New Additions to the Nebraska 2027 Rankings (Pt. 2)

Bring on Part 2.   Yesterday, we highlighted a stacked group of <a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/12/new-additions-to-the-nebraska-2027-rankings-pt-1/">new additions</a> to the <a href="https://prepdig.com/nebraska/rankings/2027-rankings/">Nebraska Class of 2027</a> rankings. That large group made up only half our fresh wave of players, so we're back to finish the job.   The future is bright with this group of sophomores leading the way.    Just like yesterday's feature, Part 2 will feature a heavy dose of small-town stars. We're starting with Pelican, a dynamic right-side hitter who helped Johnson-Brock make a long-awaited postseason return. Pelican is lethal behind the setter but can also be just as effective on the left. And, unlike most opposites, Pelican thrives in the back row and isn't afraid to showcase her all-around impact.     Our list of new 2027s is full of versatile attackers who can fill various positions. Schack is another example, and she cemented her spot in the watch list by putting down three kills per set this fall. She has experience as a middle blocker but will gladly take first-ball swings on the pin. Schack's terminal arm has put Dundy County-Stratton on our radar heading into 2025.     We need a few more setters for this feature. Johnston fits the bill after logging eight assists per set in Sandhills/Thedford's leading setter role. The Knights boasted a wealth of talented hitters on this year's squad, and Johnston showed a knack for keeping all of them in a rhythm. 2024's valuable reps will lead to further growth from this emerging sophomore.     Kearney has a new leading scorer for the next two years. Wilkins paced the Bearcats with three kills per set this year and exhibited some impressive range on the left side. This explosive attacker was not afraid to challenge opposing blocks and work off hands to get her kills. Central Nebraska's growing talent pool has gained another key figure in the Class of 2027.     Let's venture westward to North Platte. Burk's role with the Bulldogs has expanded considerably after she earned plenty of experience as a sophomore. She flourished into a go-to attacker and produced 2.2 kills per set against some stingy opposing defenses. Burk's backcourt skills are also developing, giving us another six-rotation standout for our 2027 list.     Once again, we find a physical middle blocker who can dominate at other positions if needed. Stassines dominated the net with 2.7 kills per set and could work with whatever tempo she was given. The Fillmore Central standout was also an eager attacker behind the setter, helping expand the Panther offense from pin to pin.     Norman has no problem shouldering a high volume of swings from match to match. She led Ralston with 2.7 kills per set and also shouldered significant backcourt responsibilities. The Rams weren't afraid to wield Norman's quick arm out of the back row, and this second-year outside hitter demonstrated her poise and maturity out of the middle-back area.     We're not done showcasing some up-and-coming middle blockers. Clarkson/Leigh knows all about high-impact athletes at this position, and the Patriots boast another one in Stoklasa. This sophomore started hit at a 0.230 clip this year and added to Clarkson/Leigh's incredible balance and efficiency. Stoklasa's numbers will likely keep rising to put her team right back in the postseason conversation.     Osmotherly is an outside hitter who can turn into a “double-double machine” at any moment. Her 200-plus kill total this season was impressive, but Osmotherly backed that up with over 300 digs to anchor the Crawford defense. Moreover, this savvy sophomore produces a heap of positive passes that don't show up in a box score. The Rams will lean on all of these strengths in 2025.     Archbishop Bergan's consistent excellence has been anchored by do-everything players like Cansler. The sophomore setter stepped in and dished out 8.6 assists per set in her first season as a full-time starter. Cansler was also an aggressive attacker in her frontcourt rotations and was never afraid to take it over on two. The Knights look forward to bringing back and impressive group of returning starters in 2025, and it all starts with the setter.     Sidney High School has produced some of the most exciting pin hitters in the western Nebraska arena. Nesbitt is hoping to build on that tradition after leading the Red Raiders with 2.5 kills per set this fall. She has a strong, fluid approach that yields some heavy heat for opposing teams to handle. Keep tabs on Nesbitt and her young Sidney squad next year.     While we're in the Nebraska panhandle, let's pay a visit to Chadron High School. Watson did a little of everything this year, including racking up triple-digit kills and 3.7 digs per set. Her incredible all-around skills allow Watson to blur the lines between one position and another. We'll see which position takes precedence as she becomes an upperclassman.     We have one more setter for the 2027 tally. Hinman was among Nebraska's most productive sophomores with nine assists per set this fall. Her gritty defense in the right-back area was also an excellent complement to Hinman's accurate, consistent setting. Fairbury High School keeps making strides in the small-town scene with 2027s leading the operation.     Weltruski's sophomore surge led her toward becoming one of Riverside High School's most efficient attackers. She compiled over 200 kills in her second prep campaign and was effective as a middle and a right-side hitter. This positional flexibility allowed Riverside to set Weltruski in almost any situation, and this underclassman delivered. Our small-town theme has gone full-circle.

Bring on Part 2.