New Pin Hitters to Follow in the Nebraska 2027 Watch List
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This conversation could use some pin hitters. We’ve gone around the dial in our post-update coverage of the Nebraska Class of 2027 watch list. Last week’s articles focused on liberos, setters, and middle blockers–with new additions being a prevailing theme.…
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Continue ReadingThis conversation could use some pin hitters.
We’ve gone around the dial in our post-update coverage of the Nebraska Class of 2027 watch list. Last week’s articles focused on liberos, setters, and middle blockers–with new additions being a prevailing theme.
Of course, pin hitters are well-represented among the dozens of fresh faces in our 2027 watch list. Time to bring some of them to the forefront.
We got an outstanding display of Premier Nebraska’s pin depth at January’s Northern Lights Qualifier. Devers was part of that collective effort and emerged as a leading left-side terminator for Premier 15 Silver. She transformed 15 Silver’s frontcourt with her quick arm and crosscourt range. Better yet, Devers is a constant source of positive energy whether she’s on the floor or waiting to rotate in. 15 Silver has a lot to build upon heading into a crucial qualifier stretch.
Lincoln-area 2027s are on the rise. Keep an eye on Drevo, who can play outside hitter or defensive specialist for VCNebraska 15 Black. She can lock down 15 Black’s passing formation regardless of which position she’s playing. Of course, we also have to factor in Drevo’s terminal arm in the frontcourt, which is particularly effective on up-tempo sets inside the pin. This Lincoln Christian prep athlete brings a little of everything.
Goodwin has been impossible to miss at recent iterations of the Midwest Power League. Her explosiveness off the floor has led to numerous floor-denting kills for Nebraska Juniors 15 Black. This team leans on Goodwin to make the most of out-of-system situations, and this outside hitter’s skillset is perfect for that task. If you’re looking for an impactful high-flyer in the 2027 class, Goodwin deserves to be on your radar.
Graves makes her inevitable appearance in the 2027 watch list. She anchors one of the right-side hitter spots for Premier Nebraska 15 Gold and has thrived against some of the nation’s top 15s competitors. Any opposing left-side hitters have to match up against Graves’ incredible physicality and blocking technique. It’s not an easy task, and that impenetrable defense was a big part of 15 Gold’s fourth-place finish at last weekend’s Northern Lights Qualifier.
Highlights
Multi-pin flexibility is a hallmark of Hilderbrand’s game. She has played on the left and right side for Nebraska Elite 15-2 and can take over matches on either end. Hilderbrand’s most recent reps at the outside hitter spot have revealed her willingness to be a primary passer in the front row. This pass-to-attack prowess opens up the team’s offense even more, so it’s hard to overstate this attacker’s wide-ranging impact.
Highlights
Nebraska ONE 15 Black gets another mention as we march through the 2027 watch list. Jensen bolsters both pins for this team and does plenty of work during her trips through the frontcourt. She is efficient at working high off the hands and finding open spots with a roll shot. We always expect Nebraska ONE to have some crafty pin attackers in its gym, and Jensen is another one to add to your list.
River City Jrs will loom large in this feature. We’re starting with Krajicek, a hard-hitting outside attacker who paves the way for 15 Navy. Aside from her unrelenting power, Krajicek is also able to disguise where she’s hitting as she sets up her approach. She can attack down the line, in the crosscourt, and and anywhere in between. 15 Navy is happy to harness this range along the net.
Porter is so dominant that she climbs the age ladder for River City Jrs . She is becoming the cornerstone of 16 Navy’s offense while reaching higher and higher above the net. This effortless elevation puts Porter among the most athletic hitters in Nebraska’s 2027 class. Set aside the notion of “undersized outside hitter” when discussing Porter. She is playing way, way above her listed height.
Let’s address the opposite position for River City Jrs 15 Navy. Gartner is a unique frontcourt asset for this group who can play on the right or run routes like a middle blocker. We’ve seen a lot of crossing patterns in the 15 Navy offense, and Gartner is usually in the middle of it all. No matter where she’s lining up to take a swing, Gartner is sure to produce some electric moments for the highlight tape.
Jones is unlike most opposites you’ll see on the club scene. She has put together some successful stints on the right pin for Nebraska ONE 15 Lime, but that’s far from the only thing she’ll bring to the court. Jones can also play as a primary DS in the right-back area and rack up some huge dig totals for her squad. So, opposite or DS? Why not both?
VCNebraska 15 Black gets another one. Loewe is a savvy right-side hitter whose tip shots have become her preferred way to score. She drops the ball right behind opposing blockers, giving line defenders little time to catch up. This has made Loewe a reliable out-of-system outlet who can find the open court and “better the ball.”
Here’s one of Loewe’s counterparts on the right side. Vohland gives VCN 15 Black a serious 1-2 punch on the right pin, opening up the opportunity to run a two-setter offense. The 6-2 has paid dividends in early-season competitions, especially with Vohland putting up big numbers during her rotations at the net. Keep this team on your radar over the next couple of weeks.