Prep Dig Showcase Coverage: First Impressions Matter

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Almost 120 athletes decided instead of spending their Saturday watching matinee baseball, the Olympic Games, or Summer Slam, to participate in Prep Dig's Missouri/Kansas Stock Up Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The courts at the [program_tooltip program_id='428889' first='Dynasty' last=''] Volleyball Academy were jam-packed and overflowing with energy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is the first of multiple scouting reports on Kansas High School Prospects who competed in the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This report focuses on six players I saw play for the first time. They took full advantage of the showcase making solid first impressions on this scout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned to Prep Dig for more reports today and All-Deck All-Star Squads tomorrow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492583' first='Lucy' last='Anderson']</strong>, 5'7”, OH, Frontenac, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have noticed Anderson's stats online, but this was my first chance to watch her play in person. She is currently ranked No. 61 overall in the class of 2026 by Prep Dig. I immediately noticed her athleticism and she played with high energy during the event. She also competes in track and field as a jumper. College coaches should head to Southeast Kansas to see this young talent and grab some Fried Chicken and Mall Deli while in Crawford County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='587843' first='Addysen' last='(AJ) Gaston'], 5'5”, DS/L, Olathe West, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gaston played junior varsity ball for Olathe West last season. She should compete for a varsity spot headed into her junior season. She has quick feet and made consistent first passes during the defensive drills. Gaston is currently unranked, but look for her to be added when the rankings are next updated.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='586614' first='Sofia' last='Williams']</strong>, 5'7”, DS/L, St. James Academy, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams played with intensity right off the jump. She has soft hands, strong fingers, and was a digging machine during defensive drills. Athletes in her group immediately gravitated to her and she was an emotional leader during drills and game action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='757260' first='Gabby' last='Powell']</strong>, 5'8”, DS/L, Blue Valley North, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Powell has a physical frame and I liked how quick she was for her size. She is taller than many defensive-minded players, but she can also hit. She is extremely versatile on the court and her game is far from completely evolved. She has a bright future ahead of her and she took advantage of the showcase stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='445556' first='Tessa' last='Nover-Estes']</strong>, 6'0”, S, Free State, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Free State setter is ranked No. 20 overall and the third-ranked setter in the class of 2027. She had impressive statistics as a freshman, but this was my first time seeing her play in person. She is a solid communicator and did not take a back seat to any other setters at this event. She also seemed approachable and coachable during the showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='577799' first='Sienna' last='Fisher']</strong>, 5'6”, DS/L, Blue Valley Southwest, ‘28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fisher is a spunky freshman who caught my eye. She sacrificed her body on multiple digs. It was not lost on me that she was ready to show off her skills. She might have to wait a year or two before she plays in the varsity rotation for Blue Valley Southwest, but she has the skills to get there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->