive intangibles she brings to the court. 

Sydney Maue Sydney Maue RS Mount Vernon | 2025 State IA - Center Point-Urbana - Adrenaline - Class of 2025

What I like about these events is that I usually have no idea where a lot of these athletes are from because they are all wearing the same Prep Dig shirt.  However, with Maue I knew I recognized her with her length, athleticism, and pop on her swing.  I had seen her earlier this fall when she played for her high school team of Center Point-Urbana at the Mount Vernon tournament.  Maue is a dynamic lefty where she is a tough matchup where she can contact high and also provide a big block. 

Maelyn Wainwright Maelyn Wainwright 5'11" | MB West Liberty | 2024 State IA - West Liberty - Iowa Rockets - Class of 2024

I was really impressed with the athleticism and physicality that Wainwright brought to the court.  As a middle blocker, she works extremely hard, transitioning off the net to be available to run multiple tempos.  She's been well coached and knows how to win being part of a successful high school program at West Liberty who qualified for the Class 3A state tournament this past high school season. 

AK Christensen AK Christensen 5'10" | OH Carlisle | 2025 State IA - Carlisle - IPVA - Class of 2025

I was familiar with Christensen before this event, but its so different seeing athletes play live and with a lot of players they aren't accustomed to playing around.  Christensen has a high IQ game where she was able to hit multiple shots and was intentional when it came to using the block to score points.  She has a really strong foundation to her game, well rounded, and will be fun to see how her skill translates to the club courts. 

Tyra Jones - Annawan (IL) - Platform Elite - Class of 2026

Absolutely electric.  Jones plays with quite a spark where she can flat out fly.  I saw her play mostly on the outside where she wasn't afraid to take an aggressive approach and let it rip on her swing.  She was also a force when it comes to her blocking because of her hangtime and physicality at the net.  There is a huge upside to her game and it will be exciting to see her development as she is only a freshman. 

Claire Ernst Claire Ernst 6'0" | OH City | 2024 State IA - Iowa City High - Club Ignit Select - Class of 2024

Ernst brought a lot of consistency with her game on Saturday where she could do it all in the front and backrow.  I can appreciate athletes who can play on the outside or right side and find a way to make it work.  She was a great combo in the front row where she was playing on the right side and her club teammate, Noelle Sutcliffe Noelle Sutcliffe 5'11" | OH Norwalk | 2024 State IA was on the outside.  This was a little glimpse of what Club Ignit 17 Blue will look like this eason. 

Reagan Hanfelt Reagan Hanfelt 6'0" | MB Ankeny | 2025 State IA - Ankeny - Iowa PowerPlex - Class of 2025

A lot of speed and power. Hanfelt caught my attention right away when each court was five on five where only the setters and middles could attack.  Hanfelt was sure active in her attacking where she was relentless in her approach and wanting to make an impact.  She works to get her hands up and ready to take up space with her block as well.  Aside from her strong fundamentals, she plays with a smile, great vibe on the court. 

Delaney Miller - Ankeny Centennial - Iowa PowerPlex - Class of 2025

So solid, extremely athletic.  Miller was impressive with her ability to attack and find a way to score points from the left side.  For only a sophomore, she has great court awareness and savvy on what to do with the ball.  I was also impressed with her hand contact where she finds a way to hit the ball square and can take it to a variety of angles.  This PowerPlex 515 squad will be one to watch this upcoming club season at the 16s level. 

Anna Weaver Anna Weaver 5'3" | S Woodward-Granger | 2025 State IA - Woodward-Granger - IPVA - Class of 2025

So scrappy.  This athlete is a fighter.  Weaver is 5'3, but packs a ton of punch with her game where she is so gritty.  She has great hands where she can put her attackers in a position to score points, but she is also a relentless server and solid defender.  Her court during 6 v 6 had great chemistry on her side of the net.  We notice the big time plays, but we are always looking for effort and positive intangibles.