Nebraska Recruiting Spotlight for the Class of 2022: Defensive Specialists
We move right along in our series featuring the Class of 2022, as the momentous June 15th deadline is now just a couple days away. Outside hitters, setters, and middle blockers have been covered previously. One position remains: defensive specialists.…
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Continue ReadingWe move right along in our series featuring the Class of 2022, as the momentous June 15th deadline is now just a couple days away. Outside hitters, setters, and middle blockers have been covered previously. One position remains: defensive specialists.
I’ve said it before: a good backcourt is the anchor to all elite teams. It’s an absolute necessity, and it’s the starting point to any efficient offense. Defensive specialists guide their teams to success without receiving the kind of credit or recognition often given to players at other positions. This feature is thereby meant to give defensive specialists their due credit, as well as to showcase dynamite defenders who belong on the radars of college recruiters. Let’s meet some of these players.
Zatechka
Estella Zatechka Estella Zatechka 5'8" | DS/L Elkhorn South | 2022 State #54 Nation NE – 5’8 L – Elkhorn South – Premier 16 Gold
Zatechka, like several other players we’ll see on this list, was featured in my discussion of the best liberos in the Omaha area. It was an easy decision to include her on that list, and the same thing goes for this recruiting spotlight. Zatechka remains one of the state’s most prolific backcourt prospects, possessing the quickness and agility that all coaches look for. Her ability to cover large areas of the court is a defining trait that sets Zatechka apart from the rest. The gaudy dig numbers she put up as a sophomore for Elkhorn South will continue for the rest of her prep career and beyond.
Skylar McCune Skylar McCune 5'9" | DS/L Gretna | 2022 State #53 Nation NE – 5’9 L – Gretna – Premier 16 Gold | Title Photo
It’s almost unfair to have McCune and Zatechka on the same club team. McCune, who shares the Premier back row and libero jersey with Zatechka, is known for her jaw-dropping digs on balls with serious heat. Not only does she come up with some of the most improbable digs you’ll ever see, but she regularly puts those digs right on target for her setter. McCune is the kind of player that makes difficult plays look incredibly easy. When watching her play defense, it’s easy to forget that she also puts up big numbers on offense for her Gretna team that reached last year’s Class A championship match. In other words, there’s little that McCune can’t do.
Ella Hazen Ella Hazen 5'8" | DS/L Millard West | 2022 State NE – 5’8 OH/DS – Millard West – Premier 17 Gold
A defensive specialist playing a year up with the dominant Premier 17s team, Hazen’s specialty is right-back defense. She consistently comes up with great touches that keep Premier’s high-powered offense running at full speed. Like McCune, Hazen contributes offensively at the outside hitter spot for her high school team. This steady backcourt performer applies her pin hitting experience to her defense, constantly reading her blockers to put herself in the right spot to make a play. Hazen’s experience in high-level matches will be a unique advantage as her prep career continues.
Kate Galvin Kate Galvin 5'7" | DS/L Millard North | 2022 State NE – 5’6 L – Millard North – Nebraska Elite 16-2
Few liberos stood out at last year’s state championships as much as Galvin. This back row stalwart was a star in Millard North’s run to the Class A semifinals, coming up with numerous one-armed digs that kept the Mustangs in rallies. Her hustle and drive to succeed make her a leader whenever she’s on the court. Galvin’s stock will continue to rise as a multi-year starting libero in a talented high school class, and she’s destined to create more stunning plays along the way.
Samantha Riggs Samantha Riggs 5'7" | DS/L Papillion-LaVista | 2022 State NE – 5’7 L – Papillion-LaVista – Premier 16 Black
Riggs effortlessly passes dimes in both serve receive and transition defense. She’s yet another fantastic backcourt player to wear the libero jersey for Premier. Her greatest asset is her body control. Riggs has a way of controlling her momentum and platform to direct hard-driven balls right on target. She also has amazing court vision that allows her to always be a step ahead of opposing offenses. After accumulating 370 digs last season with Papillion-LaVista, Riggs is looking for more. Playing for one of the top high school programs in the state is bound to help her get the exposure that a talented defender deserves.
Karsen VanScoy Karsen VanScoy 5'4" | DS/L Waverly | 2022 State NE – 5’4 DS – Waverly – VCNebraska 16-1
VanScoyThe final three athletes on this feature made my list of the Lincoln-area liberos to watch heading into next season. VanScoy, who was also mentioned in my Class B spotlight piece, has the technique and precision you’d expect from an elite defensive specialist. She is reliable in serve receive and makes monster plays on defense. VanScoy knows how to play low to the floor, create a balanced stance, and absorb heavy contact. Her production is set to rapidly expand as she looks to take over the libero jersey for Waverly. There’s no question that VanScoy is ready to be a leader, and success is sure to follow her.
Samantha Pryce Samantha Pryce 5'3" | DS/L Lincoln Northeast | 2022 State NE – 5’3 L – Lincoln Northeast
Pryce is an impressive athlete who was able to shoulder heavy passing responsibilities early in her prep career. She’s the unquestioned backcourt leader for the Rockets, as she covers a ton of territory on the court at all times. Pryce reacts quickly to whatever is coming at her. Her ability to create soft touches on overhand digs is particularly impressive. A libero who is always active and deliberate in her movements, Pryce should continue to garner attention while regularly facing some of the top teams in the state.
Raegan Holle Raegan Holle 5'5" | DS/L Lincoln Lutheran | 2022 State NE – 5’3 L – Lincoln Lutheran – Nebraska ONE 16-1
Holle appears to be the heir apparent at libero for Lincoln Lutheran, the defending champions of Class C1. She was recently a breakout performer at the President’s Day Classic in Omaha, where her active defense and steady platform helped boost her Nebraska ONE team. Holle has some surprisingly good length to her frame, allowing her to use her reach to stretch for tough balls. With extensive experience as a primary passer in serve receive, Holle’s consistency is typical of a great libero prospect. Many standout performances lie ahead.