2021 Season Retrospective: Impact Underclassmen at State
We’ve covered some great players and teams as we take a step back and look at the 2021 season. In this feature, it’s time to identify some players who will be leading the Nebraska high school scene for years to…
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Continue ReadingWe’ve covered some great players and teams as we take a step back and look at the 2021 season. In this feature, it’s time to identify some players who will be leading the Nebraska high school scene for years to come.
Indeed, this year’s tournament showcased plenty of steely veterans who ended their careers on the big stage. At the same time, though, a large group of talented underclassmen made an equally large impact in postseason play. These are Nebraska’s future (and current) leaders, so it’s best to get them on your radar early.
Menaces in the Middle
We’ve highlighted a lot of amazing underclassman middles throughout the year, and a lot of those same players made an appearance in the state tournament.
Chloe Hanel Chloe Hanel 5'11" | MB Clarkson/Leigh | 2024 State NE is a great example. She’s one of a select few six-rotation middle blockers that dominated for Clarkson/Leigh this season. Her role on the court is undoubtedly a unique one, but it suits Hanel’s skills so well.
While we’re on the topic of unique roles, there are few players versatile enough to do what Aubrey O’Hare Aubrey O’Hare 5'9" | RS Gothenburg | 2024 State NE does for Gothenburg. In the front row, O’Hare is a shutdown middle who can score at will off of two feet. When she rotates to the backcourt, however, she becomes a setter and looks very comfortable running the Swedes’ offense. The novelty of O’Hare’s role is awesome, but she also has the talent to make it work.
JoLee Ryan JoLee Ryan 5'9" | OH Overton | 2024 State NE is another 2024 middle who had an incredibly productive 2021 campaign. She helped lead Overton to another tournament appearance after hitting well over .400 this year on a huge amount of swings. It’s scary to think that Ryan could take yet another step forward next year.
Go-To Hitters
There were plenty of underclassmen who became reliable hitters on the pin and helped their teams to appearances at state.
Amherst’s Hannah Herrick Hannah Herrick 5'8" | MB Amherst | 2024 State NE comes to mind. The sophomore hit at a blistering pace for the Broncos and lifted her team to another berth in the C2 bracket. After producing double-digit kills in nearly every match she played this year, Herrick is due for similar production in 2022.
Paige Frickenstein Paige Frickenstein 6'1" | OH Archbishop Bergan | 2024 State NE had similar success for Archbishop Bergan. The Class D1 runner-up leaned on their 2024 outside hitter in the tournament, and she consistently delivered in clutch moments. Frickenstein’s long frame and powerful arm will allow her to continue her dominance as she becomes an upperclassman next fall.
And, of course, we can’t forget about Papillion neighbors Lauren Medeck Lauren Medeck 5'10" | OH Papillion-La Vista South | 2024 State #31 Nation NE and Morgan Glaser Morgan Glaser 6'0" | OH Papillion-La Vista | 2024 State NE . These two put up big numbers for their respective schools in Class A competition, and they’ll surely continue to do so moving forward.
Ball Control Experts
Now, we have to give a shoutout to a few setters and defensive specialists who helped bind their teams together in the postseason.
Tatum Backemeyer Tatum Backemeyer 5'4" | DS/L Elmwood-Murdock | 2024 State NE had an excellent showing in the libero jersey for upset-minded Elmwood-Murdock. She knows how to get in a groove in serve receive and put her offense in positions to succeed. That’s what a libero is for.
In fact, Backemeyer was the only standout sophomore in a libero jersey at state. Summer Bojanski Summer Bojanski 5'4" | DS/L Bergan | 2024 State NE anchored the defense for Bergan, and Haylee Wolf Haylee Wolf 5'7" | DS/L Elkhorn North | 2024 State NE did the same for Elkhorn North. Paisley Douglas Paisley Douglas 5'5" | DS/L Omaha Skutt Catholic | 2024 State #123 Nation NE helped Omaha Skutt clinch their seventh-straight title behind her excellent floor defense in any backcourt zone.
Underclassman setters were also well-represented in the tournament. Where do you even start? Reagan Hickey Reagan Hickey 5'8" | S Papillion-La Vista | 2024 State NE did a great job distributing for Papillion-La Vista this year. Reese Booth Reese Booth 5'7" | S Elkhorn North | 2024 State NE is another 2024 who ran the show for Elkhorn North. Class D1 featured two skilled sophomore setters in Diller-Odell’s Keira Hennerberg and Nebraska Christian’s Ali Bruning Ali Bruning 5'8" | S Nebraska Christian | 2024 State NE . And, of course, I’ve already sung the praises of Adi Rennerfeldt, who led Oakland-Craig to a state title as a freshman starting setter.
Clearly, it’s worth looking out for all these players as they look to lead the charge again in 2022.