2029s That Shined At PD Iowa Midwest Live Showcase

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have a lot of familiarity with Iowa's 2029 Class. One of its members lives in our house. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As such, I've seen a whole bunch of 14U volleyball this club season. That followed 13U last season and 12U the year before.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, it was great seeing some of these student-athletes compete at last week's Prep Dig Iowa Midwest Live Showcase in Clive. They played confidently, casting a positive light on the state's incoming freshman class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are early scouting reports on the group that made it to the showcase: </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":763562,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='781517' first='Hadassah' last='Smith'] ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_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":"32924","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Cedar Falls ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Six Pack","_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-6840686b90641"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've watched Smith grow into a college prospect during the last few years with Six Pack. I scouted her at the Windy City qualifier in April before seeing her again at the PD Iowa Midwest Live Showcase. Smith showed again why she's one of the state's top 2029s. A powerful and explosive athlete already, Smith is a two-way middle capable of overwhelming opponents with her swing or in denying their attack via intimidating defense at the net. It's fun watching Smith complement her natural gifts with hard work to improve her volleyball skills. The ceiling is sky high for this one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["775626"],"_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-6840686b906b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sutherland resides in my town and is friends with my daughter. As such, I am familiar with her game, which is steadily improving. A good athlete with height and long arms, Sutherland is figuring out how to best maximize her natural gifts. When she's on, Sutherland can lead her team's attack. There's already good pace on her swing with plenty of room for growth as she physically matures. Sutherland is improving her block, figuring out her timing and reading the opponent's attack. The foundation is here for a standout performer with continued sharpening of her skills, which will help with consistency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["777812"],"_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-6840686b90709"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I watched Dolbeare at the 2025 Quad Cities Showdown and Iowa Regional Qualifer, and it was good to see her again at Midwest Live. She's a unique player because of her versatility, which is made possible by athleticism and agility. That's evidenced by her finishing third in the eighth-grade state track meet last month with a leap of 4 feet, 8 inches. She also was 7th in the discus and 11th in the 100 meters. Like most players heading into high school, Dolbeare is sharpening her volleyball skills and chasing consistency. But rest assured, the foundation is there for success at multiple positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["612152"],"_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-6840686b90751"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I caught Whitver in person at the at the 2025 Iowa Regional Qualifier. She impressed with her athleticism and bounce off of the floor. Whitver generates excellent power for her age with a technically sound swing. It's relatively consistent already when she operates within her abilities and stays true to her training. Whitver shows a good feel for the block, too. Agility and quick-twitch make her capable of developing as a six-rotation outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["778220"],"_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-6840686b907a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kron stood out when I watched her at the 2025 Iowa Regional Qualifier, and she was on point again at the Midwest Live Showcase. She looks comfortable operating at both pins, and her long arms and power could also work in the middle. Having that versatility should keep multiple paths open for her future success. For now, she'll continue developing her volleyball skills to complement natural gifts in striving for a sizable ceiling. Kron jumps well and already can generate power in her swing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["780317"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":764914,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6840686b907fa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With athleticism and strong court sense, Walker is a prospect on which to keep a close eye. She displayed excellent potential when watching her at the 2025 Iowa Regional Qualifier and again at the Prep Dig Iowa Midwest Live Showcase. Walker has a good grasp on what's needed to succeed in the middle of the net. She takes advantage of her opportunities on the attack and puts herself in position for blocks more often than not. Walker does well playing within her abilities, not trying to do too much.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["778584"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6840686b90854"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 2025 Prep Dig Iowa Midwest Live Showcase was my first in-person scouting opportunity of Brunkhorst. She impressed with her game, and showed as much potential as any 2029 at the event. Brunkhorst has the requisite height for the front row, and it's accentuated by her long arms. She looks like a classic left-handed right-side able to win on the attack and also deny the opponents' swings. Brunkhorst jumps well and generates power in her swing. When she finds consistency, look out. </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='785394' first='Hannah' last='Buhman']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029 ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Sumner-Fredericksburg","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Six Pack","_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-6840686b908e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Buhman shined during April's Windy City qualifier and gave a sound account of herself again at the Prep Dig Iowa Midwest Live Showcase. Consistency is Buhman's strength, one you desire at setter. She can put the ball on the money from anywhere on the court to anywhere on the court. At almost 6 feet already with long arms, Buhman is a complete player at the position, able to swing when the opportunity presents itself or throw up an effective block. One area of improvement might be serve-receive, but that's also picking nits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["780596"],"_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-6840686b90932"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is a prospect with whom I'm intimately familiar. She's my daughter. Naturally, I love watching her play. When I do, I witness a student-athlete striving for consistency, a common goal for back-row performers heading into high school. The ones that find it end up reaching their potential, and achieving it is in the range of outcomes for Howe. She stood out on serve-receive at the 2025 Midwest Live Showcase, delivering precise passes. The defense was sound. Howe can improve in that area by working on lateral quickness and better anticipating the attack. Her serve is a weapon when on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754657"],"_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-6840686b90977"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Blommer has impressed me with her play for the last few years. Her improving skills complement her special natural ability. Still with plenty of room to go before reaching her considerable ceiling, Blommer already owns one of the best swings in the state among 2029s. She's also very sound defensively at the net and in the back row. Blommer plays six rotations for Iowa's top 14U team, and she should be able to do it at the prep level, perhaps as early as this season. An explosive athlete with leaping ability, Blommer has a claim as Iowa's top player in this class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->