Nebraska’s Stock-Rising Setters from Northern Lights Qualifier #1
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Setting up success. Dishing the rock. Whatever trope you want to use, these Nebraska setters took a big step forward at January’s Northern Lights Qualifier. Most of our NLQ features over the past several days have honed in on team-based…
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Continue ReadingSetting up success. Dishing the rock. Whatever trope you want to use, these Nebraska setters took a big step forward at January’s Northern Lights Qualifier.
Most of our NLQ features over the past several days have honed in on team-based storylines, especially with three Nebraska squads snagging GJNC bids in Minneapolis. We have another mountain to climb with player-based articles as so many athletes rose to the occasion at this national qualifier. Let’s start marching toward the summit.
Bring on the setters. We’re covering three different age groups here, but there’s a common thread: these setters made everyone around them better last weekend.
Chesley has been quickly climbing the ladder in the latter half of her prep career, so her inclusion on this feature should be no surprise. She wrapped up an impressive high school career with Lincoln Pius X and carried that right into the club season with Nebraska ONE . Her final club outing is bound to be a good one after setting 18 Black to a Gold bracket finish at NLQ.
Highlights
Denker has done it again. The Nebraska Elite 17-2 setter led another brilliant qualifier showing and got all of her hitters involved throughout the weekend. Her aggression at the net, combined with Denker’s experience at opposite, makes her an ideal fit for the 5-1 offense. No matter what system 17-2 rolls out, Denker will remain a fixture in the team’s success throughout 2024.
Burson’s balanced game made her a natural leader for Nebraska Elite 17-3 offense. Not only did Burson dish the ball with great pace and location, but her defensive contributions in the right-back area kept Nebraska Elite in some marathon rallies in Minneapolis. Burson and her team are eager to build off bracket appearance at NLQ–making 17-3 one of two Nebraska Elite teams to reach the final 17 American group.
Raegan Castle Raegan Castle 5'6" | S NE
Raegan Castle Raegan Castle 5'6" | S NE
Nebraska Elite’s depth is not exclusive to the 17s age group, either. 15-3 navigated the Minneapolis tournament well with Castle guiding the offense at the setter spot. Clutch performances in pool play were the highlight of 15-3’s NLQ tenure, and this is where Castle thrived under pressure. Having a steady, stable presence at setter can turn good teams into great ones. Castle has the potential to be one of those players for Nebraska Elite.
What a start for Waido and VCNebraska 17 Black. A top-five finish in Minneapolis will likely elevate this group’s confidence, and Waido’s game-changing impact at setter helps, too. The Wahoo prep star is honing in her connections with 17 Black’s hitters, some of whom are new to the team in 2024. Waido’s ability to adapt to any situation or environment will have 17 Black in this discussion as we travel to future events.
Eckman is fitting right in with the 17s. She hopped the age ladder to compete with VCNebraska 17 Elite and has made an immediate impact at the Open level. That might be seen as a daunting move, but Eckman has consistently proven her readiness for a big role. She can run a precise 5-1 offense while also posing an attacking threat along the net. Even if a 6-2 system is in play, Eckman will make the most of her time on the floor. The Class of 2026 is bringing it at all age levels.
Highlights
Drew Schnabel Drew Schnabel 5'5" | S Papillion-La Vista | 2027 NE
Drew Schnabel Drew Schnabel 5'5" | S Papillion-La Vista | 2027 NE
Schnabel is one of several 2027s who jumped onto our radar after last weekend. Her consistency at the setter spot was a major factor in propelling Premier 15 Red to Gold contention in the final day of 15 Liberty play. Running a varied, unpredictable offense is no problem for Schnabel, and we’re anxious to see what 15 Red produces at the next big qualifier.
Elizabeth Courtney Elizabeth Courtney 5'9" | S Elkhorn South | 2027 NE
Elizabeth Courtney Elizabeth Courtney 5'9" | S Elkhorn South | 2027 NE
Keep growing that list of 2027s. Courtney joins the conversation from Premier 15 Silver, which made its own run into the Gold spotlight. This physical setter is not afraid to make her presence felt as a blocker. Having a setter who can match up with opposing left-side hitters is a valuable asset, especially at the 15s level. Courtney gives 15 Silver that versatility, and things are looking up after NLQ.