Which Nebraska 16s Gained Momentum at USAV Nationals?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's carry this over to the 16s.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yesterday, we highlighted a group of Nebraska 15s who excelled on one of club volleyball's biggest stages. This year's USAV Nationals brought out the best in Nebraska's future stars, and this trend wasn't exclusive to the 15s. We have our eyes on the 16s, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a crucial summer stretch for the Class of 2027, and several names stood out through the flurry of Nationals activity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["443108"],"_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-68715bdf5c7f4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">VCNebraska 16 Elite's Gold bracket breakthrough in 16 Open has transformed the bigger picture for Nebraska's Class of 2027. Eilenstine capitalized on her time in the spotlight and played a major role in 16 Elite's Dallas triumph. The Elkhorn South standout found every way imaginable to score on the outside, even with formidable blockers in her face. Eilenstine is a perfect fit for 16 Elite's up-tempo offense and showcased a little extra explosiveness at GJNC. It's a perfect launching point to another high-profile campaign on the Class A circuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["737370"],"_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-68715bdf5c885"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Yes, we're sneaking in a Class of 2028 prospect for this one. Bridges has helped VCN 16 Elite unlock its full potential by delivering perfect passes and pinpointing her transition digs. The Ashland-Greenwood prep athlete uses a quick first step to get ahead of off-speed shots and take care of anything heading toward the "campfire." Bridges competes with a stacked group of defensive specialists in the VCN gym and still finds ways to stand out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["458162"],"_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-68715bdf5c750"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">How about McLeay stepping into the front row? This Omaha Marian standout has primarily been known for her lockdown defense in the Premier Nebraska 16 Gold lineup, but we've consistently harped on her extensive background as an outside hitter. That attacking role resurfaced at GJNC as McLeay wielded her quick right arm against the nation's most physical squads in 16 Open. She elevates well and shows a knack for tooling the block to her advantage. We'll likely get another look at McLeay's terminal ability as she pivots toward the fall season, and we can expect some big numbers in the kill column.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["521271"],"_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-68715bdf5c905"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Williams has emerged as [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 16 Black's anchor player at the right-side hitter spot. We've seen her oscillate between the middle and the right throughout her prep career, providing plenty of power and length at either position. Her opposite prowess took precedence at GJNC, where 16 Black slugged through a 16 National division loaded with Open-level competitors. Williams' blocking technique was particularly impressive as she shut down opposing left-side hitters. 16 Black has also wielded Williams' strong transition attacking to produce a balanced, unpredictable offense. This athlete is due for big strides at Lincoln Southeast this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["735209"],"_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-68715bdf5c984"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last='']'s setter depth has expanded to head-spinning levels. Hinman helped command [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 16 Black's offense during GJNC and could reliably distribute the ball in three-hitter rotations. This small-town star landed on our radar after multiple successful seasons with Fairbury High School, and Hinman is applying that experience while performing in front of a national audience. This was a foundational tournament performance in Hinman's prep career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["458128"],"_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-68715bdf5ca18"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is our chance to expand on Premier Nebraska 16 Black's stars after the team's podium effort in 16 Freedom. Langhorst had one of her best tournaments to date with a show-stopping medley of highlights in the 16 Black frontcourt. She used her incredible length to stifle opposing hitters and was a force in front of the setter in first-ball situations. Langhorst is ready to fill the stat sheet as an upperclassman and has gained incredible momentum after her Dallas trip.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["458188"],"_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-68715bdf5ca98"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hickey is back in a big way. This multi-talented athlete provided a huge spark during Premier Nebraska 16 Black's late-season charge. Hickey brings outstanding ball control in the middle-back area, but her attacking role also expanded at GJNC. This allowed 16 Black to establish another weapon in its offense and give blockers another matchup problem to think about. Hickey's willingness to fit into any lineup has set her up for a significant rise in our next 2027 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->