More Setter Stars from 15s and 17s at GPR Bid Tournament
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This setter spot was stacked. When covering high-stakes events like last weekend’s Great Plains Bid Tournament, there are usually one or two position groups that stand out among the rest. That was the case yet again as teams battled for…
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Continue ReadingThis setter spot was stacked.
When covering high-stakes events like last weekend’s Great Plains Bid Tournament, there are usually one or two position groups that stand out among the rest. That was the case yet again as teams battled for a ticket to Nationals, and setters stole the spotlight early and often in this outing.
We’ve already discussed a few setters in our instant standout features on the 15s and 17s, so check those out if you haven’t already. But, as this feature suggests, the list of talented setters at the event far surpasses the ones we’ve already covered.
Let’s grow that list.
Addison Janke Addison Janke 5'8" | S Omaha Marian | 2026 State NE
Addison Janke Addison Janke 5'8" | S Omaha Marian | 2026 State NE
This is one addition we’re sure to make in the next 2026 watch list update. Janke guided the Club Legacy 15 Alpha offense that showed flashes of brilliance last weekend. My favorite part of Janke’s game is her ability to adapt to the various strengths of her hitters and change tempos to harness those strengths. 15 Alpha will be a fascinating group to follow in the coming years with Janke leading the way.
Callie Squiers Callie Squiers 6'0" | S Kearney Catholic | 2024 State NE
Callie Squiers Callie Squiers 6'0" | S Kearney Catholic | 2024 State NE
Squiers brings a rare set of traits that makes her the perfect fit to lead a team from the setter spot. She’s incredibly physical at the net, meaning Nebraska Pride Gold 17s won’t have any blocking deficits in its two-hitter rotations. This Kearney Catholic standout is also not afraid to make some risky sets to the middle. In all, Squiers’s well-rounded game was a key factor in Nebraska Pride’s emergence in the top three of 17s.
The magical run continues for Hengelfelt. Few small-town 2026s have burst onto the Nebraska prep scene like she has, and the Cross County standout contributes in just about every way possible for Nebraska ONE 15 Black. When she’s not dishing out the ball with incredible accuracy, Hengelfelt is also a frontcourt opposite who will take a high volume of swings whenever she gets the chance. A big year for this multi-talented gem has finally culminated in a Nationals bid.
Highlights
Bradford’s prep career has been marked by one successful season after another. That goes for her stint with Premier Nebraska as well as Lincoln East on the high school side. 17 Black does not skip a beat no matter which setter is on the floor, and that’s a testament to Bradford’s ability to mesh into a variety of systems and lineups. Her big 2023 calendar year is just getting started.
Ahrens has to be one of this year’s biggest stock risers in the 2024 class. Her work with Premier 17 Red has been extraordinary from the very beginning as the team nearly locked up its Nationals bid back in January. Some teams gravitate toward their setter for leadership and steady production, and that’s exactly what we’ve seen from 17 Red and Ahrens. What a perfect captain for this group.
Mandy Mettscher Mandy Mettscher 5'10" | S Lincoln East | 2024 State NE
Mandy Mettscher Mandy Mettscher 5'10" | S Lincoln East | 2024 State NE
Mettscher adds to the growing list of strong VCN setters–and Lincoln East setters, for that matter. VCNebraska 17 Black has proven it can keep humming regardless of who’s playing at the setter spot, and the team was surely clicking when Mettscher took the reins last weekend. This is one emerging 2024 we’ll have our eyes on when the high school season kicks off.
Premier Nebraska is clearly stockpiling some talented 15s setters, and Stevens is one that needs to be in that conversation. The positive energy she brings to the court is noticeable, but she also backs that up with some incredibly consistent setting that puts her hitters in favorable situations. Pair that with some strong floor defense, and you have a natural leader that 15 Red can always rely on.
Highlights
Jenna Birk
Jenna Birk
MVP United 15 Red joined the large group of 15s teams using a two-setter offense, and Birk was one of the team’s standouts in the starting rotation. Not only does Birk handle the setting duties well, but her lockdown defense in the right-back area helped bolster a strong 15 Red backcourt throughout the event. There are always new names to add to the radar when MVP United faces off against its Great Plains peers.
Chesley is another name that has been slowly climbing up Nebraska’s 2024 hierarchy in recent months. She has now kept up that positive momentum with a strong day at the Great Plains Bid Tournament, elevating Nebraska ONE 17 Black to the top group of 17s competitors. The team’s up-tempo offense thrived with Chesley dishing out consistent balls and distributing with great finesse.