Nebraska’s Rising Stars to Watch in Class A and B Districts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here we go. The postseason sprint is here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Storylines abound as we start to break down the newly released district and sub-district brackets. These bouts will chart the course for our Lincoln-bound quarterfinalists, and we can't wait to see which players and teams will join us at Pinnacle Bank Arena.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class A and Class B have the distinction of skipping the sub-district round and going right into the all-important districts. Class A has been doing this for a while, but Class B just joined the party last year. We have our brackets for next weekend's final charge, and standout performances are inevitable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, who might surprise us when we transition to the single-elimination nail-biters? We have a few ideas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["510900"],"_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-6ada89e5b32bb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lincoln East has flashed the kind of high-end potential that could come together for a postseason breakthrough. Veteran leaders like Lehr have anchored some of the Spartans' best triumphs this year, and East will look for more milestones in the A-3 bracket. Lehr ran the show with 7.3 assists per set and reminded us of the big outings she has logged on the Prep Dig Circuit. This setter gets it done in any venue.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["774631"],"_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-6ada89e5b332c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Physicality has been one of Elkhorn South's greatest assets this fall. The Storm brought back plenty of household names to lead this effort, but Wong has joined the conversation with her best prep season yet. This hard-hitting middle blocker has eclipsed triple-digit kills while hitting well north of 0.250 along the way. Wong and her team will host Bellevue West in the A-4 bracket, which is led by 2025 runner-up Lincoln North Star.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["930867"],"_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-6ada89e5b337b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Let's head out west. North Platte is a bit of a geographical outlier on the Class B scene, but the Bulldogs boast plenty of rising gems worthy of recognition. Lyons has flourished on the outside en route to three kills per set in her junior campaign. North Platte faces a daunting road matchup with Lincoln Pius X in the B-7 semifinals, but Lyons can help make the trip worthwhile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1054851"],"_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-6ada89e5b33c5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">How about one for the underdogs? Plattsmouth has a challenging road ahead in District B-2, hosting Hastings in the quarterfinals. The winner gets Gretna, a high-flying juggernaut. Despite this, Sanchez has proven herself against quality competition and has posted a career-best 4.1 digs per set. Fearless floor defense will be needed in any of Class B's districts, and Sanchez's quick instincts will help her fit right in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["904781"],"_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-6ada89e5b3468"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Perhaps we can finally label Harlan as a full-time outside hitter. She did tremendous work as a fill-in middle blocker last fall, proving she could play out of position and still square up with Class A's best--as a freshman, too. Now, Harlan is pacing the Omaha Westside attack with nearly four kills per set. The Warriors meet second-seeded Millard South in the A-6 semifinals, which is anchored by No. 1 Lincoln Southwest. This one could get wild.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1054849"],"_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-6ada89e5b3507"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">On to the panhandle! We can never leave out Scottsbluff, which will be one of a few western Nebraska teams to watch in the Class B field. Hafeman was among Class B's most productive defenders, tallying 4.2 digs per set and anchoring a large portion of the Bearcats' serve-receive pattern. Hafeman is not afraid to absorb some heat down the line or in the crosscourt. A semifinal meeting with South Sioux City will further test this mettle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1018504"],"_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-6ada89e5b355d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Welcome to the Class B stage, Adams Central. The Patriots returned several stars from last year's postseason, but the move up from Class C1 has introduced Adams Central to several new postseason foes. But this group also has some serious sophomore strength. Brown adds to this narrative with two kills per set on the outside. And, like many of the team's 2029s, Brown has also grown as a ball control asset in any rotation. The path forward is District B-4, which features GI Northwest at the top of the pack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["903351"],"_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-6ada89e5b35aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Collingsworth's imposing frontcourt presence has been on our radar for a while. She has been a multi-position contributor in the Nebraska Elite gym, and Collingsworth has brought that versatility to our showcase stages. The Class B hitting efficiency leaderboard wouldn't be complete without her. Collingsworth and Elkhorn will battle Seward in the B-2 bracket, perhaps setting up a Halloween tilt with Gretna.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1054847"],"_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-6ada89e5b35f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If we're centering a feature around "rising stars," we might as well introduce some new names from the freshman class. Clement is an easy choice for this feature after she quickly became a six-rotation centerpiece in Kearney's starting rotation. She has amassed nearly 200 total kills in her debut season, but her output as a backcourt defender has been equally impressive. We'll have ample opportunities to break down Clement's game further as we prepare our first 2030 watch list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1054848"],"_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-6ada89e5b363a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lincoln Southeast gets on the board again. We've been fascinated by how well the Knights have woven underclassmen into their successful 2026 season. Lester has spent most of her time in the middle, where her pin-to-pin hustle helped fortify the LSE block. However, Lester also earned reps on the outside during the team's stint in the HAC Tournament. We can't wait to see which role materializes when Lester battles intra-city rival Lincoln East in the A-3 district race.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->