Defensive Specialists in the Spotlight at #PDStockUpNE

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a group of liberos.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we got a feel for the position groups represented at the Nebraska Stock Up Showcase, defensive specialists quickly established themselves as a unit with both quantity and quality. We had small-town gems, GJNC standouts, past showcase participants, and new names placing themselves on our radar. That's a lot to cover, and we'll try to address some of it here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, here are a few liberos who surged into the spotlight at the Nebraska Stock Up Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["105010"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Goings has been an incredibly productive prep player for Wauneta-Palisade, so her emergence at the Stock Up Showcase is no surprise. She displayed a fearless approach to her crosscourt defense and used quick reactions to her advantage. The Class of 2024 still has plenty of competitors worthy of a shot at the next level, and we'll be keeping a close eye on Goings this fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf339057a59"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1683141606877065218?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1683141606877065218?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["213986"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Braithwaite has now been a standout at multiple Prep Dig Showcase events. She took a big step forward with Club Legacy this spring and carried that momentum right into our latest showcase in La Vista. The Elkhorn South defender exhibited a wide range of skills in both floor defense and serve receive, so more big moments on the prep stage could be on the horizon.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf339057ae7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["213983"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Here's another Club Legacy athlete for the list. Hofer has been no stranger to high-impact prep volleyball with Fremont, a program that has been racking up state tournament appearances. The rigors of Class A volleyball has translated to many more highlight moments for Hofer in club and showcase venues. That was the case this weekend as Hofer locked down the end line in team drills.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf339057b60"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["253929"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"We're on a run of past showcase standouts. Porter is another libero who has boosted her stock at Prep Dig events before, and that's came to fruition yet again at last weekend's Stock Up Showcase. [program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] is already familiar with Porter's gritty defense, and now she's made that known to a broader audience through the Prep Dig circuit.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf339057bd6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349463"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Halweg was an immediate difference-maker in our positional drills, and she kept thriving after that. She represented Nebraska Elite and Elkhorn North well with some quality backcourt touches, particularly in the middle-back area. Halweg ascended our radar through this year's club season and has another chance to keep climbing with the Wolves this fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf339057c45"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1683118906678865922?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1683118906678865922?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349487"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Kopf helps make up the strong group of [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last=''] entrants at Sunday's event. This libero recently had the honor of competing at GJNC after her VCN 15 Black team broke through at the GPR Bid Tourney to punch its ticket. Best of all, Kopf is a torchbearer for a wave of small-town talents and will likely pile up the stats with Tri-County throughout her prep career.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf339057cb9"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1683119436394315778?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1683119436394315778?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349411"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Like Kopf, Melendez just solidified her spot among the state's best 2026s with an excellent outing at USAV Nationals. She is a vocal, demonstrative libero whose court presence doesn't waver when surrounded by some unfamiliar allies in a showcase environment. That kind of adaptability will serve Melendez well as continues to progress with Premier Nebraska.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf339057d2a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349472"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Myers brings [program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] back into the conversation. Defensive specialists have anchored many successful tournament showings for this group, and players like Myers can help keep that trend alive. We're anxious to see what kind of impression she can make with Millard South as the Patriots stockpile some underclassman talent on its roster.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf339057d96"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349482"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Petersen is one of the most unique liberos we watched at the showcaseu002du002dand during the club season, for that matter. She presents a bit more height and length than we're used to seeing at the libero position, but Petersen uses that to her advantage. Her steadiness in first contact is supplemented by the extra range she gets from that long frame. Petersen's extraordinary 15s campaign with VCN has laid the foundation for many more impactful years to come.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf339057e05"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349471"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One more for the [program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] camp. Ryan bolsters an impressive bunch of 2026s that this club has pulled in, and that became immediately evident during the 2023 club season. 15 Navy produced flashes of brilliance during regional events and qualifiers with Ryan boosting the team's strong defense.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf339057e6c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349483"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Wemhoff is another representative for VCN 15 Black who has seen a late-season surge in production. Whether she was in the libero jersey or subbing in for one of the team's pin hitters, Wemhoff always found a way to get the most out of her role. Her showcase performance was another testament to that do-anything attitude.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf339057ecf"} /-->