High-Profile 2027s Shine at GPR Gold Series (Pt. 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even the steely veterans have exceeded our expectations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year's Great Plains Region Gold Series kicked off last weekend in the Premier Nebraska gym. Several of Nebraska's top competitors converged in Gretna for more early-season action, giving us a chance to scout a wide array of age groups, clubs, and positions. That means we have a lot to discuss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027s were particularly prominent during our visit. The 17s scene is already showing some competitive fire through these regional events, and several emerging stars are worthy of the spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today's feature is just the beginning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["365054"],"_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-6979fa3d8cb73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We've grown accustomed to Timmons playing up a year in the [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] gym, but that narrative has changed in 2026. The Fairbury outside hitter has joined her fellow junior on a revamped [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 17 Black lineup, and the move is already paying dividends. Timmons connected well with her new teammates and showcased her familiar shot variety on the left side. She was particularly effective with tip shots, but don't forget about Timmons' rocket arm on in-rhythm sets. 17 Black hopes to replicate last year's success on the qualifier circuit, even with new athletes like Timmons entering the picture.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["765925"],"_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-6979fa3d8cbdd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Like [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 17 Black, Nebraska Elite 17-1 has a lot of fresh faces and untested lineups to explore this spring. Gallatin figures to be a factor in whichever lineup her team deploys. This is an explosive left-side attacker who combines her frontcourt prowess with a penchant for passing in the back row. Gallatin competed with last year's Nebraska Elite 16 Ohana squad, which saw a ton of success during its qualifier stops. 2026 brings a new journey with 17 Apex that will thrust Gallatin into the spotlight even more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["773363"],"_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-6979fa3d8cc28"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We had to catch up with the Kearney crew. Last year's Kearney Elite 16-1 team dazzled us on the regional tour, and that group has stuck together for another go as 17s. Rood continues to anchor the middle with her patented combination of quickness and physicality. She makes decisive reads on opposing setters, leading to well-formed blocks from pin to pin. Kearney Elite is also not afraid to wield Rood's explosive approach in front of the setter, especially in first-ball situations. More milestones await one of central Nebraska's many club juggernauts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["458128"],"_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-6979fa3d8cc70"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The last two weekends of regional play have given us a long glimpse at Premier Nebraska 17 Black. Langhorst has stood out from the beginning. The Archbishop Bergan middle blocker had an effective junior campaign last fall, racking up a staggering 5.3 kills per set for the Knights. We've seen her excel as a pin hitter on the prep stage, but her niche with Premier Nebraska is in the middle. Langhorst leverages her incredible strength to slice through opposing blocks and impose her will as a net defender. That dominance continued at the Gold Series.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["458185"],"_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-6979fa3d8ccb6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thayer-Mencke has established a larger foothold in the [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 17 Synergy attack. Last weekend's event revealed her range on quick routes behind the setter, giving Thayer-Mencke more windows to attack on the right side. The southpaw opposite understands how to see the block and work inside any hands in front of her. Lineup experimentation has been a constant theme of 17 Synergy's early-season play, but the stakes escalate heading into this weekend's Northern Lights Qualifier. Thayer-Mencke will be ready.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["575155"],"_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-6979fa3d8ccfc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stater has a way of constantly raising the bar. Last year's club season was the catalyst for this steady ascent, as Club Legacy 16 Alpha made serious gains in the Great Plains Region hierarchy. Then, we watched Stater and Omaha Concordia claw their way to the Class C1 semifinals. This high-flying outside hitter has been an influential part of all these triumphs, and her efficient termination shone again at last weekend's Gold Series. Club Legacy 17 Alpha is a motivated group with all the cohesion and chemistry you could want from a club team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["485645"],"_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-6979fa3d8cd42"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Flynn is fitting right into the Premier Nebraska 17 Silver starting rotation. She has gained momentum through Bennington's appearance in last fall's state tournament, and her multi-position influence has reemerged on the club side. Flynn can score in the middle or on the right side, and she understands the importance of swinging hard on out-of-system looks. 17 Silver has often favored a two-setter offense, so Flynn has seemingly infinite chances to make herself known at the opposite position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->