Which Middle Blockers Surprised Us at NSAA State Tournament?

<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" />   We're all about postseason surprises.   Just when you think you have Nebraska's prep scene figured out, postseason pressure changes your perspective. The NSAA State Volleyball Tournament can bring the best out of any athlete, particularly those we don't expect. It sounds like a perfect motif for a feature series.   Why not start in the middle? This hard-working position group often doesn't get its deserved credit, but we're eager to fix that with these breakout tournament stars.    Oldehoeft got a shoutout after EMF's quarterfinal win over Ansley-Litchfield, but it's worth rehashing this senior's tremendous tournament tenure. This star senior followed up the opening-round victory with a monster 15-kill performance in EMF's semifinal bout with Amherst. Oldehoeft also took part in half of the Bobcats' blocks in that match, using her exceptional length to clamp down on opposing attackers. Even outgoing seniors can exceed expectations.     Kollars is part of a stacked group of Omaha Skutt Catholic middle blockers who rotated in this fall. She was a featured part of the SkyHawk net presence in Lincoln and helped in four of the team's six blocks against Columbus Lakeview. Skutt Catholic also relied on Kollars to terminate behind the setter in two-hitter rotations. Her experience with attacking on the right pin may have helped in this regard, and Kollars should be a senior anchor on next year's squad.     It wouldn't be a Cambridge lineup without some strength in the middle. Holtze's stock has soared after the Trojans made another climb to a state title match. The junior attacker had her big breakthrough in Cambridge's semifinal win over S-E-M, where Holtze put down 13 kills on a 0.216 clip. We've also seen Cambridge use Holtze as a pin hitter in first-ball situations, adding to her range and versatility along the net. The stat sheet was full of multi-Holtze influence last week.     Elkhorn North's exemplary 2025 season gave us plenty of new sophomores to follow. Palmer stepped into the team's M1 role this year, providing every skill you could ask for from a middle blocker. Her efficiency on the slide escalated throughout the year to help spread the Wolves' offense from pin to pin. Palmer could also dish out tough balls in her serving rotation and wasn't afraid to get involved in floor defense. Experiencing a championship environment will only accelerate Palmer's growth.     We got a glimpse of Hansborough's sky-high potential when she competed with Club Legacy this spring. She promptly took over one of Ashland-Greenwood's starting middle spots and was an all-around frontcourt contributor. Hansborough tallied six of the team's eight blocks against Omaha Concordia and showed her knack for reading setters across the net. The fast pace of Class C1 competition has primed Hansborough for another big jump on the club side.     Here's another name we couldn't stop raving about after the quarterfinal round. Spargo helped engineer Dundy County-Stratton's Thursday sweep, collecting 12 kills on nearly 0.300 hitting against Garden County. The Tigers ran a diverse offense with several different combination plays, and Spargo's lateral quickness made it all come together. Good luck tracking this fluid, dynamic athlete in transition.     Of course, freshmen had the best chance to dish out some surprises this fall. We had a lot to learn about the Class of 2029 heading into the year, and players like Bosshamer were eager to make a first impression. This imposing middle blocker stepped into Pinnacle Bank Arena and hit 0.429 in her tournament debut with Amherst. She also led the Broncos in blocks during the quarterfinals, but the journey wasn't over yet. Bosshamer's physical presence lifted Amherst to a historic Class D1 title, putting this 2029 on an extraordinary platform for the future. That future could include another state title push next year.