Nebraska 2023 Rankings Update: New Additions (Part 2)
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We had so many new additions in this rankings update that we needed a second feature. Check out Part 1 of our New Additions feature, where we discuss a variety of outgoing seniors who made enough of a splash to…
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Continue ReadingWe had so many new additions in this rankings update that we needed a second feature.
Check out Part 1 of our New Additions feature, where we discuss a variety of outgoing seniors who made enough of a splash to land on our latest rankings update. The list keeps growing, so let’s get right into Part 2!
Willis helped engineer Shelton’s first state tournament appearance since 2007. The senior setter led a high-powered offense that featured both veterans and newcomers, and the Bulldogs’ 30-win result speaks for itself.
Here’s another small-town setter who made a big impact throughout her prep career. Baumgart was a regular sight on the state tournament stage, including in the 2021 Class D2 championship match with Humphrey St. Francis. Her ability to run a smooth offense is matched by her excellent floor defense in the right-back area.
Kobza did a little bit of everything as Superior’s libero. She was an impenetrable force in middle-back serve receive and was similarly effective at digging in the crosscourt. It’s no wonder why Kobza capped off her career with a senior-year dig total that few in Nebraska could match.
Arenas’ career trajectory at Wakefield is one of constant improvement. That culminated into a standout senior season in which she logged almost four kills per set on a 0.271 hitting percentage. Multi-sport stars are always fun to follow among Nebraska’s small-town schools, and Arenas fits this distinction, too.
This feature is bringing out a lot of setters who have played in big matches. Add Fischer to the list, as this Norfolk Catholic senior was a vital contributor in the team’s two-setter system. Fischer’s leadership helped yield a #1 seed and a runner-up finish for the Knights in Class D1–an admirable way to wrap up a prep career.
We’ve talked a lot about Bennington’s ball control and tough serving, but don’t overlook the value of their frontcourt hitters. Gansebom pitched in with nearly 200 kills in her senior campaign and elevated the Badgers to the semifinal round of the Class B tournament.
Speaking of Class B outside hitters, Going is another name that rose to the forefront in this ever-competitive division. The Elkhorn North senior was an important anchor in the team’s serve receive patterns and easy reached triple digits in the kill category.
Maywood-Hayes Center is another small-town program that we’ve touted for their excellent ball control, and Hejtmanek anchored the Wolves in that area for a handful of years. Aside from her impact as a setter, Hejtmanek contributed to the Maywood digging machine that was among Nebraska’s most formidable floor defenses.
Highlights
Johnson was part of Oakland-Craig’s big breakthrough last year, as the Knights won their first-ever state volleyball championship. After that, this senior outside hitter found another gear and put up over 200 kills in her final season with the program.
We reference Kelly’s versatility during our coverage of this year’s postseason action. GICC’s unique system allowed a couple of players to embrace hybrid roles in the frontcourt, and Kelly found herself playing both outside hitter and middle blocker. It worked out for the senior, who now has another state title to her name.
Kearney Catholic always seems to have a rock-solid libero holding down the end line. Kruse did the honors on this year’s team, and the seasoned defender was absolutely unflappable on first contact. Steady passing was a key factor in the Stars’ repeat appearance at this year’s state championships.
Lliteras saved her best moments for last. The Seward senior outside hitter eclipsed the 200-kill mark this year as the Bluejays went back to Lincoln for the first time in five years.
Let’s get one more setter in the mix here. Riddle piled up over 800 assists for Sidney this year, but that only scratches the surface of her influence within this team. She was also a reliable defender who understood how to lock down the Zone 1 corner.