State Championship Preview: Class B

<p>Let’s take a look at the eight lucky Class B teams to clinch a spot in the Nebraska State Volleyball Championships:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Skutt: #1 seed, 32-8</p> <p>Skutt is an obvious contender for the 2017 State Championship trophy. Freshman Husker commit <strong>Lindsay Krause</strong> could be a difference maker in Skutt playing for the championship. With 289 kills, Krause is a key player to watch this weekend. Senior <strong>Delaney Saucier</strong> could be another impactful player, with 1,247 setting assists. Look for Skutt to put up a fight for another state championship trophy.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Duchesne: #2 seed, 29-5</p> <p>Duchesne is the next obvious contender for the state championship trophy. Senior <strong>Julianna Kalil</strong> is a beast at the net and the service line with 89 aces, which stresses opposing teams out. On the defensive side, senior <strong>Ellie Lammers</strong> has 518 digs on the season, which has definitely played into the success of Duchesne this year. Duchesne has an abundance of key players and an excellent coaching staff that knows their stuff and adjusts well.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Northwest: #3 seed, 28-8</p> <p>Northwest could end up being the wild card of the Class B State Championship this year. Their defense will be something to look out for as <strong>Taryn Mayfield</strong> and <strong>Jadeyn Stutzman </strong>have 470 and 462 digs, respectively. At the net, Northwest’s blocking could also play a significant role in the tournament. <strong>Whitney Jensen</strong> has 60 blocks and <strong>Taylor Hageman </strong>comes in close behind at 57. Northwest is going to be a fun team to watch out for during the State Tournament this year.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Elkhorn South: #4 seed, 25-13</p> <p>Elkhorn South could very much be another wild card in the State Tournament. They have progressed quite well throughout the season and have been a high performing team this year. Freshman <strong>Rylee Gray</strong> is a difference maker for Elkhorn South, with 282 kills and 124 blocks. Senior <strong>Emily Champion</strong> has 528 set assists while sophomore <strong>Emily Bay</strong> has 543 assists. With a fairly old team composed mostly of juniors and seniors, Elkhorn South could use players with lots of experience to their advantage.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Gretna: #5 seed, 21-7</p> <p>Gretna has been strong and steady this season. Sophomore <strong>Lydia Yost</strong> boosts her team with 322 kills and <strong>Kamryn Schuler</strong> is not far behind with 307. Even though Gretna is a lower seed going into the first round match against Elkhorn South, they will put up a fight. Look for Yost and Schuler to be Gretna’s outlets and get lots of swings during the match.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Ralston: #6 seed, 24-8</p> <p>Ralston senior standout <strong>Taylor Skiles</strong> will be a player to keep an eye on this week. She’s got a hammer of a swing and has claimed 382 kills so far this season. Skiles is an all-around good player, also claiming 441 digs. On the defensive side, sophomore <strong>Jennifer Moenning</strong> runs the court and has 508 digs. Ralston could give Northwest a run for its money in their first round match on Thursday.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Seward: #7 seed, 27-7</p> <p>Seward’s Opfer sisters seem to carry their defense this year. <strong>Rylee</strong> and <strong>Camyrn Opfer</strong> have respectively 381 and 378 digs on the season. A third Opfer sister, <strong>Jaci</strong>, plays into the category of set assists with 357. In addition to that, <strong>Anna Covalt</strong> has 523 set assists. The three Opfer sisters and Anna Covalt will be players to look out for in Seward’s match against Duchesne on Thursday.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Bennington: #8 seed, 22-12</p> <p>Bennington’s scrappy defense will be fun to watch this week as senior <strong>Bryn Stansberry </strong>has 383 digs on the season. As a whole, Bennington has 1,412 team digs. Junior <strong>Grace Jensen</strong> leads her team by far in the category of set assists with 763. Some key things may fall into place for Bennington and they could put up a very good fight in their first round game against Skutt on Thursday.</p>