Highlighting 16U Back-Row Ballers from Iowa Qualifier

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a bevy of big-time hitters showing up at last weekend's 16U Iowa Regional Qualifier in West Des Moines, the back row needed to be on its toes throughout. They answered the bell, leading to long rallies and points that kept going despite loud swings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rockets standout [player_tooltip player_id='316419' first='Edie' last='Miller']'s reputation proceeds here in this state. Like at Liberty High last season, teams are avoiding her in club ball, particularly against Iowa competition. What's amazing about her is the ability to always be ready even after she's beed bypassed for long stretches. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='403543' first='Addie' last='Bollier'] and [player_tooltip player_id='488579' first='Mavrik' last='Schweer'] were instrumental in United winning the championship on Sunday. This team is especially tough when they're on point, locking up the back row. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='490011' first='Leah' last='Janulewicz'] and [player_tooltip player_id='412719' first='Jenna' last='Harbour'] will be two of the best back-rowers in the state next season. They share the libero jersey for PowerPlex, both consistently good and reliable. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='758787' first='Katelyn' last='Mescher'] has become more steady as the club season has advanced. She did an excellent job communicating with teammates and directing traffic for Impact during the event. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ohana and West Des Moines Valley libero Myla Rude scraps in the back row, getting to a lot of balls and keeping plays alive. She's quick laterally with sharp reflexes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='555781' first='Addisson' last='Hogan'] lifts the level of performance in CIA's back row. She gets a lot of help back there from six rotation standouts [player_tooltip player_id='389853' first='Kennedy' last='Krecklow'] and [player_tooltip player_id='443089' first='Emma' last='Minteer']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>United Premier boasts a sound libero in [player_tooltip player_id='730492' first='Tenley' last='Nixt']. She displays a strong feel for the position, communicating well with teammates and staying calm under pressure. It leads to consistently solid play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='493970' first='Anistan' last='Holladay'] holds down the libero spot for Select. She moves well laterally and gets keen reads on serve-receive. Zoe Perez and Abren Bazal add back-row depth for this team, and [player_tooltip player_id='490015' first='Mazie' last='Sweers'] plays six-rotations at a high level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A lot of student-athletes in this division are becoming more proficient at staying on the court through all rotations. [player_tooltip player_id='360642' first='Sophia' last='Austen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='273001' first='Ellie' last='Wilson'] for United rank among the best. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='316380' first='Hadley' last='Miller'], [player_tooltip player_id='316419' first='Edie' last='Miller']'s twin sister, does it all for Rockets. A setter by trade, she could play libero if asked. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='490013' first='Logan' last='Vogt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='493601' first='Piper' last='Ladwig'], stars at the net, have sharpened their skills in the back row for PowerPlex. Kaitlin Loria, who led Iowa City High in kills last season, also has grown into a consistent back-row performer for United Premier. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Impact's [player_tooltip player_id='443086' first='Brynn' last='Cibula'] has taken her game to the next level this season after standing out as a sophomore for West Des Moines Valley. She showed this weekend that she excels as a two-way player all-around the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->