2023 Prep Dig Nebraska Preseason All-State: Class D2
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One class left! We’ve revealed our Nebraska preseason all-state picks for five of the six classes competing for high school championships. Those will be linked below. Still, one is left standing: Class D2. As we alluded to in our Class…
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We’ve revealed our Nebraska preseason all-state picks for five of the six classes competing for high school championships. Those will be linked below. Still, one is left standing: Class D2.
As we alluded to in our Class D1 feature, there is an intriguing influx of new teams that are shifting the complexity of Class D2 this year. Reclassified schools often shake up the picture for these classes with smaller schools, and this year’s D2 group is no exception.
That also changes our all-state selections, and here they are.
We’re starting our D2 feature with a group of stars who competed in Class D1 last year. West is one of those who will be lighting up the scoreboard in the D2 ranks. She put up an astonishing 0.418 hitting percentage with Wausa last season and maintained that clip on 4.5 kills per set. Those are all-state numbers.
Highlights
Now we’ll check in with Meridian, which returns one of the state’s most productive kill producers. Stewart put down five kills per set last year while the Mustangs earned a postseason berth in Class D1. Expect more of the same stat-stuffing dominance in Class D2, where Meridian has a shot to make the tournament once again.
Cambridge is now in Class D2 and brings a wealth of talented attackers along with it. Kent paced the Trojans with nearly four kills per set last season. It’s an impressive number considering the incredible balance that Cambridge is able to achieve among its extraordinary attackers. Like, Meridian, the Trojans were a postseason participant in Class D1 last season. Aspirations won’t change after reclassifying.
It should be no surprise that one of this year’s Class D2 favorites has some all-state talent. Ryan could be this year’s D2 MVP considering the kind of career numbers she’s put up with Overton. She has hovered above the 0.400 mark for most of her tenure with the Eagles, which is just mind-numbing consistency and excellence. Ryan will build on a junior campaign that was highlighted by nearly five kills per set and a runner-up finish in D2.
The 1-2 punch is back. Even while Ryan has been putting up massive numbers for Overton, Wood has kept pace with her fellow senior and is carving a superstar path of her own. She greatly exceeded four kills per set and hit over 0.350 in her junior year, giving the Eagles a potential title-winning combo in 2023.
Lacey Paxton Lacey Paxton 5'7" | OH Stuart | 2024 State NE
Lacey Paxton Lacey Paxton 5'7" | OH Stuart | 2024 State NE
Stuart emerged as a Class D2 tournament team in 2022 behind Paxton’s lethal reign in the frontcourt. She compiled nearly 400 total kills and add almost four digs per set to her credit, too. The Broncos will lean on that experience in pursuit of a repeat tourney bid.
Watters is one of small-town Nebraska’s most fascinating players from the Class of 2026. Her athleticism and arm speed have been game-changers at Winside. She put down over four kills per set as a freshman and managed to accompany that with over five-and-a-half digs per set. It’s scary to think that Watters is only just getting started.
Highlights
Branson is another underclassman who has to make the all-D2 list. Her rise into the spotlight propelled Shelton to last year’s tournament. Then, Branson shined in this year’s club season and was an unstoppable force for South Central NE 15 Black. That gives us confidence that Branson will improve on numbers that were already extraordinary a season ago.
Overton’s big hitters also have the benefit of competing with a savvy setter who will always put them in good spots. Florell has been one of Nebraska’s most prominent stat-stuffing setters for the past couple of years. How about 11-and-a-half assists per set? These stunning totals are a testament to Florell’s ability to take risks, chase down errant passes, and put all her teammates in a position to excel.
Kinslee Heimes Kinslee Heimes 5'5" | OH Wynot | 2024 State NE
Kinslee Heimes Kinslee Heimes 5'5" | OH Wynot | 2024 State NE
Heimes enters the conversation thanks to her wide-ranging impact in the Wynot lineup. Most notably, the all-around outside hitter was credited with over five digs per set last season, marking a major uptick in her defensive production. Those numbers could thrust the Blue Devils back into the D2 title chase.
Twarling is another pin hitter who has made a huge impression on the defensive end. Her gritty backcourt work with Hay Springs yielded over 400 total digs in 2022, meaning Twarling is on pace to finish with a career tally above 1,000. Don’t forget about her presence at the net, either. Twarling had an efficient junior campaign that ended with 220 kills to her name.