Which 2027 Middles Made Big First Impressions at NLQ?
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What a venue to expand our Class of 2027 radar. By now, you’re aware of the big move to put the 15s in the January wave of the Northern Lights Qualifier. We covered some extraordinary 15s teams last weekend, and…
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Continue ReadingWhat a venue to expand our Class of 2027 radar.
By now, you’re aware of the big move to put the 15s in the January wave of the Northern Lights Qualifier. We covered some extraordinary 15s teams last weekend, and we’re already excited about the long-term future of the Great Plains Region. That’s us, Nebraska.
Big first impressions were made. We led into NLQ hoping to learn as much as possible about this up-and-coming group. This was an important step, and we have some names to talk about.
Why not start with the middle blockers? This group traveled to Minneapolis and put on a show.
Roger fits the mold of so many other successful Nebraska ONE middle blockers. She hails from Wilber-Clatonia High School, which has produced Nebraska ONE stars of the past and present. This year’s Nebraska ONE 15 Lime squad is already leaning on Roger’s attacking prowess in front of the setter, and that ought to continue for a while.
Highlights
Another step up for Phillips. She landed on our radar last fall when she put in work for Millard South as a varsity-starting freshman. Phillips continues her ascent with Nebraska Elite 15-1, which just secured its trip to Nationals with a 15 Open bid. Look out for this athletic middle blocker to get off the floor quickly and put her stamp on any given match. It happened a lot last weekend.
Callie Petersen Callie Petersen 6'0" | OH Elkhorn | 2027 NE
Callie Petersen Callie Petersen 6'0" | OH Elkhorn | 2027 NE
Petersen is capturing our attention as the Class of 2027 picture evolves. She reaches high above the net from the middle blocker spot, and this might not even be her natural position. The versatile attacker brings a wealth of experience on both pins and could see time at any spot with Nebraska Elite 15-2. Regardless, we know her reps at middle blocker were extraordinary at NLQ.
Anna Sudbeck Anna Sudbeck 5'10" | MB NE
Anna Sudbeck Anna Sudbeck 5'10" | MB NE
Sudbeck continues our run of Nebraska Elite talent. Middles blockers aren’t usually known for their shot selection and finesse, but Sudbeck showed aptitude in those areas during her stint in Minneapolis. She was keen on working the open areas of the court, particularly in the “campfire” in front of the backcourt. Those skills will pay dividends as Nebraska Elite 15-3 continues its upward climb.
Charlotte Gregg Charlotte Gregg 6'0" | MB Elkhorn South | 2027 NE
Charlotte Gregg Charlotte Gregg 6'0" | MB Elkhorn South | 2027 NE
We return to Premier 15 Black to go into further detail on its show-stopping middle blockers. Gregg is the kind of middle who thrives on a slower tempo in front of the setter. Lob it up there and let Gregg’s length and reach take over. 15 Black made a concerted effort to involve its middles on any good passes. That was Gregg’s time to score, and she did so en route to a 15 USA title.
Zelie Floersch Zelie Floersch 5'8" | MB Omaha Roncalli Catholic | 2027 NE
Zelie Floersch Zelie Floersch 5'8" | MB Omaha Roncalli Catholic | 2027 NE
Floersch is the kind of middle blocker you want on your side of the net. She brings infectious energy whether she’s in the frontcourt or rotated out. Her tangible on-court impact is seen through her high-flying kills and tireless work in transition. As Premier 15 Red builds on its impressive showing at NLQ, look for Floersch to keep terminating.
Kara Lind Kara Lind 5'10" | MB Waverly | 2027 NE
Kara Lind Kara Lind 5'10" | MB Waverly | 2027 NE
Premier Nebraska’s depth at middle blocker is four-deep. Lind carries the torch for Premier 15 Silver and has many of the traits as her clubmates listed above. 15 Silver block was bolstered by Lind’s physicality and impressive jump touch, which propelled the team into Gold contention in 15 American. More opportunities await for Lind and her up-and-coming squad.