Class B Predictions

Predictions
Quarterfinals
Skutt Catholic over Aurora
Elkhorn over Omaha Duchesne
Gretna over Platteview
Grand Island Northwest over Sidney
Thoughts
Aurora and Sidney are both very good teams, but I just can’t see either of them getting a set today against Skutt or Northwest, respectively. Elkhorn vs. Omaha Duchesne should be the most competitive match of the day in Class B but I see the Antlers taking the win. Duchesne is very talented and is also very, very young. The experience they are getting this year and got last year will be valuable in the future as the Cardinals will probably enter 2017 as the team to beat in Class B. Gretna has hit something of a speed bump lately. The Dragons dropped just four sets in their first 20 matches but have since lost 14 sets in their last 12 matches but they should still get past Platteview, but I can see the Trojans making things interesting.
Semifinals
Skutt Catholic over Elkhorn
Grand Island Northwest over Gretna
Thoughts
There isn’t much of a need to really analyze why Skutt and GINW are the picks to make it to the finals. Skutt is on a mission. Grand Island Northwest has been rolling the last 6 weeks and is crushing everything in its way.
Championship
Skutt Catholic over Grand Island Northwest
Thoughts
I think Grand Island Northwest puts a huge scare into Skutt, but I just can’t bring myself to predict that they win. I think the Skyhawks will struggle more than they have any time this year against Northwest’s block and I think what we will see is incredible defensive play on both ends. Ultimately I think this match comes down to which team makes the fewest mistakes and I give the edge to Skutt given the Sky Hawks’ experience in big matches.