Updated Look at Nebraska’s Uncommitted 2023s: Frontcourt Phenoms
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Yesterday’s focus was on updating Nebraska’s newest Class of 2023 commitments. It’s only fitting that we follow up with a fresh look at the state’s top uncommitted prospects in the class. This year’s club season has given us more opportunities…
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Continue ReadingYesterday’s focus was on updating Nebraska’s newest Class of 2023 commitments. It’s only fitting that we follow up with a fresh look at the state’s top uncommitted prospects in the class.
This year’s club season has given us more opportunities to scout the wide array of talented Nebraska 2023s that have yet to make a college pledge. Some players have switched things up and transitioned to new clubs this year, while others have taken big steps forward in familiar jerseys. In any case, we’ve got plenty more to think about regarding the Class of 2023 after watching things unfold this spring.
So, let’s update our big board, starting with frontcourt attackers. Here are a few fresh perspectives on the uncommitted and under-the-radar athletes among Nebraska’s Class of 2023.
In the Frontcourt
So many uncommitted attackers have made their mark on this club season, especially in local venues.
Outside hitter Evan Glade Evan Glade 5'11" | OH Millard West | 2023 State NE is a Midwest Power League performer that I always gravitated toward when Nebraska Juniors 17 Black took the court. She elevates so well and has worked in some impressive six-rotation skills this year. I’ll be anxious to see what kind of impact Glade makes when she returns to the high school stage this fall.
Glade isn’t the only Nebraska Juniors 17 Black athlete that I’ll be keeping an eye on, though. Gracie Kircher Gracie Kircher 5'11" | OH Norris | 2023 State NE has found her stride at the opposite position late in the season, and she has the kind of big-match experience that few 2023s can match. She has also been keeping very busy this spring with basketball and track and field, which is a testament to her natural athletic ability. Don’t forget about Lexi Jones Lexi Jones 5'11" | MB Aurora | 2023 State NE in the NE Jrs gym, either, as she’s been putting up big numbers ever since she began her prep career at Aurora.
Carly Purdy Carly Purdy 6'0" | OH North Platte | 2023 State NE is another multi-sport athlete that packs some impressive physicality at the net. I’ve been impressed with Purdy’s work with VCN 17 Elite this season, and she has demonstrated that her terminal arm can score on either pin. And, while we’re on the topic of uncommitted club teammates, keep an eye on Brinly Christensen Brinly Christensen 5'10" | OH Lincoln Southwest | 2023 State NE as she continues to make big progress at the right-side hitter spot. Of course, I’ll also be anxiously waiting for Karli Heidemann Karli Heidemann 6'1" | OH Diller-Odell | 2023 State #124 Nation NE ’s return to the court, as she has always been a catalyst for success at VCN and Diller-Odell.
Also looming large in this group is Stella Adeyemi Stella Adeyemi 5'9" | OH Papillion-LaVista South | 2023 State #95 Nation NE . Her list of accolades just keeps growing after last fall’s state championship, and she appeared to take another step forward at Kansas City’s Show Me Qualifier last month. Adeyemi was a key contributor in Premier 17 Gold’s blemish-free run through the 17 Open field. Better yet, Adeyemi has taken on a bigger passing role with 17 Gold this year and is clearly committed to growing her game in all six rotations.
I’ve got plenty of under-the-radar names for you, too. Lauren Buzbee Lauren Buzbee 6'0" | RS Bennington | 2023 State NE comes to mind, as she’s a frontcourt player who can anchor the middle or the right side. I’ve seen her make big plays on the high school side with Bennington, and she brings that same energy to the Club Legacy gym every day.
Caitlin McCormack Caitlin McCormack 5'8" | OH Millard North | 2023 State NE has also had a big year with Premier 17 Black and brings the kind of all-around skills that define her whole Premier team. If you need an anchor in middle-back serve receive or someone who will scrap for every point on the defensive end, McCormack is a good choice.
How about another middle? Lucy Ghaifan Lucy Ghaifan 6'1" | MB Grand Island Central Catholic | 2023 State NE is another Nebraska Juniors product to look out for. Her big-play potential has been well-documented on the high school side with GICC.
In all, this class has produced a wealth of highlight moments from athletes both committed and uncommitted. You can expect more of the same during the closing stretch of the club season, and we’ll be here to cover it all.