Nebraska 2028 Watch List Gems Soaring after State Tourney (Pt. 1)

<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/11/PD_ExposureTour_NE.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-904061" style="width:323px;height:auto" /></figure>   <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2017/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-nebraska?coupon=KingsleyPD25">Click here to register with my coupon code!</a>   Class of 2026-2029   Nov. 29, 10:00 a.m.   UBT Sports Complex (Nebraska Elite) | Elkhorn, NE   <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/11/Kingsley_Code_ExposureTour.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-904060" style="width:247px;height:auto" /></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   It's almost rankings season.   The winter gap between the high school and club seasons offers a great window to step back and reassess what we've seen over the past several months. We have a full slate of prep matches to revisit and a wealth of new evaluations to make. Of course, we'll also have a handful of athletes who are fresh on our minds after dominating one of Nebraska's most recent volleyball spectacles.   We'll inevitably glean a lot of insight from the state tournament as we compile our latest set of rankings. That's especially true for the Class of 2028, which still has a lot of time for development and discovery on the prep stage.   Here are a few watch list players who lobbied for their rankings inclusion through stellar postseason performances.    This is an easy one. Dolliver eclipsed 500 kills in her sophomore campaign with Malcolm, and the team's collective achievements were just as impressive. The Clippers knocked out four-time defending state champion Lincoln Lutheran after Dolliver terminated 18 times in the five-set struggle. She also made massive contributions in floor defense and serve receive, further boosting the stock of this high-flying left-side hitter. Dolliver's ascent is just getting started.     Dugan put up eye-popping numbers for Central Valley this year, but seeing her incredible athleticism in person made an even bigger impression on us. This dynamic outside attacker bursts off the floor and utilizes her explosiveness most effectively in out-of-system situations. Dugan hit nearly 0.300 in the 2025 campaign despite being asked to put away plenty of tough swings along the net--a true sign of maturity, poise, and competitiveness. We're eager to see this small-town star return to the club stage with [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''].     We had the privilege of watching a Faimon-to-Faimon setter-hitter connection last week, and Josie was the one delivering the heat on third contacts. She put up seven kills against top-seeded Wynot while also leading her squad with ten digs and a pair of aces. Red Cloud's breakthrough tournament appearance brought new names to our radar, but Faimon had already solidified her spot on our watch list. Expect further gains after this postseason outing.     Jacobson surely could have been added to our rankings after this year's club season. After all, she helped her Club Legacy squad win a Show Me title to clinch a spot in the GJNC field. Jacobson has left no doubt about her worthiness after soaring to the top of Millard South's scoring charts this fall. The sophomore carried a heavy attacking burden as the Patriots enjoyed their best season in recent memory. Underclassmen don't often lead program-changing seasons, but Jacobson remains a big exception to the rule.     Amherst brought the perfect balance of ball control and physicality during its Class D1 championship climb. Mitchell was part of the former, doing outstanding work in one of Amherst's defensive specialist spots. She compiled 22 of the team's 98 digs in the four-set battle against Exeter-Milligan/Friend, one of Class D1's top offenses in 2025. No matter which zone Mitchell patrols, she's bound to add value along the end line.     Phillips was an indispensable part of Omaha Concordia's multi-talented 2025 cast. We've seen this physical athlete thrive as a middle blocker and a right-side hitter, but her opposite prowess took precedence in Lincoln. Phillips received Omaha Concordia's third-highest attacking volume during the team's quarterfinal triumph over Ashland-Greenwood. Beyond the box score, Omaha Concordia capitalized on Phillips' positive block touches and was incredibly terminal in transition. A pivotal club season awaits this emerging frontcourt attacker.     Even as one game-changing Ray graduates, another rises to take her place. It was easy to get caught up in [player_tooltip player_id='830464' first='Briar' last='Ray']'s stat-stuffing excellence for Oakland-Craig last week, but the Knights can keep the postseason momentum rolling with her younger sister. The latest Ray iteration put down 17 kills and a team-high 19 digs during Oakland-Craig's semifinal upset over Guardian Angels Central Catholic. Having an underclassman pin hitter with a full array of skills is a rare privilege. The Knights had that with Ray this fall, and they also have a future leader to rally around for future postseason pushes.