Scouting Reports, Photos: Iowa City West 2025-26

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>IOWA CITY, Iowa - </strong>The temperature outside Little Hawk Arena Friday night froze your toes, but it was nice and toasty inside. A pair of Class 5A ranked teams battled back and forth in an early-season, intra-city tilt. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Iowa City West closed out a close game with key plays late in knocking off home-standing City High in a crowded gym energized by good hoops and the pep band. The ninth-ranked Trojans improved to 6-2 with the 60-51 victory. The Little Hawks fell to 6-2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Girls Hoops Iowa wrote the <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2025/12/scouting-reports-photos-iowa-city-high-2025/">City High installment</a> of our "Scouting Reports, Photos" series earlier this season. Friday was our chance to do the same for Iowa City West.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["641977"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6946d1f1ae00d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The first thing that stands out about Fincham is her intensity on both ends of the court. The senior plays all out at all times, energy that is infectious for her team. During an early-season match-up at rival City High, Fincham was hyped up and putting up numbers when the Trojans earned a tough rough win. The Northern Iowa commitment notched a double-double, leading West in points (23) and rebounds (10). Struggling early to figure out how to overcome a taller defender, Fincham leaned on pulling the opponent away from the basket and finishing at the rim off of dribble penetration. She's a three-level scorer and not a shot hunter. Her physical strength is an asset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["981151"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6946d3e5626db"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Neumiller is an interesting prospect. She might best be described as a stretch four with the ability to operate inside or out on offense and defend multiple positions on the defensive end. She led the Trojans with four assists without turning the ball over during an early-season win at rival Iowa City High. Neumiller also netted 10 points and grabbed five rebounds, which highlighted her broad base of skills. She played a key role in getting the Little Hawks in foul trouble on this night. Neumiller displays great form on her three-point shot and is effective with either hand around the rim. Smooth lateral movement and long arms aid her in locking down on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["833955"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6946d5693cf17"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Baldwin is a tough-minded combo guard with a wide range of skills in her basketball bag. They were on display during the Trojans' early-season win at rival Iowa City High. The junior impacted the contest on both ends of the floor, finishing with eight points and five rebounds. Baldwin owns a nice handle, making her capable of breaking down defenses off of the bounce with either hand. Her physical strength and balance make her a threat to finish at the rim through contact. Baldwin shows a good feel for finding her shot behind the arc with a pure form to knock down open looks. Athleticism, speed and lateral quickness lead to her being a sound defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1563223"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6946d6a985079"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When you're starting as a freshman in one of the state's top large-school programs, it's going to get my attention. That was the case when scouting Austen and West during an early-season matchup with rival Iowa City High. The Trojans pulled off the road upset with the help of Austen playing her role. Surrounded by veteran teammates, her offensive skills, which are sound, weren't needed on this night. Austen locked down on defense, adding length and athleticism against a tall Little Hawk outfit. She looked completely calm in the moment, probably partly a function of starting at the state volleyball tournament as a ninth-grader. Austen has the foundation to be impactful in two sports at the 5A level and is a college prospect in both.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1563243"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6946d701b42ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The coach's kid was on her game during an early-season win at rival Iowa City High. Frese impacted the contest on both ends of the court, finishing with 10 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals. She's a tough point guard with a high basketball IQ that limits mistakes. Frese is technically sound in all aspects of the game. Her shooting form is pure, and she handles the ball expertly with both hands. Frese gets downhill in a hurry off of the bounce, often getting defenders on their heels. Defensively, she's locked into good principles and is quick on the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:gallery {"linkTo":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"><!-- wp:image {"id":1563245,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/137A2490.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1563245" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Iowa City West 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1563247' first='Savannah' last='Mathias']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Girls Hoops) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1563244,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/137A2478.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1563244" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Iowa City West 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1563243' first='Ava' last='Frese']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Girls Hoops) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1563242,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/137A2473.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1563242" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Iowa City West 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1563243' first='Ava' last='Frese']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Girls Hoops) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1563240,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/137A2436.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1563240" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Iowa City West 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='641977' first='Grace' last='Fincham']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Girls Hoops) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1563239,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/137A2422.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1563239" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Iowa City West 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='833955' first='Sasha' last='Baldwin']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Girls Hoops) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1563235,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/137A2401.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1563235" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Iowa City West 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1563236' first='Kate' last='Van Waning']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Girls Hoops) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1563234,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/137A2395.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1563234" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Iowa City West 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='981151' first='Abby' last='Neumiller']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Girls Hoops) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1563231,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/137A2389.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1563231" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Iowa City West 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='981151' first='Abby' last='Neumiller']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Girls Hoops) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1563230,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/137A2310.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1563230" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Iowa City West 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='641977' first='Grace' last='Fincham']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Girls Hoops) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1563229,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/137A2342.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1563229" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Iowa City West 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='641977' first='Grace' last='Fincham']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Girls Hoops) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1563222,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/137A2406.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1563222" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Iowa City West 2029 [player_tooltip player_id='1563223' first='Josie' last='Austen']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Girls Hoops) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1563220,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/137A2292.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1563220" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Iowa City West 2029 [player_tooltip player_id='1563223' first='Josie' last='Austen']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Girls Hoops) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1563219,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/137A2279.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1563219" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Iowa City West 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='641977' first='Grace' last='Fincham']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Girls Hoops) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --></figure> <!-- /wp:gallery -->