First Impressions from 2025 LPS Classic

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're reaching midseason form.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our Saturday stop at Lincoln Southeast for the annual LPS Classic taught us a lot about various Class A and Class B frontrunners. These tournament venues are a perfect scouting opportunity with powerhouse programs converging on one site. The volleyball is pretty good, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've had a chance to review results, film, and observations from this weekend's spectacle. Before we get into the nitty-gritty details and top standouts, here are a few instant takeaways from the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frontrunners are on the rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">A Titanic Triumph</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norris is on another level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Titans likely entered last weekend's event with sky-high expectations and the intention to preserve their undefeated record. By the end of the LPS Classic, we had another stark demonstration of how dominant Norris really is.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nebraska's defending Class B champions stormed through all six of their contests without dropping a set. This gauntlet included triumphs over fellow frontrunners like Lincoln Pius X, Omaha Marian, and Lincoln North Star. Norris improved to 20-0 and strengthened its argument as the top team in the state--in any class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team brings a head-spinning array of unstoppable elements to the court. Nebraska commit [player_tooltip player_id='458117' first='Malorie' last='Boesiger'] guides an offense putting up head-spinning numbers, led by [player_tooltip player_id='807841' first='Alli' last='Bornschlegl']'s five kills per set on a stunning 0.483 clip. Bornschlegl has turned her effortless, fluid approach into her biggest strength and has embraced her leadership role with the Titans.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norris adds even more effective termination from frontcourt stars like [player_tooltip player_id='739707' first='Loryn' last='Piening'] and [player_tooltip player_id='443105' first='London' last='Meints']. They're backed up by an exceptional backcourt anchored by [player_tooltip player_id='809396' first='Kaelynn' last='Lottman'], [player_tooltip player_id='521233' first='Ella' last='Twarling'], and [player_tooltip player_id='349456' first='Carlie' last='Talbott'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll have several more features to break down these standouts further, but Norris looks laser-focused on its repeat bid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/KingsleyATK/status/1969415200156811491","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KingsleyATK/status/1969415200156811491 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Milestone Makers</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The LPS Classic can serve as a mid-season inflection point for teams looking to take a step forward. A few teams capitalized on that opportunity at this year's outing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Papillion-La Vista immediately comes to mind. The Monarchs have seen their share of ebbs and flows during a tough early-season schedule. Papio is adapting to new personnel and leadership, and Class A offers few reprieves for teams looking to rebuild. Still, the team had another chance to grow through the LPS Classic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mission accomplished. Papio earned its way to the Gold bracket through a pair of impressive sweeps over Lincoln Lutheran and Lincoln High. This led to the weekend's biggest triumph of all: knocking off an undefeated Lincoln Southwest to reach the LPS Classic semifinals. We have many future building blocks to feature from the Monarchs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/KingsleyATK/status/1969405703023706520","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KingsleyATK/status/1969405703023706520 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lincoln Standing Bear also deserves a nod after the Grizzlies clawed to the Gold bracket. We just mentioned how unforgiving the Class A stage is, but it's even more challenging for a school navigating its few seasons of existence. Standing Bear proved it belonged with wins over Lincoln Northeast and Lincoln Northwest to reach Saturday's bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We also see Lincoln East mounting a midseason charge after last weekend's output. The Spartans cashed in on two wins over Lincoln Southeast and Bellevue West to stay alive heading into Saturday. East even earned a rivalry victory over Lincoln Southwest, atoning for a five-set defeat on Sept. 10. The LPS Classic more than doubled Lincoln East's season win total in a single weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Parity and Progress</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Narrow margins and tight contests decide bracket seeding, so we have to look beyond the Gold bracket to find standouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lincoln Southeast has to be gaining confidence after tallying three more wins at last weekend's event. The Knights have already eclipsed last fall's win total and have climbed the ladder in the Lincoln circuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of Lincoln, the LPS Classic exhibited the ever-improving depth of Star City contenders. Of course, we had Lincoln North Star backing up its hot start with a trip to the semifinals. We also have to note Lincoln Northeast's three-set battles with Lincoln Northwest and defending Class C2 champion Lincoln Lutheran.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, what's next? Lincoln North Star has soared to the top of the Class A wildcard standings, while Lincoln Southwest and Lincoln Southeast remain anchored in the Top 8. The capital city has a lot to sort out, but last weekend's showdown was an all-around resume-builder.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->