SLC Showdown Showcase Week 2 Top Performers Vol 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Salt Lake City Showdown Showcase is run in conjunction with the SLC Showdown National Qualifier on April 4^th and April 10^th.  It was held at the Salt Palace Convention Center and live streamed via BallerTV.  There were tons of amazing athletes from all over the nation who were giving their all in both the positional drills and also the team scrimmages.  Let's take a look at all of the athletes who earned a Top Performer award for their individual play at the showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["553102"],"_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-6801c114a60f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nia is currently an unranked prospect in the 2028 Class according to our Prep Dig California State Rankings.&nbsp; She plays volleyball for Berean Christian High School and also plays for the Vision volleyball club program.&nbsp; I was introduced to this young lady this past summer at nationals when she attended the pre-tourney showcase.&nbsp; What stood out then was her very outgoing personality and it was a true joy when she came up to me before this event and re-introduced herself.&nbsp; Immediately I remembered her and was excited to see her in action once more.&nbsp; Because this event was slightly smaller, I was able to really pay more attention to her skills on the court.&nbsp; Not only was I impressed, but her court coach agreed and we chose to move her up to a higher level court.&nbsp; I told her to “show me something” once I moved her to the court and almost immediately Nia proved us right with some exciting play.&nbsp; Although she is listed as only five foot eight, Miss Cottonham plays well above the net like a six-footer would.&nbsp; She is super explosive off of the ground and also laterally as she patrols the net.&nbsp; After watching her closely, she can be classified as a shut down blocker, even during one on one situations.&nbsp; On the offensive end, her arm swing is just as explosive as her legs are during her approach. &nbsp;We are very happy with her performance and think she is the type of player who has a very high ceiling to keep getting better.&nbsp; Please help us congratulate her on earning a Top Performer award for this showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["756342"],"_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-6801c114a6163"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Olivia is currently an unranked prospect in the 2029 Class according to our Prep Dig Virginia State Rankings, but that is only because they have not been released yet.&nbsp; She currently plays for the American Volleyball club program.&nbsp; She is listed as a defensive specialist/libero and outside hitter.&nbsp; Miss Baick proved to be a very valuable baller all over the court for her squad during the competitive scrimmage portion.&nbsp; Defensively, what truly stands out when you watch her play is how she moves on the court.&nbsp; She is right at home digging a volleyball.&nbsp; Her whole body is able to contort at will as she has so much dexterity and athleticism.&nbsp; While she passes or digs, her platform really has a natural touch on the ball.&nbsp; During emergency defensive situations, Olivia has an uncanny ability to stick an arm out and keep the ball in play toward her setter.&nbsp; This kind of defensive energy is key for any championship level team and that is exactly what she brings when she is on the court.&nbsp; Her court coach mentioned how easily she is to be coached and how she was in such a positive mood no matter what the scenario was. &nbsp;Coaches will fall in love with this attitude of hers and I think we should all keep watching her progress as she continues to evolve in the sport.&nbsp; Please help us congratulate her on earning a Top Performer award at the showcase.&nbsp;</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":"Laila Gibbons","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_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":"Arvada West","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Norco","_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-6801c114a622d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Laila is currently an unranked prospect in the 2028 Class according to our Prep Dig Colorado State Rankings.&nbsp; She plays volleyball for Arvada West High School and plays for the Norco volleyball club program.&nbsp; Miss Gibbons did such a phenomenal job of playing both pins when needed and showcased some great ball control all around the court in every aspect of the game.&nbsp; She really knows how to use her shoulders on the offensive end.&nbsp; By crunching her abs and throwing her shoulders forward, she puts a lot more power into her attacks.&nbsp; This will do well for her as she gets even stronger in the future.&nbsp; However, this also tells scouts that she has been coached very well and listens to instruction extremely well.&nbsp; All great signs for the future for sure.&nbsp; Her serve receive and defense in the back row can be categorized as well above average and is a very great place to start out her young career.&nbsp; I loved seeing her use a deep touch point to start her approach from as it will really help her to create a lot of momentum to get a higher vertical.&nbsp; She even has the ability to move inside and run a fifty-two set in order to score from a different location.&nbsp; This young lady is someone to keep your eyes on. &nbsp;Please help us congratulate her on earning a Top Performer award for this showcase.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned for more articles on your favorite athletes.&nbsp; If you have anyone you think we should watch out for, please shoot me an email with some info at <a href="mailto:Michael@prepdig.com">Michael@prepdig.com</a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;Also don't forget to help these kids get more exposure by sharing our stories with your friends.&nbsp; Help us help them by simply reposting on X, Instagram or sharing on Facebook.&nbsp; Thanks for following Prep Dig Family!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->