Defending State Champs: Possible Repeats

Class A: Millard North

After an exciting run at state last year, can Millard North do it again? To recap, last November in Lincoln, the Mustangs came in as a #5 seed and won their semifinal match in a 5-set thriller where they beat Papillion-La Vista 15-11 in the fifth. Then, in another 5-setter, the Mustangs beat Papillion-La Vista South 20-18 in the fifth for the title. Wow, talk about guts! Millard North is 23-12 on the season and is coming off of a Metro Conference win. The Mustangs undoubtedly are feeling some momentum going into the post season and will make a run to repeat.

Class B: Skutt

Omaha Skutt Catholic is in the run for the money again this year, little surprise there. The Class B powerhouse was incognito this summer as they stayed away from in-state competition, but regardless of location, they put work in. The Skyhawks were 26-8 going into their conference tournament on Saturday where they were crowned champions after three more wins. Their losses come from four Class A schools and four out-of-state teams. The Skyhawks, some would say, are in the driver’s seat for a third straight Class B state championship in a couple weeks due to their experience, momentum, and consistent, fundamentally-sound volleyball. 

Class C-1: Omaha Concordia

Another #5 seed champion from last year, Concordia is 20-12 so far on the season with wins over quality teams. The Bulldogs will not have an easy road to Lincoln, however. They will match up with Bishop Neumann in the first round of subdistricts coming off of a loss to Neumann a couple weeks ago. Class C-1 has been a breeding ground for competition as there are at least three or four teams fully expecting to walk away with a title in Lincoln. The competition will be fierce, but experience is on the Bulldogs’ side as they look to make another state tournament appearance.

Class C-2: Stanton

The Mustangs are 26-3 going into post-season play. Stanton is a contender in class C-2, but are met by various highly competitive teams. They have not met up with some of the other top contenders in their class, but have the ability to play with them. 

Class D-1: Johnson-Brock

The Eagles of Johnson-Brock dare opponents to stand in the way of a 3rd consecutive state title. Made up of experienced players and powerhouses, this team is ready to defend their title again in a couple weeks. Their record is composed of almost exclusively wins as they are 28-1 with their lone loss coming from C-1 Lincoln Christian. They will meet formidable opponents on the journey, but the Eagles have a real shot at a 3-peat in Lincoln.

Class D-2: Hampton

After losing the better portion of their team after last year’s championship, Hampton has a record of 16-13. Various title contenders will stand in their way of another state tournament appearance.