High-Flying Pin Hitters Dominate at #PDMidwestLive

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We knew the Midwest Live Showcase was packed with talented pin hitters, but Friday's event exceeded our expectations anyway.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our post-event coverage from Des Moines is just getting started. Saturday's feature examined some <a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/06/liberos-make-instant-impression-at-pdmidwestlive/">liberos</a> who locked down the backcourt throughout the fast-paced showcase. We're making our inevitable move into the front row for this one. Pin hitters are on deck.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This stacked position group brought all the high-efficiency scoring you'd hope to see at a showcase event. Six-on-six drills were particularly thrilling as terminal attackers exchanged haymakers from across the net. Des Moines drew some of the best hitters we've ever seen on the Prep Dig circuit, and we can't wait to talk about them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's start that conversation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Rylyn McCarty","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32925","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Knoxville","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"IPVA","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665ca862054ef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We're starting on the right side with one of the most physical opposites at Friday's event. McCarty formed an impenetrable wall at the net and could match up with any outside hitters across from her. Moreover, we saw McCarty take over as a go-to attacker who could pounce on in-system balls. IPVA adds to the growing 2025 depth in the Hawkeye State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["215427"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665ca8620555f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We identified Groeteke as a player to watch as we headed into Friday's event. She delivered on that hype and managed to go a step further. Groeteke's rare combination of length and fluidity made her a difficult player to stop on the right side. She frequently went over the top of opposing blocks and was a lights-out transition attacker. This dominant opposite has earned her high standing in Iowa's 2026 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["443091"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665ca862055a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Here's another player we highlighted in our pre-event features. Hammond was one of several Norwalk High School entries who impressed us in this showcase environment. Her quickness off the floor was especially helpful when taking tough swings in out-of-system situations. Left-side hitters are often asked to make the most out of difficult circumstances, and Hammond has proven her strength in this area. She also brings the all-around game that should make her a six-rotation standout on the Iowa prep scene.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["243182"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665ca86205609"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kremer's stock is soaring after the Midwest Live Showcase. She generated indefensible angles from the right pin and took full advantage of her six-foot-three frame. Even if Kremer doesn't get a full approach, she is able to work around hands to find open seams in the court. Friday's brilliant showing was a continuation of Kremer's brilliant 2024 campaign with [program_tooltip program_id='431948' first='Iowa' last='Rockets'], and she still has more to gain in future seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["360642"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665ca8620564d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[program_tooltip program_id='431948' first='Iowa' last='Rockets'] is doing well in the Class of 2027. Austen joins Kremer on the growing list of pin hitters to watch from this club, but Austen does her work on the left. She has a knack for calibrating her approach to be perfectly in rhythm on every swing. This is particularly helpful when connecting with several different setters at a showcase. Austen's adaptability and hard-hitting style should be a big winner in Iowa for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='555773' first='Liv' last='Barudin']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Pleasant Valley","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Platform Elite","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665ca862056d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Barudin is a left-side hitter who plays well above her listed height. She manages to contact the ball at the peak of her jump and can get crafty with her shot placement. This finesse paid dividends in team drills as Barudin paved the way no matter who was on her side of the net. Pleasant Valley and Platform Elite were represented well at the Midwest Live Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["493601"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665ca8620571e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ladwig can create so many matchup challenges for teams and athletes across the net. She has a tall standing reach, allowing Ladwig to hit assertive shots without needing a full takeoff. Ladwig also moves well, especially for an attacker with such a long frame. Waukee Northwest was a big discussion topic after we saw the Midwest Live entry list, and this school's talent certainly lived up to the hype.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["443092"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665ca8620576d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rogers is undoubtedly among Iowa's most fascinating prospects in the 2027 class. We saw her take over matches with Six Pack on this year's club circuit. That dominance could be attributed to Rogers' incredible attacking range, but she also brings a wealth of other skills to the equation. Last weekend's showcase revealed Rogers' development as a ball-control asset who can play relentless defense in the middle-back area. This is a high-impact player no matter which position she plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["490013"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665ca862057ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Why not add to the Waukee Northwest tally? Vogt is the kind of attacker you can slot into either pin without hesitation. She is listed as an opposite in our database, but recent reps have proven that Vogt is built for the left side, too. Her strong out-of-system attacking makes her an ideal fit for this role, and her upward trajectory continued in Des Moines. Next on the agenda: another championship pursuit with the Wolves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[732859],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665ca862057ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Look out for the Class of 2028. Isaacson made a statement as one of Iowa's future leaders at the outside hitter spot. She got on top of the ball quickly and displayed her natural athleticism during positional drills. Her six-on-six drills were also strong as Isaacson got some quality passing reps, too. We're anxious to see what the fall season shows us about this up-and-coming class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->