Nebraska’s Junior Middles Ready for a Breakout 2023 Season
In this article:
This group has our attention. Recently, we covered a group of sophomore middle blockers that are prepared to take a step forward this fall. But we can’t omit the 2025 class, as there is some serious middle talent dispersed throughout…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThis group has our attention.
Recently, we covered a group of sophomore middle blockers that are prepared to take a step forward this fall. But we can’t omit the 2025 class, as there is some serious middle talent dispersed throughout the Cornhusker State. This feature is for them.
Geographical variety will be a prevailing theme as we examine Nebraska’s junior middles that could boost their stock in 2023.
Vitera is a can’t-miss athlete among the dozens of talented middles in Class A. She is coming off an extraordinary club campaign with River City Jrs and reminded us why she has been a dominant blocking force for Papillion-La Vista. The Monarchs bring back a lot of familiar faces, and Vitera is one of those that will have a huge impact in the upcoming season.
Highlights
O’Hare is back for more with Gothenburg. We’ve documented the unprecedented run of tournament success for the Swedes, and O’Hare has been a key player in helping them get there. Her quick lateral movements provide a pin-to-pin blocking presence that few teams can match. You can also count on O’Hare being a serious force on the defensive end as Gothenburg looks to lock down the net in 2023.
Dzingle’s 2023 surge with Nebraska Pride has been well documented. She now has a chance to build on what has already been an impressive prep campaign with Kearney Catholic. We expect the Stars reassume their regular standing atop the state wildcard race, and athletes like Dzingle are a big reason why. This is a middle blocker who can take over in the frontcourt.
Johnson-Brock and talented middle blockers. It’s a familiar combination. Ottemann is the next in line at this history-rich program, and her work with Nebraska Juniors offers further testament to her high-end potential. If Ottemann returns to form this fall, Johnson-Brock will be a team to watch.
Gleason is the kind of middle blocker who can drop big numbers in the biggest matches. It’s not hard to see where her statistical success comes from, either. Gleason hits a heavy ball that can be tough to dig even when opposing defenders are in the right spot. Look for Beatrice to harness that hard-hitting dominance once again.
Intrigue continues to mount at Norris. We’re about to see high-flying 2025s like Hasselbalch take over the Titan attack. A third-place finish in GJNC’s 16 Open division has to be a huge cofidence boost for Hasselbalch as she becomes an upperclassman. Her experience on the slide will open up Norris’s offense as the Titans seek that elusive Class B title.
Weers will surely be one of the most reliable frontcourt assets in a new-look Diller-Odell frontcourt. There’s plenty of scoring for the Griffins to replace, but Weers offsets those concerns with her steady hand along the net. Blocking production will be on the rise, too
Riggert represents Pierce, another small-town powerhouse that appeared on the state tournament stage last year. The physical junior tallied the fourth-most total blocks among Nebraska sophomore in 2022, and Riggert could bring that same production this fall. She might even top those lofty numbers.
Highlights
Stone stood out last season as a centerpiece of the Storm frontcourt. Elkhorn South took advantage of Stone’s range by splitting her out behind the setter and letting her terminate off of one foot. Regardless of routes or gaps, Stone brings attacking prowess that will be an essential part of Elkhorn South’s offense.
Landon’s rise up the rankings demonstrates the strong pipeline between Waverly and Nebraska ONE . This dynamic middle blocker showed this spring that she can be a game-changer outside of high school venues. Now, Landon returns to a Viking lineup that has all the necessary components for a postseason reprise.