2024 Newcomers – READY to step in!
With the depth of some teams, younger classmen often find themselves on the scout team while waiting for their opportunity to step in. These players may not have had the varsity stats in 2020, but have caught the attention of…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWith the depth of some teams, younger classmen often find themselves on the scout team while waiting for their opportunity to step in. These players may not have had the varsity stats in 2020, but have caught the attention of many.
#11 Lauren Jones Lauren Jones 5'9" | OH Millard West | 2024 State NE – Lauren has the experience from a summer 2020 Nebraska Beach Championship with 2024 #2 Reagan Hickey Reagan Hickey 5'8" | S Papillion-La Vista | 2024 State NE and practicing with the varsity for a season behind a stacked Millard West team that made it to the Class A State Semifinals, to vie for a consistent varsity spot in 2021. Lauren plays club volleyball with Premier.
#23 Celia Spilker Celia Spilker 6'5" | OH Norris | 2024 State NE – As stated in the Fall 2020 rankings, Norris coach Christina Boesiger commented, “Celia is going to be a force down the road. She has an extremely long frame, very coachable, and works very hard. This will be a huge learning year for her training behind seniors Kalli (Kalli Kroeker) and Bri ( Brianna Stai Brianna Stai 5'11" | MB Norris | 2021 State NE ). Right now we are working on a faster tempo with her. She will be a middle on our JV team, but practice with the varsity each day to help train at a higher level.”
And now it is her turn to shine! The 6’3 middle gained experience practicing with the varsity squad every day and playing for JV. Watching and learning! Check out THIS recent Prep Dig article by Erica Twarling about Celia and her fellow freshmen varsity players #21 Alivia Hausmann Alivia Hausmann 5'5" | DS/L Norris | 2024 State NE and #22 Sydney Guthard Sydney Guthard 5'3" | DS/L Norris | 2024 State NE .
#48 Karsyn Leeling Karsyn Leeling 5'10" | OH Sidney | 2024 State NE – pictured above, The 5’8 freshman from Sidney only saw the varsity court 13 sets in 2020, but 5 of those were as a starter in a Class C1 district finals loss to Syracuse. As some of her teammates started quarantine right before the bus pulled away, the coaches had the the 3 hour drive from Sidney to Kearney to figure out their new strategy. And Karsyn was part of the plan. Down 0-2, the Red Raiders came alive in the 3rd and pushed the game into a five-set thriller. During her first and only start so far, Karsyn had 5 kills, 7 digs, and 6 serve receptions. And she held her composure pretty darn good.
#52 Kadyn Sisco Kadyn Sisco 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2024 State NE – Syracuse made it to the Class C1 State Tournament and finished with a 22-2 record. As one of two freshman on the roster (#7 Delainey Cast Delainey Cast 5'7" | OH Syracuse | 2024 State NE ), Kadyn gained experience on the scout team and watched an experienced group of starters. As she gets stronger and gains more experience playing with Nebraksa Juniors this winter, she will have the opportunity to fill some vacancies next season. Syracuse has been in reload mode the last few seasons and has produced some solid players and teams.
#55 Malayah Long Malayah Long 6'0" | S Lincoln Southwest | 2024 State #142 Nation NE (5’10) and #56 Teagan Little Teagan Little 5'8" | DS/L Lincoln Southwest | 2024 State NE (5’8) – As the only two freshman on the Lincoln Southwest roster this season, these two will have the opportunity to fill some pretty big shoes next season. Malayah will be looked at for the setter role and Teagan will be asked to step in on defense. Both players will play with VCN this winter. Expect these two to move up the ladder quickly!
A NOTE ABOUT RANKINGS
Player rankings are a constant work in progress, especially with athletes at the 15s and 16s level. Some players hit their stride at different times and for others, it’s a matter of getting their chance whether it’s high school or club. We seek feedback from coaches around the state and are always looking to add names as well as update information. For the players, your ranking does not define you. This is a list that is a resource for schools, it’s fun to see athletes from across the state, and is a great way to connect players with each other as well as coaches throughout the country.