Team: Stanton
Mascot: Mustangs
Colors: Orange and Black
Class: C-2
Head Coach: Tracy Kuester-Burtwhistle (3rd season) (64-10 record)
2016 record: 31-6 (won state championship over Diller-Odell)
Returning Starters: 5
Overview:
After winning it all in 2016 the Stanton Volleyball Team appears to be primed and ready to make another run in 2017.
5 starters return for the Mustangs, and they are Bree Burtwistle (10 S/OH 5’9” JR 2), Jessie Brandl (6 OH 5’8” JR 2), Hannah Heppner (14 M 5’11” SR 2) Allie Spence (19 RSH 5’7” SR 1), and Makenna Espinoza 7 S 5’5” JR 1).
Newcomers for Stanton include Battle Creek transfer Liz Christensen (OH/S 5’9” JR 2). Liz has joined the Mustang team for the 2017 season. Liz was a starter for Battle Creek and earned Top 12 player at the Mid State Conference, and Honorable Mention in Class C2 All State awards. Last season Liz had 344 assists, 44 aces, 187 digs and 101 kills, according to Head Coach Tracy Kuester-Burtwhistle.
Other newcomers include Reba Waskowiak (13 M 5’10” JR) Jaiden Hartl 4 L/DS 5’7” JR), and Alyna Padilla (17 DS 5’6” SR).
The one key loss figures to be MacKenzie Brandl.
Kuester-Burtwhistlle says Bree Burtwhistle is a key asset to the team. "Bree Burtwistle, JR: First Team all-conference, First Team all-Area and First Team All-State, Burtwistle put up massive numbers for the Class C-2 State Champion Mustangs in 2016. Burtwistle recorded 594 assists, 342 kills, 343 digs and 56 aces. Her kills and assists total set single-season school records. Burtwistle also set record for points scored on a serve in a season. Bree’s knowledge of the game gives her the experience of reading her opponents when setting or attacking the ball. She is an all-around player for the Mustangs who regularly produced during the season double/double or triple/double in stats. Bree demonstrates that defense wins games and does a great job of moving towards the ball, with quickness and reading abilities to keep that ball alive. Her competitiveness, high energy and added calmness to the team will be an exceptional benefit on those close matches to lead us to a victory. "
Kuester-Burtwhistle says Jessie Brandl is equally impressive. "Jessie Brand, JR: First Team all-conference and First Team All-State, Brandl is also another team member that on a regular basis puts up massive numbers for the 2016 Class C-2 State Championship team. Jessie recorded 317 kills, 265 digs and 33 aces last season. She also holds the school record in a single season kills in a match at 25. Brandl has that competitive drive that gives the team a sense of urgency when we need plays to occur, if that is an attack or dig. Jess demonstrates her power when she is serving and attacking the ball. She has excellent court sense awareness that gives her the edge offensively, and ball control skills that set her apart playing defense. A great aspect of Jess is her determination and passion for the game. This will create a drive to win and succeed which will be a key to the team success."
Kuester-Burtwhistle adds Heppner is a solid player in her own right. "Hannah Heppner, SR: Hannah as the season progressed last year really built her confidence as a middle on attacking the ball and blocking. Heppner had 264 Kills with 89 blocks for the season. Hannah was also a great contributor when we need something to happen, we could count on her. She is also a team member that gives our team balance with her sense of humor."
Kuester-Burtwhistle says Spence is a key contributor as well. "Allie Spence, SR: Allie’s role is our right-side hitter that we utilize as our “sleeper” at times when we need a big play to happen. Allie had 75 kills last season and we look forward to see her potential this season. She has worked hard alongside the team in off season and look forward to the 2017 Season."
Kuester-Burtwhistle adds Espinoza has grown and improved a lot. "Makenna Espinoza, JR: Makenna was a player on the team as the season progressed became more decisive in her setting decision and getting the ball to the attacker. She demonstrated that ‘defense’ is a key in winning matches. Makenna had 375 assists and 170 digs this last season. Makenna has worked hard in off season getting to the ball quicker with a balance platform to get that set where it needs to go."
Stanton figures to be very good again this year, and has to be considered a top contender to win state again.
We'll see how the season plays out, but there's no reason to think the Mustangs won't be good and competitive once again in 2017.
Stanton has a lot of firepower at the net and in the back row, and that should help the Mustangs in their quest to win a second consecutive state championship.
With five returning starters and Christensen coming over from Battle Creek...Stanton ought to have some very good depth.
Don't be surprised if the Mustangs are even better this year than last.
Stanton figures to be a very tough team to beat anytime they take the floor.
The Mustangs ought to be a favorite to contend for conference, district, and state championships.
Season Outlook:
The Stanton Mustangs had a perfect ending to 2016, and I'm sure Stanton would like to repeat their efforts in 2017.
Kuester-Burtwhistle says her team ought to be solid yet again. "The 2017 Mustang team will continue to be a competitive team in Class C2. We have a good combination of five returning starters that will give us experience both offensively and defensively this season. We also will add to the line up a varsity player that has transferred to Stanton and two junior players that will only enhance our team."
The East Husker Conference figures to be tough again this year. Kuester-Burtwhistle feels her team is the favorite followed by North Bend Central, Wisner-Pilger, West Point-Beemer, BRLD, Clarkson/Leigh, Twin River, Tekamah-Herman, Oakland-Craig, and Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family.
It will be interesting to see if Howells-Dodge is in the mix for a conference title this year given everyone they lost to graduation.
Looking at the schedule...Wisner-Pilger, Wayne, West Point-Beemer, and North Bend Central all figure to be very tough opponents just to name some.
And that doesn't include all the teams the Mustangs will face in tournaments throughout the course of the season.
Now that Stanton has won a state title you can bet teams will be gunning for them and looking to knock them off at every opportunity. The Mustangs are now the hunted as if they weren't before.
Stanton has to realize and understand that, and be ready to bring their "A" game at all times.
Things may not always be easy and smooth sailing for the Mustangs, but how Stanton responds to tough times and adversity could very well define their season.
The Mustangs were at their best when it mattered most a season ago, and I look for that to be the case once again this year.
Stanton had a dream ending to the year last year, and I'm sure that's what these girls want again this year.
Everything is laid out in front of them...the Class C-2 State Title is the Mustangs' for the taking as far as I'm concerned.
We'll see how 2017 unfolds. Stanton ought to be in Lincoln again come the second weekend of November.
2017 Stanton Mustangs Volleyball Schedule:
08/31/17 Madison Triangular (host: Stanton)
08/31/17 Clarkson/Leigh Triangular (host: Stanton)
09/14/17 Norfolk Catholic Triangular (host: Boone Central/Newman Grove)
09/14/17 Boone Central/Newman Grove Triangular (host: Boone Central/Newman Grove)
09/19/17 Wisner-Pilger Triangular (host: Stanton)
09/19/17 Pender Triangular (host: Stanton)
09/26/17 Oakland-Craig Triangular (host: Tekamah-Herman)
09/26/17 Tekamah-Herman Triangular (host: Tekamah-Herman)
09/28/17 @ Wayne
10/10/17 Scribner-Snyder Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)
10/10/17 West Point-Beemer Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)
10/24/17 North Bend Central Triangular (host: Stanton)
10/24/17 Logan View Triangular (host: Stanton)
10/26/17 @ Twin River
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