Week 2 Recap: Mid-Week Highlights and Standings

<p>We’re deep into the second week of the high school season in Nebraska, and there’s a lot of action to cover after an exciting slate of mid-week matchups.</p> <p>It’s always fascinating to see which teams come out swinging in the second week of play. There are usually some jitters to work out during the season’s first contests, and many teams need that in-match experience to help settle into a rhythm. I think we’re seeing that again this year.</p> <p>Squads are beginning to separate themselves already, and much of that starts with this week’s results. We saw a good medley of rivalry matches, cross-town battles, and inter-divisional contests. Let’s try to round up some of the highlights now!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Fremont Stays Unbeaten</strong></p> [caption id="attachment_118944" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-118944 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/12/Emmalee-Sheppard.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> Sheppard[/caption] <p>The Tigers preserved their perfect record after an absolute thriller against Lincoln North Star. Fremont moved to 6-0 following the win, and the team’s veteran leadership has had a big part in the fast start. Senior [player_tooltip player_id="58822" first="Grace" last="Williams"] continues to be the leading terminator for this team, and [player_tooltip player_id="88290" first="Elise" last="Estudillo"] and [player_tooltip player_id="83536" first="Emmalee" last="Sheppard"] are incredibly stout in the backcourt. This squad clearly knows how to persevere in tough spots.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Leaders Emerge in Class D1</strong></p> <p>There are plenty of strong competitors to discuss in this group. Any one of these teams could make a title push in November.</p> <p>Overton should be taken seriously again this year. The Eagles picked up a pair of statement sweeps over Pleasanton and Loomis on Thursday to improve to 6-0. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id="105006" first="JoLee" last="Ryan"] is still dominant, and fellow 2024 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="105005" first="Ashlyn" last="Florell"]</strong> sets her up nicely.</p> <p>Nebraska Christian will be another fun team to watch. The Eagles are 4-0 following wins over Palmer and Heartland Lutheran yesterday. After last year’s breakout performance and tournament appearance, this program is looking for more.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Fierce Competition in Class C1</strong></p> <p>Class C1 is already shaping up to be quite a battle.</p> <p>Douglas County West just picked up a couple of scrappy three-set victories over Logan View/Scribner-Snyder and Raymond Central. This productive Thursday evening brings the Falcons to 5-0. Saturday’s tilt with Syracuse is a big one.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Grand Island Central Catholic and Falls City have battled to 5-0 records of their own. Veterans [player_tooltip player_id="59214" first="Gracie" last="Woods"] and [player_tooltip player_id="37554" first="Chloe" last="Cloud"] each had huge offensive performances in GICC’s Thursday victory over Hastings St. Cecilia. Falls City scored an impressive win over Johnson-Brock last week and followed that up with wins over Plattsmouth and Johnson County Central.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Big Battle Atop Class C2</strong></p> <p>Trying sorting out the top of the leaderboard in Class C2.</p> <p>There are so many teams we can talk about here after a couple of weeks of play. Defending champion Lutheran High Northeast is still undefeated. Clarkson/Leigh continues to be a force with big wins this week over Howells-Dodge, Madison, and Stanton. Palmyra is also an unbeaten team to watch, as the Panthers recently defeated Louisville, Weeping Water, and Dorchester.</p> <p>So, while some teams are finding separation in their respective classes, others are in the midst of tight battles at the top. That should make for some exciting competition in the weeks ahead!</p>