2025 Watch List New Additions: Middles and Defensive Specialists
Let’s wrap up our look at the new additions to Nebraska’s 2025 watch list. We’ve previously looked at outside hitters and setters, and now it’s time to glance at a few players who can hold things down on the defensive…
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Continue ReadingLet’s wrap up our look at the new additions to Nebraska’s 2025 watch list. We’ve previously looked at outside hitters and setters, and now it’s time to glance at a few players who can hold things down on the defensive end. Middle blockers and defensive specialists are in the spotlight here.
Admittedly, middle and DS are two positions that I’ll be focusing extra time on to make more 2025 additions following the club season. It’s worth repeating that contributing to a varsity high school lineup as a freshman is not a common or easy feat, so the upcoming club season will provide great opportunities to make further edits to our watch list. Stay tuned!
Now, let’s meet some middle blockers and defensive specialists who emerged in our latest update.
Rilyn Gish Rilyn Gish 5'10" | MB Millard North | 2025 State NE – 5’10 MB – Omaha Duchesne
Yes, we’ve got another Omaha Duchesne player to cover before these 2025 features are done. Before next fall, though, Gish has a good shot to make an impact in the Nebraska Elite gym once again. She has a strong swing when attacking in front of the setter and will use her all-around skills to shine with Duchesne during her prep career.
Erin Johnson Erin Johnson 6'1" | MB Cambridge | 2025 State NE – 6’1 MB – Cambridge
Johnson is a middle blocker who has already produced some big on-court moments in her first year with Cambridge. She tallied nearly 150 kills in her debut season, chipped in with a healthy number of blocks, and even contributed behind the service line.
Kiya Johnson Kiya Johnson 6'1" | MB DC West | 2025 State NE – 5’11 MB – Ashland-Greenwood
This Ashland-Greenwood middle blocker is another Nebraska Elite 15-1 athlete that we’ll be watching this winter. Johnson’s chance in the spotlight is surely coming on the high school side, and this year’s club season could be a sign of what’s to come for this physical force at the net.
Isabel Junior Isabel Junior 5'8" | DS/L Elkhorn South | 2025 State NE – 5’6 DS/L – Elkhorn South
Junior can help carry on the Elkhorn South tradition of strong backcourt players. There are a lot of great defensive specialists coming up through the Storm program, too, so this 2025 defender will not be alone on the backline. Like many of the other players on this feature, Junior will showcase her abilities with Nebraska Elite this year.
Aimee Morales Aimee Morales 5'2" | DS/L Mitchell | 2025 NE – 5’2 DS/L – Mitchell
Morales stepped in and quickly became a defensive leader for Mitchell. It was a successful 26-6 season for the Tigers, and the team could go even further with their 2025 libero consistently making stellar plays and stuffing the stat sheet.
Nikki Ott Nikki Ott 5'7" | DS/L Omaha Skutt Catholic | 2025 State NE – 5’7 DS/L – Omaha Skutt
There’s usually a lot of excitement and anticipation surrounding the young talent that comes through the Omaha Skutt pipeline, and Ott could be another good one to follow. She’s been a solid passer in the Nebraska Elite gym for a while now, and that serve-receive aptitude should show up again this year.
McKenna Smith McKenna Smith 5'9" | OH Wahoo | 2025 State NE – 5’9 MB – Bishop Neumann
Smith is a VCNebraska product who could make some significant gains in 2022. The Bishop Neumann program also has a history of producing some lethal frontcourt attackers, so I’m excited to see Smith get her shot in the lineup.
Ava Stone Ava Stone 6'0" | MB Elkhorn South | 2025 State NE – 6’0 MB – Elkhorn South
I just mentioned Elkhorn South’s penchant for skilled liberos, but the Storm are no stranger to physical middle blockers, either. Stone is incredibly effective when attacking off two feet and can lock down the blocking phase with her length and quickness. Sounds like Elk South is set for the future.
Myleigh Weers Myleigh Weers 5'8" | MB Diller-Odell | 2025 State NE – 5’8 MB – Diller-Odell
Weers was one of the most effective 2025 middle blockers in the state last fall. She did it for a strong Diller-Odell team that made the tournament, too, so she knows how to play on the big stage. After a strong debut campaign, Weers will be looking to take another step forward this year.