2025 Perfect Game February Frenzy
Burlington, IA
February 21-23
Another highly competitive tournament was held at the Fun City Dome in Burlington this weekend in both age divisions. The 14u division had several close games and proved the future is bright in years to come. The 18u division showcased many of the region's top teams and talent, loaded with committed players and some still looking for their opportunity. It was a great weekend with a ton of homeruns, a few walk off wins and some high-quality softball. In the 18u division NE Gold 319 Berning walked away with the championship against a tough Lady Expos team. In the 14u division the Peoria Sluggers outlasted the talented Barracuda Aces-Olsen team.
18U Division
Emily Koranda (2025 Marion, IA) of NE Gold 319 Berning won the tournament’s MV-Player and Mv-Pitcher awards. The Missouri State commit finds herself on top of the leaderboards weekend after weekend, showing up and doing her job both in the circle and at the plate. Koranda consistently works in the low 60s and mixes in her pitches well. Her five-pitch arsenal includes fastball, change-up, curve, rise and drop. At the plate she finished the weekend with seven hits, three of which were homeruns, six RBIs and a double. Koranda is the total package.
Adalynn Johnson (2026 Eldridge, IA) of the Monsters- Verdon found herself on top of the leaderboard for OPS hitting 3.667 and batting a 1.000 this weekend! The recent DMACC commit has an open stance in which she rocks slight back to gain momentum and comes through utilizing all the power from her legs. Once transferred, her line drive approach paired with her power, helps her remain successful at the plate ending the weekend with six hits, three of which were homeruns, a double and knocking in five runs.
Mary Brantley (2025 Ankeny, IA) of the Iowa Gold Prospects was on fire this weekend. The leadoff batter has a very relaxed stance, waiting to execute the perfect pitch. Don’t let her size fool you as she packs a ton of power in her small frame. Doing her job as the lead off, Brantley scored eight times, while hitting two homeruns and two doubles, hitting .585 on the weekend. Brantly is poised to have a breakout high school season at Ankeny Centennial and will be a fun one to follow.
Alivia Gillespie (2026 Aledo, IL) of the Quad City Lady Hitmen had a weekend to remember. Gillespie hit her first career grand slam on a two out hit to tie the game in one of Saturday’s pool play games. Gillespie is a left-handed hitter who starts with her hands high and comes through the zone quick and finishes with a solid line drive approach. The uncommitted Gillespie is a true utility, playing just about anywhere except for catcher. Gillespie finished the weekend with eight hits, including a grand slam, a homerun, two doubles and eight RBIs. Gillespie would be a solid pick up for any school looking for some lefty power.
Sophia Miller (2026 Peosta, IA) of the Lady Expos Blue is the clutch hitter you want at the plate with runners in scoring position. Her simple plate approach, paired with her weight transfer and momentum coming forward, helped her have a successful weekend which included five hits and leading all hitters with nine RBIs. Miller is loaded with talent, and a great player that any college would be lucky to snag. I am anxious to see what the future holds for this young star, should she choose to play at the next level.
Kyla Schulte (2026 Amana, IA) of NE Gold 319 Berning is another player that is no stranger to the Top Performers list. The extremely aggressive clutch hitter finished with a team high eight RBIs on six hits which included two homeruns. Schulte, still uncommitted, is not a player to be overlooked. She is as versatile as they come, although she did not pitch this weekend, she can also play infield and outfield. She has all the skills and abilities to play at the next level.
Dylan Amling (2028 Cedar Rapids, IA) of NE Gold 319 Berning is impressive both behind the plate and at the plate. Amling’s ability to catch and handle the NE Gold 319 Berning’s strong pitching staff is a true testament of her skillset. Starting her glove from the bottom and securing the pitch and bringing it up to the strike zone, helps get her pitchers more called strikes and makes them more effective. Her framing and arm strength are more positives and will only improve as she continues to grow as she is just a freshman! At the plate, she starts with a slightly open stance and transfers power through a slight motion forward working into her stride. Amling utilizes her lower half well, generating a ton of power which helped her finish the weekend with five hits, including two homeruns and two doubles. This young power hitter will be one to follow in the coming years, keep your eyes on her.
Julia Christensen (2026 Winterset, IA) of the Barracuda Aces Jackson, had a stellar weekend at the plate. Christensen’s solid athletic build paired with her ability to utilize her lower half, helps her generate a ton of power. Batting in the 4 hole, Christensen finished her weekend with four hits, including two homeruns. Another standout player to put on your radar.
14U Division
Campbell Brown (2028 Metamora, IL) was the 14u divisions MV-Player, playing for the tournament champion Peoria Sluggers 14u. Brown is a solid two-way player that found herself within the top of the hitting leaderboard. Utilizing a slightly open stance, Brown’s solid build and pure athleticism helped her be successful this weekend. Finishing the weekend with five hits, Brown came through clutch delivering two homeruns and totaling eight RBIs. This young player will be one to truly watch as she continues to grow and mature in the game. Add this one to your radar.
Adia Wheelwright (2029 Normal, IL) was the weekends MV-Pitcher, pitching for the tournament champions Peoria Sluggers 14u. Wheelwrights stellar championship performance included seven strikeouts, only allowing three hits and no walks. Her fastball is consistently in the 55-57mph range and topped out this weekend at 59mph. Wheelwright’s ability to stay effective and keep runners off the bases helps her team be successful. Only a 2029, this young pitcher has a promising future and will be one to follow!
Aubrey Robertson (2028 North Liberty, IA) of the Thunder Club Softball 2028 put on an offensive clinic this weekend. Robertson utilizes a slight rock back motion to gain momentum. Once in her motion, Robertson comes through and extends through the zone, helping gain power and distance. The slugger had nine hits, four of which were homeruns. Leading the entire tournament in RBIs, Robertson knocked in 10 runs. Although just a 2028, keep this player on your radar. Her athleticism and raw power will only continue to get better as she grows and matures in the game.
McKenna Jenn (2028 North Liberty, IA) a quick and talented hitter from the Thunder Softball Club 2028. Jenn starts in a very athletic stance, almost crowding the plate, daring the pitcher to throw outside. Jenn did and excellent job as the team’s leadoff batter this weekend, scoring six runs but also coming in clutch with runners on base and knocking in eight. Jenn finished with eight hits, which included two homeruns. This 2028 has a high ceiling and will only continue to get develop and get better.
Brynley Wenig (2029 Burlington, IA) of the Mudd Dawgs 11 showed up for her team this weekend. Wenig lead her team with seven hits, which included three doubles and a homerun. This young hitter is one to keep your eye on in the next few years.
Eden Campanella (2029 Germantown, IL) of the Black Widows was one of the most impressive pitchers this weekend. Campanella works with a five-pitch arsenal of fastball, change, rise, drop and curve. Her top fastball velocity was 62mph. Through 10 innings pitched, Campanella only allowed one earned run while striking out 23 batters. Campanella can compete and she is just a 2029. Put this young pitcher on your radar.
Oryana Gonzalez (2028 Burlington, IA) of the Iowa United is a strong two way player. Gonazalez was successful both at the plate and on the mound. Gonzalez was a key player in United’s win on Saturday over the Black Widows, throwing a shutout and striking out eight while also hitting a homerun to win the game. Gonzalez fast ball is consistently in the high 50s. Gonzalez finished the weekend with 14 strikeouts through nine innings pitched. At the plate, she had three hits which included two home runs. Through gaining strength and continuing to work on her craft, Gonzalez will be one to keep your eye on.
Brianna Schlapkohl (2029 Durant, IA) a right-handed pitcher from the Midwest Sluggers ’11 was one of the stand out pictures of the weekend. Schlapkohl does a nice job of working the ball in all four corners of the zone, with a fastball that tops out at 58mph. Just a 2029, Schlapkohl has plenty of room to still develop her pitches and consistency. Through 14innings pitched, she had a tournament night of 26 strikeouts. Schlapkohl has a high ceiling and will only continue to get better as she ages and matures.