Nebraska 2024 Rankings Update: Stock Risers
It should be no surprise that Nebraska’s 2024 class is full of stock risers after this year’s club season. We are constantly searching for players who are stepping up their game, and you don’t have to look very hard with…
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Continue ReadingIt should be no surprise that Nebraska’s 2024 class is full of stock risers after this year’s club season.
We are constantly searching for players who are stepping up their game, and you don’t have to look very hard with this class. Nebraska’s 2024s exhibited widespread improvement and impressed us on some of the biggest stages in club volleyball. With that in mind, we naturally end up with a few stock risers in this latest rankings update.
Here’s a quick look at who made a jump in this rankings release.
We just mentioned that Nebraska’s players have thrived on big stages, and Bode is certainly no stranger to these high-pressure moments. She had another breakthrough performance at GJNC, as her big blocks helped lift Premier 16 Gold to a podium finish in the ever-competitive 16 Open division. Next up for Bode is a state title defense with Papio South this fall.
We’ll stay on that 16 Gold roster to find another 2024 stock riser. I’ve enjoyed documenting Cleveringa’s athletic successes this year, and that isn’t limited to the volleyball court. After a state basketball championship with North Bend Central, Cleveringa resumed her outside hitter role with Premier Nebraska and made a major late-season charge to end up on this feature.
Wolf is a tremendous all-around athlete who finds every way possible to impact a match at libero. Our previous discussions on this Premier 16 Black have mentioned her vocal leadership with this team, but Wolf also brings tremendous value with her defensive instincts and ball control skills.
Spilker’s impact in the Nebraska Juniors gym was felt throughout the year, and now she has a chance to make another splash with a new-look Norris team this fall. She spent much of the club season at middle blocker but has ample prep experience at opposite, too.
Highlights
Rowley made some huge strides as part of VCN 16 Elite’s “two-headed monster” at setter. She pushes the pace well with the team’s wide array of talented hitters, and Rowley’s gap sets to the middles have been particularly effective.
My most recent look at O’Neill is very recent, indeed; she competed on the Great Plains Region team at the USAV All-Star Championships last week. If you’re looking for a high-volume hitter to watch in high school competition this fall, O’Neill is a name you have to know.
Johnson’s six-rotation prowess elevated her Nebraska Elite team throughout the year, and this outside hitter is only getting started. The high school season will provide another opportunity for Johnson to showcase her abilities as a feature part of the Columbus offense.
Topolski’s rise continues as one of VCN’s strong right-side hitters in the 2024 class. Her quickness off the floor allows her to hit a variety of tempos, and Topolski is difficult to stop when she’s in rhythm. Ball control skills are also a plus with Topolski, so keep an eye on this Lincoln East prep star in 2022.
Highlights
Ritterbush just wrapped up a standout year with Premier 16 Red as the team’s backcourt leader. This libero has a knack for getting her feet to the ball and will only keep improving with more experience. Nebraska is surely not lacking for depth at the libero spot in the Class of 2024.
This multi-sport star had a nice fall 2021 campaign with Kearney Catholic that culminated in an appearance in the state championship match. She built on this positive momentum with NVA during the club season and will continue to be one of central Nebraska’s top volleyball talents in this class.
Ahrens displayed the kind of well-rounded skillset that lands setters on these stock riser features. Her right-back defense was particularly strong for Premier 16 Red this year, as her foot speed keeps her out in front of any attack coming her way.
Premier 16 Silver got great contributions from a variety of hitters in 2022, and Horn certainly qualifies as one of the stock risers from this group. She manages to put away a lot of tough swings and can still brings some heat even when she’s off the net.
Highlights
Avila-Ambrosi is a versatile hitter who has seen time in the middle and at opposite throughout 2022. Regardless of position, Avila-Ambrosi can use her lateral quickness to find gaps in opposing blocks. Having this kind of do-it-all attacker was key to Premier 16 Silver’s success, and we can likely expect more of the same moving forward.