Austin’s All-Showcase Team: Missouri/Kansas Stock Up

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The KC crowd is back at it again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our annual slate of Missouri/Kansas showcases has become a major mark on my calendar. Even while I was primarily focused on my home base in Nebraska, I would cross state lines to check in with the best of the Heart of America Region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Circumstances have changed. I officially joined the Prep Dig Kansas conversation this year, opening up a whole new wave of athletes to cover and discover. Sunday's Missouri/Kansas Stock Up Showcase now carried even more weight, especially after rolling out a wave of rankings updates on the site. Further refreshes are already being considered.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standout performances at our showcases might jumpstart those updates. We have the daunting task of paring down a list of all-showcase honorees, so let's give it a shot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["815567"],"_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-6a669c3f7a855"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This was a worthy encore performance from Moncada. I vividly remember her frontcourt dominance at last winter's Prep Dig Exposure Tour showcase, and this multi-talented terminator brought it again for last weekend's outing. Moncada is equally comfortable on both pins, making her a perfect fit for an ever-changing showcase environment. Beyond the tangible skills, we've also seen Moncada flourish as a leader and teammate on the Prep Dig Circuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["530009"],"_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-6a669c3f7a88b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Missouri/Kansas Stock Up Showcase gave us no shortage of libero prospects to cover, and we'll have several more to discuss throughout the week. Southard leads us off after locking down the end line during Sunday's six-on-six action. The Shockwave standout has a calm, stable platform that works wonders in passing drills. That steady presence quickly translated to Southard's sustained scrimmage success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["979658"],"_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-6a669c3f7a8ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The middle blocker position is similarly stacked. Cody earned a shoutout during our discussion of the recent Kansas 2029 rankings update. Her high-profile successes with KC Power 15-2 could not be ignored, and neither could Cody's terminal arm at Sunday's showcase. She showed a knack for connecting with whichever setter was on her side of the net. Cody can adapt to several different tempos while allowing her game-changing length to take over.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913292"],"_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-6a669c3f7a971"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Let's load up on length in the middle. Steinlage was among the most intimidating athletes in the gym last weekend, boasting size that could tower over opposing blockers. However, we were most impressed by the Centralia sophomore's agility and hustle in transition. Steinlage is a "setter's best friend" with the kind of hitting window that can better the ball under any circumstances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["747422"],"_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-6a669c3f7a8ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Livermore's Prep Dig Circuit barnstorming tour continues. This dynamic setter-opposite lit up last summer's Nebraska Freshman Showcase, proving she could take her multi-position excellence into unfamiliar territory. This time, Livermore stayed closer to home and was an ever-present leader in six-on-six action. She ran a smooth offense from the back row while also dropping the hammer during her frontcourt trips. PVA will be eager to wield all of those traits next spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["888442"],"_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-6a669c3f7a8e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Salmon continues to build off her extraordinary club campaign with Dynasty 16 Black. We've covered her show-stopping right-side power on the Open circuit before, but Salmon's six-rotation prowess took a step forward at the Stock Up Showcase. This was a perfect venue to see Salmon's game-changing ability as a server, defender, and vocal leader. Opposites can do a lot more than bring the heat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913297"],"_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-6a669c3f7a903"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Manhattan Mayhem is building quite a cast of setters, and Hiltgen has paved the way for the 2029s. Prior features have alluded to the challenges of being a showcase setter, but we also have instances of signal-callers making everyone around them better. Hiltgen was the ultimate "helper" with her precise location and willingness to set against the grain. Any option was available with Hiltgen running the show.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["847830"],"_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-6a669c3f7a91e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We've already covered Wickersham's all-around influence in our Avoli Committed Athlete feature, but she was surely due for an all-showcase honor, too. This Arkansas prep athlete took her show on the road and proved why she was the defensive anchor for a gritty Ozark Juniors team. Wickersham has instincts beyond her years, both in floor defense and serve receive. Don't overlook the Delta Region when seeking a high-impact libero from the Class of 2029.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["728439"],"_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-6a669c3f7a93a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We were eager to get a live eye on Deeter, another one of our top-ranked Kansas prospects from the Class of 2029. She was physical enough to play up a year with MAVS this spring, and the Hayden Catholic sophomore exhibited that strength at Sunday's showcase. Deeter delivered several floor-denting kills in front of the setter and also churned out positive block touches to aid her team in transition. It was a full array of contributions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["937432"],"_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-6a669c3f7a955"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hiner is another name that climbed our latest set of 2029 rankings, and she might be due for another bump after Sunday's performance. If you're looking for a springy outside hitter who can pop off the floor, Hiner fills that niche perfectly. She was an incredibly effective out-of-system terminator during scrimmages, using her explosive step-close to get on top of the ball. But Hiner's best moments came while she was in rhythm and could drive through the ball with her forward momentum. This KNVBC standout will find any way to terminate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->