Breakout Performers at the Bellevue West Invitational

It was another exciting couple days of online volleyball viewing at my "remote battle station" (see below). I am incredibly grateful to all the schools and fans who put together some great live streams and shared the volleyball action with those who cannot attend in person. That being said, I hope to be able to join you all in the gym soon! Stay tuned. So, all my computer screens were fixed on the Bellevue West Invitational this weekend. There’s no way I could miss all the talented teams and players who were slated to play under one roof. And, through the power of technology, I was able to make note of several breakout performers who made the most of their trip to the tournament. That’s what this feature is all about. Here are some athletes who made a big impression in early-season competition. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The remote battle station is up and running for the opening day of <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/nebpreps?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nebpreps</a> volleyball! Always watching. <a href="https://t.co/Pj7qcz8kJA">pic.x.com/Pj7qcz8kJA</a> — Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) <a href="https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1299132757277278209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>   [player_tooltip player_id="59194" first="Morgan" last="Burke"] - 5’10 OH/RS/S - Omaha Skutt Catholic - Class of 2023 Burke has already made a big impression in 2020 with her wildly successful club campaign as a setter and right-side hitter for Nebraska Elite. She took the floor for championship-winning Skutt this weekend, where she showed her ability to be a clutch hitter when her team needs her the most. This versatile player looks like the heir apparent to a long line of great SkyHawk hitters.   [player_tooltip player_id="58795" first="Makayla" last="Fleming"] - 5’10 S - Millard South - Class of 2022 What makes Fleming unique is her combination of great hands and impressive length at the net. This makes her an incredible asset in whatever role she’s in. Fleming has incredible control of her tempo sets, and her offense always looks comfortable when she’s running the show. This setter is an attacking threat and blocking menace in the front row, meaning you simply cannot keep her off the floor under any circumstances.   [player_tooltip player_id="105769" first="Paisley" last="Gibson"] - 5’10 OH - Millard South - Class of 2022 We move now to one of Fleming’s top offensive contributors, a high-flying junior outside hitter with a whippy arm. Gibson’s ability to terminate all weekend was largely driven by the way she can get off the floor quickly and touch high above the net. She can play gritty defense, too, and I think she’ll continue to be a leader for her rising Patriots team.   [player_tooltip player_id="82584" first="Kaitlyn" last="Knobbe"] - 6’0 OH/MB - Omaha Duchesne - Class of 2021 (SMU Commit) Duchesne surprised me. I’ll just come out and say it. After losing a fair amount of talent following last year’s runner-up effort in Class B, the Cardinals came out and impressed us all this weekend. Knobbe was a hitter who helped lead the attack, hitting from multiple gaps and angles with serious heat. She gave Skutt all they could handle in bracket play. In a historically talented Class B, don’t forget about Duchesne.   [player_tooltip player_id="58785" first="Kealy" last="Kiviniemi"] - 6’0 OH/MB/RS - Bellevue West - Class of 2022 Kiviniemi could realistically play any position along the net. She’s done it all. Wherever she ends up swinging, this versatile hitter is the cornerstone of a hard-hitting Thunderbird attack. This season could be a turning point for the experienced junior who is dedicated to taking Bellevue West to the next level in a tough division.   [player_tooltip player_id="59204" first="Amanda" last="Loschen"] - 6’1 MB/RS - Omaha Marian - Class of 2023 Another player to make a big statement with Nebraska Elite in this year’s shortened club season, Loschen was Marian’s go-to attacker from the middle and right side. Her swing from the pin is so natural and fluid, making it easy to forget that she spent most of her club career in the middle. Loschen still has plenty of time to develop, which is scary, considering that she’s already becoming one of the state’s premier attackers.   [player_tooltip player_id="59192" first="Stella" last="Adeyemi"] - 5’9 OH - Papillion-LaVista South - Class of 2023 Athleticism: she’s got it. Papio South also has its next great outside hitter. It’s impossible to miss Adeyemi as she pops off the floor and cracks balls down the line. She’s such an intelligent hitter, too, as she varies her shots and pace so well. Don’t forget that she’s still a sophomore, though. The defending Class A champs battled their way to the title match of the invitational by riding the connection between Adeyemi and K-State bound [player_tooltip player_id="37529" first="Ava" last="LeGrand"]. Heads up, everybody. The Titans are still dangerous.