Which Nebraska 2027s Need to Be on Our Watch List after TC NIT?
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We knew this year’s club season would teach us a lot about Nebraska’s Class of 2027. Triple Crown NIT was one of those learning experiences. The Great Plains Region brought three of its best 15s teams to Kansas City last…
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Continue ReadingWe knew this year’s club season would teach us a lot about Nebraska’s Class of 2027. Triple Crown NIT was one of those learning experiences.
The Great Plains Region brought three of its best 15s teams to Kansas City last weekend. Many of the talented players on those squads haven’t landed on our 2027 watch list yet, as that list is still largely based on the 2023 high school season. In other words, we have a lot of work to do for our next watch list update.
So, here are a few names that should be added to our 2027 database after stellar performances at Triple Crown NIT.
Emma Rink
Emma Rink
It just feels right seeing another Rink dominating the net for VCNebraska . 15 Elite got a lot out of their shutdown middle blocker last weekend, particularly while facing strong attackers in power pools. Not only does Rink bring the physicality needed to match up with opposing hitters, but her hard work in transition makes her a lethal scoring threat, too. Triple Crown NIT proved that Rink and 15 Elite are ready for more elite competition in the coming weeks.
Maddox Graves
Maddox Graves
Graves has landed on our radar after her early accomplishments with Premier 15 Gold. We documented the team’s extraordinary run through the Open bracket, and Graves was a big part of that NIT surge. 15 Gold’s long net presence is bolstered whenever Graves checks in on the right side. She will also take assertive swings no matter the situation, giving 15 Gold a reliable outlet behind the setter.
If there’s a 15s team that has given us the greatest learning experience so far, it’s Premier Nebraska 15 Black. It all started with the team’s 15 USA championship at January’s Northern Lights Qualifier. That led to a major growth opportunity at Triple Crown NIT, where 15 Black’s familiar stars rose to the forefront. Sanders is firmly in that group with double-digit kills seeming like an easy feat in any given match. Her range and crosscourt heat are difficult to stop, and Sanders will propel herself into the watch list before long.
Highlights
Nevaeh Jacobson Nevaeh Jacobson 5'4" | DS/L Millard South | 2027 NE
Nevaeh Jacobson Nevaeh Jacobson 5'4" | DS/L Millard South | 2027 NE
It’s easy to focus on 15 Black’s collection of frontcourt terminators, but we can’t forget about Jacobson’s extraordinary command of the back row. She gave us another reminder of her defensive prowess while playing against some of the nation’s best talent at the 15s level. Jacobson is impenetrable in the crosscourt and will also take care of any finesse shots in the “campfire.” This is a sure addition to our 2027 watch list.
Avery Kelsay Avery Kelsay 5'10" | MB Gretna East | 2027 NE
Avery Kelsay Avery Kelsay 5'10" | MB Gretna East | 2027 NE
Kelsay has become 15 Black’s “utility player” who can slot into the middle or on the right side. This change of pace does not slow Kelsay’s production, as she’s equally comfortable in both roles. We’re excited about what this versatile athlete can bring to a young Gretna East squad this fall, but there’s a lot of work left in a wildly successful club season.
Addison Cahow Addison Cahow 5'5" | S Elkhorn South | 2027 NE
Addison Cahow Addison Cahow 5'5" | S Elkhorn South | 2027 NE
Cahow is the perfect fit for Premier 15 Black’s adaptable lineup. Prior events have shown that Cahow can run the show herself in a 5-1 offense. She also fits into the team’s 6-2 scheme and distributes well to whichever three attackers are alongside her. Regardless of which system is in play, Cahow has repeatedly made her mark and will join a stacked setter group in our 2027 watch list.
Charlotte Gregg Charlotte Gregg 6'0" | MB Elkhorn South | 2027 NE
Charlotte Gregg Charlotte Gregg 6'0" | MB Elkhorn South | 2027 NE
Gregg gets another shoutout after more quality reps at NIT. She was one of 15 Black’s unstoppable middle blockers during the championship triumph at NLQ. That hasn’t changed in recent weeks, and Gregg is earning more swings in the front row as a result. A balanced offense can take 15 Black to the GJNC mountaintop this summer. That means getting the middles involved, and we know Gregg will get her share.