Nebraska 2026 Pin Hitters to Watch after NLQ

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have pins aplenty from a weekend in Minneapolis.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NLQ showed us that Nebraska's Class of 2026 is still evolving, growing, and improving. We already covered a handful of 2026s who <a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/02/which-nebraska-2026s-surprised-us-at-nlq/">surprised us</a> last weekend, but there's still more to discuss regarding this star-studded group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This one's all about the pin hitters, a position group that offered no shortage of highlight moments at NLQ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["276202"],"_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-67a7e994884fc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Let's expand further on one of Premier Nebraska 17 Gold's stars from last weekend's bid-earning triumph. Beethe is a new addition to the 17 Gold frontcourt, but the Johnson County Central standout is fitting right in with her team's high-octane offense. She primarily plays on the right side, where her sky-high reach can go over the top of opposing blockers. Beethe also anchored 17 Gold's block against the wealth of hard-hitting attackers we saw in Minneapolis. Look out for this small-town star during the journey to GJNC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["396738"],"_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-67a7e99488569"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We also spotlighted Premier Nebraska 17 Silver this week, but we ought to give another shoutout to Sliva after her tremendous NLQ weekend. 17 Silver featured a pin-heavy attack in Minneapolis, allowing Sliva to showcase her heavy arm and uncanny shot-making ability. Few defenses had an answer for the power Sliva dished out on the left side. We're watching a new offensive leader emerge for this group heading into the next wave of qualifiers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["396753"],"_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-67a7e994885af"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Banzai VBC 17 Select was forced to shuffle its frontcourt lineups as NLQ progressed, but Evans used that as an opportunity to elevate her impact. This versatile athlete showed a steady hand at 17 Select's left-side hitter spot and had a knack for scoring with finesse. Evans is also a reliable ball-control contributor, giving the team an extra asset in the passing formation. Banzai VBC has some impressive lineup options for one of its most talented teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349465"],"_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-67a7e994885f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We identified Cox as a player to watch heading into NLQ, and she delivered on that hype for Club Legacy 17 Bravo. She is the ideal L1 who can still terminate against well-formed blocks in front of her. Of course, Cox also brings a strong array of skills outside of her frontcourt scoring. We were also impressed with her ability to force opponents into out-of-system situations with her lethal serve. NLQ represents another step forward for 17 Bravo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["396782"],"_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-67a7e99488635"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We've known about Kastanek's defensive prowess in the [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] gym, but the Freeman High School junior added some hard-hitting highlights to her scouting report. 17 Lime was not afraid to wield Kastanek as a frontcourt outside hitter during the team's successful stay in Minneapolis. Kastanek answered the call by finding kills in the crosscourt, down the line, and everywhere in between. [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE']'s veteran players continue to impress.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["276203"],"_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-67a7e99488677"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Watters has embraced the challenge of competing with Nebraska Elite's top 17s squad. She joins a few other new additions to 17 Phoenix, and the transition is going well for this Norfolk Catholic outside hitter. Watters shined on the state tournament stage last fall and has kept climbing in the 2025 club season. Her backcourt development is perhaps the biggest storyline through the first month of the new campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["253928"],"_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-67a7e994886b8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">NLQ gave us an extended glimpse at a brand-new [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 17 Elite lineup. Lamb seems to be acclimating well and has earned extensive six-rotation reps with her new team. It's an impressive accomplishment for the Omaha Westside pin attacker who has seen plenty of high-level matches throughout her club career. As 17 Elite continues to build team cohesion, Lamb could emerge as a go-to player in various areas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349484"],"_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-67a7e994886f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It's rare to see a lefty with a wealth of experience as a left-side hitter, but that was a hallmark of Bellamy's past contributions to [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last='']. Now, this Lincoln Southwest attacker is spending more time on the right side and is thriving with a revamped 17 Black squad. Bellamy produced indefensible angles at NLQ and could get on top of the ball quickly when the tempo was turned up. A trip to the final 17 Liberty bracket will give Bellamy positive momentum before the mid-February grind.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->