Which 2028s Captured Our Attention at Midwest Power League #1?

We're already looking to add more names to our 2028 watch list.   This year's club season will inevitably give us a wealth of insight on the Class of 2028. Even with an initial list of nearly 100 athletes, we have a long way to go to cover all the extraordinary players in this group. The journey is just beginning.   Fortunately, events like the Midwest Power League help bridge the gap. Last weekend's event was full of first impressions and standout performances, and we're ready to share a few of them here.   All positions are in play for this one.    We're always eager to highlight athletes playing up a year. Webster fits right in with the 16s, even as she debuts with a retooled Premier Nebraska 16 Black squad. This Gretna High School freshman uses her athleticism to get off the floor before opposing blockers can organize. Webster also works hard in transition to become an available attacking option in front of the setter. Her wicked combination of range, quickness, and physicality gives 16 Black a new frontcourt asset while pursuing another year of qualifier success.     Nebraska Elite's top 15s squad wields some impressive length and power in the middle. It all starts with Linnen, a six-foot-three middle blocker who can generate indefensible angles on her swing. Her team found ways to get her involved in most in-system plays, allowing Linnen's high contact point to take over. Linnen has also demonstrated her prowess as a blocker and generated plenty of positive touches at the net last weekend. We can't wait to watch Linnen reach her sky-high potential in future seasons.     Holle is the kind of do-everything outside hitter we're used to seeing in the VCNebraska gym. She was a six-rotation mainstay at Sunday's event and displayed maturity beyond her years. Whenever VCN 15 Black needed a clutch pass or dig in the middle-back area, Holle delivered. Then, this dynamic outside hitter would rotate into the frontcourt and demonstrate her knack for tooling the block and terminating long rallies. VCN's 15s depth has already made an impression before the qualifier grind begins.     Last weekend's Midwest Power League introduced us to the next wave of leaders for [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE']. Wiig looks like a strong candidate for that distinction after she dominated the net with her 15 Titanium teammates. The Raymond Central freshman was an efficient scorer on the right side and anchored an intimidating block against opposing left-side hitters. Wiig can also run routes in front of the setter, adding to her attacking repertoire and range. Her rise to the 2028 watch list is inevitable.     Grand Island Senior High athletes have contributed so much to recent Nebraska Juniors teams. Sughroue perpetuates that tradition and produced some of the most eye-popping defensive plays of last weekend's event. We're not used to seeing a 15s libero with her level of awareness and ability to fill gaps in the defense. Sughroue's incredible command of the back row allowed her Nebraska Juniors 15 Black teammates to flourish, and that's the true sign of an impactful libero.     Middle blockers are well-represented in this one. Kava was a persistent standout for [program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] 15 Navy and was especially proficient off two feet. She also exhibited the finesse and court vision often overlooked at the middle blocker position. This is one of the most well-rounded middle blockers in Sunday's 15 Open pool, and Kava can use that positive momentum to become a force on the regional stage.     We started this feature with a 16s standout, so we'll wrap up with one, too. Wallraff first landed on our radar through her exceptional performance at last year's Prep Dig Freshman Showcase. She has now earned a spot in the [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 16 Synergy lineup and can patrol any area along the end line. We've seen Wallraff make big plays in both left-back and middle-back, where she can absorb some crosscourt heat and produce workable transition digs. Look for 16 Synergy to deploy Wallraff in various ways as the team embarks on its high-stakes qualifier journey.

We're already looking to add more names to our 2028 watch list.