Familiar Faces from Summer Bash at Nebraska Top 250 Expo

<p>The first event I ever covered for Prep Dig was the Omaha Summer Bash in July. It was a fantastic opportunity to discover new talents and see some star players in person for the first time.</p> <p>At Sunday’s Top 250 Expo, I got to see a lot of those players again.</p> <p>Seeing some familiar faces at the Expo brought me right back to the excitement of covering my first event. The players just keeping getting better, and this certainly isn’t the last time I’ll see many of these outstanding athletes.</p> <p>So, let’s begin our trip down memory lane. Here are some names who have stood out at a couple of Prep Dig events in the last several months!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> [caption id="attachment_101508" align="alignleft" width="168"]<img class=" wp-image-101508" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/07/Paisley-Gibson-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="168" height="224" /> Gibson[/caption] <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="105769" first="Paisley" last="Gibson"] - 5’10 OH - Millard South - Nebraska Elite - Class of 2022</strong></p> <p>Gibson is one of several springy, high-flying outside hitters that make up the Millard South roster. Seeing her at the Expo brought back memories of South's battles against stiff competition at the Summer Bash. Gibson has improved her range dramatically since the summer, and she chooses her shots well. She is sure to continue her growth in a Nebraska Elite gym full of exceptional athletes.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> [caption id="attachment_119004" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-119004 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/12/Olivia-Poppert.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> Poppert[/caption] <p><strong style="font-size: 1rem;">[player_tooltip player_id="37562" first="Olivia" last="Poppert"] - 6’0 S - St. Paul - South Central - Class of 2022</strong></p> <p>St. Paul couldn't have put together all those undefeated regular seasons without Poppert. Simply put, this is a prospect who has a little bit of everything. She's physical, can attack on the second contact with some serious pace, and delivers smooth sets every time. Her experience in numerous big matches against the state's top teams has been incredibly valuable to her development. Her senior leadership next year will be fascinating to watch, and Poppert has already shown all the skills necessary to excel at the next level.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> [caption id="attachment_118907" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-118907 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/12/Audrey-Behrens.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> Behrens[/caption] <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="102193" first="Audrey" last="Behrens"] - 5’6 S/DS/L - Millard South - Premier - Class of 2023</strong></p> <p>Behrens has made a name for herself as a gritty, quick-footed libero for Millard South. She makes passing and floor defense look so easy. The fact that she can also run an offense makes her a very intriguing prospect. Behrens is a player that can do anything that's asked of her, whether it's in high school ball or during club season. That versatility will be on display again soon as she continues training with Premier.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> [caption id="attachment_118990" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-118990 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/12/Mady-Banitt.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> Banitt[/caption] <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="103102" first="Mady" last="Banitt"] - 6’0 MB - Waverly - VCNebraska - Class of 2023</strong></p> <p>This talented 2023 middle has already made her mark on a talented Waverly roster, especially while the team battled through injuries at the middle blocker spot last season. Banitt has a lot of things that coaches want from a middle blocker: length, range, and quickness off the floor. The Expo's drills really helped these things flourish. Those skills will translate to Banitt's continued prevalence in future Waverly lineups, as well as with VCN.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> [caption id="attachment_118971" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-118971 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/12/Kenzie-Dean.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> Dean[/caption] <p><strong>Kenzie Dean - 6’2 OH - Dowling Catholic - Club Ignit Select - Class of 2024</strong></p> <p>Dean made a big impression from the very first moment I watched her play at the Summer Bash. I didn't know who she was, but I had to find out. When I did find out, I couldn't get over the fact that she was just about to start her freshman year. This long and athletic outside hitter played with Des Moines Roosevelt at the July event before making the move to powerhouse Dowling Catholic. Dean's improvement has continued, as evidenced by her standout skills shown at the Expo. Personally, I'm thrilled to have a few more years to cover her prep career.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> [caption id="attachment_118998" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-118998 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/12/Molly-Romano.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> Romano[/caption] <p><strong>Molly Romano - 5’9 S - Abraham Lincoln - Nebraska Elite - Class of 2024</strong></p> <p>Romano is young, but don't let that distract you from the fact that she leads like she's a veteran. I remember Romano as a setter who is never afraid to make the tough play. She's constantly pushing the boundaries of what set is possible on any given play. Most importantly, Romano has the talent and skill to put everything together. Abraham Lincoln High School has plenty of success ahead of it, and Romano is the perfect setter to lead them into the future.</p>