Early Watch List for the Prep Dig Omaha Summer Bash
The Prep Dig Omaha Summer Bash is scheduled for July 17-18, and we’ve already got a good feel for some of the great talent expected at the event. Of course, there is still time to register, and teams are still…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Dig Omaha Summer Bash is scheduled for July 17-18, and we’ve already got a good feel for some of the great talent expected at the event. Of course, there is still time to register, and teams are still signing up!
I’ve been incredibly encouraged by the extensive safety measures being implemented at events across the Prep Network lately, including tournaments on the Prep Hoops Circuit. By continuing to follow guidance from local health officials and other experts, I’m confident that we can have a safe and fulfilling experience that helps elevate great volleyball players around the region. I look forward to seeing some of you there!
Speaking of elevating players, I wanted to showcase some players and teams worth watching among squads who have already registered for the Summer Bash. We’ve got a great preliminary list of entrants from which to work, and that list will only continue to grow!
So, here are some storylines to follow:
Class Favorites
Recently, I spoke of “unfinished business” in the high school scene. It turns out that many high school teams who are serious title contenders in their respective classes are looking to jumpstart their championship runs with some live action at the Omaha Summer Bash.
The Waverly Vikings will be making the trip, several months removed from a 2019 campaign in which they reached the Class B tournament semifinals. Last year’s two seed has something to prove. After watching the Skutt Skyhawks reign supreme in their class for the last half-decade, Waverly has the talent and the motivation to push for the Class B throne.
St. Paul, too, is looking to capture a state title after falling short a year ago. The Wildcats saw last year’s previously undefeated season come to an end in the Class C1 title match with a loss to Lincoln Lutheran. St. Paul returns and reloads with a lot of firepower, and they look to put their talent on display in Omaha this month.
The two aforementioned teams are looking to steal a state crown in 2020, but Diller-Odell is trying to defend one. The powerhouse of Class D1 has to replace some important pieces from last year’s 36-1 champion, but they return an enviable amount of talent, as well. This Griffins squad will surely take full advantage of this opportunity to work on team cohesion and chemistry as they eye another title in the fall.
Stars of 2021
We’ve discussed some of the strong teams that will make an appearance in Omaha, but which players need to be on your radar at the Summer Bash? When I look at the rosters of teams currently registered, I see a heavy dose of talented players from the Class of 2021. It should be no surprise that the great teams in the Summer Bash field are anchored by strong seniors-to-be.
Waverly, for example, will look to outside hitter Whitney Lauenstein Whitney Lauenstein 6'1" | OH Waverly | 2021 State NE (Nebraska) to lead the charge in 2020. This high flyer will lead the Vikings with her hard-hitting style and infectious personality. She’s simply a can’t-miss player whose development has exploded in the past several months.
The senior stardom doesn’t stop there. Lutheran High Northeast’s Becca Gebhardt is another 2021 outside hitter who can carry a huge offensive load for her team. Her ability to terminate helped the Eagles to a Class C2 tournament berth last year after a decades-long drought. Gebhardt quite literally has a program-changing swing.
Macy Kamler Macy Kamler 5'9" | OH BDS | 2021 State NE will be a force from the middle and the left pin for Bruning-Davenport-Shickley, who enters the Summer Bash after a championship-winning 2019 campaign in Class D2. Kamler’s extraordinary power and control will likely make her a standout player while competing against some of the best teams in the state.
Lastly, Addison Heidemann (Iowa State) is a do-it-all setter who runs the show for Diller-Odell. Even small schools can produce D1 talent, and Heidemann is a perfect example. I’m excited to watch her go to work against Nebraska’s heavyweight schools.
Getting Back in the Swing of Things
Perhaps the most prevalent theme of the Prep Dig Omaha Summer Bash is just the process of getting back onto the court. It’s a chance to regroup with your high school teammates and get back into the rhythm of live volleyball. Some Summer Bash participants have already taken part in the Get Back on the Court club tournament at Nebraska Elite, but, for many, this Prep Dig event represents a new start.
With our eyes toward the future, I’m hopeful that we will soon be able to return to the regular volleyball routines that all of us miss so much.
See you in Omaha.