Which Nebraska 2025s Took a Step Forward at NLQ?
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We learned a lot from last weekend’s Northern Lights Qualifier. Time to put some of those discoveries into words. This high-stakes qualifier brought many new names to the forefront, and it also granted some updated scouting reports on other athletes…
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Continue ReadingWe learned a lot from last weekend’s Northern Lights Qualifier. Time to put some of those discoveries into words.
This high-stakes qualifier brought many new names to the forefront, and it also granted some updated scouting reports on other athletes we were already familiar with. Whatever the case, our ever-evolving perception of Nebraska’s Class of 2025 is best supplemented by events like these. Top performers are bound to arise, and we saw a few in Minneapolis.
Here’s a look at some 2025 standouts who took a big step forward at NLQ.
Amid Premier 16 Gold’s evolution and transformation over the past year, Borer has been a steady constant in the backcourt. She has ample experience in the libero jersey and has also held a vital spot as a primary defensive specialist. Floor defense helped tip the scales during last weekend’s bid breakthrough, and it’s no surprise that Borer had an ever-present influence in that area.
Kerkman can step up whenever and wherever needed. In the wake of Premier 16 Gold’s bid-earning weekend at NLQ, we talked about the variety of pin hitter lineups that the team can deploy. Kerkman is an adaptable part of that equation who has given an instant boost to the team’s outside hitter spot. She’s always ready for these big moments.
Highlights
Johnson is yet another frontcourt talent who has stepped up in Nebraska Elite 16 Maverick’s new-look lineup. She showed enormous progress in her evolving role at the middle blocker spot, as Johnson brought a wealth of positive block touches and quality swings throughout NLQ. Expect further growth at this weekend’s Show Me Qualifier.
Highlights
Our post-event summary of Nebraska ONE 16 Synergy’s runner-up finish at NLQ alluded to the fact that Rademacher has experienced some recent role changes. It’s working out well. Rademacher patrolled the right-back area for much of the weekend and even got to put her quick arm on display through some designed ‘D’ patterns. 16 Synergy just keeps adding layers.
Seagren’s multi-faceted role continues to amaze. We know this small-town gem from her standout moments as a middle blocker in both prep and club, but that’s not the only position where Seagren can shine. Much of her recent dominance has come as an opposite, and that’s where she generated her highlight plays with VCN 16 Elite at NLQ.
Utility players are all over the VCN gym, and you can add Schroeder to the list after her recent performances. This talented athlete burst onto the scene with an excellent sophomore campaign with Malcolm, and now she’s doing a little of everything with VCN 16 Black. Schroeder’s defensive skills in the middle-back area were particularly vital to the team’s success last weekend.
There’s plenty of credit to go around for Nebraska Elite 16 Koa’s appearance in NLQ bracket play. Kafka deserves a share of that. This imposing middle blocker moves well and is developing a knack for reading opposing setters. It’s a huge relief to 16 Koa’s defensive specialists that Kafka can take away attacking seams with such great efficiency.
Highlights
Helzer’s six-rotation stock keeps rising. We know about the championship pedigree she brings to 16 Koa, but Helzer has seemingly taken her all-around game to the next level in 2023. She’s shouldering extensive responsibilities in passing and defense to go along with her standard role of hammering away on the left side. Helzer will undoubtedly be a major factor in any bid that 16 Koa may earn.
Premier 16 Black looks like a team that’s on the cusp of a bid, and Levinson can help take this group to the next level. Her length at the net is a matchup nightmare for most opposing teams, and that physicality translates into some impressive stuff blocks in the frontcourt. Levinson’s attacking role is also growing within 16 Black’s well-balanced offense, so the best may still be yet to come.
Zoe Petersen
Zoe Petersen
Banzai VBC 16 Select is about to bring several 2025 stock risers to our attention. Petersen is one of those that we’ll be following, and her well-rounded skill set at the outside hitter spot was absolutely indispensable at NLQ. The Papio product can attack on either pin and brought some smooth blocking moves to shut down opposing pins.
There’s little doubt that Ashby is the “glue” player in Nebraska Juniors 16 Black’s backcourt. The Aurora native brings outstanding floor defense, unflappable serve receive, and the leadership qualities that most coaches look for in a libero. Small-town Nebraska continues to deliver, especially for Nebraska Juniors.