The All-Deck Team: 2028 Stock Up Showcase All-Stars

Two hours is not nearly enough time to fairly analyze more than 100 athletes competing on multiple courts, but that was my task on August 3, at the Prep Dig Stock Up Showcase in Kansas City, Kansas.   I know I missed some prospects and did not get to see others as much as I would have liked, but in any competitive situation, the cream has a way of finding its way to the top.   This is the third and final report on Prep Dig today covering yesterday's showcase. It featured six athletes from the class of 2028 I would choose to take into action. Each athlete had all-star performances at the showcase and several years of elite volleyball play ahead of them.   The future of volleyball in Kansas is bright and I was amazed by the level of skill these incoming high school freshmen displayed during the Showcase.   [player_tooltip player_id='513606' first='Hailey' last='Schmidtlein'], 6'0”, MB, Hayden, ‘28   Schmidtlein is currently the No. 1 ranked prospect in the Kansas Class of 2028. Nothing from her showing on Saturday would lead her to be dropped in the rankings. She competed in a group with Great Bend's [player_tooltip player_id='434374' first='Kya' last='Behr'] and that made her look even better than I know she is. She has excellent chemistry with her club and high school setter so it was impressive to see how quickly she adjusted to the new setter. She competed with high energy and understood what was at stake when she took the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='575955' first='Raegan' last='McDonald'], 6'1”, RS, Valley Center, ‘28   McDonald is a big, tall, and powerful hitter. She can hit from the right side, outside, or middle. What impressed me the most about her game was her ability to receive and dig for a six-footer. She and her older sister made the trip to Kansas City from Valley Center. The Hornets will be a team to watch and I will make an effort to catch the McDonald's in prep or club action based on the sisters' performances at the Stock Up Showcase. The Valley Center prospect is currently unranked by Prep Dig, but she can expect to be added during the next round of additions.   [player_tooltip player_id='503697' first='Emmie' last='Dean'], 5'6”, OH,  Jefferson West, ‘28   Dean is currently ranked No. 32 overall in the class of 2028. She was thriving on the energy in the gym and by the level of competition at the event. Her speed was what caught my eye at this event. She receives the ball on the balls of her feet and does not lunge for the ball. Her hitting impressed me at earlier summer events, but seeing her defensive skills at work was refreshing. I feel really good about stating that this event will add to her confidence heading into the prep season.   [player_tooltip player_id='534823' first='Kennedy' last='Duson'], 5'8”, OH, Blue Valley North, ‘28   This was my first time seeing the Blue Valley North and [program_tooltip program_id='430200' first='KC' last='Power'] prospect. Duson's natural athleticism is easily apparent, while her volleyball skills are still raw and evolving. She hits the ball hard and has a nice serve. She stood out during the team play session. She has a big wing span and quick feet. Based on her performance in the two-hour camp, I expect, she has a bright future.   [player_tooltip player_id='503124' first='Blakely' last='Walter'], 5'7”, S, Hayden, ‘28   Walter has been all over the place this summer. She competed at a Prep Dig showcase in Las Vegas. Her club basketball team finished third at the Nike Nationals in Chicago, and I swear this young lady is drinking from the Fountain of Youth each morning. She is a go-getter and there is no challenge she won't tackle. Right from the jump she was in the middle of the action in her group of participants. She can set, hit, dig, and keep stats while on the court. The Hayden prospect is currently ranked No. 3 and is the No. 1 ranked setter in the Kansas Class of 2028. However, there were a handful of impressive freshman setters at the event and she will have to continue to fight for that top billing.   [player_tooltip player_id='529959' first='Tiana' last='Kinsella'], 5'7”, S, Olathe North, ‘28   Kinsella is one of those setters who could make a run at being named No. 1 in the state. She is currently ranked No. 57 overall by Prep Dig. This was my first time scouting Kinsella in person. I was impressed by how poised Kinsella was and, like the other members of this squad, was not intimidated by the older and taller prospects at the camp. She is well-rounded much like Walter and can factor into the game with her ability to tip and hit at the net. I would love for her and Walter to get in the weight room and work on their upper body strength. On this team, I would make them arm wrestle a best-out-of-five series every day before practice and get them a championship belt to wear for bragging rights.

Two hours is not nearly enough time to fairly analyze more than 100 athletes competing on multiple courts, but that was my task on August 3, at the Prep Dig Stock Up Showcase in Kansas City, Kansas.