Omaha Outsides: Moving South to Sarpy County
Okay, Sarpy County, now it’s your turn. Earlier, I looked at some of the best pin hitters in the Douglas County section of Omaha. It’s time to focus our attention toward the south in an area that is rich in…
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Continue ReadingOkay, Sarpy County, now it’s your turn.
Earlier, I looked at some of the best pin hitters in the Douglas County section of Omaha. It’s time to focus our attention toward the south in an area that is rich in prep volleyball tradition and success. The Sarpy suburbs of Omaha have produced numerous superstar players over the years, and the depth of talent present in this area today indicates that this superstar trend will continue. Here are some names to know from this next generation of talent at the outside hitter position:
Sis
Norah Sis – 6’1 OH – Papillion-LaVista – Premier 17 Gold – Class of 2021 (Creighton Commit)
It seems fitting to start this Omaha-based list with a player who will be spending her collegiate years right at home. Sis, who has undoubtedly cemented herself as one of the top overall prospects in the state, is committed to Omaha’s Big East volleyball powerhouse, Creighton University. The Bluejays have to be excited about adding Sis in 2021, as this Papio outside hitter has been dominating the Class A volleyball scene since she joined the fray as a freshman. Sis has averaged over 400 kills per season in her three years with the Monarchs, and has a phenomenal .336 career hitting percentage. The reason for her success is apparent: she elevates effortlessly, has a heavy arm, and plays such a well-rounded game. Her passing is phenomenal, and she is skilled at hitting out of the pipe. Creighton is getting an outside hitter with the kind of six-rotation skills that invariably lead to next-level success.
LeGrand
Ava LeGrand Ava LeGrand 5'11" | S Papillion-LaVista South | 2022 State #46 Nation NE – 5’11 OH/S – Papillion-LaVista South – Nebraska Juniors 17-1 – Class of 2022
I know, there’s a huge caveat here. LeGrand is an elite setter. There’s perhaps a consensus that her future is at the setting position, as she has incredible hands, creates hittable balls in out-of-system plays, and has remarkable control of her tempo. But besides being an exceptional setter, LeGrand is a great pin hitter, too. If you didn’t see her in last year’s Class A title match, you missed out, because LeGrand had one of the most incredible individual performances I’ve ever witnessed. As a setter and a hitter, LeGrand put down 22 kills, 5 blocks, 21 digs, and 20 assists. She was not going to lose that match, even as her Titans squad took on the underdog role throughout the entire tournament. Ava belongs on this list because she can do it all.
Kiviniemi
Kealy Kiviniemi Kealy Kiviniemi 5'11" | RS Bellevue West | 2022 State NE – 6’0 RS – Bellevue West – Premier 16 Gold – Class of 2022
Kiviniemi’s greatest strength is her versatility, which is almost always a sign of a great player. While Kiviniemi is perhaps best suited for the right pin, she showed her ability to be a go-to middle attacker during the 2020 club season. At opposite, she uses her long arms and great vertical to drive the ball through and around any block. Kiviniemi was a major contributor in her first two years with Bellevue West, averaging about 250 kills per season for the Thunderbirds. Through her experience in high school and club, Kiviniemi is accustomed to playing in big matches. This will serve her well wherever her bright future takes her.
Destiny Ndam-Simpson – 6’1 OH – Bellevue West – Nebraska Elite 15-1 – Class of 2023
She is young, and yet you can already see the potential. Ndam-Simpson is a high-flying outside hitter with a wicked arm swing that can devastate even strong defenses. She particularly excels at taking inside sets from the middle of the net and burying the ball cross-court. Ndam-Simpson is a spark plug for any team she’s on; her smiles and positive energy are incredibly valuable to those on her side of the net. She took on a big role for Bellevue West and rose to the occasion. Her continued development will surely lead to attention from recruiters in the very near future.
Stella Adeyemi Stella Adeyemi 5'9" | OH Papillion-LaVista South | 2023 State #95 Nation NE – 5’9 OH – Papillion-LaVista South – Premier 15-1 Gold – Class of 2023
Don’t overlook her because she’s five-foot-nine. Adeyemi is a star in the making. She has a fast, whippy swing that contacts the ball at the top of her huge vertical. It’s incredibly striking to watch the heat she can put on the ball while making it all look so effortless. Her power allows her to tool blocks with ease. Adeyemi’s fluid movements not only help her elevate, but also serve her well when passing in zone five. She tallied 229 kills in her first season with the state champion Titans, and her best is clearly yet to come.