Breakout 2028s Shining with Nebraska's Title Contenders (Pt. 1)

We have so many chapters left to write with Nebraska's Class of 2028.   And this fall's chapter promises to be a thriller. We're seeing the first glimpses of how 2028s have responded to the increased pressure that comes with upperclassman status. These athletes had already made quite an impression on Nebraska's prep scene, but perspectives tend to shift when athletes become well-known veterans and go-to leaders. The Class of 2028 has risen to that challenge.   Unsurprisingly, we can find many examples of this junior resurgence among Nebraska's top powerhouses. This year's high school season has given us no shortage of championship contenders to discuss, so we might have another multi-part series on our hands. Either way, we want to do our part to highlight as many prospects as we can, since most 2028s are still navigating their recruiting journey.   Welcome back to the spotlight.    We alluded to Stewart's move to defending Class D2 champion Wynot during our preseason coverage, and this high-flying middle blocker has delivered on the hype. Like many of the standout attackers in the Blue Devil program, Stewart often toes the line between a middle blocker and an outside hitter. She's at her best when swinging on the slow, winding sets that take full advantage of Stewart's contact point. The result has been a team-leading 4.2 kills per set on a near-0.400 percentage. That's a sure way to make a quick impression with a new team.     We can hardly call Donohoe a "breakout" candidate after she averaged over three kills per set en route to last year's state tournament. However, this veteran attacker has also upped her numbers in nearly every statistical category, helping the Broncos race to a 17-1 record. She can score from anywhere along the net and can tool off high hands more effectively than most middle blockers. Another postseason trip could bring Donohoe's stock to its highest level yet.     We're lingering in Class D2 a little longer. Young has piloted her Hay Springs crew to a 12-3 start behind an unrelenting scoring onslaught. She's putting down nearly four kills per set on a 0.283 clip, besting her impressive output as an underclassman. Young has a knack for varying her approach in first-ball situations and finding seams in the double block. This junior star will face plenty of well-formed blocks throughout her prep career, but Young's effectiveness has increased anyway.     It's hard to beat an unblemished start. Bloomfield has soared up the Class D1 ladder with a 14-0 mark, and Loecker has led the charge throughout. She is on pace to soar past last year's scoring total, averaging 3.3 kills per set to lead the Bees' ledger. Loecker has gravitated to the left antenna this year, but her frontcourt termination isn't the only compelling part of her game. Her strong, assertive swings on the pipe have helped Loecker develop into a six-rotation mainstay for her undefeated crew. We could see more of this well-rounded effort in Lincoln next month.     We can always find more players to plug into our database. Barton is a perfect example, as her breakout role has helped Bergan Catholic amass a 19-4 record in Class C2. She has piled up an enormous 4.3 digs per set, anchoring a stacked Knights backcourt that has fueled an equally effective offense. This junior is also eager to get in on the action as a secondary setter, delivering quality touches to the pins. A widespread statistical explosion has Bergan Catholic on the cusp of yet another tournament appearance.     Speaking of tournament-seasoned programs, we've grown accustomed to seeing Meridian in Lincoln's quarterfinals. Schwisow earned some of those postseason reps as a freshman, and she's looking for more as a junior. Her attacking contributions have remained steady from last year, but Schwisow does a lot more than rack up kills at the net. This middle blocker stays in across the back row to elevate Meridian's defense. And, if the Mustangs are out of system, Schwisow becomes the team's backup setter, too. She's done a little of everything around the dial during Meridian's 14-3 start.     Lincoln Southwest has found its stride during the midseason grind. Emerging athletes like Becker have catalyzed this resurgence while doing anything necessary to win. If the Silver Hawks need a clutch serving run, Becker can deliver it. This all-around pin hitter has flourished since the spring season with Nebraska ONE, which put her ball control skills on full display. It's exactly the kind of influence we'd expect from an LSW pin hitter, and the Silver Hawks have more ground to gain ahead of district play.

We have so many chapters left to write with Nebraska's Class of 2028.