2029 Rankings Update: Closer Look at Top 5

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Dig Iowa released a Class of 2029 Rankings Update on Wednesday. It was the first time this recruiting cycle had numbers next to names, the previous iterations being Watch Lists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You can check out that rundown, which also includes new names on the Watch List <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/iowa/rankings/2029-rankings/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepdig.com/iowa/rankings/2029-rankings/">HERE</a></strong>. There's a <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/10/tiering-1st-numbered-rankings-for-iowas-2029-class/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepdig.com/2026/10/tiering-1st-numbered-rankings-for-iowas-2029-class/">companion article</a></strong> breaking the rankings into tiers of like-talented players, adding helpful context to the process.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, we'll take a deeper dive into the Top 25, starting with Nos. 1-5. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754657"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac66349f0d4e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The No. 1 prospect in Prep Dig Iowa's 2029 recruiting class, Blommer is a big problem for opponents at the pin. Scouting her through the years, the Iowa City West sophomore continually improves her overall game and is on the trajectory of being a Power 4 recruit. She'd taken a step forward in her development when watching her compete during the club campaign. That was the case again at an in-person scouting opportunity last week. Her outside game is explosive from bounce to hang time to an anvil swing. Blommer also is becoming more efficient through improved read and reaction. The block and back-row play are trending up, too. Blommer will be very busy fielding messages in June 15.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754551"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac66349f0db2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've been watching Ehler compete since 12U. She's always impacted the action on a large scale with no signs of that development slowing down. It's why she checks in at No. 2 in the first Prep Dig Iowa Class of 2029 rankings. Setters sometimes blend in. It's the nature of the position, setting up others for glory. While Ehler accomplishes that task at an incredibly consistent level, the Tipton sophomore accomplishes so much more on the court. She can block like a middle hitter and end points with a mighty lefty swing. Ehler would stand out as a middle or opposite pin. She's also consistently good defending in the back row and in serve-receive. Oh, and watch out for the nasty serve. Ehler does not blend in, she shines among the brightest whenever the ball is in play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["781517"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac66349f0e02"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith checks in at No. 3 in the first Prep Dig Iowa Class of 2029 rankings. Like with Tipton's Ehler and Blommer from Iowa City West, a case can be made for the top spot. The trio of Power 4 prospects reside in the top tier of the class. For her part, Smith is a dynamic two-way middle capable of taking over matches. She's athletic, agile and physical in the front row. Her ability to jump quick and high in the air keys her success. Smith can terminate a quick set before the defense has time to react. When she rises up for a traditional set, the power is prodigious. Quick bounce also leads to an ultra effective block. Improved reads are leading to higher efficiency and further dominance. Smith's ceiling is sizable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["769009"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac66349f0e75"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sometimes the western parts of the state can be overlooked because so much of the competition takes place in the central and eastern areas. That said, we all know top teams and players regularly hail from land closer to the Missouri River than the Mississippi. Friessen is, without a doubt, one of those performers. The Hinton standout showed that in earning all-state tournament recognition as a freshman last year before putting together an impactful club campaign. She's continued raising the stakes this prep year, dominating the action on a regular basis. Friessen is an explosive athlete with a great feel for the game. She's technically sound and competes with maximum effort. It's not surprising that her teams are successful.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["893087"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac66349f0ec2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Limbaugh rounds out the Top 5 of the first Prep Dig Iowa Class of 2029 rankings. When all is said and done, she might not take a back seat to anyone in the recruiting cycle. The Algona sophomore is packed with that much potential. Limbaugh has really taken a step forward in development during the last few years despite being hampered by bad luck with injuries. The natural gifts have long been present. She's tall with long arms, leaping ability and athleticism. Harnessing those talents and marrying them with technical improvement has allowed her game to take off through higher efficiency. When she gets on a roll and everything is clicking, look out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->