We had to check in on one of the many Maize athletes who stood out at July’s Prep Dig Missouri/Kansas Stock Up Showcase. Buckley may have been among the youngest participants at this summer’s event, but she brought the kind of physicality you’d expect from a seasoned veteran. Furthermore, her ability to read setters and make deliberate blocking moves has flourished in the Eagles’ gym. The result is a team-leading 28 blocks and a wealth of positive touches for her backcourt defenders.

The youngster didn’t let the older players intimidate her throughout the day, as Buckley put together a good showing in the middle. If my notes are matched with the right player, she also showed flashes of being able to attack from the back row, adding another intriguing piece to her offensive game. At the net, Buckley provides a big block and covers ground quickly, giving her the ability to make her presence felt defensively.

Another part of her game that showed some promising flashes was attacking behind the setter on the slide. As her timing and connection continue to develop, that could become another effective weapon in her offensive arsenal. For a young player competing against older athletes, Buckley showed plenty of tools to be excited about moving forward.