If you were paying attention prior to coming into this Winter then you somewhat knew about LJ Maehl LJ Maehl 6'0" | SF Fort Dodge | 2026 State IA of Fort Dodge High School. LJ is a NWMS WBB commit with some promising potential. Maehl stands at 6’0, she moves well between the blocks, while she is still learning to spread out her game to the outside. She stands out as a top rebounder on whatever team she competes with, showing her attitude and grit each contest. Fort Dodge is going to have some good games the rest of this Winter against some good competition and they will look at LJ to lead them in those moments. If they stick to their strategy and play inside-to-outside basketball, they should be just fine and LJ should continue to dominate her position.

LJ Maehl LJ Maehl 6'0" | SF Fort Dodge | 2026 State IA should be a dominating force near the basket this Winter at Fort Dodge. I don’t know many opponents that will face ND, that will have enough size to deal with LJ and her natural length. LJ is a solid SF, who is committed to compete at the D2 level following this Winter and for good reason. LJ is very clever and crafty underneath while being a force to be reckoned with. She has touch to go over any smaller or weaker opponents but she can also hit her defender with a crafty move to open herself up. If NWMS can work with LJ when she gets to the next level, there is a lot to like here. She just needs to focus on working on her weaknesses.

LJ Maehl LJ Maehl 6'0" | SF Fort Dodge | 2026 State IA is committed and ready to take her talents to the D2 level but not before she has one more go-around at the Varsity high school level this upcoming Winter. Maehl is an individual that producers under the hoop whenever she competes. She stands at 6’0 with seemingly lengthier arms and a lot of ability on both sides of the ball. Offensively, she can score over smaller defenders at a high rate, she can rebound the ball consistently, and she can even shoot a jumper at times when she has the spacing. Defensively, she is someone that other teams have to worry about when they attack. If not, it’ll end in the block party for Maehl. This should be a good season for Fort Dodge and Maehl should put up numbers. She just needs to stay mentally locked in and the rest will play itself out in due time.

The future Northwest Missour State Bearcat, LJ Maehl LJ Maehl 6'0" | SF Fort Dodge | 2026 State IA did her job this AAU season on the EYCL Circuit. LJ is a next level player when it comes to rebounding on either end, altering shots and defending, or scoring in the painted area. She can also step out to shoot but it’s not her best ability at this time. As she gets older, that will change though – depending on what her team’s system looks like. I would say that LJ is going to be more of a natural 4 on the D2 floor after the AAU season she just put together. She had some highlight moments throughout the past two years with the Attack and she is ready to build onto that this upcoming season at Fort Dodge.

We mentioned LJ Maehl LJ Maehl 6'0" | SF Fort Dodge | 2026 State IA of All Iowa Attack EYCL prior to her team’s event in Waukee a few weeks ago. We mentioned in that piece that LJ is one to keep an eye on. You don’t have too many prospect over 6’0, who can move like she does. LJ is still considered a SF as she primarily plays the 4 spot with whichever team she is lacing up with. After our mention, that very tournament LJ received her second D2 offer. This time from Coach Austin Meyer and NW Missouri State. At this point I would imagine that this is a prospect who will be playing at that D2 level in some form or fashion when she finally does commit. Obviously any D3, NAIA, or JUCO would love to have her for a few years but I think the chances of that are slim-to-none at this point in the process.

LJ Maehl LJ Maehl 6'0" | SF Fort Dodge | 2026 State IA is a taller prospect at the forward position, that is starting to be able to spread the floor. Over these past two weeks, Maehl was catching out on the outside, putting it on the floor, trying to get all the way to her spot near the block for a simple bucket with her length. She also had some shot attempts for the outside but those are still a work in progress. This is someone that is pretty good when she gets the ball in favorable positions. That’s going to be a lot easier in college so I wouldn’t be shocked if she gets to the next level in a few years and takes off. 

This AAU season LJ Maehl LJ Maehl 6'0" | SF Fort Dodge | 2026 State IA of Fort Dodge will be looking to build on the high school season she just put in place. LJ is a post with a D2 offer and a lot of other interest from college coaches around the Midwest. She would primarily be someone that I would label as a top-end rebounder on either side of the ball, as she never gives up on a play or possession until she hears a whistle. She demonstrates coordinated footwork, a balanced and calculated mindset while attacking, and a hunger to be the most dominant on the floor at all times near the basket. I do believe that is someone that will compete at the next level at the end of the day. Now it’s just about finding the right fit.

As of right now, LJ Maehl LJ Maehl 6'0" | SF Fort Dodge | 2026 State IA only has one official offer from D2 Truman State out of Missouri but I think if she puts together another memorable AAU season with her AIA Program, she should have a few others that become interested out of the Midwest. Maehl is a 6’0 SF, that has length, great movement for her height, and an active motor. Maehl would be someone that could stay down low and rebound at a thorogh rate or she can step out and stick in front of someone else that might be a little quicker at the guard position. This is a player that has a D2 ceiling by my evaluation. It’s just a matter of time until more programs come forward with interest.

During the off-season, LJ Maehl LJ Maehl 6'0" | SF Fort Dodge | 2026 State IA picked up her first big college offer to D2 – Truman State out of Missouri. Following this happening, Maehl will return to Fort Dodge High School, looking to build on the career she has set in place thus far. This is a prospect that stands at 6’0, she has great footwork and coordination, she is a positive influence that understands her strengths, and she has a versatile play-style that could translate to the next level. This Winter LJ is going to be Vital to her team’s success in the long run. If she plays well, they will play well as a team. Plain and simple.

Maehl traveled up from Fort Dodge, IA to participate in the Expo because she had a scheduling conflict with the comparable PGH event in her home state. That’s some real love for the game and a nice opportunity to gain exposure in front of a fresh audience. The top 50 prospect in the 2026 Iowa rankings has both D1 and D2 programs in pursuit and we can certainly see why. The 6-footer has a nice balance in her game, ranging from knocking down jumpers from the perimeter, to taking opponents down into the paint where her knack to draw and finish through contact is next-level. Defensively, her ability to guard 1 through 5 is a coach’s dream at her size. Coming off an excellent summer with All Iowa Attack’s 16U EYCL squad, LJ has clearly put in the work to develop an advanced skillset that will serve her well in the college game.