Key Matches This Week: Class D-2

Jared Williams

August 28, 2017 @ 08:42 PM

Exeter-Milligan and Hampton   The Exeter-Milligan Timberwolves and the Hampton Hawks will begin their 2017 season at Exeter-Milligan on Thursday night. The Timberwolves won the state title back in 2015, but finished 3rd at state last year. They are the preseason favorites in class D2 and they’re hoping to get back to the top of class D2 this year. Junior Katherine White and senior Hannah Beethe give the Timberwolves 2 incredible attackers at the net. If the Timberwolves can start their season strong on Thursday night against Hampton, and push their way through conference, sub district and district play, they can definitely win the D2 state title this year.   Riverside and Central Valley   The Riverside Chargers and Central Valley Cougars begin their 2017 varsity campaigns at Riverside on Thursday night. Riverside fell short in the district finals a year ago, but now they find themselves as one of the top contenders to win the D2 state title this year. The Chargers return 4 of their top 5 attackers from last year’s squad that went 22-10. They return Becky Schmeits, Maddie Walkowiak, Grace Schalk and Morgan Haschke from last year’s team. If Riverside can replace their setter Baylee Wlaschin from last year, they could be one of the most dangerous teams in class C2 this year.   Red Cloud and Shelton   Red Cloud and Shelton begin the 2017 season at Shelton on Thursday night this week. The Red Cloud Warriors had a breakout season a year ago, making it to state for the first time in school history and finishing 25-5 after falling in the state quarterfinals. This Warrior team wants nothing more than to continue that success in 2017. Red Cloud has a lot of the same players back from last year’s squad and if they can put together the right combos and stay consistent throughout the season, this team could potentially make a run at a state championship in November.   Axtell and Eustis-Farnam Axtell and Eustis-Farnam play each other on Thursday night at Axtell. Axtell lost in sub district play to Red Cloud a year ago and missed out on the state tournament. This year they find themselves as the #4 ranked team in the preseason top 10 and they could for sure make it to Lincoln in November. The Axtell Wildcats return Caitilin Callan and Camielle Fishell who were both key attackers for the team in 2016, Look for these 2 to lead the charge again this year for the Wildcats. This matchup on Thursday night should be a great start for Axtell. After losing in sub district play last year, you have to believe that this team is going to have a drive to get to state this November.