'28 Rankings Update: Prospects on the Rise

Get 50% off your first billing cycle with code: BlackFriday2025 in the coupon code area   In case you missed it, Prep Dig Iowa released its initial <a href="https://prepdig.com/iowa/rankings/2028-watch-list-2/">rankings for the Class of 2028</a> earlier this week. They include the Top 96 recruits in the state followed by another group on the watch list.   I was happy to contribute to the update, which includes thoughts from a collection of scouts in the network. We watch a lot of volleyball.   It arrived at a logical time. The end of the prep season is a demarcation line. The upcoming club campaign will see classes move up an age level with the new year.   It's been fun watching the 2028 Class develop to this point. It's deep and talented, as I wrote about in <a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/11/closer-look-at-prep-dig-iowa-28-rankings-update/">breaking down</a> the recent rankings release.   Here's a closer look at prospects ascending during 2025, Prospects on the Rise, if you will.    Otte moved from Williamsburg to Iowa City West after her freshman season and shined with the jump up in classification. She played a major role in helping the Trojans to the state tournament by solidifying the middle of the net. Otte improved her overall skills and feel for the game. It helped her become more aggressive as a two-way performer. Increased explosion off the court aided her attack, allowing for fast and powerful swings that put the defense on its heels. With better timing, Otte makes it difficult for the opponent to attack her area by throwing up an effective block. Even with the advancements, it still feels like Otte has plenty more room for more growth. She finished her sophomore campaign with 209 kills (.329) and 59 blocks, and her 89 digs illustrated strides made as an overall volleyball player.     I first witnessed Weiland in action during the Northern Lights qualifier and then at the Iowa regionals. She stood out both for her skill in setting up teammates with consistency and precision, and with an impressive swing from the opposite pin. Weiland is a good athlete with long arms and quick actions. She shows an excellent feel for the flow of the match and where it's most advantageous to send the ball. Weiland took a step forward during the school ball season in helping Southeast Polk take a step forward and gain hope for more upward movement. Despite an injury, the sophomore dished out 242 assists in 68 sets. She added 44 kills, 174 digs and 10.0 blocks. Weiland has raised her stock in 2025 with plenty of room for further development.     Goodell caught my attention when watching her competing with Six Pack during the last club campaign. An explosive athlete with leaping ability and hang time, she can get on a roll as a two-way force in the middle of the net. I noticed those traits again when scouting her and Humboldt durig the Prep Dig Sizzle in early August. Again, at the state tournament, Goodell continued elevating her game and earning all-tournament laurels after helping the Wildcats to the Class 3A championship match. Goodell finished her 10th-grade season with 307 kills (.333) and 81.0 blocks with 100 digs. She has raised her recruiting profile with her performance in 2025, and there's plenty of room for more progress before reaching her considerable potential.     I don't get to see kids from the western part of the state as often as I'd like. It's a welcomed opportunity when running across them at club events and during the state tournament. I'd watched video highlights of De Lager heading into this year's Iowa high school championships and looked forward to seeing her in action live during it. She's an advanced attacker at the pin, technically sound with a big swing. De Jager looks natural hitting on the right-side with a big vertical leap and quick operation through the attack. She also displays a great feel for the block. As a sophomore, she produced 229 kills with 152 digs and 31.0 blocks. De Jager also has a ways to go before reaching her ceiling as a player.     Cotton has been ascending for awhile. The steady rise included helping Assumption win a state championship after an impressive club campaign with Select. Cotton continues adding more physicality to her game as she gets older. You can tell she works hard on her craft, too, with her improved consistency, sharpening of her skills and feel for the game. Cotton limits her mistakes and has a knack for contributing wherever her team needs her most. She recorded 248 kills (.255), 249 digs and 36.0 blocks in impacting matches throughout six rotations. Cotton has an excellent chance to take another step forward during what will be an important upcoming club campaign.     Isaacson stood out to me when watching her Plex team during the Northern Lights qualifier and the Iowa regional qualifier. She brings a loud attack to the court with a big swing, her long right arm generating power. Isaacson's agility and athleticism helps her remain consistent whether she's putting the ball down or throwing up a block. Ankeny benefited from her skills this fall, when she contributed 203 kills, 29.0 blocks and 55 kills for a team that reached the state semifinals. It feels like Isaacson is just beginning to scratch the surface of his high upside. She could really take off during the club campaign.

Get 50% off your first billing cycle with code: BlackFriday2025 in the coupon code area