AAU Nationals Preview: NE Jrs 15 Black
Our AAU previews keep rolling along! We’ve already looked at VCNebraska 15 Elite in 15 Open. Now, we’re looking at VCN’s neighbors in the same division: Nebraska Juniors 15 Black. NE Juniors has stockpiled some impressive talent on this 15s…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOur AAU previews keep rolling along!
We’ve already looked at VCNebraska 15 Elite in 15 Open. Now, we’re looking at VCN’s neighbors in the same division: Nebraska Juniors 15 Black.
NE Juniors has stockpiled some impressive talent on this 15s team, so it’s no surprise that they find themselves in the hunt for an Open title.
Let’s spotlight some of the players that got them to Orlando.
Carolyn Maser Carolyn Maser 6'1" | S Grand Island Central Catholic | 2024 State NE is a natural leader for this team. She’s a long, physical setter who can accomplish just about anything regardless of rotation. Maser puts up an intimidating block on the right pin and plays stout defense in the backcourt. Most of all, she has a feel for distributing the ball to her hitters. This is a player who helps her teammates succeed, and that’s why Maser finds herself in the top five in our preliminary 2024 rankings.
Speaking of physicality, I love the strength that Lucy Ghaifan Lucy Ghaifan 6'1" | MB Grand Island Central Catholic | 2023 State NE and Celia Spilker Celia Spilker 6'5" | OH Norris | 2024 State NE bring to the middle blocker spot. Spilker is one of my stock-rising 2024s to watch given her imposing presence at the net. She is every bit of her listed 6’4 height and has impressive lateral quickness for someone so tall. The same can be said of her counterpart in the middle for this team. Note that Ghaifan is also a young 2023 whose recruitment is already open.
Lefty opposites are usually exciting for scouts and coaches, and NE Jrs has one in Kiera Busboom. This right-side hitter fits in perfectly with all the other long and talented players on this roster. Busboom is a tough matchup for any blockers not used to facing a southpaw attacker who can terminate whether or not her team is in system.
While we’re on the topic of outlet hitters, Delainey Cast Delainey Cast 5'7" | OH Syracuse | 2024 State NE is another pin who can put the ball away regardless of the circumstances. Her elevation and fluid approach stand out from a lot of other players in the 15s division. Also possessing backcourt skills as a six-rotation left side, Cast is clearly an indispensable contributor to this team’s success. Her high standing in our 2024 rankings is definitely warranted.
This team has depth, too. Emma Hall and Jordan Vogler can put down some solid swings on the right pin, and Kya Branch is a reliable option on the left. Kadyn Sisco Kadyn Sisco 5'11" | MB Syracuse | 2024 State NE is a fun middle to watch and is a do-everything athlete for Syracuse High School.
Similarly, the backcourt has plenty of good options. This team can be comfortable putting a few different players in the libero jersey. Kendra Riekenberg consistently makes solid defensive plays from all three zones across the back row. Even as a young player, she has no problem placing the ball on her setter’s head. Also contributing to the squad’s stout ball control are Addie Hatcliff and Rylie Slaymaker. Collectively, this team has the pieces to be successful in multiple phases.
Nebraska Juniors 15 Black begins pool play on Tuesday morning against Academy 15E Venom.