Under-the-Radar Juniors Starting Strong in 2024 Fall Season

What about the 2026s?   Yesterday, we covered a handful of sophomores who have started strong in Nebraska's 2024 high school season. This feature paid special attention to the under-the-radar players who improved dramatically in Year 2. Let's bring that theme to this year's juniors.   The Class of 2026 is embracing their status as newly minted upperclassmen. The athletes listed below have had no problem adjusting to this leadership role.    Beethe has been doing this for a while. She quickly established herself as an early leader in Nebraska's Class of 2026 and has not slowed down since. The Johnson County Central star is churning out nearly five kills per set for the Thunderbirds, matching Beethe's 2023 averages. This incredible volume is coming at a 0.400 clip, which is perhaps the most impressive number of all. A 6-1 start has Johnson County Central in the mix for its long-awaited state tournament breakthrough.     Ridder is determined to keep Guardian Angels Central Catholic in the postseason conversation. The Bluejays were last year's top seed in Class D1 but moved to C2 for the 2024 campaign. Their star junior attacker is listed as a middle blocker but can act as another pin hitter with her ability to terminate on high sets. Ridder has put down 3.4 kills per set so far this year and is doing it on an outstanding 0.344 clip. This colossal uptick in production will help GACC spar with some of Class C2's best while pursuing another November trip to Lincoln.     Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer was identified as a team to watch heading into the 2024 season. Bstandig was a big reason for that optimism, but she has managed to exceed our lofty expectations already. She has racked up 3.8 kills per set so far--a two kill-per-set improvement over her 2023 output. Bstandig patrols the net from the middle blocker spot but can also take side-out swings from the pins. Look for this small-town gem to smash all of her career bests as a junior.     We had the privilege of witnessing Wohlgemuth's 24-kill performance in the season opener against Waverly. This was the prelude to several more big-time outings, leading to Wohlgemuth's current mark of 3.7 kills per set. She has been an asset for the Warriors on both pins throughout her career but has cemented her place as a left-side terminator in 2024. Lincoln Lutheran is looking for the four-peat and will likely operate through Wolhgemuth's quick right arm.     Miller was one of our persistent late-season standouts during the 2024 club season. It's no surprise to see Miller thriving with Gretna, a school that has produced some terrific setters throughout its rich history. The Dragons are getting over eight assists per set from their starting signal-caller, and Miller is also leading the team in service aces. We're keeping close tabs on Gretna as the Dragons navigate their return to the Class B ranks. Miller is a leader for a new era.     What can't Andel do? This versatile athlete is an extraordinarily impactful setter-hitter in David City's starting lineup. She has amassed over two kills per set as a frontcourt attacker and is adding 6.3 assists per set as a back-row setter. This dual role has been a focal point for David City's explosive offense, leading to a 7-3 start in this year's action. Andel's high-level experience will keep the Scouts rolling through the midseason grind.     Uhrmacher will do anything to help her Aurora squad succeed. She captured our attention when she played outside hitter for much of the 2023 season. This was a departure from her roots as a libero, but Uhrmacher is back in the contrasting jersey as a junior. The Huskies have received over five digs per set from their leading defender, along with a wealth of perfect passes that won't appear on the stat sheet. Stars continue to emerge in the Husky lineup.     Boehlke is the anchor to an impenetrable Fremont block. Her 1.2 blocks per set lead all Nebraska 2026s, and some strong offense in front of the setter accompanies that production. The Tigers have roared to an 8-2 start behind this frontcourt dominance. Better yet, Boehlke demonstrates the kind of effort and tenacity that can't be depicted in a box score. That could be the catalyst for a postseason return for one of Class A's most consistent volleyball programs.     We've already had plenty of shoutouts for Grand Island Northwest's strong, balanced 2024 lineup. That picture isn't complete without Scheer, a hard-hitting pin hitter who carries a lot of momentum from this spring's club season. The [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] standout is generating nearly two kills per set with the Vikings and has become one of the state's most productive pin blockers. Scheer has 0.8 blocks per set to her credit and will continue to fortify her team's exceptional net defense.

What about the 2026s?