Prez Day Classic Scouting Report for Rockets 16R, 17R

ST. LOUIS - The open division in big tournaments can be unforgiving. A bad stretch of play here or there, and you find yourself clawing to get back on track against like-minded teams. That's why perspective is important and final results often don't define your squad.   I reminded myself of that heading into last weekend's Presidents' Day Classic at the American's Center. The idea was put to good use when receiving my first in-person viewing of [program_tooltip program_id='431948' first='Iowa' last='Rockets'] 16R and 17R, which finished ninth and 15th, respectively, with a combined record of 11-4.   The 16R group has changed significantly from last season. It also competed the day I saw it without one of its top players, [player_tooltip player_id='243182' first='Isabelle' last='Kremer'], who was helping out her high school basketball team in the postseason.   [player_tooltip player_id='261094' first='Reese' last='Naeve'] returned to the group, continuing to show in this event why she's one of the top six-rotation performers in the state, regardless of class. Some kids rest on success, but Naeve has continued to sharpen her game, displaying excellent potential for college ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='508627' first='Stella' last='Smith'] also came back to 16R after a breakout 2023 in club. A member of the '25 recruiting class, Smith has committed to Missouri-Kansas City, a Division I program in the Summit League. Smith has continued expanding her game, showing skills on the outside in this event to go with her regularly stellar play on the right side and in the middle.   A prospect that continues raising her stock, [player_tooltip player_id='455710' first='Kiley' last='Devery'] appears on a similar rise that Smith enjoyed last season. Devery is improving her hitting across the net to go with a defensive game that has been strong for awhile. She's ready to catch the coaches' attention this club campaign.   [player_tooltip player_id='329851' first='Macie' last='Lupkes'] also should be receiving more attention on the recruiting trail. She may very well get it if she keeps playing like she did here. The is an athletic, two-way middle with a hammer swing with vertical leaping ability, long arms and good timing in defending the net.   In keeping with the theme of this team, [player_tooltip player_id='243457' first='Emily' last='Henderson'] continues expanding her game and its growth during the last two years is admirable. She remains a consistent and precise setter, while adding better defense at the net and an improving swing.   [player_tooltip player_id='448350' first='Jozie' last='Lahr'] makes it another member of this squad taking consistent steps forward. She stands out for her consistency and versatility. The swing is noticeably improving.   Likewise, 17R features a collection of improving players. Several of them should be catching the eyes of the coaches paying attention this spring and summer.   [player_tooltip player_id='215435' first='Grace' last='Erwin'] is a dynamic middle and is, for me, one of the top uncommitted juniors in the state. She's long and athletic with a high volleyball IQ. She's always defended well at the net and now is regularly attacking effectively with an ever-improving swing.   [player_tooltip player_id='215429' first='Asta' last='Hildebrand'] also is a recruit surprisingly still available. That should change this club season with her versatility as a setter. Hildebrand is fully capable of playing six rotations in college.   [player_tooltip player_id='215434' first='Emmy' last='McComas'] is still shining through six rotations as she has for some time now. She's a good athlete with sharp volleyball skills that can, without a doubt, help plenty of colleges. McComas could remain on the court through six at some of them or potentially stick on the outside or in the back row.   I <a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/02/under-the-radar-17s-at-stl-presidents-day-classic/">wrote about [player_tooltip player_id='215430' first='Yasmine' last='Sell']</a> in another story from last weekend. The versatile net performer has proven she can play on the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='447586' first='Kathryn' last='Lukkarinen'] is an intriguing prospect as a six-rotation for this team. She's consistently solid at all of the spots with room to grow her game.   Sophie Buysse should be a back-row target for schools on the next level. She moves well laterally and reacts quickly with a steady hand that produces precise passes.

ST. LOUIS - The open division in big tournaments can be unforgiving. A bad stretch of play here or there, and you find yourself clawing to get back on track against like-minded teams. That's why perspective is important and final results often don't define your squad.