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<p>We had no shortage of physicality in Des Moines last weekend.</p>
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<p>Our post-event coverage of Iowa's Top 250 Expo is just beginning. I've been juggling Nebraska and Iowa after a showcase doubleheader, so thanks to everyone for hanging around for the back-and-forth action.</p>
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<p>Middle blockers are the focus for another feature after we honed in on Nebraska's best at the position. Iowa raised the standard even more, and we have plenty of standouts to discuss after Sunday's event.</p>
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<p>On to the list.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[program_tooltip program_id='431948' first='Iowa' last='Rockets'] has claimed its share of intimidating middle blockers. Clark adds to this list after showing a full range of positive traits at Sunday's showcase. This Mount Pleasant standout gets her feet to the ball quickly and delivers incredibly sharp angles when attacking in front of the setter. Clark was tough to stop during team drills and even delivered some impressive swings on the outside. Before we enjoy the upcoming club season at [program_tooltip program_id='431948' first='Iowa' last='Rockets'], we have to give a nod to Clark's 200-kill effort as a junior with Mount Pleasant. She's laying the foundation for a 2025 breakthrough.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Adrenaline Volleyball Club gets on the board with one of its most impressive terminators from Sunday's showcase. Phillips is building off a sophomore season in which she upped her hitting efficiency and finished second on Cedar Rapids Kennedy's overall kill chart. This 2027 athlete is physical enough to lock down the middle but will also take first-ball swings on the outside when needed. Showcases are a perfect venue to demonstrate this versatility, so Phillips flourish in last weekend's Top 250 Expo spotlight.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">We've encountered Doeden on the Prep Dig Circuit before, and she has only improved since our last meeting. During her sophomore season with Cherokee Washington, she piled up an astonishing 116 blocks, placing Doeden near the top of Iowa's state-wide tally. The second-year star accompanied this defensive dominance with a 0.330 hitting clip to lead the Braves roster. Doeden's wealth of high-level experience and highlight moments will serve her well at [program_tooltip program_id='428961' first='NWI' last='Premier'] this spring.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Here's another Adrenaline athlete to watch closely this club season. Like Doeden, Linder was a blocking machine during the 2024 fall season with nearly one per set for the Warhawks. The sophomore led in a few more categories, too, including total kills and attacking percentage. Our showcase revealed Linder's knack for adjusting to any set and working through opposing hands. This adaptability is rare for someone with multiple years left on the prep scene, and we can't wait to see where Linder's development takes her.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Putting down almost 2.5 kills per set is a high bar for a middle blocker--especially an underclassman middle blocker. Leifker cleared that mark with nearly 300 total kills on a 0.287 clip for Dallas Center-Grimes this fall. She's the prototypical 'M1' who is not afraid to take swings behind the setter in two-hitter rotations. Leifker will be a key piece of Iowa PowerPlex's efforts in the 16U age group in 2025.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Speaking of PowerPlex standouts, Pederson added to the list of strong athletes playing right at home in Des Moines. This versatile attacker represented a young PCM squad that will keep making strides in future seasons. Pederson is a coordinated attacker who can take any tempo in any location. She also exhibited her willingness to tool the block during team drills--an underrated skill among middle blockers.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Bring on the Class of 2028. Otte is preparing to compete with Iowa United this spring and is already off to a roaring start on the prep side. She logged a 0.280 hitting clip with Williamsburg this fall and finished just shy of the team's top kill total. As Iowa's 2028 picture becomes clearer, Otte will be a player to know when our early watch lists are released.</p>
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<p></p>
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We had no shortage of physicality in Des Moines last weekend.
HEIGHT
5'10"
POS
MB/OH
CLASS
2026
State:
Iowa
School:
Mount Pleasant
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HEIGHT
6'0"
POS
MB
CLASS
2027
State:
Iowa
School:
Kennedy
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HEIGHT
6'3"
POS
MB
CLASS
2027
State:
Iowa
School:
Cherokee Washington
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HEIGHT
6'1"
POS
MB/OH
CLASS
2027
State:
Iowa
School:
North Mahaska
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HEIGHT
5'11"
POS
MB/RS
CLASS
2027
State:
Iowa
School:
Dallas Center Grimes
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HEIGHT
5'11"
POS
MB/OH
CLASS
2027
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
HEIGHT
6'1"
POS
MB/OH
CLASS
2028
State:
Iowa
School:
Iowa city west
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