Breakout 2028s Shining with Nebraska’s Title Contenders (Pt. 2)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's another one for the juniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're now fully embedded in the October slate. Nebraska's top tournament contenders will vie for a little extra wildcard positioning ahead of district play. Other teams are hoping to break into that contender conversation. Covering all of these fall storylines is an enormous task, but we're ready to embrace the challenge. We wouldn't have it any other way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of course, upperclassmen will have a big say in which squads elevate their stock over the next few weeks. The Class of 2028 has been particularly prominent on our radar, with Part 1 of this series delving into some breakout stars from postseason frontrunners. We're expanding on that discussion today.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Part 2 arrives with more fast-rising juniors for the big board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["774641"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac2a4f158acd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It was time for another Dyrstad to take the mantle as Papillion-La Vista South's defensive anchor. This junior has responded with a team-leading 3.5 digs per set while taking on elite competition from the Cornhusker State and beyond. We always knew Dyrstad's defensive prowess could match up with anyone, as proven by her successful spring outing with Premier Nebraska. That journey concluded in the postseason, and the goal remains the same with the Titans.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["758051"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac2a4f158b3a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is a great time to reunite with Haertel, who was an instant standout at this summer's Nebraska Stock Up Showcase. She primarily patrolled the middle at that event, and she does much of the same for the Knights. But Haertel can also be viewed as an extra outside hitter whose range and explosiveness can churn out kills in any gap. Blockers have a lot to think about whenever Elmwood-Murdock appears on the schedule, and a 15-6 start has captured our attention even more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["833036"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac2a4f158b88"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Class D2 flexed its typical parity this year, with several different teams ascending the wildcard hierarchy. Paxton has surged lately behind a balanced effort from its veteran lineup. Mitchell sets the standard with nearly four kills per set while also contributing libero-like numbers in the back row. Six-rotation stars like Mitchell remain a staple of the small-town scene, and we expect to see a few more in Lincoln next month.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["575221"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac2a4f158bd3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There's so much credit to go around for Millard West's breakout 2026 season, which has the Wildcats near the top of the Class A ladder. Walter has stepped in on the left side to provide a new layer of power, athleticism, and fearlessness. She will never hesitate to swing away on a set to the outside, even if circumstances aren't ideal. Walter's high-flat shots make her a perfect out-of-system outlet, and the Wildcats have shown a knack for escaping jams. Look for more of that grit before the postseason beckons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["838989"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac2a4f158c20"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We couldn't leave Centura High out of this one. The Centurions have amassed an incredible 20-1 mark to sit squarely in Class C2's top tier. It also helps to have top-tier terminators like Taukiuvea leading the way. This junior pin hitter has piled up 4.5 kills per set, besting the three-plus average she had as a sophomore. Taukiuvea gets on top of the ball quickly and has the shot variation she'd expect from a seasoned veteran. We've also seen Taukiuvea earn escalating backcourt reps, allowing her six-rotation repertoire during Centura's special 2026 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["877328"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac2a4f158c8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While we're discussing special season on the small-town scene, there's a volleyball renaissance happening in Cedar Rapids. Riverside is looking to reach its first-ever state volleyball tournament and can lean on Molt's multi-dimensional leadership. The Chargers are 17-2 behind Molt's 9.7 assists per set as the all-around setter. Molt took the reins of the offense as soon as she arrived as a freshman in 2024, so this season is a culmination of so many quality reps. We'll see if that translates to postseason glory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1016692"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac2a4f158cd7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Our journey through the Kearney Catholic lineup continues. The Stars are no stranger to volleyball success, but emerging athletes like Krohn have mounted an exceptional charge this fall. Krohn has maintained her role as a reliable backcourt distributor, helping Kearney Catholic get the most out of its three-hitter rotations. This niche also allows Krohn to aid the defense through her instincts in the right-back area. We never know what we'll get out of the Class C1 camp, but the Stars will be in the hunt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["837995"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac2a4f158d1f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tri County High School has provided quite a pipeline of standout athletes for the VCNebraska gym. Now, that excellence is panning out in fall venues. Hoesche has already soared into triple-digit kill totals for the Trojans, leading the DeWitt group to a 16-6 mark in Class D1. But Hoesche's contributions go beyond the kill ledger, as she also collects a wealth of quality touches in the back row. It's also coming together for Tri County's first postseason trip since 2009.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->