Must-See Matchups Mark the Return of High School Action
We’re back! Amid a gauntlet of confusion and uncertainty in the world of sports, Nebraska is set to make its long-awaited return to high school volleyball competition. For those players who lost an immeasurable amount of playing time when this…
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Amid a gauntlet of confusion and uncertainty in the world of sports, Nebraska is set to make its long-awaited return to high school volleyball competition. For those players who lost an immeasurable amount of playing time when this year’s club season was cut short, getting back to a team-based routine is a welcomed change. It’s a chance to reunite with teammates and enjoy the sport we all love. I can’t wait to see it all unfold.
As we steamroll toward the start of a new season, I thought I would give you some pointers on just a few things I’ll be watching during the opening weekend. Overall, I’m excited to compile some fresh scouting reports and discover new talent. That’s what this is all about.
So, here’s a little viewer’s guide to kickstart the 2020 season. Let’s go!
Elkhorn Excitement
There are plenty of marquee matchups taking place around the state this week, but few cities will be hosting as many compelling showdowns as Elkhorn.
Elkhorn South welcomes Gretna and Millard West into their gym for what should be a fantastic triangular series. The source of appeal here is simple: tons of high-level talent.
The Storm will look to defend their home court behind the leadership of three D1-bound stars in middle blocker Rylee Gray (Nebraska), libero Estella Zatechka Estella Zatechka 5'8" | DS/L Elkhorn South | 2022 State #54 Nation NE (Missouri), and setter Madi Woodin Madi Woodin 5'6" | S Elkhorn South | 2022 State NE (South Dakota). I’ll be looking for other multi-talented ball control players to step up for Elkhorn South, like Kylie Weeks Kylie Weeks 5'7" | OH Elkhorn South | 2022 State #151 Nation NE and Annie Millard Annie Millard 5'6" | OH Elkhorn South | 2023 State NE . Katie Galligan Katie Galligan 5'6" | DS/L Elkhorn South | 2022 State #162 Nation NE is another defensive specialist that should cement the Storm’s status as a passing powerhouse.
Meanwhile, Gretna feels like it has much to prove after finishing last year as the Class A runner-up. The Dragons have college-bound talent of their own in outside hitters Skylar McCune Skylar McCune 5'9" | DS/L Gretna | 2022 State #53 Nation NE (Creighton) and Emma Prentice (North Dakota State). With McCune recovering from an injury, however, I’ll be interested to see who steps up for this squad. Be sure to follow how the rest of the lineup shakes out as Gretna looks to reach new heights in 2020.
Then, there’s Millard West, a team that I expect to be a fierce competitor this year. Senior Bridget Smith leads the way at the setting position, where she’ll have a great supporting cast that includes middle blocker Sadie Millard Sadie Millard 5'9" | MB Millard West | 2022 State NE and outside hitter Ella Hazen Ella Hazen 5'8" | DS/L Millard West | 2022 State NE . The Wildcats will also boast the addition of a top-tier pin hitter, Maddie MacTaggart Maddie MacTaggart 5'10" | OH Millard South | 2022 State NE . Millard West is looking to bring a great team to the fold in an incredibly competitive Class A, and it all starts on Thursday.
The Aurora Trio
We travel about two hours west on I-80 to look at another exciting opening-day round-robin taking place in Aurora. The Huskies are hosting Norris and Wahoo, and that looks to be some can’t-miss volleyball on day one.
Aurora has to replace a couple of key attackers, but they return senior outside hitter Kassidy Hudson Kassidy Hudson 5'8" | RS Aurora | 2021 State NE . This is a team that will surely benefit from the retention of their two setters, senior Raina Cattau Raina Cattau 5'4" | S Aurora | 2021 State NE and sophomore Kasey Schuster Kasey Schuster Aurora | NE . I look forward to watching them challenge some heavyweights.
Speaking of heavyweights, Norris feels like they have a real shot to contend for the Class B title that has been monopolized by Skutt for the past half-decade. Their confidence is warranted. Senior middle blocker Kalli Kroeker (Wayne State) leads the way for the Titans with quick slide attacks that are incredibly difficult to defend. Norris has an equally dynamic pin-hitting attack led by juniors Ella Waters Ella Waters 6'3" | OH Norris | 2022 State NE and Sydney Jelinek Sydney Jelinek 5'10" | OH Norris | 2022 State NE . And, because I’m always an enthusiast of good ball control, I’d advise you to keep an eye on a player who can both set and dig heat: Maisie Boesiger Maisie Boesiger 5'5" | S Norris | 2022 State #198 Nation NE .
We round out our discussion of this triangular with another competitor in their respective class, Wahoo. This Class C1 powerhouse returns two big names in senior setter Elle Glock (USC) and junior outside hitter Mya Larson Mya Larson 5'11" | OH Wahoo | 2022 State #168 Nation NE . It may be tempting to simply end the discussion there, but other important pieces are also back. Watch for Kelsie Sears and Mya Emerson Mya Emerson 5'9" | MB Wahoo | 2022 NE to elevate their play along the net and put the Warriors firmly atop their division.
A Capital City Clash
I’m a Lincoln guy, so I’ve got to give you a couple quick hits from the Star City.
Immediately, Thursday’s match between Lincoln Lutheran and Waverly has to catch your eye. The defending C1 champion Warriors are officially moving on from the Marriah Buss Marriah Buss 6'1" | OH Lincoln Lutheran | 2020 State NE era, but not without a tremendous amount of talent still on the roster. Senior middle blocker Abi Wohlgemuth is a major offensive contributor who will likely take over a leadership role in the Warriors’ pursuit of another state title. I’ve previously tabbed Raegan Holle Raegan Holle 5'5" | DS/L Lincoln Lutheran | 2022 State NE as a rising star at defensive specialist for Lutheran, and she looks to take control of the backcourt as a junior.
And, of course, Waverly is like Norris in that they believe in their ability to challenge Skutt for Class B. The Allick sisters look to be making a smooth transition to this Vikings team, and senior outside hitter Whitney Lauenstein Whitney Lauenstein 6'1" | OH Waverly | 2021 State NE (Nebraska) is a proven force. Yeah, Class B is really, really stacked.
While this is not nearly a comprehensive list of all the action taking place on opening weekend, I hope you’ve got a good idea of how excited I am to see live volleyball again.
Let’s enjoy it.