Ballers in Back Row 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>Back rowers must be on their toes even more than usual during showcases. There are few breaks with the collection of hitters that attend these events.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That certainly proved to be the case last Friday in Clive at the Prep Dig Iowa Midwest Live Showcase. Good thing the defensive specialists were up to the task. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some that stood out: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["547128"],"_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-6841fac7e293b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cox was the lone Class of 2026 member at the Midwest Live Showcase in late May. She showed up for two hours of prime reps and to take charge. Mission accomplished. Cox can be overshadowed playing for two deep and talented programs, but she is a prime performer in her own right. Focused and locked in on every point, Cox moves well laterally and puts herself in position to deliver. A sound read on the attack aids that endeavor. Cox is vocal on the court and takes charge of the back row. Cox can get in a groove with her serve, and she's capable of hitting pin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["770824"],"_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-6841fd2f8514f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Houston operated on the Tiger junior varsity as a freshman last season, and she has the look of a varsity contributor in 2025. The potential exists for more. Houston does well when she gets in a rhythm. Like most younger defensive specialists, consistency is the next hurdle looking to be cleared. The foundation is present for it to happen. She works well with her teammates, showing a good feel for what to take and when to back off. She covers a lot of ground and appears technically sound as a passer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["772368"],"_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-6841ff00e3ec1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Presley has the makings of a productive prep player on her current trajectory. She operates within two of the state's top programs, developing her skills against good competition whenever she takes the court. The progress is evident with Presley. That's mostly the case with her becoming more comfortable with the game. The natural ability needed in the back row - lateral quickness, sharp reflexes and fast feet - all are present for Presley.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["763526"],"_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-6841ff36c9446"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Following a freshman season at Valley that saw her come up with 249 digs, one behind the team leader, Rude has raised her game even more this club campaign. I saw her shine at the Iowa Regional Qualifier, when she helped Ohana reach the gold bracket. Rude displayed that same take-charge game at the Midwest Live Showcase in late May. She's a good athlete that moves smoothly and efficiently around the court. With anticipation and a feel for the flow of the match, Rude keeps a lot of plays alive when others might come up short. She's part of a core returning for the Tigers that should make them formidable in 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["779198"],"_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-6841ff36c949c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bucheit is tested against good competition in club for United and with the Spartans. It helped her look comfortable and hold up well against big swings at the Midwest Live Showcase. Bucheit is solid, and that's saying something for younger defensive specialists. She's searching for consistency, like many back-row performers still developing, but Bucheit possesses the tools for reaching it. The nationals in Dallas and a sophomore season in Solon should help her take another step forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["729559"],"_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-68420506530d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've written reports on Gardner after watching her at regionals and on Hudl highlights, so it was good to observe her again in the Midwest Live Showcase environment at the end of May. She held up well against a standout group of hitters, and performed soundly through defensive specialist drills. Being equipped technically and possessing a good feel for match flow aids Gardner in being positioned to make plays. She limits errors and provides passes on point. Gardner has a chance to take a big leap forward in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->