Semifinals!!! Middle Kalli Kroeker & Pin Hitter Hannah Kepler, Setter Ava LeGrand & Libero Ellie Miller
Nebraska High School 2020 Preseason Player to Watch Missing that March Madness… And then there were four! We have made it to the SEMIFINALS!! We continue with our player interviews on a variety of topics that you won’t want to…
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Continue ReadingNebraska High School 2020 Preseason Player to Watch
Missing that March Madness… And then there were four! We have made it to the SEMIFINALS!! We continue with our player interviews on a variety of topics that you won’t want to miss! Finals voting tomorrow!
April 7 Winners – Setter Ava LeGrand Ava LeGrand 5'11" | S Papillion-LaVista South | 2022 State #46 Nation NE , 2022, Papio South & Libero Ellie Miller, 2021, Omaha Marian
Prep Dig – Pre Season Player to Watch Updated Bracket
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SEMIS
MIDDLES & PIN HITTERS
Middle Kalli Kroeker, 2021, Norris Vs Pin Hitter Hannah Kepler, 2021, Milford
Kalli Kroeker, Norris⇒ Kalli Kroeker, 2021, Norris, Uncommitted
In 2019, after team injuries, this 6’0 junior got a taste of back row play with 214 digs and 241 serve receptions. In the front row, Kroeker hit .310 with 251 kills from all across the net. The Titans look to better their state semifinals appearance in 2019 with the majority of their key contributors back in 2020.
Volleyball learning curve through your high school career
When I came in freshman year, I was new to Norris so everything was a learning process for me. However the people made it such an easy process for me, and I felt included right away. I did start as a freshman, and I clicked well with the team right away. Although I was starting as a freshman, I knew I needed to continue to work hard every day because I needed to be the best I could be for my teammates. I started as a right-side hitter but switched to the middle after the first couple of games. I was perfectly fine with that because I had played middle before…and if I’m being honest, I really like middle! Looking back on it as I go into my senior year, I see so much growth in myself as a person and a player. I have become much more confident when I play, and that has brought me a new level of enjoyment in volleyball that I didn’t know I was capable of having. I had many good upperclassmen role models to look up to, and I have learned a lot from all of them and hope to be that kind of role model for the younger girls in our program.
Scouting Tips
We watch film on teams before we practice so that we know the reason for every drill that we do and can better understand how to simulate that in practice. We do a lot of visual things also to just envision ourselves in the game going up against that team/player. This way, when we get to the games we feel more comfortable because we have been repping the other team’s shots or tactics in our practices.
Committed?
I have taken some visits to the more local schools like Wayne State, Kearney, and Northwest Missouri State. My options are very open right now. I am waiting to see what Division 1 opportunities open up as this year comes around.
2020 Goals
Our team goal for this 2020 season is to get to that state championship on Saturday, bring home that state title for our school, and as our coach reminds us every season that we want “to get on that big, white banner” (our state championship banner in the gym). An individual goal I have for myself this next season is to continue to be a major part of my team’s offense and defense. Every year I have become more confident in all aspects of the game, and I want to keep that going into my senior season. I want to work hard every day with my team and be a player that people can look to as a role model.
⇒ Hannah Kepler, 2021, Milford, Almost committed! (pictured above ⇑, photo contributed)
Just watching the 6’0 juniors footwork is amazing! Kepler hit 563 kills at a .277 clip. Her high risk, high reward serve produced 42 aces. Her passing isn’t too bad either – 374 digs, 427 serve receptions.
Volleyball learning curve through your high school career
From my freshman year to now I’ve truly found out what it means to be a selfless leader.
Scouting Tips
Watch film and usually know most teams and their best players through club or just from high school over the years which gives an advantage.
Committed?
I won’t give specific schools but I’ll say my commitment will be sooner rather than later
2020 Goals
My individual goals for my senior season are more on the leadership side of the spectrum. Our team is looking to make state this next year! The last few years we have had incredible building years and this year is going to be the year we make it all the way.
SETTERS & LIBEROS
Setter Ava LeGrand Ava LeGrand 5'11" | S Papillion-LaVista South | 2022 State #46 Nation NE , 2022, Papio South Vs Libero Ellie Miller, 2021, Omaha Marian
Papio South Team Celebration, Photo Contributed⇒ Ava LeGrand Ava LeGrand 5'11" | S Papillion-LaVista South | 2022 State #46 Nation NE , 2022, Uncommitted
After playing a 6-2 in 2019, this 6’0 sophomore put up 485 assists and slammed down 300 kills. Out of her 119 blocks, her most memorable “one” was match point of Papio South’s underdog run to the Class A State Championship in 2019. Only graduating two seniors, the Titans are set to find their stride earlier next season. Recruiting time is about to pick up for this sophomore.
Volleyball learning curve through your high school career
As a freshman, it was mostly trying to find the role I needed to do on the court which was a pin hitter and sometimes even a middle. I had always wanted to be a setter and there was a great opportunity for club and high school season. Being able to hit for high school allowed me to help my team more.
Scouting Tips
Watch Hudl, look at tendencies, what gets them out of system.
Committed?
There are a couple of schools that I would love to visit this summer and participate in a camp if possible. I feel very fortunate that there are a couple front runners, but with the rule change, it is hard to tell sometimes how interested they are.
2020 Goals
I would love to continue the search for the right college team and maybe add a couple of schools to the list. I think it is everyone’s goal to win a state championship, but also being able to say that as a team we left it all out on the court, and getting to become more of a family.
Ellie Miller, Omaha Marian, Photo Contributed
⇒ Ellie Miller, 2021, Uncommitted
Volleyball learning curve through your high school career
Throughout the years I’ve become a lot more comfortable with my team and position. I’ve grown to become a back row leader and have become more confident with being able to play all the bases in the back row. I am always learning something new and looking for feedback to improve.
Scouting Tips
Scouting is very helpful to me as a defender. Watching a lot of film and getting a good understanding of what each player likes to do. This helps my team to adjust our defense. I believe that watching film and taking notes on it has a positive impact on my play.
Committed?
I haven’t had the chance to visit any schools yet and my recruitment is open.
2020 Goals
My goal for this upcoming season is to continue to be a strong leader in the back row and grow in being an all-round leader for the team. I have some specific techniques that I’m excited to get back into the gym to start working to improve.
Prep Dig strives for the readers to get to know the players and teams. These young ladies are amazing in their work ethic, leadership, and just being great kids.