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.

Sutherland is a textbook point-producer. She brings a heavy arm and a lightning-fast swing that gives opposing defenders very little reaction time.

Sutherland resides in my town and is friends with my daughter. As such, I am familiar with her game, which is steadily improving. A good athlete with height and long arms, Sutherland is figuring out how to best maximize her natural gifts. When she’s on, Sutherland can lead her team’s attack. There’s already good pace on her swing with plenty of room for growth as she physically matures. Sutherland is improving her block, figuring out her timing and reading the opponent’s attack. The foundation is here for a standout performer with continued sharpening of her skills, which will help with consistency.