GameChangers: Pin Hitters Pave the Way at #PDStockUpNE
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This content series is sponsored by GameChanger – The Official Scorekeeping, Stats, Team Management & Technology Partner of Prep Dig. Another showcase is in the books. These just get better and better every year, so we have a lot to…
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Continue ReadingThis content series is sponsored by GameChanger – The Official Scorekeeping, Stats, Team Management & Technology Partner of Prep Dig.
Another showcase is in the books. These just get better and better every year, so we have a lot to talk about.
We’re leading the conversation with our sponsored GameChangers feature. A position-focused feature is usually a good place to go here, and the pin hitters at the Nebraska Stock Up Showcase gave us plenty of names to mention.
So, let’s introduce you to some of our outside hitter GameChangers from this weekend’s showcase at The Volleyball Academy.
The Nebraska Stock Up Showcase featured an impressive group of natural right-side hitters. Jones is one who stood out right away with her quick arm and attacking range at the opposite position. Grand Island Senior High is loaded with senior leaders in its frontcourt, and we can expect Jones to factor heavily into the team’s offense in 2023.
Lincoln Southwest will have somewhat of a changing of the guard on the pins this year, but Trost can help fill that void. The VCN 17 Black athlete put her heavy arm on full display in La Vista and backed that up with some strong ball control skills, too. Those skills could emerge on Nebraska’s biggest prep stage as Trost and the Silver Hawks pursue a repeat trip to the state tournament.
Crist is one of several showcase participants who just got done performing on one of club volleyball’s biggest stages: USAV Nationals. Her Nebraska ONE 16 Synergy team forged an incredible third-place finish in the 16 Open division, and we will long remember Crist’s multi-faceted role throughout the 2023 season. She has excelled as a pin hitter, middle blocker, defensive specialist, and almost everything else in between. Crist primarily competed on the pin in La Vista and showed us all the high-flying termination we’ve come to know from the Crete native.
Highlights
Bohling is still on the rise after recent success in both high school and club venues. She played an instrumental role in BDS’s return to the state tournament last fall. From there, Bohling arrived in the Nebraska Juniors gym and provided a constant scoring spark on the club side. It was hard to miss Bohling at our Stock Up Showcase as her vocal presence and competitive fire became defining characteristics.
There’s no mistaking Gwinn’s confidence and reliability at the right-side hitter spot. She’s been on our 2025 radar for a while after she established herself as a lethal attacker for Nebraska Elite. Gwinn has even spent some time at setter during her career, so you know her all-around game is on another level. For this showcase, however, it was all about Gwinn’s heavy arm as a go-to terminator.
Highlights
Nicki Wendt
Nicki Wendt
Small-town stars will be key component in all of our post-showcase features. Wendt gets a mention right away after the Blair native exhibited her hitting prowess at the Stock Up Showcase. And, like many of the pin attackers discussed here, Wendt also didn’t back down from defensive drills and was a solid contributor in serve receive. This is surely a future addition to our 2025 watch list.
How about another recent rising star from USAV Nationals? DeJonge helped pilot her South Central NE 15 Black squad to a podium finish in GJNC’s 15 Liberty division, and now she’s back for a little more action in the Stock Up Showcase. Don’t lose sight of DeJonge’s prep impact, either, as Adams Central hopes to retain its status as a perennial postseason participant.
Highlights
Jacey Cochran
Jacey Cochran
Now loading: Class of 2027. Our Stock Up Showcase was an invaluable tool to learn about some of the soon-to-be freshmen ready to make an impact. Cochran appears to be one of those raring to enter the spotlight after she compiled some impressive reps this weekend. Gering High School is getting a physical left-side attack who has the length and approach to wield a wide arsenal of shots.
Reese Eilenstine
Reese Eilenstine
Eilenstine is going to generate her share of headlines over the next few years. She’s an explosive hitter whose quickness of the floor allows her to connect with just about any setter. Our showcase was proof of that as setters rotated to different courts throughout the morning. Eilenstine is set to begin her prep career with Elkhorn South after an impressive club campaign with Premier 14 Gold.