Ten Nebraska Teams on a Late-Season Hot Streak

It's a theme we've mentioned a lot over the past few weeks. If there's a good time for teams to peak in Nebraska's high school season, it's right now.   As we inch ever closer to the postseason, some squads have made a late climb up the wildcard ladder with a string of quality wins. Today's feature will examine ten teams that fit this description, and a few of these squads might earn a coveted spot in Lincoln this November. It's crunch time.     Lincoln Pius X   The Thunderbolts have been making waves in what has turned out to be an incredibly strong year for Lincoln teams. Pius X found its stride in late September by sweeping through all five matches of the Rocket Classic at Lincoln Northeast. That was followed by a couple more wins against Fremont and Omaha Marian.   Pius X is led by 3.7 kills per set from do-everything middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='189362' first='Faith' last='Venable']. Outside hitters [player_tooltip player_id='276212' first='Ava' last='Markowski'] and [player_tooltip player_id='462567' first='Keeleigh' last='Knobbe'] are matching each other's production and have gotten even more comfortable in recent weeks.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1705629100914942295?s=20 </div></figure>     Omaha Westside   Westside is still in the Class A conversation after last year's runner-up finish. The Warriors looked dominant in Oct. 7's Millard South/Lincoln High Invite and have built on that success in more recent outings. That includes a pivotal five-set win in the Metro Conference Tournament.   The pin-hitting trio of [player_tooltip player_id='155047' first='Ashlyn' last='Paymal'], [player_tooltip player_id='253928' first='Madeline' last='Lamb'], and [player_tooltip player_id='124775' first='Tatum' last='Godinez'] has provided plenty of firepower for this year's Warriors. Defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='396746' first='Jane' last='Kubat'] is taking command of the backcourt, too.     Scottsbluff   Welcome to the party, Scottsbluff.   This panhandle crew capped September with a trio of wins against York, Arlington, and Raymond Central at the Raymond Central Invite. Perhaps that positive momentum fueled a huge five-set win over Crete on Oct. 10.   The Bearcat offense is led by a pair of seniors with [player_tooltip player_id='253914' first='Ella' last='Foote'] and [player_tooltip player_id='492308' first='Paige' last='Horne'] terminating at a high level. Taylor Hafeman is another veteran who has been stout in serve receive.     Adams Central   Here's another powerhouse with a shot at another postseason bid. Adams Central is battled-tested after a 4-1 run through the Central Conference Tournament. That puts the Patriots' overall October record at 8-1, which could be a good omen for district play.   [player_tooltip player_id='172608' first='Megyn' last='Scott'] is pounding down 5.4 kills per set in her final year with the program. Adams Central's second-leading scorer is Isabel DeJonge, who also has part-time duties at the setter spot.     Douglas County West   The Falcons are hoping to make it back-to-back. DC West has earned an eight-match win streak with sweeps through the Wisner Pilger Tournament and the Nebraska Capitol Conference bracket.   [player_tooltip player_id='104977' first='Aubree' last='Liss'] has elevated her game on the pin this year alongside junior [player_tooltip player_id='486917' first='Jamison' last='Badje']. [player_tooltip player_id='173522' first='Kiya' last='Johnson'] anchors the middle. Don't forget about that floor defense, either--that's where [player_tooltip player_id='104976' first='Anna' last='Borner'] thrives.     Kearney Catholic   My in-person look at Kearney Catholic this year came at the annual Harvest Festival Invite in mid-September. The Stars haven't lost since that weekend.   That amounts to a 16-match win streak through Kearney Catholic's triangular wins against North Platte and Sidney. Perhaps the most head-turning outing was Kearney Catholic's perfect run through the Centennial Conference Tournament, which included wins over Grand Island Central Catholic and Lincoln Lutheran.   This squad has enviable balance and true championship potential. [player_tooltip player_id='256642' first='Londyn' last='Carnes'] and [player_tooltip player_id='172601' first='Aibrey' last='Mandernach'] are flying high in their junior campaigns with sophomore middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='269911' first='Payton' last='Dzingle'] close behind. Ball control is also a strength with [player_tooltip player_id='393555' first='Maleigha' last='Johnson'] at libero and [player_tooltip player_id='393535' first='Callie' last='Squiers'] setting the offense.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1702771499298337067?s=20 </div></figure>   Elmwood-Murdock   The Knights are finding that late-season rhythm again. A clean sweep through the East Central Nebraska Conference Tournament punctuates Elmwood-Murdock's October surge, and the next two wins against Johnson County Central and Freeman might be even better.   Veteran pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='212050' first='Jordan' last='Vogler'] has eclipsed four kills per set this season. After that, you're looking at a sophomore duo of [player_tooltip player_id='396764' first='Annie' last='Backemeyer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='497400' first='Brooke' last='Goudie'] for frontcourt production. [player_tooltip player_id='124779' first='Tatum' last='Backemeyer'] remains one of the state's most consistent senior liberos, bolstering an Elmwood-Murdock defense that's always solid.     Bruning-Davenport/Shickley   BDS is no stranger to the championship stage, so a late-season surge should be expected from this Class D1 powerhouse. The Eagles compiled a 17-match win streak in the middle of the season--without dropping a single set in any of those victories. That's reason enough to be optimistic.   [player_tooltip player_id='380823' first='Hayley' last='Sliva'] and [player_tooltip player_id='342619' first='Campbell' last='Bohling'] have been incredibly consistent during BDS's multi-year run. Physicality should be a major theme as this squad sets its sights on districts yet again.     Johnson-Brock   Johnson-Brock just battled through the Pioneer Conference Tournament to extend a winning streak that dates back to late September. The good times kept rolling this week with triangular triumphs over Falls City Sacred Heart and Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer.   Prolific scorers like Natalie Knippelmeyer and [player_tooltip player_id='155057' first='Taryn' last='Ottemann'] are keeping the Eagles' operation moving. This vaunted frontcourt will be put to the test again in upcoming district contests.     Meridian   The Mustangs are back in a groove while looking for a repeat appearance in the state tournament. Meridian just swept through the Crossroads Conference Tournament and has a pair of impressive recent wins against Cross County.   Senior outside hitter Jalla Stewart is one of the most productive scorers in the state with 5.3 kills per set this season. She is accompanied by juniors [player_tooltip player_id='462578' first='McKenzie' last='Hofstetter'] and [player_tooltip player_id='728384' first='Jaylee' last='Sobotka'].

It's a theme we've mentioned a lot over the past few weeks. If there's a good time for teams to peak in Nebraska's high school season, it's right now.