Surging Athletes We’re Eager to See at Iowa Stock Up Showcase

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's run it back, Des Moines!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm growing fairly comfortable in the Horizon Events Center. The Prep Dig Circuit has drawn me to the heart of the Hawkeye State several times lately, including visits to this year's Iowa Clash and Midwest National Tune-Up. However, Sunday's event will offer a new perspective on emerging Iowa athletes during the late-summer grind. It's time to kick off the showcase season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Showcases bring unique challenges and scenarios that can't always be replicated through tournament play or one-off matches. Players are put through a gauntlet of skill drills while also learning to mesh with unfamiliar teammates. It's a fast-paced, unfiltered look at which athletes can shine through a wave of changing circumstances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And, if past events are any indication, these players are ready to handle Sunday's spotlight and continue their upward trajectory.</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-6a59531d05323"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We're starting with SWI3D, a club that made plenty of positive impressions at February's Iowa Clash. Somers will make a return trip to Clive after shining while playing up a year with her 18 Black squad. The Clash gave a glimpse of Somers' six-rotation influence and her natural ability to terminate in scramble situations. That kind of out-of-system prowess usually pays off in showcase environments, where craftiness and creativity take precedence. SWI3D brought plenty of those traits to the Great Plains circuit this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["730397"],"_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-6a59531d05381"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Here's another one of those Iowa Clash stars. Kenny carried the banner for Iowa PowerPlex 16U Chapman, which earned a runner-up finish at that early-season event. Things only got better for Kenny after tournament wins at the Quad Cities Quest and Midwest National Tune-Up. She was an all-around mainstay the whole way and brought a lot more than scoring potential to the 16U Chapman lineup. Kenny's precise first contacts and aggressive serves added another positive element to her growing scouting report.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["536274"],"_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-6a59531d053cf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Why not spin the dial to 16U Chapman's other left-side hitter spot? Connolly was the perfect complement to Kenny on the outside and brought the hammer in the Iowa PowerPlex gym. And, like her Class of 2028 counterpart, Connolly's progress as a backcourt asset made her an ever-present part of the starting rotation. The West Des Moines Valley standout can also thrive on either pin, so we'll see that versatility flourish at Sunday's showcase.</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-6a59531d05419"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We're revisiting one of our big discoveries from this spring's Midwest National Tune-Up. Fearless Volleyball brought a fascinating 18U lineup into the fray, and Brinkman repped the Class of 2028 well. She donned the contrasting jersey throughout the event and was an invaluable vocal leader in the Fearless huddle. It might be a lot to ask of an athlete playing up a couple of age groups, but Brinkman is built for the big stage. She'll see another one this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["775626"],"_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-6a59531d0547c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This isn't Sutherland's first rodeo on the Prep Dig Showcase stage, so we have lofty expectations for the Iowa Rockets 15-1 outside hitter. The Iowa City High sophomore has made multiple trips to the Prep Dig Circuit, from past showcases to tournament outings like the Midwest National Tune-Up. No matter the venue, Sutherland has brought the kind of low-error, high-energy effort we'd expect from an Iowa Rockets athlete. She can fill up a highlight tape, but Sutherland's best attribute might be her willingness to make the routine, necessary plays to help her team succeed. Lifting others in this way helps capture the true nature of these showcases.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["882341"],"_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-6a59531d054c3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Let's double down on the Iowa Rockets brigade. Freese joins a loaded group of hard-working middles making the trip to Sunday's event. Her tireless effort and tremendous hustle will make a huge difference as we approach the big six-on-six finale at our showcase. Freese is built for these intense scrimmages and can anchor either middle spot with equal efficiency. She developed some wicked slide skills with Iowa Rockets 15-1, helping the team earn a runner-up finish at May's Midwest National Tune-Up. Iowa City is bringing its best to Cyclone territory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["880709"],"_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-6a59531d05506"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The future is here. Sarcone joins a host of 2030s looking to make a big first impression in our coverage jurisdiction. The Dowling Catholic freshman-to-be has already compiled an impressive list of accolades from her 14s season with Club Iowa Juniors. Sarcone's 14 Black crew clinched a GJNC berth through the Iowa Region and is fresh off a fruitful trip to Indianapolis. That should have her ready for whatever Sunday's showcase can bring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->