High-Flying Attackers Take Command at Iowa Up Next Showcase

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The future is in the frontcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've been jumping around the entry list from Saturday's Iowa Up Next Showcase as we highlight future stars from the Hawkeye State and beyond. Previous features have delved into some <a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/08/nebraska-visitors-shine-at-iowa-up-next-showcase/">Nebraska visitors</a> and a handful of <a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/08/dynamic-setters-lead-the-way-at-iowa-up-next-showcase/">savvy setters</a> from this Des Moines outing. Now, we're lighting it up along the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every showcase has its share of terminal arms. That trend materialized at our Iowa Up Next Showcase, even with athletes who are just beginning their development. High ceilings and high contact points were on full display at the Horizon Event Center.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["790527"],"_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-68ad124e70718"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We finally have a chance to get [program_tooltip program_id='431948' first='Iowa' last='Rockets'] in the mix. Pieper represented [program_tooltip program_id='431948' first='Iowa' last='Rockets']' top 14s squad this spring and brings a wealth of exceptional traits to the left-side hitter spot. She exhibited a quick, fluid approach at Saturday's showcase, allowing her to sky over blocks during six-on-six drills. We also saw Pieper thrive in early drills that tested endurance, hustle, and body control. We're watching a future leader for Holy Trinity High.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["788587"],"_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-68ad124e70771"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Our Iowa Up Next Showcase wasn't all about the Hawkeye State. We had a stacked group of standouts from the Kansas City area, and Byrd was arguably at the top of the pack. This physically imposing athlete can terminate from anywhere along the net and adapt to whatever tempo she's given. This led to several highlight moments at our showcase as Byrd scored over the top of opposing hands. Mizuno Club North will surely harness Byrd's rare talent and athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["877691"],"_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-68ad124e707bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Iowa Select is next in the spotlight. Peterson was one of many middle-outside hybrid players at our event, making versatility a popular theme in Des Moines. It's easy to hone in on an attacker's terminal ability, but Peterson also brings the ball-control prowess to contribute in any rotation. Her development will be fascinating to follow when she steps up to Riverdale High School next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["878144"],"_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-68ad124e70806"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rinehart played up a year with CVA this year, so she will never shy away from competing against older peers. This experience made her an instant standout at our Up Next Showcase, where Rinehart's clean footwork and effortless elevation flourished. She has already enjoyed a head start in her development and will keep climbing after her Prep Dig Circuit visit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["878434"],"_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-68ad124e7084f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Let's bring out another [program_tooltip program_id='431948' first='Iowa' last='Rockets'] gem. Like many of the players on this feature, Statler has ample experience as an outside hitter and a middle blocker. She primarily patrolled the middle during Saturday's event and was an outstanding first-tempo attacker in front of the setter. Statler already has the physical gifts to dominate in the frontcourt, but she's developing sound fundamentals in the [program_tooltip program_id='431948' first='Iowa' last='Rockets'] gym, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["878889"],"_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-68ad124e70895"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Iowa United made waves on the regional scene this year, and players like Ellard will maintain the club's positive momentum. The future Clear Creek Amana prep athlete had an extraordinary showing at our Des Moines event and was at her best during team scrimmages. She transitioned well off the net and made herself an available outlet for her setters. Whether her prep future is in the middle or on the outside, Ellard has infinite impact potential at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->