Summer Bash Stock Risers
The Prep Dig Omaha Summer Bash was a unique opportunity for players to help raise their stock heading into the fall high school season. The recent months-long hiatus from volleyball makes this self promotion even more vital. So, I’d like to do my part in helping put some names on the map. Here are just a few players who made a big impression at the Summer Bash.
Aubrey Herbolsheimer Aubrey Herbolsheimer 6'0" | MB Lutheran High Northeast | 2021 NE – 6’0 MB – Lutheran High Northeast
Lutheran High Northeast has a great chance of repeating last year’s historic trip to the state championships, and that has a lot to do with Herbolsheimer’s presence in the middle. This physical, six-foot athlete from the Class of 2021 brings length and versatility to the Eagles offense. I saw her swing in the middle and on the right, and she was equally terminal in both spots. Herbolsheimer also put up one of the most formidable blocks of anyone at the event, as she displayed great technique when pressing over the net. With the veteran leadership of this impressive middle blocker, 2020 looks to be another big year for the Eagles.
Been really impressed with 2021 middle blocker Aubrey Herbolsheimer Aubrey Herbolsheimer 6'0" | MB Lutheran High Northeast | 2021 NE from @LHNEeagles. Here she is taking a swing on the right! pic.twitter.com/eRN2rzHs9j
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) July 18, 2020
Bailey Jeffers Bailey Jeffers 6'0" | OH Waverly | 2021 NE – 6’0 OH – Waverly – Nebraska ONE 18 Black
I’ve been keeping this one close to the vest since I first saw the Vikings play at the Summer Bash. When you look at the Waverly roster, it might be easy to attribute the strength of this Vikings squad to the presence of two Nebraska commits in Bekka Allick Bekka Allick 6'3" | MB Waverly | 2022 State #7 Nation NE and Whitney Lauenstein Whitney Lauenstein 6'1" | OH Waverly | 2021 State NE . However, the Waverly team that I saw last weekend was successful largely due to the performances of players who ought to be getting more coverage. One such player is Jeffers, a six-foot outside who has the range and power to rival some of the best hitters in the 2021 class. The simple fact here is that Waverly always has a deadly attacker on the left pin, and that’s a difficult thing to stop. Jeffers not only cranks in the front row with her long frame and heavy arm, but she also has the kind of steady platform and serve receive technique that coaches covet. The Vikings have championship aspirations this fall, and Jeffers is a key player in making it all happen.
Karsen VanScoy Karsen VanScoy 5'4" | DS/L Waverly | 2022 State NE – 5’4 L – Waverly – VCN 16 Elite
I’ve written about VanScoy a few times during the last several weeks. One of the things I had mentioned is that I expected her to seize control of Waverly’s libero role heading into the fall season. Well, she did just that at the Summer Bash, and she was incredibly proficient all weekend. She moves so well in the backcourt, often passing a large chunk of space in serve receive. Active feet and quick reactions put VanScoy ahead of the game when defending any zone on the floor. Out-of-system plays were sharp for the Vikings, too, as this complete libero performs well when bump setting the ball as a secondary setter. VanScoy’s elevated role in this lineup will only serve to raise her stock even further.
More great first-ball offense from @Waverlyvikesvb. There are some compelling matchups ahead in bracket play tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/JTYdn04xXZ
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) July 17, 2020
Emily Hagedorn Emily Hagedorn 5'9" | OH Millard South | 2022 NE – 5’9 OH – Millard South
Effortless flyer. That’s what came to mind when watching Hagedorn, an athletic pin hitter in the 2022 class. The way she popped off the floor was quite the spectacle, and it’s even more impressive given that she has more time to develop. Hagedorn was also a do-it-all contributor for Millard South throughout the event. Terminating on tough swings and diving to make plays defensively are just a couple of things that she does well. The Patriots rallied around her in a variety of situations, and Hagedorn’s leadership helped lift her team to some impressive wins. Her role on this Millard South team will likely be an important one this fall as the Patriots look to challenge some of the giants in the Cornhusker State.
Annabelle Costello Annabelle Costello 5'8" | S Assumption | 2021 IA – 5’8 S – Assumption – Iowa Select 17 Mizuno
Even the most talented hitters need a good setter to flourish. I’ve already talked about some of the pin talent at Assumption, but their offense runs through the rock-solid setting of Costello. This 2021 setter led through experience and skill, using her great tempo sets to form seams in opposing blocks. She could place the ball anywhere, including to her right-side hitter in the back row. Costello’s connection with the other experienced hitters on Assumption’s roster was clear to see, and it was also the key to the Knights’ success. Look for that to translate into more wins in the high school season.
Grace Ottman Grace Ottman 5'10" | RS Northwest | 2021 NE – 5’10 RS – Grand Island Northwest
Grand Island Northwest was a breakout performer at the Summer Bash, riding a lot of smart pin hitting to the Gold bracket. Ottman was just one of many stellar performer on that team. This 2021 athlete had one of the most effective right-side attacks in the gym. Ottman’s style is conducive to slugging the ball off the block and out of the reach of opposing defense. In other words, she hits it hard. She also displayed some impressive effort and hustle along the net, working hard to make herself available in transition. I marked down GINW as the surprise team of the tournament, and that distinction is largely due to Ottman’s command over the right pin.
Kayla Schliefman Kayla Schliefman MB Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln | 2021 State IA – 6’0 MB – Abraham Lincoln – SWI
Most of the conversations I had regarding the Abraham Lincoln Lynx usually included the fact that the team had plenty of talent to replace in 2020. However, I saw some veteran leadership that the Lynx could rally around, and it starts with Schleifman. This senior-to-be was both an offensive and defensive threat in the middle. Her ability to hit the slide allowed the Lynx to spread their offense and get better opportunities at the net. Schleifman closed blocks with consistency and precision. It doesn’t hurt that she also brought some of the best length of any middle at the event. A combination of young talent and experienced leadership just might be the right formula for the Lynx, who will likely look for Schleifman to put up big numbers in her final year.