Nebraska’s Dominant 2027 Middle Blockers at Show Me Qualifier
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Let’s roll with the middles for a while. We’ve started deploying some player features from the Show Me Qualifier, an event stacked with Nebraska’s top club squads. This feature will hone in on Weekend 1, which brought us the 15…
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Continue ReadingLet’s roll with the middles for a while.
We’ve started deploying some player features from the Show Me Qualifier, an event stacked with Nebraska’s top club squads. This feature will hone in on Weekend 1, which brought us the 15 Open and 15 USA divisions. It’s where we find the Class of 2027, and we have so many up-and-coming middle blockers from this group.
The conversation starts here—and this is just the beginning.
Premier 15 Gold is making its case as one of the nation’s best blocking teams at the 15s level. Cramer has anchored that effort in 2024, particularly during 15 Gold’s podium run at the Show Me Qualifier. She put up a wall at the net and was incredibly effective in one-on-one situations against other middle blockers. The Omaha Marian athlete is also stepping up her presence as an in-system threat in front of the setter. Cramer has all the tools to be one of Nebraska’s best middle blockers in the 2027 class.
Judson showed us a little of everything in Kansas City. Her primary position is middle blocker, where she brings a ton of athleticism and range as an attacker. But Judson also took on some backcourt responsibilities at Show Me as she played an outside-middle hybrid role. This allowed us to see Judson’s progression as a primary passer and defender–things you wouldn’t expect to discuss in a middle blocker feature. Let’s see what the future hold for Judson as her team dials in the right combinations for Nationals.
Walsh has the rare combination of size and quickness that makes her a perfect fit for the middle blocker spot. Nebraska Juniors 15 Black got plenty of highlight moments out of Walsh while competing against a tough 15 Open field. She’s a good setting choice in first-ball situations and can split out to the right pin if needed. 15 Black will build on this high-level experience while Walsh continues to make gains along the net.
Highlights
Emma Rink
Emma Rink
Rink keeps carrying the torch at VCNebraska 15 Elite’s middle blocker position. Her power on the quick has led to many floor denting kills throughout the team’s successful qualifier journey. Rink can also bolster 15 Elite’s right-side blocking, too, making her a multi-dimensional asset with a lot of versatility. The prep spotlight is bright for many Lincoln-area 2027s.
Phillips keeps adding notes to our scouting report. We first saw her compete as a freshman with Millard South, where she made her mark in a vigorous Class A slate. Nebraska Elite 15 Revolution’s roaring start to 2024 put Phillips in the spotlight again, and this middle blocker keeps getting better. She has a large attacking window in front of the setter and is becoming a shutdown blocker, too. 15 Revolution’s GJNC spot is assured, so more high-level reps are on the horizon.
We’ve had a lot to say about Premier Nebraska 15 Black’s talented group of frontcourt hitters. It all started with January’s NLQ championship, which turned out to be a breakout tournament from Langhorst. The Archbishop Bergan middle blocker has developed a wicked cross-body shot that can score against stingy defenses. Langhorst is also adept at reading opposing setters and putting herself in the right spot to make a touch. Nebraska’s prep scene is only seeing the beginning of what Langhorst can accomplish on the biggest stages.
Kepler is a recent addition to our 2027 watch list, and she keeps backing up that inclusion, too. She immediately boosts VCNebraska 15 Black’s in-system scoring when she rotates in. Opposing defenses are stretch thin as Kepler moves behind the setter for her dynamic slide attack. VCN is racking up some middle blocker talent in the 15s age group, especially with Kepler asserting herself with 15 Black.
Highlights
Like many of the other players on this feature, Williams could have a lot of positions listed next to her name. She can rise up on either pin and shoulder a lot of attacking volume. However, Williams was also a shutdown middle blocker in Kansas City who anchored Nebraska ONE ‘s frontcourt lineup. Look out for this Lincoln Southeast athlete as we enter a pivotal week in the Great Plains Region.
Hatz is listed as a right-side hitter in our database, but that might require an edit after her most recent performances at Show Me. She put in some serious work from the middle blocker position and proved to be a natural fit for that spot. Hatz is physical enough to match up with any attacker across from her, giving a boost to Nebraska Elite 15-2’s strong defensive unit. Positions at the 15s level are seldom set in stone.
Gracie Johnson
Gracie Johnson
Another entry for the Nebraska Pride camp. Johnson is due for an entry in the 2027 watch list after she demonstrated her tremendous net presence in Kansas City. She used her lateral quickness to close blocks from pin to pin. This also helped Johnson stay available as a transition attacker, particularly behind the setter. Small-town talents are still entering our radar as we approach the late-season grind.