Another setter who finds a way to set and score points, Hazel Schluckebier Hazel Schluckebier 5'10" | S/RS Iowa City | 2028 State IA out of Iowa City is a dynamic, left-handed combo player.  She has been playing for Iowa Rockets 16R where they have been a highly competitive USA Division team.  I like the savviness of her game, she plays with great composure and maturity.  As a right side, she knows how to make a smart shot – she finds the openings and knows how to use the block.  As a setter, she knows how to utilize her middles.  The combination of her and Kylee Suhr Kylee Suhr 6'0" | MB/OH Williamsburg | 2028 State IA has been fun to watch evolve over this qualifier season.  

Iowa Rockets are always a mainstay among Iowa Region programs where their teams are going to be in the hunt for a bid to nationals.  They will be in 16 USA this weekend with a setter that needs to be on the radar.  Hazel Schluckebier Hazel Schluckebier 5'10" | S/RS Iowa City | 2028 State IA preps at Iowa City High and brings a dynamic style of play to the court.  She could be used as a right side attacker, but her trajectory is being a setter at the net level.  She has length and athleticism that allows her to get her teammates in a position to terminate.  When she is in the front row the other side needs to always be aware of what she can do especially when she jumps.  Iowa’s Class of 2028 is deep and Schluckebier is definitely among one of the best setters in this class. 

Skilled setters make every showcase better. It’s a theme we’ve harped on a lot over the past few weeks, and Schluckebier embodied this ever-present truth at our Iowa Exposure Tour. She gets her feet to the ball no matter what pass she’s given. Then, Schluckebier delivers smooth sets to her pins and forces the middle with finesse. Athletes from Iowa City had a tough, snow-covered trek to our Des Moines outing, but Schluckebier made the most of her trek. We’re forever grateful for her determination and willingness to compete.

The Iowa Rockets gym is usually a safe bet when hunting for game-changing setters. Schluckebier brought that kind of influence to whichever side of the net she joined for Sunday’s team competitions. She was a steady, unflappable distributor who wasn’t afraid to dish against the grain to faraway hitters. Schluckebier also holds her ground on the right pin and is a deceptive second-ball attacker. We’re grateful she made the trek from Iowa City to our Clive showcase.

The City High sophomore is someone who I’ve scouted frequently during the last few years. Her improvement has been steady and thorough. She worked on and gotten better at all aspects of the sport. Schluckebier shines most as a multi-dimensional setter. She carries out her main responsibility of setting up teammates with consistency and precision. The Little Hawk and Rocket standout can deliver the ball sharply to any spot along the net and does a nice job reading the defense. As she’s grown taller, she’s better utilized her long arms on the block, success also aided by sharper timing. The growth also helps in her mounting an attack from the opposite pin. Schluckebier plays all out and through the whistle. It’s been a steady climb with room to grow and develop before reaching her considerable potential.