High-Impact Pin Hitters from Midwest Power League #2
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Time to move to the frontcourt. We just spotlighted a few standout liberos from last weekend’s Midwest Power League, but we can’t forget about the front-row terminators, either. The UBT Sports Complex was packed with high-flying pin hitters, many of…
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Continue ReadingTime to move to the frontcourt.
We just spotlighted a few standout liberos from last weekend’s Midwest Power League, but we can’t forget about the front-row terminators, either. The UBT Sports Complex was packed with high-flying pin hitters, many of whom are reaching a new level in 2024. We’ve updated our scouting reports after this early-season tournament, so let’s share a few of them here.
Bring on the outside hitters.
Crist is fitting right in with Nebraska ONE 17 Black. Her high-level experience in 2023 has prepared Crist to take on a leading role with this squad, and she’s already delivering in early-season action. She’s a true six-rotation attacking threat who has made big gains on her pipe attack. Crist’s frontcourt range is also evolving, and 17 Black will be sure to use that range during the upcoming qualifier gauntlet.
Highlights
Meister has always been a leader in the Nebraska Juniors gym, but she’s clearly reaching new heights in 2024. Her best asset is her quickness off the floor, giving 17 Black an out-of-system scoring outlet on the left side. This also means Meister can hammer the ball on quick tempos before opposing blockers ever set up to stop her. This is a big year for the Skutt Catholic prep athlete.
Highlights
Bohling soared up our 2025 radar after her junior campaign with Bruning-Davenport/Shickley. Her versatility as a pin-middle hybrid was a major factor in propelling the Eagles to yet another state tournament appearances. Those skills are now translating to the club side, where Bohling showed her prowess on the left side for Nebraska Juniors 17 Red.
Bartling is ready to become the primary catalyst for Nebraska Elite 16 Lokahi’s offense. Her Midwest Power League performance revealed her enormous potential along with Bartling’s competitive fire. When 16 Lokahi needed a kill, the ball was likely going to the left pin. Bartling stepped up when the team needed it most.
Highlights
Nebraska Elite has exceptional pin depth at the 16s level. Stradal rose to the forefront of Nebraska Elite 16 Nova’s efforts at the Midwest Power League. Her aggressive approach on the right side provided a huge boost to the team’s in-system offense. We’ll likely see more of Stradal’s terminal arm when the 16s enter the qualifier spotlight.
Nebraska ONE 16 Black seemingly has four or more players who can thrive on the right pin. That adaptability hasn’t stopped Gustafson from standing out no matter what lineup 16 Black deploys. She has a fluid approach at the opposite position but will also slot into the middle whenever needed. Good luck tracking Gustafson at the net while she’s scoring from anywhere.
Highlights
Maddox Graves
Maddox Graves
Here’s an athlete who’s ready to leap into the 2027 watch list. Graves is an absolute wall on the right pin and will match up well with any opposing outside hitters. Then, you factor in her huge offensive contributions behind the setter in 15 Gold’s two-setter system. We’re anxious to see Graves and 15 Gold spar with some of the nation’s best before long.
Drevo helps highlight VCNebraska’s stacked list of outside hitters in the 15s age group. The Lincoln Christian prep star was 15 Black’s clear focal point whenever she rotated into the frontcourt. She is particularly strong at running combination plays and killing balls in spots other than the outside pin. VCNebraska regularly wields Drevo’s willingness to swing from everywhere, and double-digit kills are a regular occurrence for her.
Kaylynn Pickering Kaylynn Pickering 5'10" | OH Lincoln Standing Bear | 2027 NE
Kaylynn Pickering Kaylynn Pickering 5'10" | OH Lincoln Standing Bear | 2027 NE
Pickering’s physical presence is indispensable in the Nebraska ONE 15 Lime lineup. 15 Lime looked to her to take a high volume of tough swings throughout the Midwest Power League, and Pickering showed her ability to improvise in any situation. January’s Northern Lights Qualifier was a turning point for Pickering, and more progress was evident last weekend.
Kayla Brown Kayla Brown 5'9" | OH Omaha Marian | 2027 NE
Kayla Brown Kayla Brown 5'9" | OH Omaha Marian | 2027 NE
Brown keeps climbing the ladder. She had so many clutch kills as Nebraska Elite 15 Revolution clinched its 15 Open triumph at NLQ. We got a refresher on Brown’s effortless elevation as she boosted the front row again at the Midwest Power League. She’s a perfect fit for 15 Revolution’s hard-hitting identity and will keep developing in the leadup to GJNC.
It’s no surprise to see Lauenstein paving the way for VCNebraska’s talented 15s squad. She charged onto the Nebraska prep scene as a leading scorer for Waverly High School. That’s a big ask for a freshman, but Lauenstein was ready. Now, the dynamic left-side hitter is going over the top of blockers in pursuit of her eye-popping kills. Get ready for Lauenstein’s ascent up the Class of 2027 hierarchy.