Nebraska 2025 Spotlight: Prep Stars from Out West
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Let’s introduce a theme that we’ll be hitting hard during the upcoming high school season. Though we get deeply embedded in the club season during the first half of the year, we can’t forget about the dozens of under-the-radar gems…
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Continue ReadingLet’s introduce a theme that we’ll be hitting hard during the upcoming high school season.
Though we get deeply embedded in the club season during the first half of the year, we can’t forget about the dozens of under-the-radar gems representing the western half of Nebraska. Many of these athletes have already put up extraordinary numbers on the high school side, and this feels like a good time to bring these players back into the spotlight. Recruitment of 2025s start now!
So, time to get reacquainted with a few western Nebraska stars who are sure to make another big splash this fall.
Elfeldt is one of a few Nebraska Pride entries we’ll have on this recruiting feature. On the prep side, Elfledt has loomed large on the Sutherland lineup in almost every way imaginable. She’s racked up kills, digs, and contributes in a variety of other ways as a six-rotation outside hitter.
Highlights
Our next players hails from all the way out west. Westby is a multi-sport standout who is having no problem packing the stat sheets in Sidney. Look for this rising junior outside hitter to make another big statement this fall as the Red Raiders seek a return trip to Lincoln.
The O’Hare lineage has had a huge influence in Gothenburg’s historic success during the past two seasons. This athletic attacker can terminate on either pin and has compiled some of the best efficiency numbers among Nebraska sophomores last fall. After last year’s appearance in the state title match, O’Hare and Gothenburg will be aiming even higher in 2023.
Emma Martins
Emma Martins
Martins is one that we’ll have our eye on as we look to make further additions to the 2025 watch list. The Gordon-Rushville prep star compiled over 250 kills in her sophomore campaign, and that’s after she tallied triple-digit kills in her debut season. Versatility is a big plus here, too, as Martins can play in the middle or on the outside. We’ll see which role prevails as Martins takes on an even bigger leadership role this year.
This feature is about to bring out a run of talented setters. Ketteler leads us off after two stellar underclassman seasons at Stuart. The Broncos will surely rally around their steady setter in pursuit of a return trip to the state championship. Not only will Ketteler dish out a smooth offense, but she displays the kind of vocal leadership that will make her a consistent, positive influence on the Stuart program.
Vaughn brings Nebraska Pride back into the conversation, but it’s worth delving into this setter’s accomplishments on the prep side, too. The Holdrege athlete amassed nearly eight assists per set as a sophomore and made several other key contributions in the stat sheet. We expect Vaughn to keep thriving as a signal-caller who can embrace a big role in a one-setter offense.
Young made the sizeable trek from Lexington to compete with Nebraska ONE 16 Lime during the club season. It’s a move that’s paid off lately, as Young landed on our latest 2025 rankings update after making significant strides early this year. That positive momentum should carry right into the upcoming high school season.
Johnson was one of the earliest small-town middle blockers to land on our radar for Nebraska’s Class of 2025. Her efficiency numbers with Cambridge could not be ignored, and this middle blocker has been on tear since she stepped onto the court as a freshman. Now, Johnson is standing out with Nebraska Pride’s club squad and is poised for further breakthroughs.
We’ve mentioned before that Ciemnoczolowski is one of the only Nebraska Pride Gold 16s representatives who does not compete for Minden on the high school side. Instead, Ciemnoczolowski will bring her standout defensive skills to Kenesaw High. Before that, however, there’s unfinished business for Nebraska Pride on the GJNC stage. On to Chicago.
Highlights
Here’s another recent addition to the 2025 watch list who has done brilliant work with Nebraska Pride. Ellis boasts an impressive combination of quickness and physicality that makes her well-suited for the Broken Bow frontcourt. An uptick in production this year is likely.