’28 Rankings Update: Scouting Prospects with Upside

<!-- 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><a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/11/closer-look-at-prep-dig-iowa-28-rankings-update/">Closer Look at Prep Dig Iowa '28 Rankings Update</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/11/28-rankings-update-prospects-on-the-rise/">'28 Rankings Update: Prospects on the Rise</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/12/28-rankings-update-fresh-scouting-reports/">'28 Rankings Update: Fresh Scouting Reports</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're continuing our quest to write/update scouting reports on the site to coincide with last week's <a href="https://prepdig.com/iowa/rankings/2028-watch-list-2/">Class of 2028 rankings release</a>. These write-ups add context to the prospects ratings and puts reports on the players' profile pages.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a closer look at volleyballers with upside and plenty of time to reach it: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["604510"],"_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-692f2fbdee964"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cahoy stood out as an interesting prospect when I watched her operate with the Six Pack team during the club campaign. Her consistency and versatility jump out as her carrying tools. Cahoy is technically sound in the back row, working well against pace and delivering sharp passes. She's a good athlete that moves well laterally and has quick reaction time. That might be where she projects to have the most success on the next level. Cahoy also flashes ability from the pins, though. It's probably too early to close the book on her developing her attack. That athleticism in the back row shows up as explosiveness up front. Her swing from the right side is fast and effective.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["697463"],"_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-692f320d72eb9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Small helped form a potent 1-2 punch at middle hitter for Iowa City West this season, when the Trojans returned to the state tournament. She also shared that role on a United squad that qualified in the open division at the national tournament in Dallas earlier this year. It feels like Small gets overshadowed despite being a legitimate 6-foot-4 because of the very talented players around her. She's a top prospect as well, though. Her upside is significant with her height, long arms and agility. Small still is developing her game, and gradually becoming more consistent and well-rounded as a player. If anything, Small could benefit by being more aggressive and intimidating in the middle of the net if she trusts her talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["546566"],"_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-692f33dc7bae9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was fortunate to scout Molden in person on multiple occasions during the last club season. It allowed for an appreciation of the skills she brings to the court. Molden's versatility is a strength. She's effective in the middle and on the outside already, and it would not be surprising to see her find success at the opposite pin. Having said that, Molden's potential in the middle might be the highest among those positions. She is a good athlete, that jumps well and is developing power. Molden shows a good feel for the attack, where to put it down by identifying openings and advantages. She's improving at throwing up the block, timing her leap and reading the opponent's swing. Molden could really take a step forward this upcoming club season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754848"],"_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-692f353281760"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was able to scout Niggemeyer in person during the Northern Lights and Iowa Regional qualifiers last club season. I left both of those viewings impressed with her current effectiveness operating in the middle of the net and with the potential to be much more with further development. Niggemeyer is tall and plays even bigger than her height due to her long arms. She moves well laterally and is agile. Niggemeyer is aggressive on the attack and generates power in her swing. She also utilizes her assets in blocking and displays consistently sharp timing in putting up a wall. Niggemeyer changes a lot of swings she doesn't get her hands on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["773089"],"_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-692f36d8aad06"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Roethler looked the part of a emerging middle when I watched her in action during multiple club tournaments last season. She confirmed her ability and potential for more when watching her compete at the Prep Dig Sizzle in early August and again during the Cyclones' run to another state championship last month in Coralville. Roethler is a quick jumper and often gets her swing off before the defense can react. In addition to that, she reads the block well, finding holes and advantages on the other side of the net. There's not any wasted effort in her attack. In throwing up the block, Roethler keenly reads the opposing attack and times her jump well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["755663"],"_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-692f38d0415be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Murch impressed me with her play during last club season's Iowa Regional tournament. She was running the show at setter for her CIA squad, displaying a great feel for where her attackers wanted the ball and consistency in getting it there. Murch also looked sharp at the net and in the back row defensively. She pivoted this fall in helping Denver win another state championship. The Cyclones were set at setter, so Murch contributed to the attack. Her 323 kills (.284) were the second most on the team. She added 76 digs and 24.0 blocks. That type of versatility is attractive to coaches on the next level. It will be a big club campaign for Murch to show off her broad skill set to the scouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->