Must-See Nebraska 2026s Playing 17s at GJNC

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This one is for the athletes “playing up” at the highest level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've spent the last few days looking ahead at some of Nebraska's GJNC participants. Yesterday's feature honed in on some 2026s to watch, so we naturally focused on qualified 16s teams across the Great Plains Region. However, we can't leave out the "overachievers."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nebraska has several top-tier 2026s gearing up for Nationals in the 17s age group. We need to keep these players in mind as we approach the open recruitment period for this class. So, we're climbing the age ladder today.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep these names on your 2026 docket before heading to Vegas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349479"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665148d0d329e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Behrns has drawn a lot of eyes this year--and a lot of praise during our in-season coverage. Her move to [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 17 Elite has given this high-powered team an additional weapon at the right-side hitter spot. We've also seen Behrns flourish in a six-rotation role that allows her to hit balls out of the right-back area. This is a small-town gem who has risen to new heights while playing up an age group. 17 Elite will be happy to wield Behrns during its pursuit of the 17 Open crown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["253926"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665148d0d3320"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pearson is another [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] athlete who has proven herself on different club teams. She has bolstered 17 Black's lineup no matter which starting rotation the team deploys. Those well-rounded contributions came to light as 17 Black claimed a division championship at the Show Me Qualifier, securing a 17 American bid for GJNC. Pearson is a quick, deceptive setter whose mature leadership is a perfect fit for the 17s age group. Look for more highlight moments in Vegas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["276206"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665148d0d33a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Banzai VBC has been known for mixing and matching age groups with good results. Glock ended 2023 with a breakout sophomore season, as she posted over three kills per set for Ashland-Greenwood High School. She has found her groove once again with Banzai VBC 17 Select, a group that already has GJNC experience from last year. Glock's steady attacking and lockdown defense was a big factor in 17 Select's runner-up finish at WCQ. Now, she'll have a chance to showcase those skills again at Nationals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["464932"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665148d0d33ef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 2026 star power rolls on at Banzai VBC. Berger made her mark as one of the Class A's most statistically productive liberos last year. Her dynamic defense helped Bellevue West return to the state tournament, and Berger has kept climbing since then. She has been an unquestioned leader for 17 Select's backcourt, especially when the team needs a perfect pass for a quick side-out. Berger is worthy of playing with the 17s and continues to elevate Banzai's performances during the qualifier season. It's no wonder why she is among the most prominent stock risers in Nebraska's 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["389836"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665148d0d348f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Allow us to include [program_tooltip program_id='429192' first='MVP' last='United'] 17 Red among its fellow Great Plains squads. This squad, which pulls in athletes from South Dakota and northwestern Iowa, has a fascinating 50-50 split of 2025s and 2026s. Jackson carries the 2026 banner in the back row and anchors the team's defense when she rotates in. 17 Red's unique lineup also allows Jackson to display her prowess as a secondary setter. The Sioux City North libero delivers accurate balls to her pin hitters and opens up out-of-system scoring opportunities. This [program_tooltip program_id='429192' first='MVP' last='United'] group has seen the GJNC mountaintop after winning the 2023 16 USA title. Time to run it back this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["389079"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665148d0d34f0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Here's one of the most exciting 2026s in the Great Plains Region. We've known about Boeve's multi-faceted role at middle blocker, even if she competes in Iowa on the prep side. She plays all the way around at this position and is a key contributor in the passing formation. This isn't your typical skill set for a middle blocker, but Boeve is too good to keep off the court. She will also take assertive swings on the left pin when 17 Red needs some extra firepower on the pin. No matter which position Boeve plays, she is bound to be a difference-maker when [program_tooltip program_id='429192' first='MVP' last='United'] heads to Vegas. Another championship run could be on the horizon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["389837"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665148d0d3536"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Let's complete the trifecta. Munch is listed as a right-side hitter but can get the job done at either pin. She spreads out the offense whenever 17 Red is in system, but Munch will also score when circumstances are not ideal. Her imposing length and physicality were a big part of [program_tooltip program_id='429192' first='MVP' last='United']'s exciting run through last month's Great Plains Region Bid Tournament. We're ready to cover this unique bunch as 17 Red starts its journey in the 17 American division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->