Payton Palmer
Payton Palmer
About Payton
Expert Analysis
Austin Kingsley | Prep Dig Scout
Elkhorn North knows all about lethal middle blockers. The short history of the school has produced a ton of frontcourt game-changers, and Palmer represents the next generation in the Class of 2028. The versatile ‘M1’ elevated her role in last year’s Elkhorn North offense, yielding nearly 300 total kills on a 0.292 average. Like Piening, Palmer made enormous gains between her underclassman years en route to last year’s Class B title match. She has proven herself as a go-to slide hitter who can make the Wolves a continuous force in two-hitter rotations. Omaha Fusion’s loaded 16s crew has kept Palmer in the spotlight ahead of a postseason trip to GJNC.
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Read EvaluationAustin Kingsley | Prep Dig Scout
Elkhorn North has never been afraid to lean on underclassman middle blockers. Palmer perpetuated this trend and put up eye-popping numbers for last year’s Class B runner-up. She ranked second on the team in kills and hitting percentage while also pacing the Wolves in blocks. Palmer brought a rare combination of lateral quickness and size to the net, allowing her to become a multi-faceted threat across the front row. Sophomores don’t often take the mantle as a team’s top slide hitter, but Palmer was ready to defy the odds. Her upcoming tenure with Nebraska Juniors will be fascinating to follow.
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Read EvaluationAustin Kingsley | Prep Dig Scout
Elkhorn North’s exemplary 2025 season gave us plenty of new sophomores to follow. Palmer stepped into the team’s M1 role this year, providing every skill you could ask for from a middle blocker. Her efficiency on the slide escalated throughout the year to help spread the Wolves’ offense from pin to pin. Palmer could also dish out tough balls in her serving rotation and wasn’t afraid to get involved in floor defense. Experiencing a championship environment will only accelerate Palmer’s growth.
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Read EvaluationAustin Kingsley | Prep Dig Scout
Elkhorn North’s front row is set for the present and future. Palmer represents the next wave of leaders for the Wolves and has eclipsed 200 kills in Year 2 with the program. She’s a prolific slide hitter who thrives in Elkhorn North’s M1 spot–a prominent role to carry with one of Class B’s best teams. Of course, this positional designation has also allowed Palmer to wield her wicked serve and play a little defense along the end line, too. The late-season stretch will offer no shortage of opportunities for Palmer to hone her craft against tough competition.
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