Nebraska’s Under-the-Radar 2026s to Watch at Wave 3 of AAUs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Orlando often brings out the best in Nebraska's seasoned prep athletes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're gearing up for a momentous third wave of AAU Nationals, and we've already riffed on every Nebraska team participating in this group. It's a wave stacked with 17s teams and even more 2026s looking to make a postseason statement.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much of the recent recruiting buzz has been about the 2027s, but we can't forget about the surging 2026s looking to make a late impression on the prep stage. Orlando is a good place to do it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["396752"],"_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-6854aac86d5e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We've been anxious to see Banzai VBC 17 Select back at a big tournament since our early-season coverage at NLQ. 17 Select played some exceptional volleyball at that January outing, and Torpy played a big role in the back row. The Millard West senior-to-be can don the libero jersey or relieve any of her frontcourt hitters along the end line. Her quickness and instincts continue to improve as Banzai VBC finds its groove before this weekend's finale.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349424"],"_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-6854aac86d63b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mason is the kind of pin hitter who can get the job done from anywhere. We've primarily seen her play the opposite position with Nebraska Elite 17 Motion, but Mason can also tee off when she gets a first-ball opportunity on the left. Moreover, Mason brings steady ball control and floor defense that you wouldn't usually expect from a right-side attacker. Her versatility will loom large during 17 Motion's trek through the 17 Spirit division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["518588"],"_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-6854aac86d691"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There's a lot of credit to go around for [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 17 Black's extraordinary 2025 season. Becker has been an unsung hero at the middle blocker spot and brings a technically sound game at the net. She is especially comfortable with attacking on 'gap' sets that have become a staple of VCN offenses. 17 Black's defense also gets an upgrade with Becker on the court, as she makes quick, decisive reads on opposing setters. Perhaps we'll see Becker and her team back in Gold contention at another prominent event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["518608"],"_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-6854aac86d6d8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gernstein gives us a Central Nebraska star for this feature. The Grand Island Senior High middle blocker burst into the starting lineup last fall and became fully acquainted with big-time Class A volleyball. This has put Gernstein in a position to thrive with Nebraska Juniors 17 Black, a team with no shortage of frontcourt physicality. When 17 Black needs a positive block touch or a transition option, Gernstein is always ready to operate in the 'A' gap. Orlando's 17 Premier division will be an excellent proving ground for many of Nebraska Juniors' best athletes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["518571"],"_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-6854aac86d71e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Let's bring in another representative from the Nebraska Juniors gym. Schuster will compete with 17 Red in Orlando and brings various ball control skills to the starting rotation. Some of her prep experience is at the setter spot, where Schuster has demonstrated her precision when running an offense. However, Schuster's defensive prowess has taken precedence lately, leading to multiple stints in 17 Red's libero jersey. She also helped lock down the Beatrice backcourt last fall and can look forward to more highlight moments as a senior. Before that, though, Schuster has unfinished business on the club side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349474"],"_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-6854aac86d763"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We've documented Miller's expanded role in the [program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] 17 Navy offense. She got plenty of early-season reps as one of 17 Navy's leading left-side hitters, and Miller delivered for her squad in any rotation. The Omaha Gross Catholic senior can also sub into the middle-back area if needed, giving 17 Navy an extra boost to its first contacts. We know the storyline heading into Orlando: Miller and 17 Navy are defending an AAU title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["464926"],"_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-6854aac86d7a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">DeyErmand has been a revelation for this year's Club Legacy 17 Alpha team. We started to see this skilled setter break out last fall when she dished the Millard South offense with exceptional precision. DeyErmand placed high on Nebraska's assists leaderboard, and her upward trajectory hasn't waned with Club Legacy. This dynamic athlete can play around the dial and even hit on the right side when in the frontcourt. 17 Alpha will have several lineup options to wield while chasing a championship in the 17 Club division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->