Club Preview: Nebraska Juniors 17 Black, 17 Red

<p>When you start talking about 17s teams in club volleyball, you’re talking about some seriously high-level play. The Nebraska Juniors 17 Black team, under the direction of Gretna coach Mike Brandon, looks to have the pieces to compete well at that level.</p> <p>At the setter position, Juniors 17 Black has a pair of all-staters in Papillion-LaVista South junior <strong>Mara LeGrand</strong> and Lincoln Christian sophomore <strong>Barrett Power</strong>.</p> <p>Defensively, Juniors 17 Black looks to be in good shape with Papillion-LaVista South libero <strong>Leah Palensky </strong>and Omaha Marian’s <strong>Bailey Hanus</strong>. Power can also play top-level defense in the back row if needed.</p> <p>On the outside the Juniors 17 Black squad has another pair of all-staters in Elkhorn South’s <strong>Logan Connealy</strong> and Gretna’s <strong>Kamryn Schuler</strong>. Also at the net for Juniors 17 Black will be Wayne State recruit <strong>Taya Beller</strong> of Humphrey-Lindsay Holy Family, Palm Beach Atlantic recruit <strong>Anna Gregerson</strong> of Papillion-LaVista South, blocking machine <strong>Morgan Christiansen</strong> of Lincoln Pius X and <strong>Emma Hern</strong> of Omaha Marian.</p> <p>The Nebraska Juniors 17 Red team has quite a bit of talent on it as well. The team, coached by Cola Svec, is comprised of the following players. <strong>Lauren Borer</strong> of Norris, <strong>Cecily Liphardt</strong> of Lincoln Southeast, <strong>Grace Gokie</strong> of Lincoln Pius X, <strong>Avery Mackling</strong> of Gretna, <strong>Brea Makovicka</strong> of  Lincoln Southwest, <strong>Lindsey Allgire</strong> of Papillion-LaVista South, <strong>Maya Brandon</strong> of Gretna, <strong>Emily Maul</strong> of Lincoln Pius X, <strong>Nyah Chambers</strong> of Norris, <strong>Kaiya Russell</strong> of Gretna, <strong>Katherine White</strong> of Exeter-Milligan and <strong>Addie Smith</strong> of Aurora. Smith, who is committed to Radford University, is likely out until May with an injury.</p>