Iowa’s Sophomore Defensive Specialists on the Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The sophomore class brought serious energy to the backcourt this weekend, showing off the composure, range, and ball control that elevate the pace of any court they step on. With deep reading skills and confident first contacts, these athletes didn't just keep rallies alive; they controlled them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='498752' first='Allie' last='Ruddy']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":547924,"width":"171px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"thumbnail","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/Allie-Ruddy.jpg?w=150&amp;h=150&amp;crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-547924" style="width:171px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='498752' first='Allie' last='Ruddy'], 2028.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ruddy is a 5'4" defensive specialist from Waukee High School. Ruddy played big despite her smaller frame, showcasing aggressive pursuit and no hesitation on tough balls. Her ability to pop up high-velocity hits kept her court in rhythm, making her an invaluable asset to her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lily Huntrods</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Huntrods is a 5'5" defensive specialist from Ballard High School. Huntrods showed a calm, disciplined style, always balanced, always in the right place. Her serve/receive work was reliable, and she excelled in long defensive rallies where patience and clean touches mattered most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='758514' first='Sydney' last='Arp']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arp is a 5'6" DS/L from South Tama County High School. Arp brought the competitiveness that every court thrives on. She anticipates hitters well, reacts explosively, and covers large areas of space with ease. Her motor and recovery speed helped her to keep up with the pace of many swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='808653' first='Erin' last='Steege']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Steege is a 5'4" defensive specialist from Sumner-Fredericksburg High School and one of my Top Performers picked at the event this weekend. Steege was one of the quickest and cleanest defenders in the gym. Her platform control stood out immediately, delivering consistent, diggable balls no matter the angle or speed. She reads seams early, gets low fast, and turns difficult touches into smooth transition opportunities. Steege's communication was constant, steady, and exactly the presence a young backcourt needs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='729146' first='Anna' last='Jackson']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":693167,"width":"170px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"thumbnail","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/09/137A7120.jpg?w=150&amp;h=150&amp;crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-693167" style="width:170px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'28 Dallas Center-Grimes L [player_tooltip player_id='729146' first='Anna' last='Jackson'] (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson is a 5'6" defensive specialist from Dallas Center-Grimes High School. Jackson brought strong technical qualities like a quiet platform, clean angles, and sharp ball control. Her consistency made her a stabilizer during fast-paced drills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='498752' first='Allie' last='Ruddy']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ruddy is a 5'4" defensive specialist from Waukee High School. Ruddy played big despite her smaller frame, showcasing aggressive pursuit and no hesitation on tough balls. Her ability to pop up high-velocity hits kept her court in rhythm, making her an invaluable asset to her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='775051' first='Ingrid' last='Secory']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Secory is a 5'8" DS/L from Waukee High School. Secory paired length with control, giving her coverage advantages in all zones. She excelled in mid-line passes and kept seams tight with her communication in the backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='808900' first='Lauren' last='Heying']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heying is a 5'10" defensive specialist from Anamosa High School. Heying was the tallest defender in the group and used her height beautifully with clean overheads, a wide defensive range, and a strong blocking-support presence behind the front line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->