Stat-Stuffing 2024 Defensive Specialists to Follow this Fall
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Back to the position breakdowns! Today, we’re featuring another group that has been very productive this season: sophomore defensive specialists. It seems like elite teams are leaning on underclassman defensive specialists more than ever. The importance of having solid backcourt…
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Continue ReadingBack to the position breakdowns! Today, we’re featuring another group that has been very productive this season: sophomore defensive specialists.
It seems like elite teams are leaning on underclassman defensive specialists more than ever. The importance of having solid backcourt players has rapidly grown over the past several years, and Nebraska churns out a lot of young talent that can fill that role. The players on this feature represent yet another wave of skilled back row stars that are sure to keep racking up stats for the next few years.
So, let’s get a glimpse at the present and the future.
Paisley Douglas Paisley Douglas 5'5" | DS/L Omaha Skutt Catholic | 2024 State #123 Nation NE – 5’6 DS/L – Omaha Skutt Catholic
Playing for Skutt carries a lot of weight regardless of position, and it can be a lot of pressure for new additions to step into the lineup. Fortunately, Douglas is fitting in just fine. The Nebraska Elite product has quickly become a backcourt leader for her new team, and the Skutt offense feeds off her solid ball control. Douglas will make the most of her years in the spotlight.
Tatum Backemeyer Tatum Backemeyer 5'4" | DS/L Elmwood-Murdock | 2024 State NE – 5’4 DS/L – Elmwood-Murdock
Backemeyer has redefined stat production from the libero spot this year, as she has already reached or exceeded eight digs per set a few times in 2021. She consistently keeps Elmwood-Murdock in system with her quality touches and strong coverage off the block. This Lincoln-area defender has plenty of big performances to come.
Jaylen Hansen – DS/L – Grand Island
We’re traveling out west for the next player on this feature. Hansen is yet another key underclassman on a young lineup for the Islanders this fall. She has had the opportunity to face some top-tier attackers with the tough gauntlet that Grand Island has faced. Hansen isn’t afraid to take some heat along the back line.
Addison Hatcliff – 5’6 DS/L – Beatrice
Few defenders are able to boast 30-dig performances in a single match, but Hatcliff already has two in the 2021 campaign. She has been racking up enough digs to sit near the top of her class in the category. Hatcliff is one of many multi-sport standouts for Beatrice who will find on-court success throughout the year.
Olivia Mauch Olivia Mauch 5'7" | DS/L Bennington | 2024 State #49 Nation NE – 5’6 DS/L – Bennington
Many know Mauch for her impressive work in the libero jersey for Nebraska Elite. Incredibly, she has also shown that she can take a few swings at the net for Bennington this fall. Whatever role Mauch takes on any given day, she is sure to be an anchor for her team’s defense and a backcourt leader that everyone can rely upon.
Kaitlyn Hughes – DS/L – Burwell
I’ve given a few shoutouts to Burwell lately, and Hughes is a defender that helps keep the team flowing. She has been a digging machine en route to a six-match winning streak for the Longhorns. Hughes can also put good pace on her serve that helps get opposing teams out of system. Keep an eye on the small-town talents in this class.
Summer Bojanski Summer Bojanski 5'4" | DS/L Bergan | 2024 State NE – 5’3 DS/L – Archbishop Bergan
Bojanski was one of our 2024 stock risers after a standout freshman campaign, and she has carried that momentum into this season. She contributes so much to an Archbishop Bergan team that has found a lot of success during Bojanski’s career. That career is just getting started, too, and Bojanski should pick up a good share of accolades before she’s done.