Austin’s All-Showcase Team: Iowa Stock Up

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're starting with the really tough decisions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've been fortunate enough to cover Prep Dig Showcase events for the past several years. It's a series that has grown, evolved, and expanded to a humbling degree. I'm so thankful to have been part of the journey and to have covered so many exceptional athletes along the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As these circuit events have leveled up, so has the talent pool. I try to assemble an "all-showcase" team after all of these outings, and the decisions get tougher with every highlight-worthy player that gets added to the mix. Des Moines leaves us with tough deliberations, but that's a good problem to have.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's our valiant attempt at paring down the list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913846"],"_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-6a5d5a206126b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Somers has enjoyed her share of standout moments in the Horizon Events Center. Our <a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/07/surging-athletes-were-eager-to-see-at-iowa-stock-up-showcase/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepdig.com/2026/07/surging-athletes-were-eager-to-see-at-iowa-stock-up-showcase/">preview feature</a> alluded to her strong appearance with SWI3D at February's Prep Dig Iowa Clash. That ascent continued through Sunday's showcase, where Somers' quick arm and heavy heat came into focus. Even against well-formed blocks, this Riverside senior has a knack for slugging through hands and finding ways to score on the left antenna.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["789386"],"_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-6a5d5c721bfb9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We already have a full feature dedicated to Fouch's all-around excellence, which yielded her <a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/07/avoli-committed-athlete-iowa-stock-up-showcase/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepdig.com/2026/07/avoli-committed-athlete-iowa-stock-up-showcase/">Avoli <em>Committed</em> Athlete award</a>. But, of course, our all-showcase team wouldn't feel complete without this springy, terminal outside hitter. Fouch brought all the firepower needed to fit in with the Iowa PowerPlex crew.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["775210"],"_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-6a5d5a20612a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Horizon Events Center was loaded with pins who could get the job done on either pin. Griebel is a perfect torchbearer for this group, and her influence goes beyond termination. She was an eager participant in serve-receive drills, making her stand out from other athletes who spend much of their time on the right antenna. Griebel's physicality also presents opportunities to thrive in the middle, so Sergeant Bluff-Luton has ample options this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["762735"],"_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-6a5d5c721bff6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Waukee area tends to bring its best distributors to our Des Moines showcases. We were fortunate to have Munkvold in this group for a repeat appearance on the Prep Dig Circuit. Her last stop was at February's Prep Dig Clash, where Munkvold guided her squad to a semifinal appearance in the 16s division. Sunday's outing elevated her stock heading into Year 3 with the Warriors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["767740"],"_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-6a5d5c721c016"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It's no wonder why De Jager has established a starting presence with Western Christian, one of Iowa's most recognizable prep powerhouses. She soared above the net tape at our Stock Up Showcase and delivered the kind of pace that's nearly impossible to defend. De Jager has a knack for swinging at the peak of her jump, and she'll only climb higher as an upperclassman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["773089"],"_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-6a5d5ea78b835"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Consider this our multi-position "utility" pick of the group. Roethler astounded us through her willingness to hop between the middle and right side at Sunday's event. No matter where she found herself during six-on-six drills, Roethler's aggressive approach made her a positive frontcourt influence. We're eager to see which position takes precedence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["775721"],"_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-6a5d5ea78b7a9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We need to further fortify the middle blocker spot on our all-showcase team, and Clark is the perfect athlete to accomplish this. The West Des Moines Valley junior boasts a rare combination of physicality and lateral quickness, allowing her to overpower blockers on either side of the setter. She found her form during positional drills, especially as an up-tempo slide hitter. Clark's dominant net presence translated well to our six-on-six drills and will carry similar weight with the Tigers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["693817"],"_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-6a5d5ea78b7d8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This wasn't our first encounter with Oliver this year. Her Adrenaline 16 Dan crew earned a runner-up finish at the Show Me Qualifier, battling in a Nebraska-Iowa border clash in the championship match. Sunday's showcase added a lot to this libero's scouting report, and Oliver was unflappable in the middle-back area. This is our serve-receive anchor on the all-showcase team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["998543"],"_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-6a5d5ea78b7f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Add another standout performance to Brinkman's Prep Dig Circuit resume. She commanded the back row for her Fearless 18U squad during our Midwest National Tune Up, but Sunday's venue had a different look. Even with unfamiliar passers alongside her, Brinkman occupied space effectively and was eager to cover seams. Serve-pass drills cemented her top-performer status.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["902980"],"_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-6a5d5ea78b818"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Meet one of our major trendsetters for the Stock Up Showcase's 2029s. Ortegren brought power beyond her years at Sunday's event and proved she could connect with any setter on her side of the net. Her influence didn't wane in the back row, either. Hinton High wielded a barrage of Ortegren's tough serves last fall, and she brought it back for our summer outing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->