Pin Hitters Making Early Impressions at Midwest Power League #1
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Let’s bring out a few top performers from Sunday’s Power League. We had a lot to see at last weekend’s Midwest Power League. It’s typically our gateway into the club season, and that comes with ample opportunities to make early…
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Continue ReadingLet’s bring out a few top performers from Sunday’s Power League.
We had a lot to see at last weekend’s Midwest Power League. It’s typically our gateway into the club season, and that comes with ample opportunities to make early impressions. That’s the focus of today’s feature, and we’re honing in on the pin hitters for this one.
All age groups are in play. Let’s do it.
We’ll start this feature with a few seasoned veterans. Holly locked down the right pin for Premier 18 Black and contributed in a variety of areas. Her length was an incredible asset in the blocking phase and also allowed Holly to kill a ton of transition balls. This is one of several 18 Black players who are building off a strong outing at KC MLK, and they’ll look forward to another high-stakes qualifier this weekend.
Mandernach is no stranger to the spotlight. The Kearney Catholic senior is suiting up for South Central NE 18 Black after appearing in last fall’s Class C1 championship match with the Stars. Sunday’s Midwest Power League offered a stark reminder of Mandernach’s effortless elevation and quick arm on the left pin. We saw what South Central NE could accomplish on the national stage last season, and 18 Black could keep that momentum going with Mandernach along the net.
Slaymaker has made a lasting impression in the Nebraska Juniors gym, so her inclusion on this feature is no surprise. She brings a wicked combination of athleticism and all-around skills that make her a six-rotation force for 18 Black. She is the ideal out-of-system outlet for this talented team. The Midwest Power League was just the start of Slaymaker’s dominance in what could be a special 18s season.
Highlights
Layson was one of the most electric players in the gym Sunday morning. The Queens (NC) commit whipped down some floor-denting kills for Nebraska Elite and followed that up with some serious energy in her celebrations. Teams didn’t get a break when Layson rotated to the end line, as her wicked hybrid serve gave passers fits all day. Layson is asserting herself as an attacking powerhouse as Nebraska Elite’s top 17s group looks for another Open bid.
Hannah Ehrenberg
Hannah Ehrenberg
We already know that this club season is going to help fill in some gaps in our rankings. Ehrenberg is player we’ll be adding to our 2026 rankings after seeing her represent Premier 17 Red at the Midwest Power League. This physical opposite clamped down on opposing left-side hitters with her tremendous blocking technique. 17 Red also gave Ehrenberg plenty of transition hitting opportunities, and she made the most of them. Playing up a year will not keep this Class of 2026 prospect out of the spotlight.
Eilenstine is back at it again. We recall this outside hitter making an immediate entrance on our 2027 watch list dominating last summer’s Prep Dig Showcase in La Vista. It was no surprise to see her get starting reps with Elkhorn South as a freshman, and now she’s finding a groove with Premier 15 Gold. Her crosscourt swings were nearly indefensible as 15 Gold rolled to some impressive Sunday victories. We anticipate a few more before the year is done.
Highlights
So far, so good for one of Nebraska ONE 17 Synergy’s new additions. Hagedorn made her anticipated move to the right-side hitter spot and has looked sharp at this position. Her presence gives Synergy a lot of options in its serve receive pattern, as Hagedorn is an experienced passer who can shoulder some volume on first contact. We know all about Nebraska ONE ‘s emphasis on quality ball control, so this is a big step in Hagedorn’s prep career. The stakes are about to get even higher.
Herian delivered on all our expectations heading into this early-season event. Her freshman season with Pierce revealed her high-impact potential at outside hitter, as she was among Nebraska’s most prolific scorers in the 2027 class. This has immediately translated to a lot of big responsibilities with Nebraska Elite’s top 15s group, and we’re thrilled to watch Herian’s continued development on the club side. Her squad is one of many Nebraska Elite teams traveling to Minneapolis this weekend.
Makenna Sanders Makenna Sanders 5'10" | OH Papillion LaVista South | 2027 NE
Makenna Sanders Makenna Sanders 5'10" | OH Papillion LaVista South | 2027 NE
Sanders is another name that has vaulted onto our radar after Sunday’s competition. She was the offensive catalyst for Premier 15 Black with her sharp-angle kills from the outside. Her addition to the 2027 watch list is now a foregone conclusion, and our scouting report on Sanders is set to expand after the Northern Lights Qualifier. Can this squad repeat what last year’s 15 Black team accomplish?
Our prevailing storyline surrounding Behrns has always been her multi-pin flexibility. She has ample experience as a left side and an opposite with big moments in both roles. Her primary niche last weekend was on the right side, which might be the most natural position for the high-flying lefty. But Behrns’ narrative keeps evolving, as she’s now playing up an age group with VCNebraska ‘s top 17s team. More opportunities arise for the David City prep star.