Nebraska Bid Tracker: South Central NE 16 Black Runs It Back

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Underdogs? Tournament favorites? Either way, they've done it again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This conversation has to start with a look back at 2023. South Central NE 15 Black embarked on the second weekend of the Show Me Qualifier in the 15 Liberty division. A group of small-town stars from central Nebraska took Kansas City by storm. 15 Black won the division title to lock in its place at GJNC. The story evolved from there as 15 Black earned a third-place finish at Nationals and stood on the grand Chicago podium.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's an underdog story for the ages, but does it shift the narrative for 2024? The team returned to KC with aspirations of a repeat performance--while also carrying the weight of being a defending champion. South Central NE 16 Black featured players from the tiniest locales in the Great Plains Region, but no one would overlook this squad again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite the mounting pressure and brighter spotlight, South Central NE produced another unforgettable Show Me outing. A GJNC bid came with it, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our latest addition to the Nebraska Bid Tracker is the South Central NE team that had a mission to "run it back."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Heating Up</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Qualifier success is often dependent upon peaking at the right time. South Central NE 16 Black knows that well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The opening match of last weekend's Show Me Qualifier was a gut-check moment for 16 Black. HP Illinois 16 National seized the early advantage and downed South Central NE by a two-set decision. 16 Black needed to show a little resilience to push through the first round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fortunately, we saw a quick turnaround as 16 Black rolled past IPVA and Texas Tornados to secure a Round 2 spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1776673517976662078","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1776673517976662078 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>More tension was in store for Sunday's first match. South Central NE dropped the opening set to KC Challenge but rallied back to force a tiebreaker. The "race to 15" didn't stop at 15. South Central NE took a dramatic 18-16 win to start on the plus side in Sunday's action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This narrow triumph would prove pivotal as 16 Black fell in the next contest against 417 Juniors. An 0-2 start would have been impossible to recover from, but splitting the first two matches left an open avenue. South Central took the opportunity and swept another IPVA squad to place second.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>16 Black now had to take down a first-place pool finisher in the challenge match to reach the final bracket. This elimination contest featured South Central NE and OT 16 T Kesha, a Florida Region team with a 4-2 overall record. The defending champions played some of their best volleyball in this high-pressure environment and swept OTVA to reach Monday's gauntlet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll now reiterate our "peaking at the right time" theme. South Central NE brought its sharpest form when it mattered most: Monday's single-elimination bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unlike some of 16 Liberty's other frontrunners, South Central was not granted a first-round bye into the quarterfinal round. Instead, the Gold bracket grind started with a match against CNVKC, a team playing close to home in the Heart of America Region. 16 Black embraced the challenge and won by identical 25-22 scores in both sets. A bid was two wins away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1777341069648351743","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1777341069648351743 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next on the docket was Houston Stellar 16 Prime, carrying the torch for the Lone Star Region. This turned out to be an even more dominant victory for South Central NE. Tense moments from the first two days of Show Me seemed to have no bearing on 16 Black's stamina for the Gold bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1777370308594614355","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1777370308594614355 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Time for the main event. South Central NE had one more team to go through for a 16 Liberty bid, and it was an intra-regional neighbor: Premier Nebraska 16 Red. What a storyline. 16 Black put together two dominant performances leading up to this Great Plains clash but somehow had a third one in them. South Central NE roared past Premier and locked up a GJNC bid at Show Me for a second consecutive year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1777405114396893265","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1777405114396893265 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Only PVA 16 Elite could stop South Central's forward march, and it took a 17-15 win in the third set of the championship to do it. Still, this was another banner weekend for the small-town Nebraska crew that will bring big aspirations to another GJNC event. We can't wait.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Central Nebraska's Finest</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've previously called this a "small-town all-star team." The club season doesn't offer as many opportunities to discuss players from Nebraska's Class D2 prep ranks, but South Central NE 16 Black is not an ordinary team, either.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":531390,"width":"316px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/04/IMG_2149-edited.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-531390" style="width:316px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">DeJonge</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our mention of Class D2 is the perfect lead-in to talk about [player_tooltip player_id='253923' first='Jalyn' last='Branson'], the do-everything outside hitter representing Shelton High School. Her competitiveness shines through in the most prominent matches, whether it's in the state tournament or the final Show Me bracket. Branson finds a way to score in any situation--even as an out-of-system outlet from the back row. Her wicked serve also gave passers fits in Kansas City. This all-around impact formed the foundation of South Central's high-octane attack, and Branson is constantly improving her craft.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pin attacking is a persistent strength that spans far beyond Branson. [player_tooltip player_id='396733' first='Payton' last='Bauer'] is another emerging star in the front row, and she can lead the way at multiple positions along the net. The Deshler High School prospect often slots into the opposite position but will also run routes in front of the setter. It's a dynamic role that gives 16 Black plenty of flexibility in side-out situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='275895' first='Isabel' last='DeJonge'] versatility expands that flexibility further. What can't DeJonge do on the volleyball court? She was a high-volume scorer for Adams Central High School during a breakout sophomore season. DeJonge is developing her skills as a backcourt defender, which makes her well-suited for the left-side hitter spot. 16 Black is also not afraid to wield DeJonge as a right-side hitter to bring some in-system firepower. Anything is possible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest boosts to South Central NE's offense has been the rapid growth of right-side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='237537' first='Courtney' last='Carlstrom']. She was a constant game-changer in Kansas City. Her heavy heat on the right pin often produced indefensible balls that were blasted off the opposing block. Carlstrom can also go over the top and overwhelm backcourt defenders with her power. This attacker's excellence with High Plains Community is quickly translating to the club stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of course, we can't forget about the middle blockers. [player_tooltip player_id='458060' first='Reagan' last='Meyers'] plays up from the Class of 2027 and has already risen to stardom in the Great Plains Region. Her length and range made her one of the most formidable attackers in Show Me's 16 Liberty field. Meyers is building off a 15s season in which she earned GJNC all-tournament honors alongside Branson. This national recognition will continue as Meyers continues to dominate. She can even take swings on the left pin when 16 Black needs that one big swing to turn the tide.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1777419451560059155","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1777419451560059155 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='396732' first='Payton' last='Sullivan'] fortifies South Central's physicality across the starting rotation. Hastings St. Cecilia got nearly three kills per set out of their sophomore middle blocker last fall, and Sullivan was among Nebraska's leaders in overall hitting efficiency. This makes her an easy setting choice for 16 Black whenever the team nails a good pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How about those setters? South Central runs with two good ones who always keep the team's strong attack humming. One of those is [player_tooltip player_id='275965' first='Taytum' last='Perdew'], who first landed on our radar as an outside hitter for Nebraska Christian. The story has completely changed with South Central NE as she helps set the offense for 16 Black. No matter the position, Perdew is an incredibly skilled player who brings a mature presence to the South Central gym.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perdew is accompanied by [player_tooltip player_id='396731' first='Kambri' last='Andel'], who carries a similar dual role between high school and club. She has been a double-double machine for David City with over two kills per set, nearly six assists per set, and a heap of quality digs from the back row. A dynamic setter-attacker is perfect for a roster already packed with versatile athletes. Andel is in the right place.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finally, the libero. 16 Black only has one player who can be listed as a dedicated defensive specialist, so she'll always wear the libero jersey. [player_tooltip player_id='396734' first='Kyla' last='Griess'] takes full command of that spot, too. This standout libero carries the banner for Sutton High School, which is well-represented throughout the South Central NE gym. Griess is so steady as a primary passer and is always the guiding force for 16 Black's backcourt alignment. South Central can deploy a lot of different defensive lineups, but Griess is the constant.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another constant: South Central's climb in the Great Plains prep scene. See this all-star squad in Vegas this summer. Small-town Nebraska is heading to the big stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">The Tracker</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>18 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Premier Nebraska 18 Gold (KC MLK)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>18 National</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 18 Elite (GPR)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>18 USA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Premier Nebraska 18 Black (NLQ)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>18 American</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Banzai VBC 18 Select (GPR)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>18 Freedom</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Club Legacy 18 Alpha (GPR)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>17 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 17 Synergy (WCQ)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>17 USA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 17 Black (WCQ)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Premier Nebraska 17 Black (WCQ)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>17 American</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>VCNebraska 17 Black (Show Me)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Premier Nebraska 16 Gold (Show Me)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16 Liberty</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>South Central NE 16 Black (Show Me)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>15 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Nebraska Elite 15 Revolution (NLQ)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Premier Nebraska 15 Gold (WCQ)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 15 Elite (MEQ)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>15 USA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Premier Nebraska 15 Black (NLQ)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>15 Liberty</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 15 Black (MEQ)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->