Nebraska 18s Standouts at MLK Challenge
Last week, we previewed the Nebraska teams that would be fighting for bids at the MLK Challenge in Kansas City. In the aftermath of all the action, it’s time to take a look at which players stood out over the…
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Continue ReadingLast week, we previewed the Nebraska teams that would be fighting for bids at the MLK Challenge in Kansas City. In the aftermath of all the action, it’s time to take a look at which players stood out over the weekend.
We’re jumping all around the Nebraska club map for this one. It’s always nice to have a good variety of teams and players to cover at a big event, and the Kansas City qualifier was no exception. So, let’s see who excelled in one of the earliest pressure tests of the 2022 club season.
Gabby Notter – 5’11 MB – VCNebraska 18 Black
We’ll start in the realm of shutdown middle blockers, where Notter was one of the best in the 18 USA division. She consistently put herself in the right position to disrupt opposing offenses and can read setters well. Notter will also provide plenty of fire and energy for this team moving forward.
Courtney Holsteen Courtney Holsteen 6'0" | RS Lincoln Southwest | 2022 State NE – 5’11 OH/RS – VCNebraska 18 Black
Holsteen proved last weekend that she can thrive on either pin. She is primarily thought of as an opposite, but this Sioux Falls commit brought some impressive left-side swings to Kansas City. Holsteen’s range will always be an asset, too, and that holds true on the right or the left.
Jayna Hope Jayna Hope 5'6" | S Bellevue West | 2022 State NE – 5’8 S – Premier Nebraska 18 Black
I always love to feature players who can do a little bit of everything, and Hope fits that description well. She looked very sharp while setting for this 18 Black team, and we already know that she can play some stout backcourt defense. Hope was even a secondary attacking option on the right side throughout the event.
Lillian Parolek – 5’4 DS/L – Nebraska ONE 18 Black
Parolek demonstrated her ability to defend any zone in the backcourt without a hitch. She’s also not afraid to command a large portion of the court in serve receive, which is always a valuable trait to have on your side of the net.
Alexis Gates Alexis Gates 6'0" | MB Lincoln Southeast | 2022 State NE – 5’10 MB – VCNebraska 18 Elite
Gates has been making an impact in the VCN gym for a while, and it’s exciting to see her get back on the court. The Lincoln Southwest product is an imposing blocker who instinctively knows which angles to take away. Keep Gates on your radar as the club season progresses.
Haley Bedlan – 5’7 DS/L – Nebraska Elite 18 Crossfire
Solid ball control has been a hallmark of many Nebraska Elite teams, and Bedlan brings that to 18 Crossfire. Not only does her passing stand up to any serve in any rotation, but this libero is not afraid to lay out to keep a play alive.
Grace Kremer Grace Kremer 6'0" | MB Skutt | 2022 State NE – 6’2 MB – Nebraska Elite 18 Crossfire
Kremer has seen her share of big stages on the prep level. The four-time state champion is taking her title-winning skills to the club courts with Crossfire, and she certainly stood out over the weekend. Unsurprisingly, this Omaha Skutt middle blocker brought some unmatched physicality and will continue to be a dominant force throughout the year.
Lily Ziebarth – 5’4 DS/L – Banzai 18 Select
Ziebarth is yet another reliable libero to make this feature. The backcourt steadiness that I saw from her at the season-opening Premier Showcase carried into her performance in Kansas City. With Ziebarth’s defensive expertise, this Banzai team will continue to improve.