2025 Perfect Game Elite Iowa Scouting Showcase
September 13-14th, 2025
Ashley Mears
A lot of action on this hot September weekend in Iowa! The 18u Championship was a hit fest between the Iowa Gold Prospects and Nebraska Gold 319 Berning. The Prospects went down 8-0 early but fought back. It came down to the last out of the last inning with runners in scoring position and Nebraska Gold 319 Berning was able to get out of the jam to secure the championship 10-8.
18u
Kori Lincicum (2026 Ankeny, IA) of the runner-up Iowa Gold Prospects swept the weekend’s top honors, earning both Most Valuable Player and Most Valuable Pitcher. The future Drake Bulldog has now claimed MVP in back-to-back weekends, fueling her team’s success with another dominant showing. At the plate, Lincicum was nearly unstoppable, hitting .800 with five home runs and 23 RBIs. Her combination of power and athleticism made her the toughest out in the tournament, while her aggressiveness on the bases and defensive presence at shortstop further set her apart. In the circle, she was just as impressive, pitching her team to the championship game with 15 innings, 20 strikeouts, and no earned runs allowed, including a shutout of a strong Iowa Nationals squad. Lincicum continues to prove she is one of the premier players in the 2026 class, consistently shining in every aspect of her game.
Lauren Hagedorn (2026 Adel, IA) of the Iowa Nationals and future Iowa State Cyclone, was a true dual threat this weekend, excelling both at the plate and in the circle. On the mound, Hagedorn kept hitters guessing with her mix of spin pitches, most notably a sharp rise ball. She was dominant in her appearances, tossing 8 innings with 14 strikeouts, while not allowing a single walk or earned run. At the plate, Hagedorn showcased her power and discipline. She consistently worked the count, waited for her pitch, and drove the ball with authority, finishing with 11 hits, five doubles, two home runs, and 12 RBIs. Her ability to generate power from her entire body made her a constant offensive threat. The Cyclones have found themselves a true gamer in Hagedorn, and she looks poised for continued success at the next level.
Jaden Van Pelt (2026 Waukee, IA), a third baseman for the Iowa Outlaws Select, put her power on full display this weekend. Van Pelt uses her lower half effectively and gets her hands through the zone quickly, creating explosive bat speed. With a quick step to transfer power, she consistently barreled balls and proved to be a dangerous presence at the plate. She wrapped up the weekend with 8 hits, including two doubles, two home runs, and 10 RBIs. Still uncommitted, Van Pelt is a reliable third baseman and a middle-of-the-order power threat at the next level.
Tiffany Taylor (2028 Bondurant, IA) of the Iowa Dynamite shouldered the load in the circle this weekend, delivering several standout performances. Armed with a deep arsenal of fastball, changeup, drop, rise, curve, and drop curve, Taylor kept hitters off balance by mixing speeds and locations with confidence. Her fastball topped out at 64 mph, while her deceptive rise ball generated plenty of swing-and-miss. Just as impressive, she trusted her changeup in any count, disrupting timing throughout the tournament. Taylor closed the weekend with 16 innings pitched, a tournament-high 26 strikeouts, and only one earned run allowed, solidifying herself as one of the most dominant arms in the field.
Abby Johnson (2026 Johnston, IA) of Alliance Select Benge made her presence felt at the plate this weekend. The uncommitted infielder starts in a slightly open stance, using a subtle rock back and quick step to generate power. Once loaded, Johnson engages her lower half well and takes aggressive, confident swings every at bat. Johnson finished the weekend with 8 hits, including a double, a triple, two home runs and 10 RBIs. With her mechanics, power potential, and competitive approach, Johnson has all the tools to contribute at the next level.
Charlotte Nigey (2026 Bettendorf, IA) of Nebraska Gold 319 continues to make a name for herself as one of the most dangerous bats in her class. The uncommitted utility player brings unbelievable power to the plate, consistently showcasing quick hands and explosive bat speed. With a slight rock back and quick step to transfer power, Nigey maximizes her lower half and drives the ball with authority. A proven performer weekend after weekend, she once again delivered finishing with 12 hits, including a double, two home runs, and 8 RBIs. Nigey’s consistency and raw power make her a high-level prospect who will be a valuable addition to any lineup at the next level.
Kailee Thamontri (2027 Altoona, IA) of the Iowa Gold Prospects was one of the standout performers of the weekend. Hitting out of the two spot for the runner-up Prospects, Thamontri excelled at setting the table and consistently finding ways on base. Once aboard, her speed immediately changed the game. She swiped a tournament-high seven stolen bases and showcased her aggressiveness as one of the toughest players to contain on the basepaths. Her biggest moment came when she drove in the winning run to send her team to the championship game. Thamontri wrapped up the weekend with 13 hits, including a double and two triples. With her on-base ability and game-changing speed, she would be a dangerous top-of-the-order threat at the next level.
Addyson Lyddon (2026 Grimes, IA) of the Iowa Outlaws earned a spot among the weekend’s Top Hitting Performers with her consistency at the plate. The catcher/infielder, hitting out of the two spot, showed great discipline by working counts and waiting for her pitch. Using a slight rock back and quick jab step to transfer power, Lyddon generates strong contact and does an excellent job of getting her hands through the zone. Her ability to barrel pitches paid off as she finished with 9 hits, including a home run. Still uncommitted, Lyddon is a reliable hitter and versatile defender who would be a valuable addition to any collegiate lineup.
Tessa Jones (2027 Grimes, IA) of the Iowa Nationals was among the weekend’s most dominant arms. An athletic pitcher with precise command, Jones worked confidently with a full arsenal of a fastball in the low 60s, drop, changeup, curve, and rise. Her late-breaking curveball was especially effective, keeping hitters off balance throughout the tournament. Jones finished her weekend with 14 innings pitched and 21 strikeouts, cementing herself as one of the top performers in the circle. Already a formidable force, Jones is only going to get better, making her a 2027 prospect to get on your radar now.
Dylan Amling (2028 Cedar Rapids, IA) of Nebraska Gold 319 made the most of her Sunday, climbing into the weekend’s Top 10 Performers despite missing Saturday’s action for volleyball. At the plate, the multi-sport athlete’s raw power and elite bat speed immediately stood out. Starting parallel to the plate, she uses a quick jab step to transfer energy from her lower half, consistently driving the ball with authority. She finished the day with six hits, including three doubles, two home runs, and nine RBIs, a huge performance in limited action. One of the premier catchers in the 2028 class with a big-time bat, Amling is the real deal.