New Liberos in the Nebraska 2025 Rankings
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Another position group enters the discussion. Over the last couple of days, we’ve covered new middle blockers and outside hitters in Nebraska’s updated Class of 2025 rankings. We still have a few lockdown defenders to cover from this group, so…
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Continue ReadingAnother position group enters the discussion.
Over the last couple of days, we’ve covered new middle blockers and outside hitters in Nebraska’s updated Class of 2025 rankings. We still have a few lockdown defenders to cover from this group, so the grind continues.
Let’s keep adding names to your radar.
We’ve documented VCNebraska 17 Black’s recent success, and a lot of that has to do with some stout backcourt defense. McEwen is a big contributor in this area, particularly as a DS in the middle-back area. Her quality contacts helped yield a championship run at the ASICS Presidents’ Day Classic. Other early-season events have proven McEwen’s willingness to command the libero jersey and take an even bigger backcourt role. 17 Black has serious bid aspirations this season, and it all starts with the players locking down the end line.
We’re not done with Nebraska Elite 17 Apex, either. Buechler adds to the growing list of 17 Apex standouts who earned a spot on the watch list. We’ve looked back to Buechler’s junior season with Omaha Duchesne, where the talented DS was a reliable passer and dug heat from some of Nebraska’s best attackers. She makes a similar impact with her Nebraska Elite club team, particularly during last month’s Presidents’ Day Classic. Buechler will boast plenty of high-level experience by the end of the year.
Let’s hone in on one of Buechler’s 17 Apex teammates. Nuss is a small-town standout who represents Arlington High School on the prep side. She made significant strides as a Zone 1 defender while also demonstrating her value as a secondary setter. Nuss reads opposing attackers well and makes first contacts look easy. That’s an asset that 17 Apex will use often in 2024.
One more for 17 Apex to complete the trifecta. Schmaderer teamed up with Buechler at Duchesne last fall and is doing the same with Nebraska Elite this spring. We can also draw comparisons to Nuss, as both Nuss and Schmaderer specialized in right-back defense for their respective schools. The club season has allowed all three of these Apex defenders to showcase their versatility and willingness to play in any zone.
Don’t forget about Club Legacy’s group of talented liberos. Morinelli bolsters the backcourt for Club Legacy 17 Alpha, which showed steady improvement throughout February’s holiday tournament. This DS is comfortable with passing anywhere along the end line and is quick to fill seams between defenders. Morinelli is also earning valuable reps at setter and could see a multi-dimensional role with Millard North this fall.