Observations and Standouts At Nebraska Top 250
Coming to Omaha from Minneapolis (avoiding the storm on I-35 and I-80), my anticipation heading into this event was at an all time high. My past year has been a storm in itself of volleyball with multiple events in Minnesota,…
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Continue ReadingComing to Omaha from Minneapolis (avoiding the storm on I-35 and I-80), my anticipation heading into this event was at an all time high. My past year has been a storm in itself of volleyball with multiple events in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. My role as General Manager of Prep Dig has given me opportunities to connect with the volleyball community from all over which I am very grateful for. I grew up watching Iowa volleyball, have been in the Wisconsin volleyball scene the past few years, and this Fall was mostly high school volleyball in Minnesota with a few events in Wisconsin and Iowa. Now it was my time to see what Nebraska had to offer, the hotbed in the heartland of volleyball.
Every event I go to whether it be a match, a tournament, a practice, I always feel like I pick up something new and general observations are made. Here are a few things about Nebraska that were highlights that stood out to me with my experience at the Prep Dig Nebraska Top 250 Expo.
The All Around Game
I’ve seen teams from Nebraska play at the Wisconsin Badger Team Camp, and after watching the crew that we had at the Top 250, the all around game is extremely strong. When players were put into a situation where they had to show all skills in various queens and chaos games I couldn’t pinpoint what position they were. They could do a little bit of everything. Setters could definitely swing, middle blockers could swing from the pin, outside hitters could set, and liberos were definitely up for a good swing. The overall ball control was extremely impressive. These athletes have some of the best coaches in the nation leading college programs across the state (not just with Nebraska and Creighton), but at every level these coaches learn from each other, teach an all around game which is definitely shown at the high school level.
The Volleyball Academy – Amazing Facility
I’ve been to quite a few volleyball facilities in the Midwest and after spending time at The Volleyball Academy, home of the River City Juniors, I have to say it is a first class spot to play. Eight courts, plenty of space between courts, a nice viewing deck up above, and a set up where whistles won’t leave your ears ringing when you walk out. So many places in multiple states would love a facility of this type of caliber.
A Few Athletes Who Really Stood Out, Including The Intangibles
This was so exciting for me to see some new players. I went into this with a completely clean slate and to be able to just watch was really exciting. Once again, the pattern I saw was really solid all around play along with an overall really strong level of communication and positive body language with each other – and that’s considering they are playing along athletes they’ve never even met each other.
Anna KoehlerAnna Koehler – Platteview High School – Trojan Volleyball Club
2020 – Outside/DS
Koehler is an athlete who could probably step onto any court or field and be one of the best. She carries herself with confidence and plays aggressive, she attacks on every play. Seeing her in the all around chaos and queens games I would have assumed a setter based on her movement and ball handling, and then I saw her swing and then it all came together why she plays on the pin. She flys and swings hard, a gritty all around player that I could envision putting the team on her shoulders and really taking them to the next level.
Peyton Neff
Peyton Neff – North Platte – Mid Nebraska
2020 – Setter
Some of the best hands I saw in the gym. Her release was incredibly smooth, always playing under control, and great footwork to go with it which always put her in position to make the best set for her hitters. What I always find in great setters is that they make things look easy, and thats what Neff does, she make something very difficult look relatively easy.
Brittany Wulf
Brittany Wulf – Lincoln Southeast – Nebraska Juniors
2021 – Outside Hitter/MB
Wulf is a six foot Sophomore and will definitely be on the radar this upcoming club season. She is extremely dynamic with the ability to hit from any front row position. From the pin she was able to hit line and also go cross court. A definitely force at the net who will continue to improve and impress college coaches as she takes the court this winter.
Rebecca Halbmeier
Rebecca Halbmeier – Mead High School
2021 – Middle/Right Side
A left handed middle blocker. So many time left handed players get “stuck” on the right side which naturally, would be a good position for them just as a right handed player is more fit to play on the left side. However, Halbmeier was able to pain the deep corners with a left handed swing out of the middle. I find it refreshing when athletes are able to do something a little unconventional and be really good at it.
Maddy Ballard
Maddy Ballard – Millard South – River City Juniors
2022 – Outside Hitter
One thing that was talked about at the beginning is we want to see energy, and positive body language. Ballard, only being a Freshman, brought the fire and intensity on the pin. Exciting to see players go into an event with lots of aggressiveness and no fear.
And just a quick bonus, there were two players who took the extra time to shag and make sure all the volleyballs were put away, that was Grace Boles and Lulu Ahl of River City Juniors. THANK YOU! It’s the little things that make a huge difference.
Thank you for a great event!