Updated Look at Nebraska’s Uncommitted 2023s: Setters & Liberos
You know I can’t pass up the opportunity to talk about some ball control pros. That’s especially true here in Nebraska. In case you missed it, we followed up our 2023 commitment update with a look at some must-see uncommitted…
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Continue ReadingYou know I can’t pass up the opportunity to talk about some ball control pros. That’s especially true here in Nebraska.
In case you missed it, we followed up our 2023 commitment update with a look at some must-see uncommitted frontcourt attackers from around the Cornhusker State. Now, it’s time to shift our attention toward setters and defensive specialists.
Like the attackers we already featured, setters and liberos represent a deep, talent-rich portion of Nebraska’s uncommitted 2023s. While we gear up for the final Nationals push in the coming months, this feels like a good time to look back at how the Class of 2023 has progressed so far this year.
Bring on the ball control stars.
In the Backcourt
Let’s start with those defensive specialists.
There are several players in the position group that make a sustained, year-round impact on the Nebraska prep scene. Emmalee Sheppard Emmalee Sheppard 5'4" | DS/L Fremont | 2023 State NE is surely one of those players, as she has produced so many highlight moments with Fremont and Nebraska Elite. She has thrived while digging in the crosscourt during this year’s club season, and I’d expect that momentum to only continue as we transition into the fall season.
Brynn Carey Brynn Carey 5'8" | DS/L Lincoln East | 2023 State NE is another athlete that has been so impressive in high school and club venues. She has played a lot of right-back defense with VCN 17 Black and has excelled at this new-look role. With plenty of experience at outside hitter with Lincoln East, Carey can adapt to just about any on-court role.
We’ll be following plenty of other VCN backcourt players, too. Alli Mullin Alli Mullin 5'4" | DS/L Lincoln Southwest | 2023 State NE , for example, has been playing up with VCN 18 Black and is still such a natural defender in the libero jersey. Her exposure to big matches will continue to expand with Lincoln Southwest this fall.
Over in the Nebraska Juniors gym, Bailey Rogers Bailey Rogers 5'6" | DS/L Minden | 2023 State NE has been playing some relentless defense and has been a solid passing anchor for 17 Black. She is also a great representative of Nebraska’s small-town talents, as she represents Minden during the fall months.
Setting Up Success
So many available setters in Nebraska’s 2023 class have taken big steps forward in this year’s club season.
Few uncommitted 2023s boast as much experience on the big stage as Skylar Walters Skylar Walters 5'9" | S Millard West | 2023 State NE , a Premier 17 Black product who has also competed in a state championship match with Millard West. The athleticism and skill that she brings to this position have always been fun to watch, and Walters will stay on my radar throughout 2022.
We can also return to the VCN fray to talk about a couple more names that should be getting some looks this year. Elecea Saathoff Elecea Saathoff 5'9" | S Lincoln Lutheran | 2023 State NE is another one of those VCN athletes playing up with 18 Black, and her versatility has always been something to behold. Whether she’s at setter or opposite (or both), Saathoff is bound to make an impact. She’s another state champion on this feature who will never be afraid of pressure situations.
Lauryn England Lauryn England 5'7" | S Malcolm | 2023 State NE brings that same energy to VCN 17 Elite. I’ve been impressed with her work as both a setter and a defensive specialist this year. Her aggression at the setter spot has given her teammates some great attacking opportunities this year, which is nothing new for this Malcolm standout.
Of course, we’re just getting started in our quest to cover as many uncommitted athletes as we can — and that doesn’t just apply to the 2023 class. As always, be on the lookout for more features like this in the very near future.