Nebraska 2025s Surging after AAU Nationals

Here's where we echo that familiar refrain: it's never too late to be a stock riser.   We've recently summarized some of <a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/06/nebraskas-breakout-17u-teams-at-aau-nationals/">Nebraska's top-performing 17U teams</a> from the final wave of AAU Nationals. This gave a broad summary of which teams thrived under the bright lights of Orlando, but we still have to bring some athletes into the discussion.   It starts here. Watch out for these 2025s who took full advantage of Orlando's season-ending gauntlet.    Osmera fit right in with her new club team in 2024, and AAU Nationals offered further examples of this cohesion. Frontcourt termination is just one part of Osmera's appeal at the left-side hitter spot. She also plays outstanding middle-back defense and is a six-rotation mainstay for any team she's on. Osmera has moved to the Lincoln prep scene and will be a vital contributor at Lincoln Northeast this fall.     Like Nebraska Juniors, Nebraska Elite 17 Mamba embraced the challenge of competing in the 17 Open division. Johnson elevated her game to meet this challenge and has proven her aptitude at multiple positions. We've seen this DC West prep athlete shine in the middle, but Johnson also locked down the right pin for 17 Mamba at AAUs. Her length and blocking technique make her a tough matchup for opposing left-side hitters. Johnson also chipped in as a transition attacker and will continue her climb in the upcoming high school season.     Columbus High School has a strong 2025 class with several big-time contributors around the club scene. Janssen carries the Discoverer banner with Nebraska Elite 17 Koa, which compiled a 9-3 overall record in Orlando. 17 Koa looked to Janssen to provide consistent, low-error attacking, and this right-side hitter always delivered. She has experience on both pins and will take the versatility to another level in her senior campaign.     Broekemeier plays a unique role in the Nebraska Juniors 17 Red lineup. Her frontcourt impact was apparent at AAUs as Broekemeier put away a ton of tough swings on the outside. When she enters the back row, Broekemeier patrols the Zone 5 area typically reserved for liberos. This do-everything athlete is constantly redefining her positional designation and was a persistent standout in Wave 4.     We have another podium placement from the [program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] camp. 17 Navy climbed to the Gold bracket in 17 Aspire and was guided by their star setter from Bellevue West. Emery has the poise and confidence you'd expect from a player who has seen so many big matches. She accurately spreads the ball around and knows what tempos are needed in certain situations. This setter's next agenda is to back up last year's state tournament appearance with the Thunderbirds.     The Bellevue West run continues. We're honing in on [program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] 17 Navy's ball-control strength in this feature, and Faiman helps anchor the team's first contacts. She dons the libero jersey for 17 Navy and can often be seen digging heat in the crosscourt. Aside from her floor defense, Faiman is also willing to pass large chunks of the court to assist her pin hitters. Her major role in 17 Navy's AAU triumph is the perfect prelude to Faiman's senior year.     Thiessen is not afraid to wear multiple hats for [program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] 17 Red. We've known about her crafty attacking skills along the net, but Thiessen's Orlando tenure also revealed her backcourt aptitude. She was a strong right-back defender who also got her share of swings on the 'D' pattern. Opposing teams had a lot to think about when facing off against this Papio South standout.     Omaha Marian will wield several talented defenders this fall. Vlasek is one of the names to keep tabs on after she was a central part of Club Legacy 17 Alpha's backcourt in Orlando. This libero's hustle wasn't just evident in the defensive phase, either. Vlasek was also a reliable secondary setter who could track down errant passes at any time. She embodies the notion of "bettering the ball" and has a lot to gain in the next several months.     Here's another chance to check in on one of Fremont's finest liberos. Hofer traveled from the Omaha area to participate in our Midwest Live Showcase in Des Moines. She made this trip worthwhile after standing out in various drills and team competitions. So, we were not surprised to see Hofer excel at the libero spot for Club Legacy 17 Bravo during the team's AAU grind. This fall's Class A schedule will be a further test of Hofer's leadership along the end line.

Here's where we echo that familiar refrain: it's never too late to be a stock riser.