Daily Dozen: 12 Nebraska 2025s Ready to Dominate Qualifiers
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Here’s one more for the 2025s. Throughout the week, we’ve covered a wide range of topics relating to Nebraska’s Class of 2025 with the release of our rankings update. Previous features have looked at new additions (with Part 1 and…
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Continue ReadingHere’s one more for the 2025s.
Throughout the week, we’ve covered a wide range of topics relating to Nebraska’s Class of 2025 with the release of our rankings update. Previous features have looked at new additions (with Part 1 and Part 2), stock risers, and under-the-radar pin hitters and middle blockers. It only feels right to round out this discussion by looking at the road ahead.
We’re approaching a massive stretch of qualifiers for Nebraska’s 16s teams. A flurry of high-caliber events will pop up around the Midwest, and I’m thrilled to hit the road along with all of you. Stay tuned.
Of course, these qualifiers will bring the Class of 2025 squarely into focus, and the Cornhusker State features many players who are poised for big moments. This article is for them.
Here are a dozen athletes that I expect to put up some highlight moments on the many qualifier stages to come.
Nebraska Elite 16 Maverick made a special run to an Open bid during last year’s qualifier season, and Meyer has a big hand in that success. Nothing has changed in 2023. This savvy setter has an indispensable combination of leadership and technical skills that make her an instant standout on big stages. Look for that competitive drive to emerge yet again as Meyer and her team chase another bid.
Highlights
Hasselbalch is a middle blocker who always seems to rise to the occasion for Nebraska ONE 16 Synergy. We’ve always been in awe of her ability to terminate in a variety of ways, and Hasselbalch’s best moments have come out at the events we have approaching on the calendar. Let’s see an encore performance.
Here’s another middle blocker who has quickly risen the 2025 ranks through big events like these. Hart has become a perfect fit for Premier 16 Gold’s unique offense that features a bevy of crossing patterns and gap plays. The Gretna middle can score from anywhere along the net, making her a difficult player to defend. 16 Gold will need Hart’s skills to loom large as a challenging schedule awaits.
Highlights
Nelsen’s move to Premier Nebraska has been a fruitful one. We’ve seen the Millard North standout set and hit throughout her prep career, and her setting has particularly flourished with Premier 17 Red. Nebraska only has a small group of 2025s playing up an age group this year, but we’re certainly not short of quality with players like Nelsen representing the “overachievers.”
Let’s bring in another frontcourt standout from that Nebraska ONE 16 Synergy bunch. Cose is poised to expand her role with the team this year and lock down the right pin in 16 Synergy’s three-hitter rotations. It’s also worth following the various lineups Nebraska ONE decides to deploy, because Cose can slide into the middle blocker spot if needed. We learned last year that not even personnel shuffles can keep 16 Synergy from finding qualifier success.
VCNebraska’s ever-growing list of multi-talented list has to include Apfel from 16 Elite. The Norris outside hitter generates some serious heat that is tough to dig, even when defenders are in good position. And, like an VCN product, Apfel can hold her ground in the backcourt and has developed into a steady passer. Upcoming qualifiers will offer a valuable litmus test for Apfel and 16 Elite.
What can’t Banker do? We know this standout 2025 for her smooth setting with Skutt Catholic, but Banker has showed off a few more skills with Nebraska Juniors this year. 16 Black has not been afraid to use Banker as a left-side hitter and can even swap her to the opposite pin if necessary. Our view of this state champion continues to evolve.
Helzer’s championship pedigree will pay dividends once again as she embarks on another season with Nebraska Elite. The Oakland-Craig prep star burst onto the scene right away with a state championship in 2021, and it’s been all uphill from there. Watch for Helzer to carry more significant responsibilities in other areas besides frontcourt attacking.
We’ve talked a lot about Omaha-area middle blockers over the last few days, and Schmidt can put her name into the mix with a couple of big qualifier performances. Premier 16 Red will make good use of Schmidt’s length, heavy arm, her natural ability to terminate in front of the setter. Her fiery personality helps, too.
Hofer’s steady work in the backcourt will undoubtedly stand out when Club Legacy 16 Alpha takes the court this month. Floor defense is going to be a strength at Fremont High School for years to come, and players like Hofer make it possible. Now, this libero has a chance to find some year-round success that could make her a major 2025 stock riser.
Ott is one of a handful of Skutt Catholic standouts who has made the move to VCNebraska 16 Elite this year. The team has looked cohesive despite all the new personnel, and Ott is helping that cause with her lockdown defense. As more talented defenders move to the VCN pipeline, this is one libero you’ll want to keep an eye on moving forward.
A small-town talent wraps up our final 2025 feature of the week. West has made a name for herself on the high school side, as her efficiency numbers last fall were especially impressive for an outside hitter. The Wausa native brings those same contributions to VCNebraska 16 Black, a team that will have plenty to prove against top-tier Midwestern talent.