Emerson-Hubbard looks to remain competitive

Team: Emerson-Hubbard

Mascot: Pirates

Colors: Purple and Gold

Class: D-1

Head Coach: Dylan Kent (1st season)

2015 record: 32-3 (Took third at State)

Returning Starters: None

Overview:

After running the table and taking third at the state tournament a season ago, Emerson-Hubbard looks to remain competitive under first year Head Coach Dylan Kent, who takes over for Kendra Boden.

The Pirates don't return any starters, but still have a number of upperclassmen who look to keep the winning going.

Here is Emerson-Hubbard's Projected Starting Lineup:

Skyler Miller, 5’9”, setter, senior
Emma Haberman, 5’6”, right side, junior
Taylor Lamp, 5’9”, middle, junior
Madison Bartels, 5’9”, middle, senior
Caleigh Mackling, 5’6”, outside, senior
Amanda Ahlers, 5’8”, outside, senior

Kent says there's one newcomer who could make a big impact. "Courtney Bokemper really has the potential to make some big plays in key games off the bench."

She adds getting back to state is going to be a tall task. "Honestly, it will be really hard to get back to state for this group. The majority of the team that played graduated and they had some talent. These girls know it is going to be a challenging year coming off such success but are willing to work hard win or lose."

The Pirates certainly lost a lot of talent and had a banner year last year, but I think seeing and experiencing state last year will help this year's squad. Kent just wants his team to try their best. "I expect them just to give me what they can and be willing to work with me. They know I am new to coaching this sport and know there will be quite a few bumps throughout the year, but they understand that and are willing to work with me on that."

Emerson-Hubbard could be in rebuilding mode. It might take some time for this program to get back to an elite level, but I still look for the Pirates to be competitive this year.

Anytime you go 32-3 and place third at state you're doing something right, and even though the majority of those players are gone, there still has to be some talent on this team.

It looks like Emerson-Hubbard lacks height, but they have a number of seniors on the team so I would be willing to bet leadership will be good.

It may not be easy for the Pirates to win this year, but I bet Emerson-Hubbard finds their way sooner or later.

Season Outlook:

The schedule doesn't appear to be extremely difficult for Emerson-Hubbard, and I would say that should lead to optimism for the Pirates.

Emerson-Hubbard has difficult matches against North Bend Central, Ponca (twice), and BRLD, otherwise I don't see a whole lot of toughies on the Pirates' schedule outside of tournaments.

Kent feels this team will be able to compete well against certain teams, but it's not going to be like last year. "The outlook for the season is not going to compare to last year’s success but I believe we will be able to challenge some opponents more than others."

Emerson-Hubbard is in Sub District D1-4 with the likes of GACC, Pender, Clarkson/Leigh, and Walthill.

That's a tough sub district so the Pirates will need to play well throughout the regular season to help prepare themselves for postseason play.

Kent says he has seen improvement since taking over as Head Coach, and hopes it continues. "The offseason was short since I didn’t become coach until late in the offseason. As the season has gotten started with practices, I have seen some girls improve and grow as leaders on the court. I am interested to see where some girls are at the end of the season."

I feel Emerson-Hubbard has a shot to win their fair share of matches this year. I don't think the Pirates will be near anything like they were last year, but I look for Emerson-Hubbard to remain competitive and win a good number of matches this season.

I think double digit wins at the very least is achievable for this team.

There's certainly a lot for both players and coaches to learn this year so I look for both to work together, grow, and learn from one another as the season progresses.

The biggest thing for Emerson-Hubbard is to have fun, but remain competitive.

Expectations must remain high for the Pirates. Emerson-Hubbard still has to have the same attitude that last year's team had, even if they aren't as talented.

There will probably be a drop off in the win/loss record from last year to this year, but the Pirates still have to play with the same mentality and attitude last year's team did if they want to be successful.


2016 Emerson-Hubbard Pirates Volleyball Schedule:

09/01/16 Ponca                                   Triangular (host: Emerson-Hubbard)
09/01/16 Homer                                   Triangular (host: Emerson-Hubbard)
09/06/16 North Bend Central                   Triangular (host: North Bend Central)
09/06/16 Pender                                   Triangular (host: North Bend Central)
09/08/16 Randolph                                  Triangular (host: Osmond)
09/08/16 Osmond                                   Triangular (host: Osmond)
09/13/16 Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
09/15/16 Allen  
09/20/16 @ Ponca  
09/22/16 BRLD                                    Triangular (host: BRLD)
09/22/16 Winnebago                            Triangular (host: BRLD)
     09/27 (To Be Determined)    Ponca Inv. (4-Team Round Robin) Ponca
09/29/16 Pender                                    Triangular (host: Emerson-Hubbard)
09/29/16 Neligh-Oakdale                    Triangular (host: Emerson-Hubbard)
10/04/16 Walthill                                    Triangular (host: Walthill)
10/04/16 Wynot                                    Triangular (host: Walthill)
10/06/16 @ Homer
10/11/16 Wakefield  
10/15-10/15 (To Be Determined)    Hartington-Newcastle Invite (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Hartington
10/18/16 Hartington-Newcastle            Triangular (host: Winside)
10/18/16 Winside                              Triangular (host: Winside)

10/22-10/25 (To Be Determined)           Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament (2/3-Day Tournament) TBA/TBA