Middle Blockers Gaining Momentum after #PDStockUpNE

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We can't forget about the middles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle blockers were able to show a little of everything at Sunday's Nebraska Stock Up Showcase. It's easy to hone in on how well middle blockers can terminate in front of the setter, but we saw a much wider array of skills materialize in La Vista. Two-hitter rotations became an integral part of team drills, allowing middle blockers to demonstrate their aptitude on the slide. It was a perfect venue to see which athletes were ready to take the next step.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are a few middle blockers who showed off their growth potential at the Stock Up Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["518588"],"_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-66a2d9f14f9de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Once again, we're starting with a middle blocker that traveled from the Star City to join our La Vista showcase. Becker had several breakout performances at AAU Nationals, where she helped [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 16 Black secure a strong finish. She showed even more growth at last weekend's event and was a game-changing attacker in team drills. Look for Becker to be a high-impact player as Lincoln Pius X pursues back-to-back tournament appearances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["518608"],"_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-66a2d9f14fa77"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gernstein trekked even farther than the Lincoln-to-Omaha trip we just mentioned. The Grand Island Senior High middle blocker was a prominent performer in the middle during our positional drills and live scrimmages. The 2026 is building off a strong campaign with Nebraska Juniors and was a shutdown blocker for 16 Black. 2023 was a historic fall season for the Islanders, and Gernstein can help keep the good times rolling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349409"],"_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-66a2d9f14fae2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ortmeier looks poised to help Omaha Skutt Catholic chase the "ten-peat" this fall. The Premier Nebraska standout tallied another solid stay at GJNC and brought even more energy to the Stock Up Showcase. Ortmeier brings a balanced game that makes her a worthy choice for either the M1 or M2 positions. Regardless of Ortmeier's place in the lineup, she always brings unrivaled energy and positivity to the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["396732"],"_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-66a2d9f14fb49"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sullivan gave us everything we'd expect from such a decorated middle blocker. The South Central NE athlete was an all-tournament honoree at GJNC after helping 16 Black reach its second consecutive podium finish. Hastings St. Cecilia has already embraced the strategy of giving Sullivan as many swings as possible. Sullivan made the most of her La Vista reps and found unique ways to score. Expect big numbers from the junior attacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["493982"],"_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-66a2d9f14fbb8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We can't forget about the Iowa athletes who crossed the river for our Nebraska showcases. Doeden carried the banner for Cherokee Washington, a school that garnered previous mentions on our post-event coverage. The rising sophomore middle blocker was an instinctive blocker during Sunday's six-on-six competitions. Doeden gets her feet to the ball and goes straight up to produce a solid, consistent block. The Prep Dig Circuit has been a great place for 2027s from the Hawkeye State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["521307"],"_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-66a2d9f14fc1d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] gets on the board with one of its most versatile hitters in the 2027 class. Hays' native position is at middle blocker, but she showed some multi-positional aptitude during this year's club season. She prefers to hit slower tempos that allow her athleticism to take over. Hays thrives in the 'gap' away from the setter and can take long, deliberate approaches from the middle. Roncalli Catholic will be ready to harness Hays' skills this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["521251"],"_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-66a2d9f14fc81"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kepler was hard to miss during late-season action and captured a prominent piece of the GJNC spotlight. Her [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 15 Black reached the Las Vegas podium after several heroic performances in the 15 Liberty division. Kepler was an unstoppable force in the middle who took full advantage of her length advantage at the net. This dynamic athlete can thrive at the M1 position with her lateral quickness and attacking range. The middle blocker position should be a strength at Lincoln Southeast this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["521300"],"_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-66a2d9f14fce6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Club Legacy brought some of its best to our Stock Up Showcase, particularly from the Class of 2027. Samuelson soared onto our radar as she anchored the net for 15 Alpha, culminating in a tremendous outing at AAU Nationals. The Omaha Concordia prep star brings a lot of power behind her swing and is not afraid to challenge the block in front of her. Samuelson was also willing to connect with whichever setter was dishing her the ball at Sunday's event. That adaptability will serve her well heading into the high school season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["458181"],"_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-66a2d9f14fd4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We're closing out this feature with the Class of 2027 standout who hoisted an AAU trophy with [program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs']. Wiechman played up a year with [program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] 16 Navy and became a focal point of the team's in-system offense. Opposing teams didn't have an answer for her physicality as 16 Navy claimed the 16 Club title in Orlando. Wiechman reminded us of her sky-high potential after lighting up the Stock Up Showcase highlight tape. Year 2 at Papillion-La Vista High School is on deck.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->