2026 Perfect Game March Madness
February 27-March 1st
Ashley Mears
What a weekend at the Fun City Dome in Burlington, Iowa! The energy was electric from first pitch to final out towering home runs, edge-of-your-seat battles, dramatic comebacks, and extra-inning thrillers with some unpredictable endings, it was a great weekend all around. The Top Performers list welcomed some exciting new names, while seasoned seniors continued to cement their legacies, delivering standout performances week after week. For some, this may have been their final appearance on a Perfect Game stage, and they made sure it was unforgettable. In the 18u division a tough Nebraska Gold 319 Berning team outlasted the Southeast Iowa All Stars in the championship. In 16u the Top Gun 2028- Strange completed their weekend by beating the Iowa Aries 16U CE Fire Black.
18U
The weekend’s Most Valuable Player award belongs to Nebraska Gold 319 Berning’s Charlotte Nigey (2026, Bettendorf, IA). The Kirkwood Community College recruit continues to prove she’s one of the most feared hitters in the state of Iowa. Nigey was electric at the plate all weekend long, racking up seven hits, five of them towering home runs. Her aggressive approach never wavers. She doesn’t cheat an at-bat, attacking pitches with intent and confidence every single time she steps in the box. I am excited to continue to follow Nigey at the next level.
The Most Valuable Pitcher award went to another standout from the Nebraska Gold 319 squad, Lily Knutson (2026 Cedar Rapids, IA). Knutson, an Augustana softball commit, showcased a complete and polished arsenal throughout the weekend. Mixing a fastball that topped out at 61 mph with a changeup, rise, drop, curve, and screwball, she consistently kept hitters off balance and guessing. Her ability to command her spin pitches and change speeds made her especially difficult to square up. Knutson wrapped up her weekend with an impressive 19 strikeouts over 9 innings pitched, controlling the circle, and setting the tone every time she took the mound. Augustana is gaining a competitor with advanced pitchability and the tools to make an immediate impact the moment she steps on campus.
Dylan Amling (2028, Cedar Rapids, IA) of Nebraska Gold 319 Berning is a name that will continue to show up in scout notes over the next two years. The standout catcher combines her unmatched power with advanced plate poise, a rare mix for a young athlete. Amling put together a dominant weekend at the plate, tallying seven hits, including three doubles and three home runs. Her ability to drive the ball with authority while staying composed in big moments makes her one of the most exciting 2028 prospects in Iowa. The ceiling is high, the future is bright, and she is just getting started.
Kate Nigh (2027, Ames, IA) of Southeast Iowa All Stars 18U Gold Miller continues to see her name near the top of the Performers list week after week — and for good reason.
Nigh’s raw power stands out immediately. She does an excellent job generating force from her lower half, pairing it with quick, explosive hands that allow her to drive the ball with authority to all fields. She finished the weekend with four hits, including three home runs and a double, once again proving she’s one of the most dangerous bats in the lineup. Still uncommitted, Nigh would be a major addition to any program at the next level.
Mya Geffre (2027, Ames, IA) — another right-handed power threat from Southeast Iowa All Stars Gold 18U Miller — turned in an impressive weekend performance. Geffre generates power from the ground up, starting low in her legs before transferring through a controlled jab step. She does an excellent job getting her hands through the zone quickly, allowing her to consistently square up the ball. With a line-drive approach and strong barrel control, she keeps pressure on defenses every at-bat. She wrapped up the weekend with eight hits, including two doubles and a homerun, showcasing both consistency and pop. Still uncommitted, this versatile utility player is one college programs should absolutely have on their follow list.
Colbie Greiner (2027 Washington, IA) had herself a weekend to remember, proving to be a true difference-maker on both sides of the ball. Competing with Premier Fastpitch IL 18U Jones/Evans, Greiner was the clutch power presence her team needed in big moments. Setting up in a simple, parallel stance, she maintains a strong, balanced base that allows her to stay controlled and explosive through contact. She finished the weekend with four hits, including a double, two home runs, and six RBIs, delivering timely offense when it mattered most. Greiner’s power, mechanical consistency, and two-way ability make her a 2027 prospect who continues to elevate her game and demand attention.
Brinley Cope (2027, Altoona, IA), the leadoff hitter for Iowa Aries 18U, proved she’s exactly where she belongs at the top of the lineup. Cope consistently set the tone, showing the ability to get on base while also delivering in clutch moments with the game on the line. Her plate discipline stood out all weekend, drawing four walks and forcing pitchers to work every at-bat. She finished with three hits, including two doubles and a home run, showcasing both gap power and the ability to change a game with one swing. Another rising 2027 prospect, Cope is a name that deserves a spot on every 2027 watch list.
Kori Lincicum (2026, Ankeny, IA) of the Iowa Gold Prospects and future Drake Bulldog, continues to prove she’s one of the most exciting and consistent players in the game. Batting in the leadoff spot, Lincicum led the tournament with nine hits, launching five homeruns, while also adding two doubles. Her ability to immediately apply pressure and change momentum from the first pitch sets her apart. She wasn’t just dominant in the box. In the circle, Lincicum was equally impressive, striking out 21 batters in 10 innings pitched, showcasing her competitiveness and command. The Bulldogs added a true gamer and one who is poised to make an immediate impact the moment she steps on campus.
Karter Price (2027, Altoona, IA) of Iowa Aries 18U CE Fire was once again a standout, earning her spot near the top of the Top Performers list for both pitching and hitting. In the circle, the right-hander showcased exceptional movement and precise pitch location. Her drop ball was sharp, and her late-breaking curveball consistently kept hitters off balance. Through 9 innings pitched, Price racked up 17 strikeouts, proving she can command the game from start to finish. She was just as effective at the plate, collecting four hits, including two doubles and a homerun, while driving in four RBIs. A true two-way threat, Price continues to show why she’s one of the most dynamic 2027 prospects to watch.
16U
The weekend’s Most Valuable Player honors went to Lorelai Kellner (2028, Wright City, MO) of tournament champion Top Gun 2028–Strange. Hitting out of the three-hole, Kellner starts from an open stance and uses a quick, controlled step to generate momentum into her swing. The result? Explosive power and loud contact all weekend long. Kellner blasted a division high three home runs, while driving in nine RBIs, consistently delivering in big moments for her squad. This 2028 prospect is already turning heads and establishing herself as a difference-maker. The future is undeniably bright for Lorelai Kellner.
The weekend’s Most Valuable Pitcher honors went to Ava Dixon (2028, Foley, MO) of Top Gun 2028–Strange. Dixon commanded the circle with a complete arsenal of fastball, changeup, rise, drop, and curve and did an outstanding job attacking hitters both vertically and horizontally. Her late-breaking curveball and explosive rise ball were especially impressive, consistently missing barrels and generating swings and misses. Over 10 innings of work, Dixon struck out 27 of 30 possible outs, an eye-popping performance that speaks to her dominance. Even more impressive, she did not allow a single earned run. Ava Dixon is firmly establishing herself as one of the premier arms in the 2028 class. She’s absolutely a name to add to your follow list.
Jordyn Marshall (2028, Fort Madison, IA) of the Black Dragons was one of the weekend’s top overall performers. Hitting from a slightly open stance, Marshall takes an early step to generate rhythm and establish strong weight transfer. She does an excellent job utilizing her lower half to drive through the softball, allowing her to produce consistent power. What stood out most was her ability to use all fields — she wasn’t just pulling the ball; she was commanding the entire plate. Marshall wrapped up the weekend with six hits, including two doubles and two home runs, while driving in six RBIs. With her power potential and developing approach, Marshall has a high ceiling and is absolutely a name to continue watching in the 2028 class.
Gianna Paez (2027 Milwaukee, WI) of GTS 16U Midwest Waiss was another standout performer who made a statement at the plate this weekend. Paez racked up five hits, including a double and two home runs, while driving in eight RBIs overall. Her biggest impact came in a dominant showing against the Muskies 16U, where she went a perfect 3-for-3, highlighted by a grand slam and an incredible seven RBIs in that single game. Paez is just hitting her stride, the ceiling is high.
Adalyn Thorstenson (2028 Cedar Rapids, IA), the leadoff hitter for the Eastern Iowa Cheetahs, turned in an impressive performance this weekend. Thorstenson begins in a slightly open stance and builds momentum by confidently stepping into the pitch, allowing her to drive the ball with intent. Her speed, paired with her ability to spray the ball to all fields, makes her a constant threat at the plate and on the bases. Thorstenson finished the weekend with five hits and an eye-opening seven stolen bases, consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses. This dynamic middle infielder is quickly making a name for herself and is undoubtedly one to add to your 2028 watch list.
Cecelia Wilson (2029 Colo, IA) of Iowa Aries 16U CE Fire Black was a spark plug for her squad this weekend, creating constant momentum and scoring opportunities. Wilson shows advanced poise at the plate for her class, working deep into counts and waiting patiently for a pitch she can handle. Mechanically, she does an excellent job engaging her lower half and firing her hands quickly through the zone, allowing her to drive the ball with authority. Wilson wrapped up the weekend with five hits, including a double and a home run, while driving in five runs. With her disciplined approach and strong offensive production, Wilson is quickly proving she’s a name to know in the 2029 class.
Josie Crozier (2028 Cedar Falls, IA), a powerful C/1B for the Eastern Iowa Cheetahs, delivered a strong showing at the plate this weekend. Crozier sets up with a solid, balanced stance and unleashes a powerful swing that never gets cheated, consistently attacking pitches with confidence and intent. A dependable bat in the lineup, Crozier is someone you can count on to get on base and produce quality at-bats. She wrapped up the weekend with seven hits, including two doubles, showcasing both her consistency and emerging power. As a 2028 prospect who is clearly hitting her stride, Crozier’s strength at the plate and polished swing make her a player to keep a close eye on as she continues to develop her game.
Ainsley Foxen (2028 Cedar Rapids, IA) of the Cedar Rapids Blue Devils Royal was another standout bat in the 16U division this weekend. Hitting near the top of the lineup, Foxen consistently did her job—finding ways to get on base and set the tone offensively. Once aboard, her speed and aggressive base running immediately put pressure on opposing defenses, turning routine situations into scoring threats. Foxen also showed she’s more than just speed, flashing her power with two doubles and a home run over the course of the weekend. With her combination of on-base ability, speed, and emerging pop, Foxen possesses tremendous upside and is a 2028 prospect who will continue to grow and mature into a high-impact player.
Makenna Pitlick (2027 Adel, IA) of Iowa Gold Mathews was one of the most dominant pitchers in the 16U division this weekend. From the moment she steps in the circle, her presence is undeniable. Pitlick commands a strong mix of pitches of fastball, rise, changeup, and curve and does an outstanding job keeping hitters off balance by effectively changing speeds. Her late-breaking curveball features tremendous spin and bite, generating swing-and-miss strikeouts in key moments. She closed out the weekend with an impressive 21 strikeouts over 8 innings pitched, striking out 88% of the outs she recorded, a remarkable statistic at any level. Pitlick is a gritty and talented 2027 pitcher with the tools, command, and competitive edge to compete at the next level.