Highlights from Another Thursday Battle in Class A
Enticing Class A matchups became a theme of my recent midweek road trips. In case you missed it, I’ve already done a breakdown on another huge Class A contest that went down on Tuesday night. On Thursday night, though, the…
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Continue ReadingEnticing Class A matchups became a theme of my recent midweek road trips. In case you missed it, I’ve already done a breakdown on another huge Class A contest that went down on Tuesday night.
On Thursday night, though, the spotlight was focused in the Elkhorn South gym for the Storm’s battle with Papillion-La Vista. With both teams featuring an abundance of talented athletes, it was the home team that came out with a convincing victory, 3-0.
Beyond the final score, several players stood out for their stellar individual performances. Today’s feature explores two of the big themes from the match, including the names that you need to know from this high-level duel.
Offense from a Crew of College Commits
Much of the mystique around this match was due to the talented bunch of players on both sides who have already made their collegiate pledges. Suffice it to say, these committed athletes delivered on Thursday.
Rylee Gray, the 2021 middle blocker who’s headed to Nebraska, was the focal point of the Storm’s offense. That’s nothing new. She stretches the court so well with her powerful swings from in front of the setter or behind on the slide. Her blocking is perhaps even more impressive, though. I’ve noticed that tipping against Gray’s block is not an effective strategy, as she has an uncanny ability to hang in the air and snap at balls while she’s on the way down. It’s fun to watch!
#Huskers commit Rylee Gray delivering another kill early in the second set. #nebpreps pic.twitter.com/WylpfIdkao
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) September 11, 2020
But, we should not forget that Gray’s offense is allowed to flourish partly because of her skilled setter, Madi Woodin Madi Woodin 5'6" | S Elkhorn South | 2022 State NE . The 2022 prospect bound for South Dakota has superb control of her high-powered Storm attack. She is so good at throwing opposing blockers off balance by setting her back row hitters when nobody’s expecting it. That just makes all her hitters better.
And we can’t forget a pair of committed players who made a big difference for Papillion-La Vista. It all starts with Norah Sis, the 2021 outside hitter who will take her incredible talents down the road to Creighton. She’s legit! Sis can vary her shots so well, and don’t forget that she can take huge rips at the ball whenever she wants to. Of course, the Monarchs leave her in the backcourt, too, because her defense and passing are so strong.
Another CRANK from Norah Sis, the future @CreightonVB Bluejay! #nebpreps pic.twitter.com/eQ3g8PSb8N
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) September 11, 2020
Then there’s Logan Jeffus Logan Jeffus 6'0" | OH Papillion-LaVista | 2021 State NE , a 2021 middle blocker and club teammate to Sis. This well-rounded athlete will bring her hard-hitting style to Louisiana-Monroe. The Warhawks will surely find a big role for her. Jeffus has great swing blocking technique, can pound the ball on offense, and is a spectacular teammate. There was undoubtedly a host of great college talents on the floor Thursday.
Great swing out of the middle from Logan Jeffus Logan Jeffus 6'0" | OH Papillion-LaVista | 2021 State NE for @PLHS_Volleyball! The 2021 middle is committed to @ULM_VB. #nebpreps pic.twitter.com/uLUGfQaJk6
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) September 11, 2020
D-E-F-E-N-S-E
How about the floor defense in this match? Unbelievable.
One of the things I really admire from Elkhorn South is that their outstanding backcourt play is the result of contributions from both defensive specialists and six-rotation hitters. A player like Kylie Weeks Kylie Weeks 5'7" | OH Elkhorn South | 2022 State #151 Nation NE exemplifies this, as she puts as much effort into her big swings in the front row as she does digging hard balls in the back row. Keeping hard-driven balls off the floor is the lifeblood of this Storm team. This is a testament to the skill of Weeks, Missouri commit Estella Zatechka Estella Zatechka 5'8" | DS/L Elkhorn South | 2022 State #54 Nation NE , defensive specialists Katie Galligan Katie Galligan 5'6" | DS/L Elkhorn South | 2022 State #162 Nation NE and Maddie Henry Maddie Henry 5'8" | OH Elkhorn South | 2023 State NE , and a lot of other great contributors. Henry will take swings from the right-back position, too. The versatility of this lineup is what set the Storm over the top on Thursday.
The Monarchs, though, showed some gritty defense of their own. I want to give props to Samantha Riggs Samantha Riggs 5'7" | DS/L Papillion-LaVista | 2022 State NE , Papio’s junior libero who was the clear backcourt leader for her team. She knows how to absorb contact and pass dimes in the toughest situations. Having a libero like that is what every coach looks for. I don’t think this loss will define the season for the Monarchs, and their back row play will be the key to getting back on track.
From the rafters to the floor! 👀 pic.twitter.com/072jxneN4t
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) September 11, 2020