Howells-Dodge Boys Finish as State-Runner up in Class D-1

 

Blake Sindelar and RJ Bayer combined for 53 points and Howells-Dodge beat Walthill 68-49 in the first round of the boys Class D1 state basketball tournament at Southeast High School in Lincoln on Wednesday in action aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The game was close early, with the Jaguars holding a 15-14 advantage after the first quarter.

Howells-Dodge went off for 22 points in the second quarter, including 13 from Sindelar. Walthill got hot in the second also, as the Blujays connected on five three-pointers.

The Jaguars led 37-31 at halftime.

Bayer scored 10 of H-D’s 16 points in the third quarter, and Howells-Dodge led 53-39 after three.

Howells-Dodge outscored Walthill 15-10 in the fourth quarter, including making 11 free throws, and the Jaguars were able to secure the win.

Sindelar led Howells-Dodge with 28 points, and Bayer was right behind him with 25.

Howells-Dodge was presented with a daunting task when they met 25-0 and #1 seeded Burwell in the semifinals at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Thursday in action also aired on the Bull.

The Jaguars proved more than ready for the challenge, as they stunned the Longhorns 76-45.

Burwell raced out to an 11-2 lead in the first quarter, but Howells-Dodge closed the period on a 9-0 scoring run to tie it at 11-11 heading into the second.

The Jaguars had a slight scoring edge in the second, and the Jaguars took a 28-27 advantage into halftime.

The third quarter became the Blake Sindelar Show for Howells-Dodge. The Jaguars outscored the Longhorns 25-10 in the third. Sindelar was responsible for 16 of the 25 points.

Howells-Dodge led 53-37 at the end of the third period.

The fourth quarter was just as dominant for the Jaguars, as they outscored Burwell 23-8 in the frame.

In the end, it was 19-8 Howells-Dodge handing previously unbeaten Burwell their first loss of the season.

Sindelar continued his tournament tear for Howells-Dodge, finishing with 31 points. Jacob Tomcak added 14 for the Jaguars and Bayer scored 11.

Howells-Dodge then met Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family for the State Championship on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena in action also aired on the Bull. The Bulldogs rallied from a 10-point deficit at the start of the 4th quarter to win 52-47 in OT.

The Jaguars led the Bulldogs 13-9 after one before winning the 2nd quarter 11-6 to take a 24-15 lead into the locker room.

Howells-Dodge won the 3rd quarter 14-13 to extend their lead to 38-28 at the end of three.

Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family outscored the Jaguars 14-4 in the 4th quarter to tie the game at 42 and send it into overtime.

The Bulldogs doubled up Howells-Dodge 10-5 in the extra session.

The Jaguars were led by Sindelar, who had 18 points.

Great year and great run for Howells-Dodge, who wraps up the season at 20-9.

It was certainly an amazing run for the Jaguars.

And the great news for Howells-Dodge is they only lose one player in Tomcak.

He meant a lot to and did a lot for this program and will be sorely missed no doubt, but the Jaguars have to be very excited for next year given who all returns.

Howells-Dodge brings back the likes of Lance Brester, Aiden Meyer, Gavin Nelson, Brittin Sindelar, Bayer, Blake Sindelar, Aandy Dominguez, Colton Klosen, Nathan Hegemann, and others.

The Jaguars return a ton of talent and a lot of these kids will be Juniors and Seniors next year.

Howells-Dodge couldn't quite finish the deal this year, but I think the Jaguars have a chance to finish unfinished business next year.

I wouldn't be surprised if Howells-Dodge gets back to Lincoln next year and wins a State Title.

Lots of offseason work to do to make that happen, but the Jaguars can definitely do it and get the job done.

One final thing I will mention is finishing as the State Runner-Up this year is a great accomplishment, no doubt. Something to be very proud of and take pride in for sure.

But at the same time I would say finishing 2nd should motivate everyone to work that much harder in the offseason in hopes of coming in 1st place next year and adding some Gold Hardware to the Silver they already have.

BRLD Boys finish 3rd at State

 

The BRLD Boys finished 3rd at the Class C-2 State Tournament in Lincoln this past weekend, downing Bridgeport 59-43 in the 1st round at Lincoln Northeast Wednesday night in action aired on 107.9 the Bull before falling 49-47 to Yutan in the State Semifinals at Pinnacle Bank Arena Thursday night in action also aired on the Bull. The Wolverines then defeated Hartington Cedar Catholic 59-48 for 3rd place Friday afternoon at Lincoln North Star.

The Wolverines led the Bulldogs 14-11 after one before Bridgeport won the 2nd quarter 14-11 to tie the game at 25 at halftime.

BRLD won the 3rd quarter 16-11 to go up 41-36 at the end of three.

The Wolverines outscored the Bulldogs 18-7 in the 4th quarter.

Dylan Beutler had 14 points and 7 rebounds while Toriano Bohannon Jr. also scored 14 points. Lucas Vogt added 12 points and 7 assists, including a right handed alley oop dunk off a pass from Beutler. Micah Henschen added 10 points.

In what was hailed as the most anticipated match up in the Class C2 state basketball tournament, Bancroft-Rosalie/Lyons-Decatur vs Yutan in the semifinals was as advertised and more, as the Chieftains eked out the win over the Wolverines.

Yutan raced out to a 7-0 lead to start the game, and eventually led 19-9. BRLD scored a late bucket to make it 19-11 after the first.

BRLD reversed their fortune in the second quarter, outscoring the Chieftains 18-7. BRLD took a 29-26 lead into halftime.

The Wolverines started the third quarter on a little run, but Yutan was able to stick around and use a late flurry of their own. After three quarters, the score favored BRLD 43-38.

Everyone covering the games in Lincoln was most excited to see the one-on-one play of Vogt against Yutan's Brady Timm.

Timm had a huge fourth quarter for Yutan, scoring eight points, including the winning shot.

The game was tied 47-47 with 1:02 left in the game and it was Yutan basketball. The Chieftains chose to run the clock all the way down, and Timm nailed a 16 foot jump shot from just above the left elbow, giving them a 49-47 lead with 2.2 seconds left.

BRLD tried a long inbounds play to half court, but the Wolverines were unable to get off a final shot, preserving the win for Yutan.

Beutler scored 12 points and secured 13 rebounds for BRLD, good enough for a double-double. Henschen added 11 points while Vogt finished with 9. Elliot Nottlemann chipped in 8 while Bohannon Jr. totaled 7.

The Wolverines jumped out to a 19-9 lead on the Trojans at the end of one. Cedar Catholic won the 2nd quarter 17-14 to make it a 33-26 game at halftime.

BRLD won the 2nd quarter 16-13 to extend their lead to 49-39 at the end of three.

The Wolverines won the 4th quarter 10-9.

Vogt led the way with 19 points and 7 assists while Bohannon Jr. notched 18 points. Beutler registered a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds while Nottlemann recorded 7 points.

Great season for BRLD, who wraps up the campaign with a 19-6 record.

This Senior Class accomplished a lot.

Four straight State Tournament Appearances, including back-to-back State Titles in 2019 and 2020 and 3rd place finishes in 2018 and 2021 is something to be very, very proud of.

Beutler was the team's leading scorer this past season at 18 points a game. He also averaged 9 rebounds a contest. Vogt averaged 14 points and 7 assists per game this season. Bohannon Jr. averaged 12 points a game in his lone season for the Wolverines.

BRLD says goodbye to Beutler, Vogt, Bohannon Jr., Derek Peterson, Henschen, Isaiah Snyder, and Zach Hegge.

Nottlemann is a key returner for the Wolverines.

The Seniors BRLD lose this year were something very special just in what they did on the court this year and throughout their careers.

The run the Wolverines made the last four years was truly remarkable, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds.

Future kids and teams have a lot to live up to, and this BRLD team certainly set the bar and standard high.

BRLD Boys beat Wakefield in Sub-District Final, knock off Centennial in Sub-State Final; Girls take 3rd at State

 

The BRLD Boys won 61-49 over Wakefield in the C2-4 Sub-District Final in Lyons last Thursday night before knocking off Centennial 67-49 in the C2-7 Sub-State Final at Bancroft last Saturday to advance to State for the 4th consecutive year.

The Wolverines doubled up the Trojans 8-4 in the 1st quarter before winning the 2nd quarter 19-18 to take a 27-22 lead into the locker room.

BRLD won the 3rd quarter 15-13 to go up 42-35 at the end of three.

The Wolverines won the 4th quarter 19-14.

Dylan Beutler had 21 points and 7 rebounds while Lucas Vogt scored 19 points and had 7 assists, and Toriano Bohannon Jr. notched 13 points.

BRLD led the Broncos 21-14 after one, and outscored Centennial 25-11 in the 2nd quarter to take a 46-25 lead into the locker room.

The Broncos won the 3rd quarter 10-9 to make it a 55-35 game at the end of three.

Centennial won the 4th quarter 14-12.

Bohannon Jr. led the way with 21 points while Vogt notched 17. Beutler added 13 points and 9 rebounds while Elliot Nottlemann and Micah Henschen totaled 7 points each.

I feel like the Wolverines are ready and in position to go for a 3-peat at State.

BRLD (18-4) takes on Bridgeport (23-2) in the first round of State at Lincoln Northeast Wednesday night in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Bulldogs outlasted Oakland-Craig 56-46 in Overtime in the C2-3 District Final from Kearney High last Saturday in action also aired on the Bull.

Head Coach Cory Meyer breaks down Wednesday's matchup. "It's an awkward matchup. Their top two players are their posts. And one's 6'1 and a very thick, strong kid. And the other one's 6'3, and can play inside and out. And what they do is they try to find the mismatch. And they'll try to take advantage of the mismatch. And they do a good job with that. And I think that's kind of been their success. And they're a pretty good shooting team overall. And it will be a good game." 

The Wolverines have a number of guys that would normally come off the bench that are out for the rest of the season with injuries so it will be interesting to see how that affects BRLD down at State.

I feel like the Wolverines can overcome that and contend for a 3rd straight State Title though.

Coach Meyer says his team is chomping at the bit to play. "I think they're ready for a ball game, that's for sure. It's been a long week, and we had a scrimmage on Saturday, and they looked really good, and I think they're ready to go."

BRLD has to be ready to play on Wednesday and any other game they would potentially play this week.

The Wolverines have to expend all that built up energy on the Bulldogs come Wednesday night.

Coach Meyer adds he would like to see his team lay it all out on the line. "I just want to see our kids be consistent. That's one thing that's kind of hurt us this year is just our inconsistency. And I know basketball can be that way, but I just want to see the effort. I want to see our kids give everything they got, no matter who they're playing against. Whether it's rebounding, defense, just their intensity. And I just want to be able to see that. And that's what I'm looking forward to is if our kids can do that man we could do a lot of damage."

Wednesday night's game is scheduled to tip-off at 6:30 p.m. on the Bull.

The BRLD Girls took 3rd place at last week's State Tournament.

In a game that was close for most of three quarters, #7 seeded Bancroft-Rosalie/Lyons-Decatur was able to pull away in the second half to beat #2 Wood River 62-41 in the first round of the girls Class C2 State Basketball Tournament at Southeast High School in Lincoln on Wednesday in action aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The teams traded buckets throughout the first quarter, but the Wolverines were able to get the last score, and would lead 10-8 after the first.

Both teams seemed to hit their stride offensively in the second quarter, with BRLD scoring 16 and Wood River scoring 14. It was BRLD leading 26-22 at halftime.

The Wolverines started to get some separation in the third quarter, outscoring the Eagles 13-7 in the period. BRLD led 39-29 after three.

BRLD exploded for 23 points in the fourth quarter, compared to just 12 for the Eagles, and BRLD pulled away late in the fourth for the victory.

BRLD had four players reach double figures, as Caragan Tietz led the way with 18, Alyssa Buchholz added 16 points and 8 rebounds, Jordan Snyder had 13 points and 10 rebounds to secure a double-double, and Isabel Freemont scored 10 points.

Head Coach Rod Peters says his team got off to a slow start. "At halftime I didn't think we played very well. Tribute a lot of that to Wood River. I thought that 1-3-1 gave us some troubles. They went into that 2-3 in the 2nd quarter. We had a plan to attack it, but we just didn't use the plan that we put in place."

Despite a red hot start by Bancroft-Rosalie/Lyons-Decatur, Ponca defeated the Wolverines 55-37 in the C2 girls state basketball semifinals Thursday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln as broadcast on the Bull.

BRLD ran out to a 10-2 lead to start the game, but the Indians closed the quarter on a 10-0 run, including a bucket at the buzzer to lead 12-10 after the first.

Ponca continued their offensive outburst in the second quarter, outscoring BRLD 18-7, and the Indians took a 30-17 lead into halftime.

Ponca started the third quarter on another quick scoring run and got up by 18, but BRLD was able to cut the score to 12, before the Indians scored on a layup at the end of the third quarter, making it a 46-32 advantage in favor of Ponca.

BRLD was held scoreless in the fourth quarter until the final 40 seconds of the game, where they had a rush of five points on a bucket by Elise Anderson and a game ending three pointer by Isabella Bonneau.

Snyder led the Wolverines with 12 points and 10 rebounds, good enough for a double-double.

BRLD then turned around and beat Bridgeport 47-40 in the 3rd place game at Lincoln Northeast Friday afternoon.

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 17-12 lead after one before the Wolverines won the 2nd quarter 14-6 to take a 26-23 lead into the locker room.

Bridgeport won the 3rd quarter 9-7 to close the gap to 1 at 33-32 at the end of three.

BRLD outscored the Bulldogs 14-8 in the 4th quarter.

Tietz led the way with 18 points and 8 rebounds while Snyder added 11 points. Buchholz chipped in 7 points and 10 rebounds.

Coach Peters says he wasn't sure how things would go against Bridgeport following the Ponca loss. "After taking a tough loss on Thursday I was worried how we would respond to the quick turnaround.  Extremely proud of the girls for the effort they put forth on Friday against a very good Bridgeport team."

Great season for the Wolverines, who wrap up the year at 22-5.

Tietz led the team in scoring this season with 15 points a game while Snyder averaged 14 a contest.

Snyder was the team's leading rebounder with 190 on the season while Buchholz was 2nd with 143, and Tietz 3rd with 137.

BRLD says goodbye to Freemont, Aubrey Berg, Tietz, Audra Nolting, and Emma Beutler.

Some really outstanding Seniors who will be missed for sure.

Coach Peters can't say enough about them. "The 5 seniors I have are great kids.  Not only have they worked hard on the court, but they are also great students they have been a great student athletes at the school."

Key returners for next year include Snyder, Buchholz, Bonneau, and Megan Beutler.

A lot lost to graduation who will be sorely missed, but some key pieces returning with a chance to make another run next year as well.

Coach Peters says he's already getting ready for the offseason. "Right now, I am planning my summer basketball.  Last year we didn't have much.  This summer we will get after it and develop and build team chemistry.  I believe we have girls that will step up and be ready for their expanded roles on the team."

The Wolverines should be very proud of the run they made this year.

Coach Peters adds his team overcame a lot. "We faced adversity throughout the season from injuries to people being in quarantine.  Every time we faced these adversities the girls stepped up and didn't let it affect them. That's a credit to the girls."

BRLD had a great season, and should feel very good about what they accomplished.

Next season will come around when it does, and the Wolverines will need to be ready at that time, but for now BRLD should take some time to reflect and think back on all they accomplished this year and be very thrilled about all what they were able to do.

It's not everyday a team takes 3rd in the State Tournament, but that's exactly what the BRLD Girls did this year!

Congrats on a great season BRLD! 

Howells-Dodge Boys upset H/LHF in Sub-District Final, knock off Mead in Sub-State Final to advance to State Tournament

 

The Howells-Dodge Boys upset Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family 53-49 in the D1-3 Sub-District Final on the road last Thursday night before defeating Mead 43-36 at home in the D1-4 District Final last Monday night.

The Jaguars got out to a 19-12 lead on the Bulldogs at the end of one. H/LHF won the 2nd quarter 12-10 to make it a 29-24 game at halftime.

Howells-Dodge won the 3rd quarter 10-6 to extend their lead to 39-30 at the end of three.

The Bulldogs won the 4th quarter 19-14.

The Jaguars led the Raiders 17-8 after one before Mead won the 2nd quarter 12-7 to make it a 24-20 game at halftime.

Howells-Dodge won the 3rd quarter 8-5 to go up 32-25 at the end of three.

Both teams scored 11 4th quarter points.

Incredible job by the Jaguars making State for the 2nd time in the last 3 years!

Howells-Dodge (18-8) takes on Walthill (19-4) in the first round of the State Tournament at Lincoln Southeast Wednesday afternoon in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Blujays won 64-54 over Elm Creek in the D1-5 District Final at Cross County last Saturday.

Head Coach Kevin Janata says the Jaguars have the size advantage in this one. "I like how we'll be able to outsize them. They're not very tall. I think the tallest they have on the roster is at 6'0. But they do play an upscale, up pace game. They like to get out in transition and they like to shoot the 3 ball really well, so it's going to be really on us to play good defense, rebound, and just make sure they don't get easy points in transition, and kind of slow the pace of the game down just a little bit. Play our game, not their game."

I also feel like Howells-Dodge has played a tougher schedule. I think the two teams are about equal in terms of quality wins and losses though.

I feel these two teams are pretty equal and even honestly. Coach Janata says his team simply has to go out there and play. "The biggest thing is to stay focused, don't let the moment define you, define the moment. Just emphasizing let's go into this game and let's not be afraid. There's no fear. Yes it's okay to be nervous, but just play your best game, and leave it out on the floor, and whatever happens after that just know you can be proud of your effort."

Coach Janata adds his team is feeling pretty good about themselves right now. "The guys are playing really well. I feel like the end of our schedule really sets us up for a State run. Our competition at the back end of our schedule gets really tough, which we're not going to always win all of those, but it kind of prepares us for the right mentality going into our last games, and I feel like we have some momentum right now, and the kids are feeling pretty confident, and I think they're ready for Wednesday."

I would agree with Coach Janata, I think the Jaguars can make a run at State this week.

Wednesday's game is scheduled to tip-off at 1:30 p.m. on the Bull.

North Bend Central Girls win 2nd straight State Title

 

Kaitlyn Emanuel scored 25 points and North Bend Central made a statement, downing Broken Bow 50-29 in the opening round of the girls Class C1 State Basketball Tournament Wednesday afternoon at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.

The Tigers jumped out to a commanding 19-7 lead after the first quarter.

Points were a little harder to come by in the second, but the Tigers still outscored the Indians 8-6. At the half, NBC led Broken Bow 27-13.

North Bend reached double figures in both the third and fourth quarters, while outscoring Broken Bow 23-16 in the second half.

In a game that looked much closer on paper, #4 NBC eliminated #5 Broken Bow.

In addition to Kaitlyn Emanuel's 25 points, Sydney Emanuel added 12 points and 8 rebounds while Cierra Kluthe notched 7 points.

The Tigers then knocked off Winnebago 60-40 in the State Semifinals at Pinnacle Bank Arena Friday Morning in action aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Tigers led the Indians 21-14 at the end of one, and won the 2nd quarter 11-6 to take a 32-20 lead into the locker room.

NBC outscored Bago 14-6 in the 3rd quarter to go up 46-26 at the end of three.

Both teams scored 14 points in the 4th quarter.

Sydney Emanuel had 27 points while Kaitlyn Emanuel added 11 points and 8 rebounds.

The Tigers saved their best for last as Sydney Emanuel was a clutch 8-8 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, and North Bend Central overcame an 11-point deficit heading into the fourth to repeat as Class C1 girls state basketball champions with a thrilling 51-49 win over Hastings St. Cecilia on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln as broadcast on the Bull.

The Hawkettes started the game with a quick 4-0 lead, before NBC tied it at 4-4. HSC was able to grab another lead and head out of the first quarter with a 15-12 advantage.

HSC established another lead in the second quarter but a late surge of offense by NBC that included a three pointer from Hannah Williams helped the Tigers catch up. Sydney Emanuel was fouled as time expired in the second, and made both free throws to tie the game 25-25 heading into halftime.

The Hawkettes’ Bailey Kissinger went off for 12 points in the third, and NBC was held to just seven points. Hastings St. Cecilia took a daunting 43-32 lead into the fourth quarter.

This is where NBC took over. With several HSC players starting to get into foul trouble, the Tigers just started attacking the rim, and were able to get to the free throw line for 15 attempts in the period, making 14 of them.

Kaitlyn Emanuel hit a huge three pointer late in the fourth to cut the score to three points, and then Sydney Emanuel made free throws down the stretch, including the two that put NBC up 51-49 with just seconds left.

HSC got one last look at a tying shot from Kissinger, but it missed, securing the win and state championship for North Bend Central.

The Tigers outscored the Hawkettes 19-6 in the fourth on their way to the win.

Sydney Emanuel led NBC with 20 points and 7 rebounds, including a perfect 12-12 performance at the free throw line. Kaitlyn Emanuel was right behind her with 19 points and 11 rebounds, good enough for a double-double.

NBC was solid from the foul line as a team, going 21-27.

North Bend Central ends the year at 24-3 overall, and as back-to-back Class C1 Girls State basketball Champions.

What a year and what a run it was for the Tigers.

NBC capped off the season with another State Championship. What an amazing accomplishment to win back-to-back State Titles.

Head Coach Aaron Sterup says he told his team they had to pick things up when it was looking bleak. "We certainly weren't feeling great to start the 4th quarter. We had just talked at that timeout that we had to amp up the pressure right there or it was going to be too late. It was sort of a combination of us making some plays, making some shots, and having a few things go our way. All of those are necessary to come back in a situation like that."

It was certainly an incredible comeback and one these Girls will remember for the rest of their lives I am sure.

Coach Sterup says his players did a great job living up to expectations this season. "It is a great feeling. We had a lot of expectations going into the year from outside. It is hard to deal with expectations sometimes, especially when you had just come off of winning one. I thought the girls did a great job of handling those expectations."

Kaitlyn Emanuel led the team in scoring this year with 17 points per game while Sydney was second on the team, averaging 16.

Kaitlyn Emanuel also led the team in rebounding with 198 rebounds on the season while Kluthe was second with 137, and Sydney Emanuel 3rd with 107.

The Tigers say goodbye to Kendyl Boyce, Ally Pojar, Hannah Williams, and Kluthe.

Coach Sterup says these four Seniors did a lot for North Bend Central Girls Basketball. "They have been instrumental in what has happened during their 4 years. They each had a specific role on our team that was very much needed to be successful. Each of them performed that role as well as we could ask. Each of them won us a game on their own at one time or another and won us a lot of games as a group."

NBC figures to be a force to be reckoned with once again next year with the return of Sydney and Kaitlyn Emanuel, Madison Bishop, Madelyn Gaughen, Josie Cleveringa, and others.

Coach Sterup adds next season is shaping up to be another good one. "I think we have a lot of good pieces coming back next year. Our JVs only lost one game this season. I think when you have a couple of players as good as Sydney and Kaitlyn coming back, you still need to surround them with talent and we definitely have that. I look forward to good things ahead."

It will certainly be interesting to see what the Tigers do next year with an opportunity to 3-peat, but for right now North Bend Central should enjoy this State Championship and get ready for next season when they're ready.

Winnebago Girls place 4th at State

 

The Winnebago Girls had a season to remember as the Indians took 4th place in last week's State Tournament in Lincoln.

Bago started off the State Tourney by upsetting top-seeded GICC 48-46 at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Wednesday.

The Crusaders led 15-10 after one before the Indians outscored GICC 17-6 in the 2nd quarter to take a 27-21 lead into the locker room.

The Crusaders won the 3rd quarter 11-9 to make it a 36-32 game at the end of three.

GICC won the 4th quarter 14-12.

Natasha Deal led the way with 16 points while Keisha Snyder had 14 points and 7 rebounds. Maddy Cleveland added 9 points while Sylvia Valentino notched 7.

Head Coach Treivan Bear says upsetting the Crusaders was amazing. "That game was so fun. As we did in the early season, we got off to a slow start, and our run started with a 3 from Sylvia Valentino and we took off. By the end of the game, it was close again, and those are the fun games I believe. I think Keisha missed a free throw that would of put us up 3, so when GICC got that last shot off, it was only a few seconds but felt like forever, but to see it hit short, man our bench went crazy."

The Indians then took on reigning State Champion North Bend Central Friday Morning at PBA in the State Semifinals in action aired on 107.9 the Bull with the Tigers winning 60-40.

The Tigers led 21-14 at the end of one, and won the 2nd quarter 11-6 to take a 32-20 lead into the locker room.

NBC outscored Bago 14-6 in the 3rd quarter to go up 46-26 at the end of three.

Both teams scored 14 points in the 4th quarter.

Deal finished with 12 points while Snyder had 9 points and 10 rebounds.

Coach Bear says losing that game was tough, but what his team did was about so much more than just that game and is something they'll remember for as long as they live. "Absolutely, towards the end of the North Bend game, when I subbed out my starters, you could see the tears about to start flowing, I sat them down, and said "I know it sucks, we're not going to complete our goal of winning it all, but hey we made history! And no matter what, we're taking some hardware home with us. Let it out, but cheer on your teammates that cheered you on all year, and when the game is over, wave to the other team and the vans." So these kids, and our community will remember this historic run for years to come. The girls have already inspired so many of the young lady hoopers here in our community and its only going to help steer this program in the direction that we have planned for it."

Winnebago fell 64-25 to Lincoln Lutheran in Saturday's 3rd place game at Lincoln Northeast.

The Warriors led 16-10 after one, and outscored the Indians 17-2 in the 2nd quarter to take a 33-12 lead into the locker room.

Lincoln Lutheran outscored Bago 17-9 in the 3rd quarter to go up 50-21 at the end of three.

The Warriors outscored the Indians 14-4 in the 4th quarter.

Snyder led the way with 12 points and 11 rebounds, good enough for a double-double.

Winnebago ends their amazing year and state run at 16-12.

Snyder led the team in scoring this year as she averaged 18 points a game while Deal and Cleveland each averaged 10.

Snyder also led the team in rebounds with 337 while Deal had 143, Cleveland 107, and Sinya Harlan 103.

The Indians say goodbye to Harlan, Deal, Mackenzie Decora, Cleveland, and Snyder.

This was a very talented Senior Class that did a lot for and meant a lot to Winnebago Girls Basketball.

Coach Bear says things have come a long ways since he first took over the program and the Seniors will be sorely missed. "Man, I'm so glad we made this run with this group of seniors. Nobody deserved it more. Natash, Keisha, Maddy, and Sinya have all been with me since day 1. Quick story, day 1 of my first year, we had conditioning and the team walks in, this year seniors were sophomores, but when they walked in Maddy said "Are you our coach? Aren't you a football coach." Lol throwing jabs at me already. But after the Malcolm game, I put that story in our chat, and I said "Well Maddy, not bad for a football coach huh?" And we laughed. We've had our tough moments, I'm sure every coach and their players do, but we always wanted the same outcome and that was to win. Their competitiveness and drive, will transfer over to whatever they choose to do next in their lives. I'm definitely going to miss them. Not only on the court, but at practice, throughout the day here at the school, and them just being around. They're great kids. It's been an honor to coach them and see them grow."

Great stuff, and once again congratulations to Winnebago, their Seniors, Coach Bear, and everyone else associated with the Winnebago Girls Basketball Program for this magnificent run.

I look for the Indians to continue to compete at a high level for years to come.

I feel like there are a number of players returning who are unproven that could make an impact.

Key returners include Valentino, Ciarra Frenchman, Kelsi Decora, and Lakaylah Kearnes.

Coach Bear adds as great as this year's run was, there's more than can be accomplished in the future. "I made a facebook post about this, I'll try to sum it up, I said something like we are proud we made history, we had fun making our run, but, and in the world of competitive sports there's always a "but" because there is always room for improvement. Now the pressure is going to be put on our team to make it to state again, and I believe that's how great programs start. I have a very competitive group of girls returning next year and I think it's going to be the start of something big here for the Winnebago Lady Indians."

I think one thing is for certain....this year's Senior Class laid a foundation for future Winnebago teams to follow and established a winning culture, and put Winnebago Girls Basketball on the map.

I look for next year's team to keep things going for Winnebago Girls Basketball.

GACC Girls upset by Ponca in first round of State

 

The season came to an end for the Guardian Angels Central Catholic Girls Basketball Team on Wednesday, as the Bluejays were defeated 59-45 by Ponca in the first round of the Class C2 State Tournament at Southeast High School.

GACC grabbed an early 5-0 lead in the game, but Ponca went on an 8-1 run to end the quarter, taking an 8-6 lead after the first period.

The Indians dominated the second quarter, outscoring GACC 22-6, and Ponca led 30-12 at halftime.

The third quarter was an improved one for GACC on offense, scoring 12 points. But Ponca added 16, and the Indians led 46-24 after three periods.

The Bluejays had their best scoring quarter in the fourth, where they outscored Ponca 21-13. But the Indians had already done enough to secure the win.

Isabel Hass finished with 10 points for GACC.

The Bluejays end their season at 23-4 overall.

Definitely a tough way to go out for GACC this year.

The Bluejays were without the services of Brenna Rief for the game though as she suffered a season-ending knee injury in Sub-Districts.

That definitely makes a difference not having her.

You can bet GACC will be back stronger and better than ever next year though.

The Bluejays took another step in getting back to their old selves this year by making State, in my opinion.

I think GACC would have been in the State Title Game if Rief had been able to play.

Injuries are a part of the game though and it is what it is so all the Bluejays can do now is build off of this year and move forward.

GACC has a lot coming back next year so I fully expect the Bluejays to be a force to be reckoned with once again next season.