’29 Rankings Update: More Watch List Players to Watch

<!-- 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><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/10/2029-rankings-update-closer-look-at-top-5/">2029 Rankings Update: Closer Look at Top 5</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/10/2029-rankings-update-closer-look-at-nos-11-15/">2029 Rankings Update: Closer Look at Nos. 11-15</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/10/29-rankings-update-who-to-watch-on-watch-list/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepdig.com/2026/10/29-rankings-update-who-to-watch-on-watch-list/">'29 Rankings Update: Who to Watch on Watch List</a></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&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/iowa/rankings/2029-rankings/">HERE</a></strong>. There's a&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/10/tiering-1st-numbered-rankings-for-iowas-2029-class/">companion article</a></strong>&nbsp;breaking the rankings into tiers of like-talented players, adding helpful context to the process.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we take a closer look at interesting prospects on the watch list. We'll be tracking them and others as we've already begun work on the next rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["893263"],"_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-6ac94cbb998a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Asche has impressed me throughout the years when watching her compete in person along the club trail. Her teams has been among the best in their age groups, reaching the USAV National Tournament, including this past summer in Indianapolis where it shined. It's not an accident that Asche is in the middle of it all, literally. The Dunkerton sophomore is an impactful two-way middle hitter. She can pound the ball down with a mighty swing or squelch the opposing attack with an imposing block. As a freshman last year, Asche helped the Raiders reach the state tournament. Her improved performance this fall has them among the 1A favorites to get back to Coralville. Asche is a recruit packed with potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1037650"],"_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-6ac94cbb9991f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I watched Camarena compete on the club circuit earlier this year and looked forward to seeing what she could do with opportunities opening up for defending state champion Assumption this season. I finally saw the Knights compete at the Iowa City High quad late last month. It was clear she'd taken another step forward with her game, consistency and confidence. Long arms and leaping ability help Camarena play taller that her listed height. She flashes strong technique and form whether on the attack or throwing up a block. Her frame has a chance to add strength while holding the athleticism and agility that already make her successful. There's definitely upside for quite a bit more here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["959464"],"_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-6ac94cbb9997a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Steinkamp first caught my attention when I was watching her club team qualify for the USAV National Tournament by upsetting teams at the Iowa Regional. I watched her again when her squad arrived in Indianapolis on the sport's big stage. Steinkamp was standing out as a six-rotation right-side hitter. She came equipped with a big old lefty hammer at the opposite pin. Explosiveness and timing led to success in blocking the opposing attack. Steinkamp steadily improved in the back row as the year went on, holding up well defensively and in serve-receive. So far this prep campaign, the sophomore ranks second in kills, digs and blocks for ADM. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["917914"],"_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-6ac94cbb999c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wedo began the season absent from the varsity rotation. The sophomore forced her way into the lineup, however, and has been one of Linn-Mar's most efficient players in 2026. It's not surprising to me. I watched up close during the club campaign when she played alongside our daughter. Wedo was one of the team's most improved performers by season's end. She stands out most for her defense in the middle of the net. The success is derived from long arms, being able to jump quickly and timing. She bounces off of the court in an instant. Her attack is coming along with reps and growing confidence. The traits are in place to help her be even better there. So far in the high school season, Wedo has 72 kills (.425) in 51 sets and her 30.0 blocks lead the squad despite her playing significantly less than others in the rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["905327"],"_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-6ac94cbb99a12"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Trying to break into the Ankeny lineup as an underclassman is an uphill battle. It can happen, but most student-athletes develop in the program while waiting their turn. It consistently boasts one of the most talent-laden rosters in the state. After watching Buenzow stand out during the club campaign, I'm convinced she'd be helping out a lot of other schools across the state as we speak. The Hawk sophomore is tall with long arms and a good feel for lining up at the opposite pin. She brings a heavy swing and big leaping ability to aid in blocking. A agile athlete that moves well laterally, Buenzow also could succeed attacking from elsewhere along the net. She's poised for a big club campaign, which likely will catapult her into a breakout year at Ankeny next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->