Names to Know from Pool D of the LPS Classic

Pool D of the LPS Classic took the floor Friday inside the Lincoln Southwest gym. Featured in this group were Lincoln North Star, North Platte, Lincoln Northeast, and Grand Island. Though my in-person scouting efforts were dedicated to Pool C on Friday night, I did my due diligence to look through the live stream of all the Pool D action. So, who stood out? Who led their team to victory? I’ve got five names that you should keep an eye on from Pool D teams. There’s a lot of the season left, and I think these athletes are crucial to the future success of their respective squads.   [player_tooltip player_id="82562" first="Peyton" last="Neff"] - 5’10 S - North Platte - Class of 2021 It’s a disappointingly common trend to see players from western Nebraska get forgotten. I’ve got two athletes from North Platte that absolutely should not be overlooked. We’ll start with Neff, an incredibly athletic setter who simply makes everyone around her better. She’s very springy and agile. When you combine that with the fact that she’s got amazing hands and precise placement, you’ve got nothing short of an elite setter. The ball just shoots out of Neff’s hands, and she can set against the grain so well. When she’s pulled off the net, both of her pins are still viable hitting options. That’s what a great setter brings to a team.   [player_tooltip player_id="59207" first="Carly" last="Purdy"] - 6’0 OH - North Platte - Class of 2023 One of Neff’s hitting options is a rising young sophomore hitter with a quick arm and superior athleticism. Purdy is yet another gem on this Bulldog roster, and she’s only just beginning to reach her full potential. She rises so effortlessly, allowing her to hit sharp angles with ease. Her wide range of skills shows that she should be a formidable six-rotation hitter soon. Given that she has over half of her prep career ahead of her, this likely isn’t the last time I’ll mention Purdy. I look forward to watching her develop in the upcoming club season. By then, she will likely prove my pitch that players from western Nebraska deserve more exposure.   [player_tooltip player_id="82639" first="Delaney" last="Warner"] - 5’6 L - Lincoln North Star - Class of 2021 I had already seen a lot from this North Star team at the Heartland Crossroads Tournament a couple of weeks ago. It was nice to get another look at this Navigator team, and Warner was a player who stood out a second time around. Warner is the kind of libero that relieves many of the serve receive burdens felt by those around her. She can easily step up to take the first ball whenever it’s needed. Her floor defense is characterized by non-stop effort and pursuit. Her senior year will be valuable as she leads the way for her young, ever-improving North Star lineup.   [player_tooltip player_id="88294" first="Samantha" last="Pryce"] - 5’3 L - Lincoln Northeast - Class of 2022 While we’re on the topic of talented liberos, Pryce is another backcourt player who caught my attention on Friday night. She plays low to the court and moves well. The Rockets implement an effective serve receive strategy that allows Pryce to take the first ball whenever she’s in range. She can handle that responsibility. As a junior, this libero looks like a leader for the Lincoln Northeast program.   [player_tooltip player_id="109349" first="Camaron" last="Pfeifer"] - 5’8 S - Grand Island - Class of 2022 The theme of junior leaders continues with Pfeifer, who was the clear focal point of the Grand Island attack. Her placement is very consistent. That’s not something you can take for granted. Pfeifer’s hitters know exactly what set that they’re getting before it leaves their setter’s hands. As a result, the Islanders have a solid rhythm that will only improve as this young roster continues to get more reps. Teams in a rebuilding phase ought to have an experienced leader to provide direction. I think Pfeifer can fill that role.