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New Faces We’d Like to See at 2024 State Tournament (Pt. 3)

New Faces We’d Like to See at 2024 State Tournament (Pt. 3)
Austin Kingsley
Austin Kingsley October 22, 2024 @ 08:00 AM
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In this article:

Ava Janulewicz
Ava Janulewicz 5'9" | OH/DS/L | 2028
NE
Pyper Wells
Pyper Wells 5'9" | MB | 2025
NE
Alaina Kopf
Alaina Kopf 5'4" | DS/L | 2026
NE
Ashley Beethe
Ashley Beethe 6'2" | OH/S | 2026
NE
Taya Thaden
Taya Thaden 6'1" | MB | 2026
NE
Taytum Miller
Taytum Miller 6'2" | MB | 2025
NE
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's make it a trilogy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've been perusing the wildcard standings to find teams and players who might bring new energy to this year's NSAA State Volleyball Championships. <a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/10/new-faces-wed-like-to-see-at-2024-state-tournament-pt-1/">Part 1</a> and <a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/10/new-faces-wed-like-to-see-at-2024-state-tournament-pt-2/">Part 2</a> are already out, but we have room for more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep these potential postseason additions on your radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["462582"],"_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-6716b7e3e3a99"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Dusters have hovered in Class C1's top ten throughout the 2024 season, and the team's senior leadership has much to do with this success. Wells looms large in the middle with 2.3 kills per set on a 0.243 hitting clip. She has also maintained one of C1's best blocking clips for the third consecutive season. This remarkable consistency has led to incremental gains in Holdrege's win column, and now the Dusters are within reach of the tournament field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kerry Ryan","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Ansley/Litchfield","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6716b7e3e3b3a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ryan's triumphant return to the Ansley/Litchfield lineup has instantly made the Spartans a force to be reckoned with. This extraordinary athlete plays middle blocker but can run any route along the net to get her kills. Ryan's indefensible range and versatility has yielded nearly five kills per set as Ansley/Litchfield sits seventh in the latest D1 standings. The Knights are going for their first tournament trip since 2016.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["237412"],"_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-6716b7e3e3b81"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Discoverers are still finding big wins toward the end of the regular season. Columbus High School is 20-8 this year and sits among Class A's many mega-dynasties in the wildcard standings. Miller has been a key contributor to this triumph and has enjoyed the best single-season output of her career. She puts down two kills per set from the middle and leads the Discoverers in blocks. The [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] star uses her imposing length to match up with any of Nebraska's top terminators. It's the perfect formula for a breakout tournament appearance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["276202"],"_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-6716b7e3e3bbe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Beethe is one of those can't-miss 2026s who has dominated the small-town scene since her prep career began. This physical outside hitter has racked up an astonishing 5.2 kills per set this season on an equally impressive 0.393 hitting percentage. As incredible as these numbers are, Beethe has been compiling eye-popping stats since Day 1. She has already surpassed 1,000 career kills and has the Thunderbirds in the hunt for their first tournament appearance since 2008.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["275897"],"_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-6716b7e3e3bfa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Millard West is at its best when it operates through the middle. Even after the Wildcats missed out on last year's tournament, we were confident that Thaden and her team would bounce back quickly as tournament contenders. Millard West's junior middle blocker has surpassed triple-digit kills and has a knack for scoring behind the setter. She has also reached an impressive blocking total while standing next to several new frontcourt players on this year's Wildcat team. Millard West has climbed to sixth in the Class A standings after several high-profile wins during the late-season grind.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349487"],"_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-6716b7e3e3c36"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">You can always rely on Kopf to put up massive production at the libero spot. She has racked up over 450 digs for Tri-County High School to lead all Class D1 defenders in that category. The Trojans also lean on Kopf to provide perfect passes to set up the offense in first-ball situations. Kopf's all-around effort has allowed Tri-County to climb into ninth in the Class D1 hierarchy. Ball control can be a deciding factor in grueling postseason matches, so never count out Kopf and the Trojans.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["593775"],"_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-6716b7e3e3c71"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We've mentioned that Grand Island Northwest looks poised to start a new postseason streak after coming up short of last year's tournament. This resurgence has been led by a freshman at the outside hitter spot. Janulewicz has burst onto the Class B scene with 3.7 kills per set to lead all Viking attackers. The [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] standout also gets plenty of work in the back row with over three digs per set. Northwest has just reached Class B's top eight and will keep sparring for more positions in the coming days.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Let's make it a trilogy.

We've been perusing the wildcard standings to find teams and players who might bring new energy to this year's NSAA State Volleyball Championships. Part 1 and Part 2 are already out, but we have room for more.

Keep these potential postseason additions on your radar.

Pyper Wells

Pyper Wells

NE
MB
HEIGHT 5'9"
POS MB
CLASS 2025
View Player

Pyper Wells

State: Nebraska
School: Holdrege

This evaluation is available to subscribers.

The Dusters have hovered in Class C1's top ten throughout the 2024 season, and the team's senior leadership has much to do with this success. Wells looms large in the middle with 2.3 kills per set on a 0.243 hitting…

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Kerry Ryan

Kerry Ryan

HEIGHT 6'1"
POS MB
CLASS 2025

Kerry Ryan

School: Ansley/Litchfield

This evaluation is available to subscribers.

Ryan's triumphant return to the Ansley/Litchfield lineup has instantly made the Spartans a force to be reckoned with. This extraordinary athlete plays middle blocker but can run any route along the net to get her kills. Ryan's indefensible range and…

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Nebraska Wesleyan
Taytum Miller

Taytum Miller

NE
MB
HEIGHT 6'2"
POS MB
CLASS 2025
View Player

Taytum Miller

Twitter
State: Nebraska
School: Columbus
Club: Nebraska ONE

This evaluation is available to subscribers.

The Discoverers are still finding big wins toward the end of the regular season. Columbus High School is 20-8 this year and sits among Class A's many mega-dynasties in the wildcard standings. Miller has been a key contributor to this…

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Highlights

Midland (NE)
Ashley Beethe

Ashley Beethe

NE
OH/S
HEIGHT 6'2"
POS OH/S
CLASS 2026
View Player

Ashley Beethe

State: Nebraska
School: Johnson County Central
Club: Premier Nebraska Volleyball

This evaluation is available to subscribers.

Beethe is one of those can't-miss 2026s who has dominated the small-town scene since her prep career began. This physical outside hitter has racked up an astonishing 5.2 kills per set this season on an equally impressive 0.393 hitting percentage.…

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Highlights

Taya Thaden

Taya Thaden

NE
MB
HEIGHT 6'1"
POS MB
CLASS 2026
View Player

Taya Thaden

Instagram Twitter
State: Nebraska
School: Millard West
Club: Nebraska Elite Volleyball

This evaluation is available to subscribers.

Millard West is at its best when it operates through the middle. Even after the Wildcats missed out on last year's tournament, we were confident that Thaden and her team would bounce back quickly as tournament contenders. Millard West's junior…

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Alaina Kopf

Alaina Kopf

NE
DS/L
HEIGHT 5'4"
POS DS/L
CLASS 2026
View Player

Alaina Kopf

Instagram Twitter
State: Nebraska
School: Tri County
Club: VCNebraska

This evaluation is available to subscribers.

You can always rely on Kopf to put up massive production at the libero spot. She has racked up over 450 digs for Tri-County High School to lead all Class D1 defenders in that category. The Trojans also lean on…

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Highlights

Ava Janulewicz

Ava Janulewicz

NE
OH/DS/L
HEIGHT 5'9"
POS OH/DS/L
CLASS 2028
View Player

Ava Janulewicz

State: Nebraska
School: Northwest
Club: VCNebraska

This evaluation is available to subscribers.

We've mentioned that Grand Island Northwest looks poised to start a new postseason streak after coming up short of last year's tournament. This resurgence has been led by a freshman at the outside hitter spot. Janulewicz has burst onto the…

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Highlights

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