Class C1 Season Preview

Over the next three weeks, we're going to take a look at each class in Nebraska, starting with Class D2 and ending up with Class A right around Thanksgiving weekend.  Today, we will take a look at Class C1, which, more than any class in the state, might be the most wide open to crown a champion and may have the most turnover of any class at the state tournament this season. <strong>RETURNING CHAMPION: </strong>Bishop Neumann out of Wahoo took home their third state championship in school history by upending conference rival Lincoln Christian in the title game, 45-29.  Neumann won two nail biters in the first two rounds, winning by a total of six points in those two tilts.  However, Neumann will not have a chance to defend its C1 crown, as it has moved down to Class C2 for the 2019-20 season. <strong>TOP RETURNING PLAYER: </strong>Olivia Hollenbeck of Lincoln Christian is the cream of the crop this year in Class C1 on an individual basis.  The Fort Hays State commit hopes to crown her career with a state championship after averaging 16 points and eight rebounds a game, and the 6'4" center is also a terrific rim defender. <strong>TEAM ON THE BRINK:</strong> Milford just narrowly missed out on the state tournament last year, finishing 19-6 after losing a heartbreaking district final to Hastings Adams Central 35-33 last year.  Returning their top three scorers, including Jayla Policky (13.3 ppg), Hannah Kepler (12.0 ppg) and Nevaeh Stauffer (10.3 ppg).  These three sharp shooters combined combined for 140 made three pointers last season, and that figure is sure to be higher this year.  Look for the Eagles to be at the top of the C1 rankings this season <strong>BEST CONFERENCE:</strong> As we talked about in our C2 preview, the Centennial Conference is one of the elite conferences in all sports and activities in the state, and that is no different in girls basketball.  Hastings St. Cecilia, Grand Island Central Catholic and Wahoo Neumann, all C2 teams, will give C1 schools Lincoln Christian, Omaha Concordia and Columbus Scotus more than a run for their money. <strong>REGULAR SEASON GAME(S) OF THE YEAR: </strong>Alot of our top teams do not meet in Class C1 during the regular season, but there is one high powered match up in this class in early January that we should all be looking at.  On January 3rd, North Bend-Central will make a trip to take on state tournament contender Milford.  It should be a great match-up between two teams that have a chance to make some noise in March <strong>"SUPER SEVEN" INDIVIDUAL PLAYERS IN CLASS C1:</strong> Olivia Hollenbeck, Lincoln Christian, 6'4" C (16 ppg, 7.8 rpg, Sr.)/ Kendal Bingham, Wahoo, 5'5" PG (10.2 ppg, 2.5 apg, Sr.)/ Ellie Glock, Wahoo, 6'1" G (8.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, Jr.)/ Sidney Swanson, West Point-Beemer, 5'7" PG (14.5 ppg, 4.5 apg, Jr.)/ Jayla Policky, Milford, 5'6" SG (13.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.0 apg, Sr.)/ Megan Ortmeier, North Bend-Central, 5'8" G (11.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, Sr.)/ Makylee Ailes, Lincoln Christian, 5'8" G (9.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg, Jr.) <strong>"ELITE EIGHT" IN LINCOLN THE FIRST WEEKEND IN MARCH: </strong>Broken Bow, North Bend-Central, Lincoln Chrisitan, Milford, Ogallala, Wahoo, O'Neill, Omaha Roncalli <strong>PRE-SEASON STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PICK: </strong>Out of any class in Nebraska, this is the most wide open class.  There figures to be a large turnover in state tournament teams, and there is no clear cut favorite that is head and shoulders above everyone else.  That being said, I like teams that are coming back with some state tournament experience but also have a bit of a chip on their shoulder, and the one team that fits that formula is Lincoln Christian.  The duo of Hollenbeck in the frontcourt and Ailes in the backcourt, plus a challenging regualr season schedule that will have them battle-tested for the postseason, figures to put the Crusaders at the top of the heap celebrating their third state championship in school history.