Nebraska’s Uncommitted 2024 Gems from AAU Nationals
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If this week’s Nebraska features are any proof, we still have some high-impact 2024s looking to get their shot at the next level. We’ve just highlighted a star-studded group of Nebraska 2024s who have just made college pledges in recent…
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Continue ReadingIf this week’s Nebraska features are any proof, we still have some high-impact 2024s looking to get their shot at the next level.
We’ve just highlighted a star-studded group of Nebraska 2024s who have just made college pledges in recent days and weeks. It shows that our story on the Class of 2024 is far from over, even if the 2025s are dominating recent headlines. Let’s keep the ball rolling.
Here are a few of Nebraska’s uncommitted 2024s who made the most of Wave 3 at AAU Nationals.
Appleget was a consistent force throughout VCNebraska 17 Elite’s 2023 campaign. Like any VCN middle, Appleget has absolutely mastered the ‘gap’ play away from the setter and is always available to score in transition. That was apparent during 17 Elite’s stay in Orlando, and Appleget will maintain her high level of play with Lincoln Southwest during the fall season.
VCNebraska 17 Black’s runner-up finish at AAUs is no fluke. This team is stacked with 2024 gems, and Bruning is one of those who played a key part in the Orlando triumph. The small-town star brought a mixture of deception and precision that was hard for opposing defenses to counter. Her back sets were money from beginning to end. We’re anticipating another state championship appearance from Bruning this fall, where she could continue to put her abundant skills on display.
What a breakout year for Hagedorn. Big stages have been Hagedorn’s place to shine, with the Show Me Qualifier and AAU Nationals being two prime examples. She’s a crafty outside hitter who can find seams in the block or use those opposing hands to her advantage. Of course, Hagedorn’s all-around prowess makes her a six-rotation mainstay that 17 Black has leaned on throughout 2023.
Highlights
Olds is the kind of middle that puts incredible stress on the other side of the net. She can stretch the offense with efficient attacking off the slide, making 17 Black a pin-to-pin force in two-hitter rotations. We’ve watched Olds evolve so much during her prep career, and that’s now yielding some impressive results in significant venues
Here’s one of Nebraska Elite 17 Top Gun’s vital “utility players.” Love can play opposite or middle blocker and excel in both roles. It’s a perfect fit for Top Gun’s offense, as Love is not the only frontcourt player who can take on a variety of responsibilities. Orlando’s competition provided yet another testament of Love’s growing confidence in the frontcourt–something she will surely carry into her senior year.
Backemeyer’s name pops up again and again on a variety of prep stages. Her lockdown defense has been a spark for Elmwood-Murdock’s recent run of success on the high school side. This libero doesn’t slow down when club season rolls around, as Backemeyer’s steady floor presence makes her a persistent standout with Nebraska Juniors 17 Black. Another stout performance in Orlando was a perfect way to wrap up the 2023 season.
It’s no secret that Slaymaker is emerging as a transformative attacker in the Nebraska Juniors gym. Her wide-ranging influence spans all six rotations, as Slaymaker remains a scoring threat in the backcourt and can contribute in the ball control phase, too. We’re ready to see what this high-flying outside hitter shows us during this year’s fall season.
Highlights
How about another Elmwood-Murdock prep star for the feature? Nebraska Juniors has clearly had no problem pulling in some of the biggest names from the Knights’ lineup. Frahm has consistently set up success during her prep career and has added a few more accolades with a great showing in Orlando. Nebraska Juniors 17 Red has a natural leader at the setter spot.