Tekamah-Herman hoping to be competitive in 2016

Team: Tekamah-Herman

Mascot: Tigers

Colors: Purple and Vegas Gold

Class: C-1

Head Coach: Becky Rennerfeldt

2015 record: 17-14

Returning Starters: 4


Overview:

The Tekamah-Herman Tigers hope to be good again this year after having a solid season in 2015.

Four starters return for Head Coach Becky Rennerfeldt, and they include Senior –Liz Dlouhy (5’11” MB), and Juniors- Caty Gross (Setter 5’8”), Marin Jetensky (MB 5’10”), and Julia Feiling (Libero 5’7”).

These four returning starters along with Junior- Lucy Green (OH 5’7”), Sophomore- Anjolena Hampton (5’5” RH), and Freshman – Anna Wakehouse  (OH 5’7”) will make up the starting lineup.

Rennerfeldt says the program lost a large part of last year's team. "Both of our starting outside hitters and one of our middle blockers graduated…all three played all the way around and were our primary passers on serve receive. "

She adds there's a newcomer that could make an impact. "Lucy Green played some varsity as a freshman and then decided to go out for softball as a sophomore. Looking forward to having her back on the team her junior year. "

I think the Tigers can be competitive once again this season, but the team is going to have to overcome some obstacles.

Rennerfeldt says playing at a high level in practice is a challenge with the number of available girls. "We only have 14 girls that are healthy right now, program wide, so the challenge is for everyone to play at their best during practice so that we can all push each other to improve throughout the season.  Sometimes it is difficult to do that when your numbers are so low."

Youth is another thing Tekamah-Herman has to deal with. "We only have one senior on the team. So I am really hoping that some of our younger girls will be able to step up."

The Tigers will need to mature and develop quickly over the course of the season to compete with some of the teams on their schedule.

Tekamah-Herman has a somewhat challenging schedule, but there are a lot of winnable matches on the slate for the Tigers as well.

Staying healthy from here on out will be important for Tekamah-Herman. The Tigers need to have as many girls as possible available for matches and practice.

Tekamah-Herman can't really afford to lose too many more players to injury in order to remain competitive, in my opinion.

I'm sure these girls are chomping at the bit to get out there and compete in matches. A lot of players will need to adjust to new roles, but should be able to settle in nicely as the season progresses.

I don't know if the Tigers have as much talent and experience as they did last year, but I fully expect Tekamah-Herman to win their fair share of matches this season.

Season Outlook:

Tekamah-Herman hopes to compete with everyone on their schedule. Rennerfeldt says her team will be challenged right away. "Our season is going to start out more difficult than it has in the past as we are no longer playing in the Boys Town tournament and are now playing in the Northeast Nebraska Classic. We are going to see great teams right away so it will be important for us to be ready. But I am excited about the change. I think it can only make us better when we are starting the season off against some of the best teams in the state."

Outside of that tournament, the schedule looks to be fairly favorable for the Tigers.

Tekamah-Herman figures to be challenged midseason and towards the end of the regular season with the likes of Stanton, Oakland-Craig, North Bend Central, Wisner-Pilger, Howells-Dodge, BRLD, and Scribner-Snyder on the slate.

I think the Tigers have a chance to win some matches and give teams all they can handle this season, but I don't think it's going to be easy.

Rennerfeldt says serve receive and defense are two areas that will be critical this year. "We lost three integral players from last season.We are really going to have to work on our serve receive and defensive game as our leaders in those departments are gone."

I don't think there's any doubt Tekamah-Herman has their work cut out for them, but I look for this team to be scrappy and fight hard all year long.

How competitive and successful this year's team is really depends on how healthy they stay from here on out I would say.

Hopefully injuries don't take their toll on the Tigers because I believe they can win a good number of matches this year if everyone stays healthy and the team plays up to their potential.

I think it's going to be critical for Tekamah-Herman to get the most out of themselves this season. Growing and improving in practice every day and in matches is going to be important for the Tigers, in my opinion.

We shall see how Tekamah-Herman does this year. I think the first tournament could give the Tigers a good idea of where they're at as a team.

The Tigers are in Sub District C1-6 with Logan View, North Bend Central, West Point-Beemer, and Winnebago. 

2016 Tekamah-Herman Tigers Volleyball Schedule:

09/01-09/03    (To Be Determined) Northeast Nebraska Classic (2/3-Day Tournament)    Wisner/Pender
09/06/16    Logan View                   Triangular (host: Twin River)   
09/06/16    Twin River                     Triangular (host: Twin River)   
09/10-09/10    (To Be Determined)  Boone Central Invite (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams)    Albion
09/13/16    West Point-Beemer  
09/17    (To Be Determined)            Tekamah-Herman Invite (4-Team Round Robin)    Tekamah-Herman High School
09/20/16    @ Madison          
09/27/16    Stanton                           Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)   
09/27/16    Oakland-Craig                Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)   
10/01-10/01    (To Be Determined)   Raymond Central Invite (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams)    Raymond Central HS
10/04/16    @ Pender      
10/06/16    North Bend Central         
10/11/16    Wisner-Pilger        
10/13-10/15    (To Be Determined)   East Husker Conference (2/3-Day Tournament)    Wisner
10/18/16    Archbishop Bergan         Triangular (host: Tekamah-Herman)   
10/18/16    Scribner-Snyder              Triangular (host: Tekamah-Herman)   
10/20/16    Howells-Dodge                      
10/25/16    @ BRLD   

Expectations remain high for Howells-Dodge

Team: Howells-Dodge

Mascot: Jaguars

Colors: Green, Black, and Silver

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Neil VanLengen (307-180 career record)

2015 record: 23-10 (lost to Johnson-Brock in first round of state)

Returning Starters: 5

Overview:

The Howells-Dodge Jaguars look to have another fine campaign as they went 23-10 last year and made it all the way to Lincoln.
 
The challenge for Howells-Dodge this year though, at least when they get to the postseason, will be getting through tough C-2 teams.

The Jaguars have five returning starters in Kalli Brester (5’9, OH, 12), Sam Brester (5’9, MB, 12), Haley EIkmeier (5’10, MB, 12), Tessa Brester (5’8, S, 12), and Macey Kulhanek (5’5, L, 11).

A total of 9 different girls will start, it all depends on the rotation, according to Head Coach Neil VanLengen. The five returning starters will start along with Erin Prusa (6’0, OPP, 10), Jessi Brester (5’9, OH, 10), Emily Ritzdorf (5’5, DS, 12), and Hailey Coufal (5’5, DS, 12).

VanLengen says big losses include Mallory Rolf, Kara Brichacek, and Shelby Hegeman, but feels Prusa and Jessi Brester are newcomers who could make an impact.

He adds that playing in C-2 won't affect how his team does in the regular season. "Our schedule is the same, so that won’t be a factor as to how many games we win during the regular season."

The Jaguars will need to do well in the regular season to help them advance in the postseason should they not get through their tough sub district. "We are in a brutal sub-district: Stanton, Wisner-Pilger, Humphrey/LHF, Battle Creek and us. Our goal is to win as many games as possible to help us get a wild card into the District Finals if we aren’t able to win our sub-district.  If we can be in the top 10 in wild card points, I think we should be able to get one of the 4 wild cards into the District Final."

VanLengen says the goal is to get back to Lincoln and win a match or two even though they're in C-2. "C-2 will be a bigger challenge, but with the returning experience we have, that is our goal."

I expect Howells-Dodge to be good and competitive once again this season.

The Jaguars should have the depth and talent to compete with anyone on their schedule, and should have a good season.

I look for Howells-Dodge to breakout, and have a very respectable season.

I think the Jaguars will have a good regular season, which should help prepare them for sub districts.

It will be interesting to see how Howells-Dodge does in the postseason, but I look for the Jaguars to make a push for a District Final, and a berth into the state tournament.

It should be another fine season for Howells-Dodge.

Season Outlook:

Howells-Dodge still expects to be good as the Jaguars have a lot of integral pieces back from last year.

VanLengen says his team wants to be better than they were last season. "Winning more than last year is our goal, and we were 23-10 last year."

Howells-Dodge has some tough matches on their schedule, including contests with Scribner-Snyder, Cedar Bluffs, BRLD, Oakland-Craig, Stanton, North Bend Central, and Tekamah-Herman.

This isn't including tournaments the Jaguars will play in throughout the regular season.

I really think Howells-Dodge has a shot at winning 25-30 games this year. VanLengen says the idea is to keep improving. "We are looking to get better in practice everyday. Our focus is to get better every time you touch the ball and make every touch meaningful. The girls have had a great attitude, and are working hard in practice."

The Jaguars' work ethic should allow them to have great success this season.

Howells-Dodge has also had a lot of success in Girls Basketball the last couple of years, and I look for the Jaguars' prowess on the basketball court to carry over to Volleyball.

These student-athletes are very talented and athletic, and this is a special group of kids Howells-Dodge has.

The Jaguars are in the midst of a great run in girls athletics, and I think this year's volleyball season has a chance to be the best since the merger between Howells and Dodge.

A lot of memories could certainly be made this sports season for Howells-Dodge Girls Athletics, and the memories start with Volleyball. These girls' play this season is something they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Sports are about having fun and being competitive, and I look for the Jaguars to do a little bit of both this season.

2016 Howells-Dodge Jaguars Volleyball Schedule:

09/03    (To Be Determined)             Winside Tournament (4-Team Round Robin)    Winside
09/06/16    Scribner-Snyder              Triangular (host: Howells-Dodge)   
09/06/16    Cedar Bluffs                   Triangular (host: Howells-Dodge)   
09/10    (To Be Determined)             Howells-Dodge Tournament (4-Team Round Robin)    Howells
09/13/16    Wakefield    
09/15/16    @ Logan View         
09/15/16    Lutheran High Northeast    
09/27/16    BRLD                              Double Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)   
09/27/16    Madison    C1                  Double Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)   
09/29/16    @ Oakland-Craig         
10/01-10/01    (To Be Determined)   Clarkson/Leigh Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams)    Clarkson
10/04/16    Stanton     
10/08    (To Be Determined)              Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family Tournament (4-Team Round Robin)    Humphrey
10/13-10/15    (To Be Determined)    East Husker Conference (2/3-Day Tournament)    Wisner
10/18/16    @ North Bend Central          
10/20/16    @ Tekamah-Herman           
10/25/16    West Point-Beemer          Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)   
10/25/16    Pender                              Triangular (host: West Point-Beemer)

Stanton expecting big things again

Team: Stanton

Mascot: Mustangs

Colors: Orange and Black

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Tracy Kuester-Burtwhistle (2nd season)

2015 record: 33-4 (lost to Hastings St. Cecilia in C-2 State Championship Game)

Returning Starters: 3


Overview:

The Stanton Mustangs figure to be good again this year after reaching state for the first time in school history and making it all the way to the C-2 Title game.

Stanton returns three starters, and they are Bree Burtwhistle (5'9, S/OH SO) Jessie Brandl (5'7, OH SO), and Mackenzie Brandl (5'5, L SR).

Head Coach Tracy Kuester-Burtwhistle had this to say about each player. "Mackenzie will inspire her teammates to perform at a higher level.  She is very motivational to her fellow teammates and believes what they can contribute to the team.  She is exceptional at reading the attack and currently holds the record for most season digs at 794.  Mack is a great leader on and off the court and her teammates will look to her for advice on what to change during a match."

"Bree’s knowledge of the game gives her the experience of reading her opponents.  She is an exceptional all-around player that makes good decisions when a big play needs to happen."
 
"Jessie has that competitive drive that gives the team a sense of urgency when we need plays to occur.  She will demonstrate a strong ability in her serve and attack.  Jess will be one of our leaders to spark our team when we need a big play."

Burtwhistle had 241 kills and 490 set assists for Stanton last season. Jessie Brandl totaled 278 kills and 401 digs.

Other returning letterwinners include Sally Brechbill (5'8, M SR), Hannah Heppner (5'10, M JR), and Allie Spence (5'8, OOP JR).

Other possible contributors include Katie Brandl (5'5, OH SR), Ashley Colwell (5'6, OOP, SR), Kiley Wiedeman (5'6, OH SR), Liz Kremacek (5'4, S SR), and Makenna Espinoza (5'5, S SO).

Depth appears to be a real strength of this Stanton team, and I look for the Mustangs to have another fine season in 2016.

Stanton will need to replace players like Hiliary Huss, but if the Mustangs can make up for her lost production, Stanton should be primed and ready to make another state run.

Teams like Stanton don't rebuild, they reload, and I look for this year's Mustangs' squad to do just that.

Expectations have to remain high for Stanton. The Mustangs have to believe that every match is theirs every time they take the floor.

Stanton is in a tough sub district, but I look for the Mustangs to play superb volleyball throughout the regular season in an effort to gear up for the postseason.

It should be another fine and solid campaign for Stanton.


Season Outlook:

Stanton will definitely be among the hunted this year after making it all the way to the Class C-2 State Championship game a season ago.

The Mustangs have tough matches against Wisner-Pilger, Oakland-Craig, Tekamah-Herman, Scribner-Snyder, and North Bend Central, not including tournaments.

Kuester-Burtwhistle says her team is ready to go. "The Mustangs are looking forward to the 2016 Volleyball Season. We have a good combination of returning starters that give us some experience to continue to be competitive this season. Along with other players that will play a significant role this year that will only enhance our team. Our multi-sport student-athletes compete not only in volleyball, but also have endured success in basketball and track. From that experience they have learned how important each person’s role is to a team to be successful."

This team and these players know how to win, regardless of the sport, and I look for the success in basketball and track to trickle into this volleyball season as well.

Success breeds success, and these girls have done nothing but win in their high school careers.

I look for this year to be no different. I fully expect Stanton to contend for another state tournament berth, and be ready for another postseason run.

Teams like Howells-Dodge, Humphrey-Lindsay Holy Family, and Wisner-Pilger figure to challenge the Mustangs in sub districts so Stanton has to play really well throughout the regular season to put themselves in a position to earn a wildcard, should they need it again.

Battle Creek is also capable of pulling an upset in sub districts if the Mustangs play them.

I don't think there's any doubt Stanton will be challenged throughout the season, especially in the postseason, but I look for the Mustangs to bring their "A" game night in and night out, and play outstanding volleyball every night, just like they did last year.

It might take a little bit of time for the new starters and new varsity players to adapt to their roles, but after the first match or two Stanton should have things down.

I think the Mustangs are capable of winning 30+ matches again this year, and at the very least should win anywhere from 25-30.

I fully expect Stanton to be dominant and make a run at Lincoln once again.


Partial 2016 Stanton Mustangs Volleyball Schedule:

09/01/16 Madison                                    Triangular (host: Clarkson/Leigh)
09/01/16 Clarkson/Leigh                    Triangular (host: Clarkson/Leigh)
09/15/16 Boone Central/Newman Grove Triangular (host: Norfolk Catholic)
09/15/16 Norfolk Catholic                    Triangular (host: Norfolk Catholic)
09/20/16 Wisner-Pilger                            Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
09/20/16 Pender                                    Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
09/27/16 Tekamah-Herman                    Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)
09/27/16 Oakland-Craig                            Triangular (host: Oakland-Craig)
09/29/16 Wayne
10/11/16 West Point-Beemer                    Triangular (host: Scribner-Snyder)
10/11/16 Scribner-Snyder                    Triangular (host: Scribner-Snyder)
10/25/16 Logan View                            Triangular (host: North Bend Central)
10/25/16 North Bend Central                    Triangular (host: North Bend Central)

10/27/16 Twin River                                

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

Clarkson/Leigh hoping for big season

Team: Clarkson-Leigh

Mascot: Patriots

Colors: Red, Blue, and Gray

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Becky Schneider (5th season) (34-90 career record)

2015 record: 11-19

Returning Starters: 4


Overview:

The Clarkson/Leigh Patriots saw improvement from 2014 to 2015, and hope to see even more improvement in 2016.

Four starters return for Head Coach Becky Schneider, and they include Beth Wiese (5'10, SO MH), Kaegan Held (5'7, SO S), Hannah Kasik (5'10, SO MH), and Shelby Paprocki (5'9, SR OH).

Clarkson/Leigh lost their libero, rightside, and an outside hitter from a year ago.

Schneider is excited about an upperclassmen and this year's sophomore class. "I have one junior who missed over half the season due to injury that should be pretty solid for us. We will definitely push her to make up for lost time! With having only 3 upperclassmen, we are needing to fill in with our sophomores and they have really surprised us with the leaps they have taken from last year! They have really stepped up!"

Wiese, Kasik, Held, and Paprocki are projected starters along with the junior Sydney Folken (6'0, MH), Halee Steffensmeier (5'4, SO L), and Sara McEvoy (5'9, SO RS).

Schneider says the mental aspect of volleyball is the key to winning more matches this year than last year. "Definitely mentality. Volleyball is extremely mental and I think that will make the difference in
whether or not we can push for more wins. These girls are very competitive and they know what it
takes to win. They definitely have the drive and the will to win. They just need to be mentally tough
and finish every match.  Also, staying positive is another aspect that will help us reach our goals!"

A lot has been made and said about this year's sophomore class. Schneider says a lot is expected from them. "Yes, absolutely! They still hold a lot of potential. With only 2 seniors and 1 junior, we are looking to our sophomores to make huge contributions to our team! This class was very successful in junior high and they definitely carried that over, and they just continue to make strides! They’ve played a lot of sports together and I think that has helped tremendously. Even adding in the 3 upperclassmen, these girls just flow well together. They have that team bond that every coach wants for their team!"

I think the Patriots can be very competitive this season, and for the next two years at the very least.

I think there's a lot for this group of sophomores to accomplish in the next three seasons.

There are a lot of winnable matches on the schedule for Clarkson/Leigh, and now is the time to win if you are the Patriots.

Clarkson/Leigh will be young, but very talented. This team could be scary good not only this year, but for the next two years.

These sophomore girls won 11 games as freshmen, and were able to see and experience what it's going to take to win consistently.

I really think Patriot Volleyball is on the rise, and has a really good chance to have success this season.

I believe the veteran players will mix in well with the underclassmen, and the combination of a few older players and a bunch of younger players should lead to a lot of success for Clarkson/Leigh this season.

Season Outlook:

There appears to be a lot of winnable matches on the schedule for the Patriots this season.

Clarkson/Leigh's toughest matches appear to be against Stanton, BRLD, Scribner-Snyder, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Shelby/Rising City, Humphrey St. Francis, and Oakland-Craig.

Schneider says being successful hinges on staying healthy. "Hands down, the injuries need to stay at a minimum or even better, non­existent. Unfortunately last year, we were low on numbers and injuries really hurt us. We need to be able to stay healthy in order to be as successful as we want to be."

I really think the Patriots can win 20+ matches if everyone stays healthy.

Schneider feels this season could be good. "If we can stay away from the injuries, we have no doubt that we will be successful!"

It will be interesting to see if Clarkson/Leigh's offseason work pays off. Schneider says the Patriots had a successful offseason. "Absolutely! We had a great offseason and we definitely saw a lot of good things over the summer! We were able to compete in a summer league in Wayne and reached goals there that we haven’t been able to in the past.  We also attended a team camp down at Wesleyan and again had a successful 2 days down there. This team just plays so fluently together. They definitely have something special so much that we get goosebumps just talking about them!"

Sub Districts are when things will count the most, and Clarkson/Leigh is in Sub District D1-4 with GACC, Pender, Emerson-Hubbard, and Walthill.

The Bluejays figure to be the toughest team in the sub district, and I would say the road to Lincoln goes through them.

That's why it's so important for Clarkson/Leigh to play well throughout the regular season. The Patriots need to play well over the course of the year to prepare themselves for sub districts and put themselves in a position to earn a wildcard to state should they need one to get in.

There's a lot for Clarkson/Leigh to accomplish this season, and I look for 2016 to be a year to remember for the Patriots.

I would say Clarkson/Leigh has a good chance to be in the sub district final, at the very least.

It will be fun to see the results and growth of this team throughout the year. This young sophomore class will no doubt grow and mature into young ladies by season's end.

2016 Clarkson/Leigh Patriots Volleyball Schedule:

09/01/16 Madison                                           Triangular (host: Clarkson/Leigh)
09/01/16 Stanton                                          Triangular (host: Clarkson/Leigh)
09/06/16 @ BRLD
09/13/16 Scribner-Snyder
09/15/16 High Plains Community                  Triangular (host: Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family)
09/15/16 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family  Triangular (host: Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family)
09/17-09/17 (To Be Determined)          Stanton Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Stanton
09/20/16 @ Twin River
09/24-09/24 (To Be Determined) Hampton Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Hampton
09/27/16 @ Logan View
10/01-10/01 (To Be Determined) Clarkson/Leigh Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Clarkson
10/04/16 Lutheran High Northeast                 Triangular (host: Clarkson/Leigh)
10/04/16 Shelby/Rising City                         Triangular (host: Clarkson/Leigh)
10/06/16 Humphrey St. Francis
     10/08 (To Be Determined)                 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family Tournament (4-Team Round Robin) Humphrey
10/13-10/15 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference (2/3-Day Tournament) Wisner
10/18/16 @ Oakland-Craig  
10/20/16 Mead  
10/24/16 @ Pender

Wisner-Pilger hoping to be good again

Team: Wisner-Pilger

Mascot: Gators

Colors: Green and White

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Jean Groth (39th season)

2015 record: 26-7

Returning Starters: 1


Overview:

After almost reaching the state tournament last year, the Wisner-Pilger Gators comeback looking for more in 2016.

Wisner-Pilger returns just one starter though in Lauren Jacobsen (5’9” setter  junior).

Head Coach Jean Groth says four starters have been determined, and they are Jacobsen, Allissa Meyer (5’6”  opposite, senior), Jayda Oligmueller (5’10”, MH, Senior), and Maci Batenhorst (5’10” M, Junior).

The Gators will certainly need some new hitters to step up and take charge on the attack. Oligmueller appears to be a candidate to do that, along some newcomers who are on varsity, including Cassidy Dixon (5’10, junior, OH), LeAnna Wolverton (5’6” senior OH), and Ashton Meyer (5’8” junior OH). Other newcomers include Ariel Meyer (5’8” Junior OPP), Sutton Bellar (5’4” Junior DS), and Molly Schultz (5’6” Senior DS).

Wisner-Pilger certainly has a lot of players to replace, and they include Setter – Sydney Williams, Middles – Sara Smyth and Baily Batenhorst, and Outside Hitters – Sydney Bradfield and Tessa Ruskamp.

Last year's squad was very talented and senior laden, and it could be argued that it was the Gators' year.

But Groth says expectations remain the same. "Each season, we start out fresh with high goals and aspirations for success. Being in the District Final match is always a part of the plan."

Wisner-Pilger lost in a Sub District final to GACC last year, and the Gators are in another tough sub district this year.

There's no doubt Wisner-Pilger has their work cut out for them this year, especially given the little varsity experience they return, but I still fully expect the Gators to put a quality product on the floor and be competitive.

Wisner-Pilger may not have the same kind of success they did last year in terms of wins and losses, but still expect the Gators to have a good season.

How successful Wisner-Pilger is this season could very well hinge on how quickly players adjust to their new roles and get accustomed to varsity volleyball.

The growth and development part has already been done, now it's simply a matter of the Gators going out there and turning all of their hard offseason work into success.


Season Outlook:

Wisner-Pilger hopes to have success in 2016 after doing a lot of winning in 2015.

Groth says getting to state is the ultimate goal. "It is also always part of the season plan to be in the final tourney of the season (State).  To represent one’s school at the State Tourney is always the “Pinnacle of Pride” for a program."

To get there, the Gators will need to get through a tough sub district that includes defending Class C-2 State Runner-Up Stanton, Howells-Dodge, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, and Battle Creek.

Groth says goals and expectations include growth and improvement as a team, "Show improvement each and every day. Finding ways to compliment one another and improve the contribution of the whole to be greater than its individual parts."

The Gators will need to improve every day to beat teams like North Bend Central, Stanton, Crofton, BRLD, GACC, Tekamah-Herman, Scribner-Snyder, and Oakland-Craig.

The schedule isn't super difficult for Wisner-Pilger so the Gators should be able to win their fair share of matches before sub district play begins.

It's all about growing as a team and improving throughout the season if you are Wisner-Pilger.

The Gators have to keep getting better as the season progresses. Wisner-Pilger can't afford to not improve.

The beginning of the season figures to be the most interesting for the Gators, in my opinion.

There could be some growing pains and learning experiences early on for Wisner-Pilger. It could take some time for new players to evolve and grow in their new roles.

I don't necessarily expect instant success with this team. The Gators are not going to be made overnight. I believe success will come in time, just not right away.

Normally it takes some time for a team to gel and get comfortable with and used to another. And while a lot of these players are probably already familiar with one another, clicking on the floor as one in a varsity match is somewhat different than working together in JV matches and in practice, in my opinion. The stakes are higher and there's more pressure to perform is the way I look at it.

With all that said, I look for Wisner-Pilger to have a good record come the end of the regular season, and be ready for the postseason.

2016 Wisner-Pilger Gators Volleyball Schedule:

09/01-09/03 (To Be Determined                  Northeast Nebraska Classic (2/3-Day Tournament) Wisner/Pender
09/06/16 @ West Point-Beemer  
09/13/16 North Bend Central  
09/20/16 Stanton                                          Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
09/20/16 Pender                                          Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
09/22/16 Crofton                                          Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
09/22/16 Battle Creek                                  Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
09/24-09/24 (To Be Determined)                 Wisner-Pilger September Classic (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Wisner-Pilger High School
09/27/16 Madison                                          Double Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
09/27/16 BRLD                                          Double Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
10/06/16 Lutheran High Northeas                  Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
10/06/16 Guardian Angels Central Catholic  Triangular (host: Wisner-Pilger)
10/08-10/08 (To Be Determined)  Wisner-Pilger Invite (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Wisner
10/11/16 @ Tekamah-Herman
10/13-10/15 (To Be Determined)          East Husker Conference (2/3-Day Tournament) Wisner
10/18/16 Twin River
10/20/16 Logan View                                  Triangular (host: Logan View)
10/20/16 Scribner-Snyder                          Triangular (host: Logan View)
10/25/16 @ Oakland-Craig

Bancroft-Rosalie-Lyons-Decatur looking for good season

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