June Rankings for Class C-1

<p>The 2019 high school season is going to creep up on you like that test you haven't studied for. It’s right around the corner, so be prepared. </p> <p>July is when the high school team camps really kick into overdrive, and that’s when we will start to see if reality matches expectations for some teams. It’s far too early to try and pin down the top 10 teams in each class, so here is a look at the top five in each class. We will have updated team rankings in early July, early August and then the actual preseason rankings just before the start of the season.</p> <p>For now, let’s take a look at my projected top five teams in Class C-1.</p> <p>***Note that I’m trying to make educated guesses on the classes teams will be in as well. Especially in the lower classes, there is a decent chance that teams may wind up competing in a different class than what I have them ranked in.***</p> <p><strong>#1 - Wahoo</strong></p> <p>Yes, the Warriors lose some significant pieces - such as Illinois recruit Kyla Swanson in the middle and Wayne State recruit Elly Larson on the outside, but most of the Class C-1 contenders have major holes to fill, so I will start with the team that has won the last two state championships. With Mya Larson back, the Warriors have one of the best all-around players in the state and there simply aren't words adequate enough to describe the talent USC setter recruit Elle Glock brings to the court. Look for Kelsie Sears to have a real breakout year. Kendal Brigham will be one of the top back row players in the state and Lauren Kavan and Lillie Mann will help make the Warriors one of the deepest teams in the class.</p> <p><strong>#2 - Grand Island Central Catholic</strong></p> <p>The Crusaders are one of the top volleyball programs in the state because they always reload year after year and 2019 should be no different. Creighton recruit Katie Maser is back at setter while twin sisters Avery and Allison Kalvoda are both back after each recording more than 200 kills a year ago. Ellie Steenson, Kate McFarland and Chloe Cloud are capable of jointly replacing the production lost with the graduation of Megan Woods and Kamryn Willman while Lauryn Willman and Courtney Toner will fill the void from the loss of libero Jenna Lowry.</p> <p><strong>#3 - St. Paul</strong></p> <p>Sticking with the theme of teams that lose great players but return a solid core with St. Paul. The Wildcats finished third last year after defeating Bishop Neumann in the third-place match, but replacing Hayley Fox will certainly be a daunting challenge. She had 76 kills in three state-tournament matches a year ago. But, with the Wildcats returning all kinds of talent, such as setter Olivia Poppert, attackers Brooke Poppert, Josie Jakubowski and Teegan Hansel along with Paige Lukasiewicz patrolling the back row, St. Paul will again be a threat to win Class C-1.</p> <p><strong>#4 - Kearney Catholic</strong></p> <p>After a brief hiatus, Kearney Catholic could be ready to return to the status of Class C-1 powerhouse in volleyball. While the Stars went 18-12 a year ago, they might return one of the strongest cores in 2019. Gone is the versatile and standout player Olivia Micek along with libero Kayla Lee, but Kearney Catholic has a ton of talent for this fall. Liza Trettel, Ashley Keck, Sarah Clinch, Julia McReynolds, Ainsley Aden, Jill Collins, Sydney Conner, Elli Bruggeman and Ashlyn Wischmeier all return with solid varsity experience.</p> <p><strong>#5 - Syracuse</strong></p> <p>Syracuse has one of the best girls athletic programs in the state, relying on great multi-sport athletes to have success in many sports. The Rockets went 26-4 a year ago, losing in five sets to St. Paul in the state quarterfinals. The loss of kill leader Meredith Clark and setter Brooke Snyder to graduation stings for the Rockets, but they also return superlative players such as Lauren Meyer, Jessie Moss, Lindsey Moss, Aubrey Kasbohm. Syracuse should be able to push Wahoo in the Capitol Conference as well as for a state title.</p>