March Madness Dual Sport Stars in Class D

Erica Twarling February 28, 2023 @ 08:29 PM

In Nebraska's smallest classes in D-1 and D-2 there are a lot of dual sport stars who will be hooping it up this week at the Girl's State Basketball Tournament in Lincoln. Many of these athletes play multiple sports and do multiple activities at these smaller schools. The sense of pride and community is a huge part of these smaller classes. Let's take a look at some great volleyball players making an impact in Nebraska's smallest classes during State Basketball.   The #2 seed at State Basketball Shelton also had a very successful season in volleyball as they lost in an epic 5 set match to eventual State Champion Howells-Dodge. Here is a look at some players making an impact on the basketball court too.   5'11 Senior outside hitter/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='122756' first='Dru' last='Niemack'] from Shelton: Niemack was an absolute stud on the outside for the Bulldogs this past fall. She blasted 477 kills this year and ended her career with 1370 kills. The lefty could hit well from either pin even though it is more uncommon for lefties to play outside. She does an excellent job of getting on top of the ball and putting it on the floor quickly. Being a lefty too it was hard to block her because she could hit the line or do a sharp cross court. Niemack was one of the top players in the state and her junior year she led the state in kills with 515. Niemack is great defensively on the basketball court and has a nose for the ball. Her ability to anticipate the steal is great!    5'8” Freshman outside hitter Jaylyn Branson from Shelton: Branson was super impressive at the Top 250 Expo in La Vista in December. She is so athletic, jumps well and has a heavy arm. Jaylyn had 259 kills and an astonishing 63 ace serves this past fall for the Bulldogs. Her jump float is lethal. Branson sees the floor well when hitting for a freshman and can put some finesse on shots as well. She too has a nose for the ball on the defensive side of the ball on the basketball court. Look for these Shelton Bulldogs to make some noise this week at State Basketball.    5'11” junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='172605' first='Ryann' last='Sabatka'] from Hasting's St. Cecilia. Sabatka is a strong middle who can move and hit on either pin or even from the back row. She had 390 kills this past fall and is looking to eclipse 1,000 in her career in her senior season. Sabatka has a great jump float serve with lots of power behind it. She had 80 total blocks this season alone. She has strong shoulders and arms. In basketball she averages 9.9 points a game and 5.3 rebounds per game. The 17-7 Hawkettes are the 4th seed this week at State Basketball in D-1.   5'7” junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='212050' first='Jordan' last='Vogler'] had a stellar junior year this past fall for Elmwood-Murdock. Vogler hammered 455 kills for the Knights. She also helped defensively with 276 digs. Vogler is very good at placing the ball and hitting shots when watching her at the President's Day Classic playing for Nebraska Juniors.. She helps her team by making good decisions and is not high error. In basketball she averages 7.0 points per game and matches that with 7.2 rebounds per game.    Junior defensive specialist and libero [player_tooltip player_id='124779' first='Tatum' last='Backemeyer'] from Elmwood-Murdock: Backemeyer averaged 5.9 digs per set this past fall. The libero had 51 ace serves as well. Backemeyer really shines in serve receive and has a great platform to target. She also does a great job of chasing out of system balls down and keeping her team in the point. In basketball she leads her team in points per game averaging 14.9 and is second on the team with steals with 48 total. Look for her stock to continue to rise!   Enjoy watching these dual sport athletes on the basketball floor this week! It will be fun to see their athletic stock rise. Watch their competitive nature shine for their teammates and school!

In Nebraska's smallest classes in D-1 and D-2 there are a lot of dual sport stars who will be hooping it up this week at the Girl's State Basketball Tournament in Lincoln. Many of these athletes play multiple sports and do multiple activities at these smaller schools. The sense of pride and community is a huge part of these smaller classes. Let's take a look at some great volleyball players making an impact in Nebraska's smallest classes during State Basketball.