Middle Blockers Already Looming Large in Nebraska 2029 Watch List

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're already excited about this group's potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we've mentioned in previous features throughout the week, our new Nebraska 2029 watch list is loaded with unknowns. This release brought about 150 names into our database, but many of these athletes have seen limited time in the prep spotlight. The 15U club season is our big introduction to many top performers in an emergent class, so we're bound to learn a lot in the next few months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Still, some 2029s are enjoying a headstart. This could be due to a meteoric freshman ascent or a big outing at one of our 2025 showcases. Whatever the case, we've already had a small glimpse at early contenders for our first set of rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look for these middle blockers to join the fray.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["911375"],"_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-696ae101bfdde"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zelasney is one of several Nebraska Elite athletes who made themselves right at home at December's Nebraska Exposure Tour. That's not just because of the venue, either. This physical middle blocker connected well with any setter on her side of the net and was an eye-catching terminator from the beginning of positional drills. Zelasney hits at a high contact point and is equally explosive when making her blocking moves. We're eager to see Nebraska Elite's leading 15s team operate with Zelasney anchoring the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["738511"],"_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-696ae101bfed6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bauer has given us plenty of early highlight moments to cement her spot on the watch list. She has already made multiple stops on the Prep Dig Circuit, exhibiting her unmatched power and strength in front of the setter. Bauer also brought her well-rounded game to Grand Island Northwest's lineup last fall, tallying about a kill per set on a 0.223 clip. This driven athlete will reinforce the growing pipeline between GINW and [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] this spring. It's a combo that's sure to deliver again in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["896272"],"_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-696ae101bffbe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gerdes is the kind of middle blocker that has made Papio South an unstoppable Class A dynasty on Nebraska's prep stage. We may need to wait for Gerdes's turn in the Titan lineup, but we can bet on her immediate impact with Premier Nebraska 15 Gold. Gerdes is a quick, fluid middle blocker whose pin-to-pin agility became a focal point of our Nebraska Exposure Tour. She combines that with some exceptional attacking range, particularly in front of the setter. This versatility will flourish no matter which system Premier Nebraska 15 Gold deploys this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["893909"],"_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-696ae101c0066"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Let's work some rural gems into the discussion. Hanzel was an efficient scorer during her time in the Cedar Bluffs lineup, amassing triple-digit kills in just 48 total sets. The Wildcats found various ways to incorporate Hanzel in the attacking pattern, even if it meant running their middle blocker on the pin. As we pivot to the upcoming club season, Hanzel will take her talents to the next top 15s group at South Central NE. Look out for the Great Plains Region's newest underdogs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["932976"],"_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-696ae101c011a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ord High School is well represented on our 2029 watch list. The Chanticleers were not afraid to lean on their underclassmen, and Wilson set a tremendous example with her 143-kill campaign. She fortified the M2 spot and helped establish the middle as Ord's strength in 2025. Aside from her outstanding statistical production, Wilson closed seams in the team's defense and made positive block touches in transition. That wide-ranging influence will keep her in the small-town conversation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["932961"],"_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-696ae101c01ff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It's only fitting that we wrap up with a state champion. Wynot's march to the Class D2 title would not have been possible without Pinkelman, who scored on both sides of the setter with equal effectiveness. The Blue Devils fooled opposing blockers by allowing Pinkelman to switch up her routes in first-ball situations. She's a true middle-opposite hybrid who can take over a match at any time. Her 187 kills a year ago just scratch the surface of how high Pinkelman can climb.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->