Conference Preview: Skyland

<p>Week 1 of the girls’ high school season has come and gone with some high-quality volleyball. However, that does not mean our conference previews are done! Next up is the Skyland! The Skyland Conference has talent at every position on the court making it difficult to give recognition to everyone. Let’s take a look at the favorites, dark horses and players to keep an eye on. </p> <p><strong>Last Season</strong></p> <p>A season ago it came down to two squads in the Skyland and they are the two squads who normally have the final say in North Hunterdon and Hunterdon Central. The teams split their two meetings leading to come down to winning percentage but North Hunterdon played one extra game and they were upset in that matchup giving Hunterdon Central the advantage. </p> <p><strong>Favorites</strong></p> <p><em>North Hunterdon</em></p> <p>When you think of favorites in the Skyland, you immediately go straight to looking at North Hunterdon. A squad that is right there year-in and year-out. Why are they so dominant? It is because of their depth being able to go nine players deep who are all significant contributors. They can beat you in a multitude of ways which makes this team complete. </p> <p><em>Hunterdon Central</em></p> <p>The team usually rivaling North Hunterdon is Hunterdon Central. What’s scary is they’re actually deeper than North Hunterdon as they will go into the double-digits with players playing significant time for the squad. Their calling card is the team defense being able to keep them in every point no matter how bleak it may seem. </p> <p><strong>Dark Horses </strong></p> <p><em>Delaware Valley</em></p> <p>A team that is a real threat this season is Delaware Valley. The squad got hot at the perfect time a season ago to capture a sectional crown that many did not see coming. Now, everyone from a season ago returns with a conference title and potentially something even greater in their eyes. Watch out for this squad. </p> <p><em>Mount St. Mary</em></p> <p>Lastly, we have Mount St. Mary who like Delaware Valley has everyone returning from a season ago. The real question will be can they hold their own in conference play. This squad has the potential to make some noise but everyone will have their eyes on them this season. </p> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="152489" first="Emily" last="Wolters"] (North Hunterdon; S)</p> <p>Lindsey Lorenz (Hunterdon Central: S)</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="99857" first="Mariella" last="Hilyard"] (Mount St. Mary; OH)</p> <p>Emily Kraynanski (Delaware Valley; O)</p> <p>Chelsea Tancredi (Ridge; MB)</p> <p>Nikki Blari (Bridgewater-Raritan; S)</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="99887" first="Georgia" last="Wess"] (Montgomery; OH)</p> <p>Kelly Hector (Watchung Hills; O)</p>