2024 Outside Hitters Leading the Youth Movement in Nebraska
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Our second installment in today’s doubleheader of position spotlights moves over to the outside hitter spot. It’s time to look at some sophomore attackers who are already filling up the stat sheet in the 2021 season. I’ve discussed before how…
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Continue ReadingOur second installment in today’s doubleheader of position spotlights moves over to the outside hitter spot. It’s time to look at some sophomore attackers who are already filling up the stat sheet in the 2021 season.
I’ve discussed before how difficult it is to make big contributions as an underclassman outside hitter. Even so, the players in this feature have pulled it off. I’m blown away every year by the young talents that show up and perform so well on the big stage, and these athletes are a great example of that.
Let’s meet a few of the standouts from the early weeks of this year’s high school slate.
Natalie Pieper – 5’6 OH – Howells-Dodge
I’ve hyped up the strong start for Howells-Dodge a lot lately, and now it’s time to give some credit to the players that helped make it happen. Pieper has cumulatively hit well over .300 so far this year. She’s showing no signs of slowing down. This all-around attacker is also a vital piece of the Jaguars backcourt, so the impact she’ll have over her career should be tremendous.
Alli Brungardt Alli Brungardt 5'6" | OH Norfolk Catholic | 2024 State NE – 5’8 OH – Norfolk Catholic
Brungardt brings an exciting skillset to the left pin. She jumps well, is quick off the floor, and can hit in a variety of gaps along the net. Brungardt moves like a backcourt defender because she’s comfortable in that phase of the game, too. Norfolk Catholic will make great use of their sophomore hitter as they look to get back to the state title match.
Haedyn Hoos Haedyn Hoos 5'9" | OH Grand Island Senior High | 2024 State NE – 5’9 OH – Grand Island
Hoos is another rising star for Grand Island that I got to see on opening week. She’s a hitter that plays way above her height and has a heavy swing that can beat any block. Her range is impressive for such a young attacker, and Hoos will only get better in this Islander program.
Lauren Jones Lauren Jones 5'9" | OH Millard West | 2024 State NE – 5’9 OH – Millard West
Jones has put together some memorable performances in club competition, and she’s an important part of a great high school team, too. This sophomore is yet another lethal pin attacker that the Wildcats’ opponents will have to deal with. Jones is an effortless flyer and also brings some sharp ball control to the court. It’s a perfect fit for a well-rounded Millard West team.
Morgan Glaser Morgan Glaser 6'0" | OH Papillion-La Vista | 2024 State NE – 6’0 OH – Papillion-La Vista
After the Monarchs lost some star seniors at the end of last year, this perennial powerhouse program needed some young talent to step up. Glaser quickly helped fill the void. She’s a long outside hitter who brings a ton of different shots to the pin. After terminating 20 times in Papio’s triumph over Elkhorn South, it appears Glaser is poised to lead the next wave of game-changers for this team.
Lexi Hans Lexi Hans 5'11" | OH Platteview | 2024 State NE – 5’11 OH – Platteview
There are no doubts about Hans’ ability to lead an offense. She’s easily exceeded three kills per set this season and often saves her biggest numbers for big matches. The Trojans have had some gems come through their program over the years, and Hans has the potential to be the next in line.