Under-the-Radar Setters in the Nebraska 2025 Rankings
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We’re due for a few more setter shoutouts. 2025s have been in the spotlight all week as we discuss Nebraska’s updated 2025 rankings. We’ve discussed uncommitted gems, plus new additions at the middle blocker, pin hitter, and defensive specialist positions.…
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Continue ReadingWe’re due for a few more setter shoutouts.
2025s have been in the spotlight all week as we discuss Nebraska’s updated 2025 rankings. We’ve discussed uncommitted gems, plus new additions at the middle blocker, pin hitter, and defensive specialist positions. Setters deserve a stake in the conversation, and we have a few under-the-radar performers already standing out in early 2024.
So, as we approach the mid-season club grind, keep these Class of 2025 setters in mind.
Nelsen made the move to Nebraska Elite 17 Koa this year and is making an immediate impact with this talented squad. We knew about Nelsen’s precise setting and distribution, but that’s not the only thing she’s bringing to her new squad. 17 Koa has also deployed Nelsen as a frontcourt opposite at several 2024 events, where she gets to show her prowess as a pin attacker. No matter the role, Nelsen is already elevating her Nebraska Elite squad to new heights.
Here’s another setter that’s thriving with a new club–while also playing up an age group. Hill is running the offense for Banzai VBC 18 Select and has compiled quite a highlight tape over the past several weeks. Her up-tempo sets open up plenty of seams for 18 Select’s hitters to swing through. Hill is also athletic enough to be an imposing blocker and brings the same tenacity to her backcourt defense. This well-rounded skillset has allowed Hill to stand out among her older peers.
Let’s stick with Banzai VBC to address another talented setter. Fast has made her mark on the prep side as Elkhorn High School’s leading setter in 2023. That high-level experience is yielding immediate results with Banzai VBC 17 Select. Fast has the footspeed to track down errant passes and still put up overhand sets to the pin. Her out-of-system bump sets also help better the ball in scramble situations. 17 Select is making big strides against regional competition and will have a few more tough tests in the coming weeks.
Why not make it a Banzai VBC trio? Craven is Fast’s teammate at 17 Select, giving the team a true dual threat at the setter spot. We repeatedly praised Craven’s work with 16 Select last year as she piloted one of Banzai VBC’s best offenses in recent memory. Craven has also been a foundation of Ashland-Greenwood’s success with multiple seasons as the starter. We can’t wait to see what this standout 2025 accomplishes with her stacked club squad.
Gaughen was thrust into the spotlight with Omaha Westside last fall and made the most of this high-profile opportunity. She’s now thriving on the club side as one of the dynamic setters in the Premier 17 Red lineup. Having Gaughen in the backcourt gives 17 Red a ball control boost in a variety of ways. If the team is in system, Gaughen is sure to deliver perfect location while spreading the ball around from pin to pin. Gaughen can also dig some heat in the right-back area and sees the floor like a libero. This is a multi-talented asset who has developed a ton in the last several months.
Why not address both of Premier 17 Red’s star setters? McMains has rocketed to prominence with 17 Red and is a difficult setter for opposing teams to scout. Even when McMains is in the back row, she has a tricky set-over dump that lands right in the center of the court. This opens up excellent opportunities on the middle-quick, which McMains sets perfectly. She even has experience as a front-row attacker. 17 Red is locked in at the setter spot.
Highlights
Johnson has stood out at any venue imaginable. She is a past participant at our Prep Dig Showcase, where Johnson connected well with any hitter on her side. Lincoln East made a repeat appearance at last fall’s state tournament while Johnson was a major contributor. That goes full-circle into 2024 as Johnson rejoins her Nebraska Juniors squad. More gains are on the horizon.