Uncommitted Nebraska 2026s Shine at Omaha President’s Day

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 discussion continues.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yesterday, we addressed a group of Nebraska 2026s who boosted their recruiting stock after competing at Kansas City's Triple Crown NIT. Today's feature applies the same theme, but the focus shifts to Omaha.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ASICS President's Day Classic showcased an even longer list of uncommitted athletes with ample skill to excel at the next level. Recruiting journeys are far from over for the Class of 2026, so we're doing everything possible to elevate this group as we reach the heart of this year's club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep tabs on these standouts from the holiday weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349470"],"_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-67c4fef66deb0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Frandson is no stranger to big stages. Of course, we have to reference her division championship at AAU Nationals last summer. Then, her Millard West High School squad had a dramatic resurgence en route to the Class A tournament. Frandson has now resumed her role setting the talent-rich [program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] 17 Navy squad, which logged a podium finish in Omaha. This savvy setter knows how to put her hitters in good positions and will be a name to watch in more high-level venues.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["497417"],"_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-67c4fef66df4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lierman has the unusual distinction of being a 2026 athlete who is young enough to play with the 16s. She joins the loaded [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 16 Black lineup that locked up a fifth-place finish while playing up in Omaha's 17 Open division. Lierman is a springy, dynamic athlete who has found success as an opposite and a middle blocker throughout her prep career. The Waverly standout showcased her prowess at opposite during the President's Day Classic and will keep gaining momentum with her talent-rich squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349420"],"_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-67c4fef66dfd2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brandt's defensive excellence has been a staple in the Nebraska Elite gym. She commands the libero jersey for Nebraska Elite 17 Phoenix and has already had multiple standout performances at major events this year. The Fremont junior reminded us of her backcourt skills when she competed at January's Northern Lights Qualifier in Minneapolis. Brandt was not finished, as she led 17 Phoenix to a solid showing at the President's Day Classic. We've discussed her stock-riser potential before, and Brandt has kept climbing in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["396761"],"_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-67c4fef66e056"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We have another under-the-radar setter for your consideration. Burkey helped dish out the Nebraska Juniors 17 Black offense and took a major step forward in Omaha. She exhibits a calm demeanor in the right-back area, producing quality digs for out-of-system situations. Of course, Burkey can also handle second contacts and knows how to deliver with the ideal tempo and location. 17 Black will remain on our radar as we hone in on the upcoming regional slate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349450"],"_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-67c4fef66e0d4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Setters are well-represented in this one. Bartholet is a crafty, experienced signal-caller who brings a lot more than just quality sets. She is also not afraid to wield a lethal set-over dump that leaves opposing defenses flat-footed. We've seen Bartholet thrive whether she's setting from the back row or running a 5-1 offense herself. That leadership has propelled Premier Nebraska 17 Red into the regional discussion heading into March.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349466"],"_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-67c4fef66e153"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Piernicky has impressed us at a variety of events this season. She made an early appearance at the Midwest Power League and emerged as a go-to attacker for Club Legacy 17 Alpha. This athletic left-side hitter is lethal in the crosscourt and can work off hands to earn some tough kills. Piernicky has also progressed as an all-around asset whose passing and defense can give 17 Alpha a boost. Omaha's President's Day Classic was the perfect primer to a busy upcoming schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["396748"],"_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-67c4fef66e1d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Finally, we're revisiting one of the most physical middle blockers in the Banzai VBC gym. MacLeod is a game-changing middle blocker who can hit from anywhere along the net. Banzai VBC 17 Select often allows MacLeod to hit on the pin in first-ball situations, giving their featured attacker as many swings as possible. This strategy yielded an impressive 6-2 mark in Omaha, so 17 Select should be raring for more action this month.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->