Emerging Athletes to Follow at 2026 Bellevue West Invite

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's an opening-week rite of passage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Easing into a new season is never an option when the Bellevue West Invite looms. This annual event is an early convergence point for the best of Class A, Class B, and beyond. Standout players and teams are bound to emerge, and we can't wait to see who ascends this year's gauntlet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of course, we have a few ideas. The Bellevue West Invite is an ideal venue to make a big impression and exhibit offseason growth. These surging athletes are on our radar as we search for the next wave of prep stock risers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["790764"],"_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-6a90ac985f173"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It's always courteous to start with the hosts, right? The Thunderbirds have a ton of gain potential this fall after fielding a very youthful lineup in 2025. Zbylut was a vital part of that youth movement, and her pivotal backcourt role will persist. The Banzai VBC standout tallied a triple-digit dig total as a sophomore and rejoins many of her returning allies in the Bellevue West passing pattern. This weekend's invite will be a perfect test of Zbylut's defensive mettle against the state's best.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["521285"],"_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-6a90ac985f1e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lincoln Standing Bear might be relatively new to the prep scene, but the Grizzlies aren't shy about challenging themselves in Week 1. The Bellevue West Invite will test veteran leadership, and that's where Pickering can take command. This long, fluid pin hitter has thrived in club venues with Nebraska ONE, and we're expecting a big jump in her final campaign with Standing Bear. Her physicality can match up with anyone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["932952"],"_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-6a90ac985f236"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Speaking of youth movements, we're incredibly excited about what Millard North is building in its Class of 2029. The Ruch name is already synonymous with Mustang volleyball dominance, but this sophomore is charting her own prep path in Year 2. She was the go-to opposite for this year's Nebraska Elite 15 Apex crew, scoring over the top and mixing up her routes in the front row. Millard North will readily harness this versatility, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["791776"],"_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-6a90ac985f281"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Class B's landscape looks a little different this year, but Omaha Skutt Catholic is the ever-present powerhouse that holds the status quo together. And, at the same time, we can expect Link to help anchor the SkyHawk operation. She showcased her setter-opposite skill with Premier Nebraska 15 Black, guiding the team to a dominant outing at the Great Plains Region Bid Tournament. This signal-caller is ready-made to play around the dial, so Skutt Catholic will have plenty of options with this sophomore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["562301"],"_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-6a90ac985f2cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Omaha Westside needs some new pin terminators for this year's crew, and Damper should be eager to fill the void. This high-flying outside hitter made the most of preseason action with the Warriors, arguing her case to be a regular starter on the left side. Momentum continues to build after Damper made a seamless transition to the River City Jrs gym this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["959060"],"_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-6a90ac985f335"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">How about Damper's teammate from the River City Jrs 16 Navy lineup? Adeshina is fresh off a fruitful trip to Orlando for AAU Nationals, where her towering contact point overwhelmed opposing teams. This junior doesn't need a large attacking window to find the floor. Adeshina negated double blocks with 16 Navy and was especially effective while working in the gap. She now joins a Millard South program looking to build off its best single-season performance of the decade.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["961010"],"_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-6a90ac985f383"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elkhorn North is making its Class A debut this fall, but the Wolves will never be viewed as an underdog. This squad is emerging as a year-to-year powerhouse, and Cameron can uphold that status in the front row. She has racked up some impressive highlights as a middle blocker, but Elkhorn North could also wield this sophomore as a hard-hitting opposite. Cameron's length and power should be on display as Elkhorn North enters this weekend's event as the No. 1 seed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["907783"],"_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-6a90ac985f3ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elkhorn South's 2026 roster is full of newness and exciting potential. We likely can't file Tate under the "new" category, but this sophomore libero has all the tools needed to take over the Storm backcourt. She put up monster numbers during her time in the 2025 lineup, laying the foundation for further growth in Year 2. We also watched Tate flourish in the Nebraska Elite gym, culminating in a trip to USAV Nationals in the 15 Open division. That's an athlete who's battle-tested for the Class A grind.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["774702"],"_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-6a90ac985f40f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This feels like Waverly's big year. The Vikings are rolling out a wealth of upperclassmen who have been on this stage before. Landon is part of the new wave of upperclassmen, and her club tenure with Nebraska ONE provided plenty of optimism for the upcoming prep campaign. Her middle firepower with 17 Black led to podium finishes and a GJNC berth this summer. Landon will look for more podiums in November.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->