New Names Rise From Prep Dig Tour of Iowa Showcase
Once again, the volleyball world showed the amount of talent out there with the Prep Dig Tour of Iowa Showcase. Athletes from both sides of the Mississippi River were in attendance at the Volleyball Factory, home of Iowa Select to…
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Continue ReadingOnce again, the volleyball world showed the amount of talent out there with the Prep Dig Tour of Iowa Showcase. Athletes from both sides of the Mississippi River were in attendance at the Volleyball Factory, home of Iowa Select to compete Friday night which featured new athletes from all graduating classes from 2020-2023. Here are more than a few names to know that popped on the Prep Dig radar and will continue to be ones to keep tabs on for Prep Dig as well as college coaches.
Madeline Barickman – Iowa Select 17 Mizuno – Geneseo (IL)
Setter – Class of 2021
Really smooth, makes really efficient movement to get to the ball and has great hands. Her ceiling is incredibly high being 5’11, putting up a really solid block at the net. She will continue to be a threat for the other side of the net when she continues to be offensive or keep her attackers in sync. Very exciting player to watch who always seemed cool, calm, and collected throughout the whole event.
Barickman attackingAbigail Barickman – Iowa Select 17 Mizuno – Geneseo (IL)
Pin Hitter – Class of 2021
TWINS! Yes, Abigail and Madeline are twins where Abigail can set to Madeline where Madeline can attack on either pin and has a really strong arm. The two are still relatively new to club volleyball, but their athleticism stands out as well as their ability to adjust to new players around them.
Maddie Weber – CIA 17 Black – Waukee
Pin Hitter – Class of 2021
Weber’s leaping ability is exciting how she can sky and really put a hurt on the ball. Long and athletic, Weber is versatile in how she can play on the left or right side and have a big effect on the game with her ability to go down the line or sharp cross. With her athleticism and ability to hit a variety of angles, she will be one to look for to score points.
WalkerMaddie Weber Class of 2021 pin and Anisia Smith Class of 2022 from @ClubIowa pic.twitter.com/MfFdFAEPMZ
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) January 25, 2020
Raghen Walker – Iowa Select 18 Mizuno – Rock Island (IL)
MB/RS – Class of 2020
Walker is still uncommitted from the Class of 2020 and definitely has the potential to contribute at the next level where she can make a presence at the net with her swing and her block. At 5’10, Walker is strong and physical being able to contribute out of the middle or right side. What is great about a Friday night showcase and a tournament Saturday is seeing how the showcase translates to game play where Walker flowed well with a really talented Iowa Select 18 Mizuno squad.
SmithAnisia Smith – CIA 16 Black – Cedar Falls
OH – Class of 2022
Smith’s leaping ability is one to watch where she can really get up and put a ball down. Smith attends Cedar Falls High School which will be coming off a state championship, but will also have to replace a really dominant Senior class. Smith was with fellow Tiger athletes in Piper Frost and Emmy Wedbgury where it was evident with these players, CF will be reloading, not rebuilding.
KoubaKatherine Kouba – Iowa Rockets – Iowa City West
DS/L – Class of 2022
Kouba was part of a really group of “bumpers” as Coach Frank Flanagan was referring to (the defensive players have a special nickname with every coach – littles, nuggets, bros). Kouba was really solid with the first contact and had great platform awareness. Solid defenders always makes any drill or event that much better!
Riley Deere – Platform Elite – Bettendorf
DS/L – Class of 2021
I tend to take notes on everything, and I think a lot of college coaches do as well 😉 I wrote down Deere’s number and that she was extremely positive, talking, and encouraging right from the start. Then I saw her pass and then it made everything that much better. She is great at cushioning the ball off a hard swing and just really swift with her movement around the court.
Big swing by Annie Stotlar @iowaselectvbc and put away from Hannah Copeland pic.twitter.com/lkIml4BXnC
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) January 25, 2020
Hannah Copeland – Iowa Select 16 Mizuno – Geneseo (IL)
MB – Class of 2022
Strong and really physical, Copeland is nearly six feet tall, but with her aggressiveness and ability to work hard from pin to pin she is one that the other side of the net always has to be aware of. A great blend of speed, strength, and physicality she is tough to stop.
Rock #27Rylie Rock – Iowa Select – Durant
RS – Class of 2022
Another really strong athlete who plays for Iowa Select. Rock is a lefty with a really heavy swing, can really jump and is always active no matter what rotation she is in. Coaches at the next level are always looking for athleticism and potential and with Rock being at the 16s level there is a lot of upside to her game with having a high motor – plus, ever team needs a left-handed option right?