Nebraska 2027s On the Cusp of Joining the Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Top 25 is just the beginning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As mentioned in the <a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/08/first-nebraska-2027-rankings-released-the-top-25/">Top 25 feature</a> for our initial <a href="https://prepdig.com/nebraska/rankings/2027-rankings/">Nebraska 2027 rankings</a>, we have a long way to go before getting a full glimpse at this up-and-coming class. The initial Top 25 will eventually expand with dozens of names entering the picture in future updates. We already have some names in mind.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A little sneak preview wouldn't hurt, right? Here are a few names on our radar for future rankings expansions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["458159"],"_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-66bd14097078c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Prepare for Bails to reenter the prep spotlight. The high-flying outside hitter was limited by an injury throughout most of the 2024 club campaign but is back for more in Year 2 at Papio South. Bails played a critical role in the Titan offense last fall, showcasing her outstanding range from the outside. Another year with one of the state's top volleyball programs will surely propel Bails into the rankings discussion for our next update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["443104"],"_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-66bd1409707dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We have a lot of room for small-town representation in future rankings updates. Cochran is undoubtedly one of the first in line for this honor. The Gering standout put up monster numbers in her first high school season, finishing with 3.8 kills per set with the Bulldogs. This multi-sport competitor has also been a past standout on the Prep Dig Circuit, offering further reminders of how impactful Cochran can be. Emerging stars from the Nebraska Panhandle will be a big focus for the 2024 fall season, and Cochran is one we can't miss in this area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["498996"],"_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-66bd14097081d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We're staying out west. Ervin first entered our 2027 spotlight when she competed with Ogallala High School at the Harvest Festival Invite in Gothenburg. The freshman attacker dazzled us with her versatility, as she thrived in the middle and at opposite. She carries a similar role with Nebraska Juniors, where Ervin's hard-hitting style translates well to the club stage. We expect Ervin to have a big sophomore surge with Ogallala this fall, and that could precipitate her emergence in the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["458174"],"_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-66bd14097085a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This small-town theme keeps rolling along. Homolka is one of the latest hidden gems to make an impression as she wielded her quick right arm at last month's Prep Dig Stock Up Showcase. The Central City standout takes massive, powerful swings even if she's out-of-system. Homolka's explosive approach and quick step-close stole the show at our circuit event, and the same will hold true this fall. Her freshman year set a high bar with over 200 kills, but Homolka is about to reach higher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["498978"],"_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-66bd140970896"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Did we mention the small-town scene has a lot of potential additions? Riggert joins the fray after Pierce High School's phenomenal 2023 season, culminating in a state tournament appearance. This is one of the rare instances of a Nebraska prep athlete who crosses the border to join [program_tooltip program_id='429192' first='MVP' last='United'] for the club season. We got a reminder of Riggert's dual-position effort when she competed with her club at the Great Plains Region Bid Tournament. Riggert can be a game-changer as a setter or an opposite, so the Bluejays have a chance to use both skills in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["458185"],"_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-66bd1409708d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The run continues. Thayer-Mencke captured our attention with a stout debut season with Fort Calhoun in which she soared past the triple-digit kill mark. She anchored the right pin for the Pioneers and provided enviable blocking physicality against opposing left sides. That was the prelude to a club campaign with Nebraska Elite that got off to a roaring start. Thayer-Mencke and her team secured an Open bid through the Northern Lights Qualifier, allowing this small-town star to exhibit her strength against the nation's best. We anticipate more sophomore breakthroughs in Year 2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["458181"],"_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-66bd14097090d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We can't forget about this [program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] champion. 16 Navy got a ton of production from 2027s who played up a year to help the team's cause. Wiechman was a key figure in that trend and compiled some big moments during her team's title run at AAU Nationals. She added to her resume on the Prep Dig Circuit and should have big aspirations with Papillion-La Vista High School this fall. The Monarchs will deploy several new faces after last year's runner-up effort, and Wiechman is eager to offer her services.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->