Nebraska 2027 Watch List Update: New Additions (Pt. 3)
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Let’s close it out. We’ve already released Part 1 and Part 2 as we introduce the new additions to our Nebraska 2027 watch list. With over 40 fresh faces on this list, we need one more feature. Here it is!…
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Continue ReadingLet’s close it out.
We’ve already released Part 1 and Part 2 as we introduce the new additions to our Nebraska 2027 watch list. With over 40 fresh faces on this list, we need one more feature.
Here it is!
Huff already made her presence felt in a talented Elkhorn North frontcourt, so you know she will be in the spotlight for a while. Her physicality provided a huge boost on the right side in three-hitter rotations, and Huff displayed enough flexibility to hit on the left in Rotation 1. If Huff continues to progress, the Wolves will boast one of Class B’s best offenses for another year. Nothing new there.
Highlights
Elkhorn trotted out a young lineup in 2023, and Ferguson was an important part of that equation. She finished her first prep season with nearly three digs per set, most of which came in the team’s libero jersey. Competing in the Omaha metro as a freshman libero can be a trial by fire, but Ferguson handled it the whole way. Time to take those defensive skills to Premier Nebraska for the club season.
Schweitzer keeps our run of liberos going. The Milford defender was a spectacular ball control asset in her debut season and was proficient in any backcourt zone. Her 3.3 digs per set rivals many of her freshman peers, and we’ll look for Schweitzer’s numbers to escalate in Year 2.
One more libero enters the conversation. This one represents Falls City, and her freshman numbers turned more than a few heads. Young racked up over 400 digs last fall, equating to over five per set. These were quality digs that translated into in-system opportunities for Falls City, but the Tigers thrived with Young as a secondary setter, too. There’s a lot to like about the small-town talent already emerging in southeastern Nebraska.
We’re pulling in 2027 setters from everywhere for this watch list. Arens gets South Sioux City on the board after the freshman setter guided the Cardinals throughout the 2023 season. She brings a wide array of ball control skills to the lineup and will have the benefit of developing alongside some other Class of 2027 starters.
Gering is back in the mix. Anderson expands on the Bulldogs’ strong freshman class, and her impact was at the setter spot. We’re fascinated to see how Gering grows with such a youth movement on the roster.
Turnbull placed highly among her freshman peers with 6.5 assists per set with Pawnee City last fall. This early experience in a 5-1 system will set the Indians up for future growth in the Class D2 race. Many of 2023’s rising stars are coming back next year, too.
Redden is not the first underclassman addition from Wayne. The Blue Devils leaned on their freshman setter in more ways than one, as Redden also compiled a stout ace total and some clutch digs in the right-back area.
Mullen High School is back in the mix, too. Rice’s first prep season was highlighted by triple-digit kills and a wealth of valuable experience along the end line. The Broncos will keep clawing in what has become a stacked Class D2 field, and Rice’s leadership will surely help.
One of Omaha’s biggest schools is checking in for this entry. Phillips, who represents Nebraska Elite on the club side, got plenty of looks with Millard South during the 2023 fall season. The Patriots were not afraid to wield some fresh faces last season, and that should allow players like Phillips to get a head start on their development. Sparring with Class A teams will do that.
The Clark name accounted for Tri-County’s #1 and #2 scorers last fall. This latest Clark iteration carries the torch for the 2027 class, and she’s already off to a quick start with over two kills per set last fall. After experiencing the rush of a successful 21-9 season with the Trojans, Clark will look forward to seizing a leadership role–even if she’s just a sophomore.
Going up to Ainsworth. Painter was easily the most productive freshman for the Bulldogs last fall, placing second-best team numbers in kills, digs, and hitting efficiency. It takes a lot of trust to put a freshman in a six-rotation role right away, but Painter proved she was worthy of these immense responsibilities.
Schukei is already a go-to attacker for Kenesaw, and she’s just getting started. The left-side hitter posted a solid season hitting percentage while taking some tough swings on the outside. That aggressive mindset lifted the Blue Devils to a winning season, and that won’t be the end for this young group.
Ogallala’s underclassmen brought the heat last year. Ervin was the torchbearer for the freshman class and had 2.3 kills per set to place second on the team. It’s conceivable that Ervin could be the offensive leader next year no matter which pin she plays on. Her length and power will be used often as Ogallala keeps up with the competitive central Nebraska scene.
Highlights
We conclude our journey in Albion, where Boone Central/Newman Grove boasted one of Nebraska’s most effective attackers in the 2027 class. Hedlund put everyone on notice by exceeding two-and-a-half kills per set as a freshman. She carried an even bigger backcourt role as a primary passer who could also take command of the defense. It’s the perfect recipe for an outside hitter who is due for an even bigger sophomore surge.