Which Under-the-Radar Nebraska 2025s Stole the Show Me Spotlight?
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What a venue to evaluate Nebraska’s best up-and-coming talent. Kansas City’s Show Me Qualifier always has a way of drawing in Nebraska standouts from across the club landscape. I found myself hopping from one division to another throughout my time…
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Continue ReadingWhat a venue to evaluate Nebraska’s best up-and-coming talent.
Kansas City’s Show Me Qualifier always has a way of drawing in Nebraska standouts from across the club landscape. I found myself hopping from one division to another throughout my time in the convention center, and I came away with plenty of new notes on the state’s emerging athletes. Let’s start breaking it all down.
2025s are in the spotlight here as we start highlighting even more names to know from the Show Me Qualifier.
We’ve talked about Baker’s fascinating career progression before, and now she’s added a standout Show Me weekend to her list of accolades. Her physicality has brought a major boost to the 16 Maverick frontcourt as the team embraces some new leaders in its starting rotation. Baker has earned the right to compete on these high-level stages, and the best is still yet to come.
Let’s bring in another middle blocker who has elevated her game lately. Schuster is a Lincoln-area athlete who is making her mark in the Nebraska Juniors 16 Black frontcourt at recent qualifiers. Her effectiveness off of one foot has been particularly impressive, which helps open up the offense in 16 Black’s two-hitter rotations.
Last fall’s high school action showed us that Dzingle was going to have a long-lasting impact on the Nebraska prep scene. After helping Kearney Catholic to another state tournament appearance last year, Dzingle returned to the championship stage with Nebraska Pride 16s Gold. Last weekend’s emergence in the 16 USA bracket was a major testament to the skill of Dzingle, Nebraska Pride, and central Nebraska as a whole.
Bring on more of these small-town talents. Banzai VBC 16 Select posted an impressive top-ten finish in Show Me’s 16 USA division, and Craven remains a major factor in the team’s success. This multi-sport star from Ashland-Greenwood can play a variety of roles on the volleyball court, from setting a 5-1 to hitting on the right side as a go-to opposite. Either way, Craven is a name that’s sure to rise up our rankings.
Hayley Sliva
Hayley Sliva
We now shift our attention to South Central NE, which always has its share of under-the-radar gems from central Nebraska. Sliva is one of those we’ll be following, and she has already broken out with some memorable high school moments with BDS. She’s now helping to set up the success of South Central’s 16 Black squad, which earned a hot streak of victories in Kansas City.
Lund is one of several backcourt specialists who have been under the microscope for Premier 16 Black lately. The Gretna product bolsters a defensive unit that has become one of 16 Black’s strengths, and we can’t wait to watch this group evolve further during the mid-April grind.
Highlights
There has to be a lot of optimism surrounding Nebraska ONE 16 Black after its top-five placement in Show Me’s 16 Liberty bracket. Donovan brings a lot of justification for that hype, as this physical setter is the glue to 16 Black’s smooth, efficient offense. Not only will Donovan set her hitters up for success, but her stature at the net ensures that she will never be a blocking liability.
Now, let’s address one of the other anchors to Nebraska ONE 16 Black’s ball control. Covalt is building off a spectacular 2022 high school campaign by locking down the libero position for 16 Black. Her serve receive and floor defense are equally strong, meaning Covalt does just about everything you’d hope to get out of your libero.
Highlights
Francis is a player who probably won’t be considered “under the radar” for long. She’s making a year-round impression as a standout libero, both for Papillion-La Vista and Premier 16 Red. In both venues, Francis has displayed the defensive instincts and leadership skills to keep racking up honors throughout her prep career.