Nebraska 2024 Rankings Update: New Additions (Part 1)
In this article:
Let the run of rankings content begin. Over the next few weeks, we’ll dive headfirst into non-stop coverage of rankings updates. This pre-Nationals break in the club season offers a natural time to crank out these updates, and we have…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingLet the run of rankings content begin.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll dive headfirst into non-stop coverage of rankings updates. This pre-Nationals break in the club season offers a natural time to crank out these updates, and we have so many features coming down the line to close out May.
It all starts now because our latest Nebraska 2024 rankings are here. Even though this group has spent a lot of time in the spotlight, we will always have gaps to fill and hierarchies to shuffle.
So, let’s get the conversation started with a few high-caliber names that were just added to our 2024 rankings. We’re going in-depth on these features, so this is just Part 1!
Time for Haarberg to soar into our rankings. She’s done exceptional work on the high school side with Kearney Catholic, a perennial powerhouse that always finds itself on Nebraska’s biggest stages. But Haarberg has taken yet another step forward with Nebraska Pride, and that was immediately evident as this high-flying outside hitter dominated at the Great Plains Bid Tournament. Look out for this central Nebraska gem at Nationals.
Speaking of high school standouts, Eickhoff became a no-brainer addition to the 2024 rankings after leading Hartington Cedar Catholic to a state championship last fall. This middle blocker’s sustained success with Nebraska D-League during the club season has elevated her to a high standing in our latest update. Now, Eickhoff can turn her attention toward notching two state titles in a row to cement her standout status.
Get used to seeing plenty of Kearney Catholic representation on these rankings features. We already discussed Haarberg’s wide-ranging impact on the outside, but don’t discount the importance of Squiers’ steady setting, either. Nebraska Pride Gold 17s never finds itself in a blocking deficit in two-hitter rotations, as Squiers stands tall at the net and offers tremendous physicality. Her presence in our rankings was overdue!
Burden is among several under-the-radar athletes in the Omaha area who have boosted their stock lately. She produced some clutch moments for Papillion-La Vista last fall and has done the same with Banzai VBC 17 Select in 2023. This versatile athlete can switch between the middle blocker and opposite positions, so keep close tabs on Burden’s role as a senior with the Monarchs.
One more for the Kearney Catholic brigade. I have vivid memories of Johnson locking down the Stars’ libero position in 2022, particularly at the Harvest Festival Invitational in Gothenburg. Steady serve receive is the foundation for most successful teams, and Johnson passing is likely her biggest strength right now. That trend has persisted in the South Central gym this spring, warranting her inclusion in the rankings.
Like many of our new additions, Mettscher climbed up the leaderboard through some standout performances at late-season events. The Great Plains Bid Tournament was one of those big venues for Mettscher, as this Lincoln East product dished out some smooth offense for VCNebraska 17 Black. Prep talent continues to accumulate in the Capitol City.
Meridian High School put us all on notice with a brilliant 2022 campaign, and Stewart undoubtedly had a major role in that success. Her hard-hitting style has immediately translated to another big year with South Central NE 17 Black, so there’s no way we could leave this outside hitter off our rankings. If you’re looking for small-town stat stuffers to follow this fall, Stewart is a mandatory addition to your list.
Another VCNebraska 17 Black representative gets on the board here, and Jones is repping Grand Island Senior High on the prep side. GISH and VCNebraska have formed quite a power combo at the outside hitter spot with Jones marking yet another example of that growing pipeline. Jones’s recent reps at opposite have been particularly effective.
We’re back in the South Central NE gym. Robinson bolsters an extraordinary defensive unit for 17 Black, and high-level experience is certainly not lacking here, either. Sutton High School has made plenty of headlines with its recent run of postseason success. Robinson has been there every step of the way with rock-solid passing and a penchant for spectacular floor defense.
It’s only fair that we address some frontcourt talent for South Central NE, too. Olson has been a key figure at the net for 17 Black, especially on the right pin. Her prep numbers with Doniphan-Trumbell have been on the rise, yielding a lot of optimism for what should be an exciting senior season.