Austin’s All-17/18 Open Team from Midwest National Tune-Up

It's the most challenging event feature of all.   I've covered a ton of Prep Dig Circuit events over the past six years, and that tour comes with even more post-tournament coverage. Those features cover several different angles, from standout position groups to surprise performers. But all-tournament selections have been a common thread throughout, and the decisions never get any easier.   Even as I pared down my coverage lens to the 17/18 Open division at last weekend's Midwest National Tune-Up, I'm still left with some tough choices for the list. A whole host of players are worthy of recognition. This is far from my only feature from the tournament, but we might as well start with a bang.   Here are the 17/18 Open stars who couldn't be missed in Des Moines.    We were treated to an MVP-worthy performance from our top-ranked prospect in Iowa's Class of 2028. It doesn't get much better than that. Hatlevig's explosiveness, contact point, and attacking range on the left side were nearly unmatched at the Midwest National Tune-Up. She is the primary catalyst of Iowa Premier 16-1's scoring prowess, and Hatlevig would not be denied en route to the tournament title.     Why not complete the dynamic duo on the outside? Wiederin joined Hatlevig on the left pin to give Iowa Premier 16-1 a constant termination threat at the position. And, like any of Premier's pins, Wiederin was a six-rotation star who could make positive contributions far beyond her floor-denting swings. This championship squad is built around versatility.     Now, we move from one pin to the other. Cordes has a ton of next-level potential at multiple positions, but she's found her niche as Iowa Premier 16-1's hard-hitting opposites. Her experience in the middle allows her to execute the team's wide array of first-ball crossing patterns. Waukee Northwest has enjoyed plenty of underclassman production from Cordes, and that's instantly translating to club prosperity.     Imagine trying to find a balance between all of Iowa Premier's uber-athletic hitters. Fortunately, Waldorf is the right setter to solve the puzzle. She has a knack for dishing up-tempo 'go' sets to the pins, leading to wide attacking windows at the antennas. Better yet, Waldorf's quickness and length make her an ideal candidate to pilot a 5-1 offense. We were treated to the full array of setter skills in Des Moines.     An Iowa audience was quickly introduced to some of small-town Nebraska's most accomplished prep athletes. Sullivan is certainly one of those, and the Wayne State signee had a field day as South Central NE 18 Black's go-to 'M1.' The Hastings St. Cecilia graduate has a unique ability to score on slower tempos, which hearkens back to her time as a pin on the high school stage. Last weekend's runner-up finish is the perfect setup for 18 Black's AAU Nationals preparations.     We could use any libero-related superlative to describe Griess' game. She's simply impenetrable. This former Sutton High School defender covers ground that any opposing offense would hope to exploit. Most notably, Griess' snappy hands allow her to snare balls drifting above her head or outside her midline. Not many teams designate their libero as a floor captain, but Griess is not an ordinary defender.     Our Midwest National Tune-Up featured several dynamic setter-hitters, but Sjuts' role with South Central NE stands out. She has the rare task of distributing from the back row while also being a leading terminator in multiple seams along the net. We've seen this Wayne State signee play seemingly every position under the sun during her decorated prep career.     Ohana 17U National put down swings the echoed across the Horizon Events Center, and Steele led that operation. The Norwalk senior-to-be is a towering talent who is equally proficient on both sides of the setter. 17U National wisely slots Steele on the left, allowing her sky-high reach to get as much attacking volume as possible. This top-tier prospect boosted her stock considerably through last weekend's tournament.     We can't have thunder without lightning. Procyk was the perfect right-side accompaniment to Steele's dominance on the other pin. Whenever 17U National had an in-system opportunity, Procyk was keen to put her stamp on Ohana's shell-shocking onslaught. She was lethal down the line and could even operate in front of the setter in first-ball situations. Ohana stormed into focus last weekend behind its electrifying pin duo.     This one's familiar. Ellison's springy approach and whippy arm were game-changers at yet another Prep Dig Circuit event. The Ankeny standout has made a habit of lighting up defenders in her home gym, powering Iowa PowerPlex 17U Mendoza to several podium finishes. Ellison added to that ledger at the Midwest National Tune-Up.     Let's run it back again. Burrell seems to raise the standard every time we see her compete. She has thrived in our prior showcase environments, proving her willingness to gel with anyone on her side of the net. However, when she joins forces with her Iowa PowerPlex teammates, Burrell takes her game a step further. Her power made an early statement that persisted into Sunday's bracket gauntlet.     Iowa PowerPlex gets another pin on the board. 16U Nelson has hoisted championship trophies on our circuit, and Isaacson has had her hand in many of the team's triumphs. She has cemented her well-rounded influence by stepping up as a floor defender in the middle-back area. Of course, Isaacson can do some scoring of her own when her number is called.     The RVA gym is loaded with athletes like Edgington who can alter matches through craftiness and all-around prowess. We saw this trend play out at the Iowa Clash, and Edgington perpetuated the storyline last weekend. Her deadly roll shots helped RVA push the heavy hitters in the 17/18 Open division, especially in early pool play. Edgington's high standing in the 2027 rankings is well earned.     Bro plays up with a Fearless 18U group that made measurable gains as the National Tune-Up progressed. The event put Fearless through a tough schedule from the first whistle, but Bro helped personify the "fearless" name. She wielded a quick, snappy arm swing that was particularly game-changing on transition pipe sets. Rotating into the back row never quelled Bro's on-court influence.

It's the most challenging event feature of all.