Team: Bancroft-Rosalie-Lyons-Decatur
Mascot: Wolverines
Colors: Blue and Gold
Class: C-2
Head Coach: Rebecca James
2015 record: N/A
Returning Starters: 4/2
Overview:
The former Bancroft-Rosalie Panthers and Lyons-Decatur Northeast Cougars have teamed up and formed one team, the Bancroft-Rosalie-Lyons-Decatur Wolverines.
The Head Coach is Rebecca James, who was the Bancroft-Rosalie Head Coach.
Six total starters from the two schools return for the Wolverines, and they are Lexie Bacon and Kelly Wakeley (LDNE), and Tess Nottleman, Kennedy Schuttler, Vicki Gatzmeyer, and Kylee Cole (BR).
James says the transition has been good. "The girls have really joined together quite nicely. The new team has created more competitive practices, and I hope a higher level of play."
It's good to hear practices have been more competitive as that could help give BRLD a competitive edge against some of the teams on their schedule with the Wolverines being a C-2 school.
James says being in C-2 only affects the Wolverines in the postseason. "Playing in a larger class will mainly affect us come subdistrict time. Otherwise, our schedule remained much the same with conference schools. I think that we will be competitive on our schedule and during the subdistrict time."
Both schools lost experienced players from last season, but James feels the team has been able to rebuild those positions.
When asked about any newcomers who could have a big impact, James simply said joining forces is a big deal. "I think just joining together as BRLD will be a big impact for both of our previous teams."
There's no doubt the Wolverines should be pretty good and competitive this year. It's a boost in talent and numbers than if both schools were still separate.
BRLD should have a competitive advantage against some of the teams on their schedule in terms of overall talent and numbers.
Depth shouldn't be an issue for the Wolverines, and BRLD should have plenty of players to step in and help out should a certain player or certain players struggle.
The Wolverines have probably had quite a bit of practice time to get accustomed to their new teammates, their tendencies, style of play, etc, so being familiar with one another shouldn't be an issue come next Thursday, but you never know what will happen come match time.
It might take BRLD a little time to settle in and get used to being one team, but once the Wolverines work out all the kinks, look for them to have success.
Season Outlook:
BRLD has some challenging matches this season, in my opinion, and they appear to be against Clarkson/Leigh, Oakland-Craig, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Scribner-Snyder, Wisner-Pilger, Howells-Dodge, North Bend Central, and Tekamah-Herman, plus any tough tournament teams.
I look for BRLD to be challenged quite a bit this year, but rise to the occasion and win some big matches.
The Wolverines are going to need to win some big matches to help prepare them for the postseason, and I think it's safe to say BRLD will be battle tested come sub district time.
James says her squad has to be aggressive and take control up front. "We have to be aggressive and control the net. If we do those things, I believe we will have much success. "
Nottleman is one player in particular that is capable of controlling things at the net, in my opinion. Her height and presence at the net gives her an advantage over a lot of players she will go up against.
James feels it's going to be a good year. "I think that we will be pleased with this new season as BRLD – I think our towns, schools, and surrounding communities may be surprised by what this new team can do."
The Wolverines have to control things on their side of the net, meaning BRLD has to dig, hit, attack, pass, and serve well.
The Wolverines have to give 100% effort at all times, and make opposing teams earn their points.
If BRLD can be good at not beating themselves, and can limit silly mistakes and uncharacteristic things, they should put themselves in a position to beat anyone they play.
The Wolverines have a tough schedule, yes, but they have a lot of talent themselves and should be a team to be reckoned with this season.
I think joining forces is going to help these two schools more than it is going to hurt them. It may take some time for this new team to gel, but look for BRLD to hit their stride at some point in the regular season.
The Wolverines are in Sub District C2-4 with Homer, Omaha Nation, Ponca, and Wakefield.
2016 Bancroft-Rosalie-Lyons-Decatur Wolverines Volleyball Schedule:
09/01-09/03 (To Be Determined) Northeast Nebraska Classic (2/3-Day Tournament) Wisner/Pender
09/06/16 Clarkson/Leigh
09/08-09/10 (To Be Determined) Wakefield Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament) Wakefield
09/13/16 Oakland-Craig Triangular (host: Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family)
09/13/16 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family Triangular (host: Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family)
09/17 (To Be Determined) Tekamah-Herman Invite (4-Team Round Robin) Tekamah-Herman High School
09/20/16 @ Scribner-Snyder
09/22/16 Emerson-Hubbard Triangular (host: BRLD)
09/22/16 Winnebago Triangular (host: BRLD)
09/27/16 Wisner-Pilger Double Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
09/27/16 Howells-Dodge Double Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
10/01-10/01 (To Be Determined) Clarkson/Leigh Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Clarkson
10/04/16 Logan View
10/11/16 @ North Bend Central
10/13-10/15 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference (2/3-Day Tournament) Wisner
10/18/16 Pender
10/25/16 Tekamah-Herman
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