Winnebago Boys and Girls looking for big things this year

Team: Winnebago

Mascot: Indians

Colors: Blue and White

Class: C-1

Conference: Lewis and Clark

Head Coach: Jeff Berridge (5th season) (98-14 career record)

2015-2016 record: 31-1 (took third at state)

Returning Starters: 4

Overview:

The Winnebago Boys are back for more in 2016-2017, and look to have another very fine season.

Four starters return for 5th year Head Coach Jeff Berridge, and they are D-1 prospect David Wingett (6'7, SR G), Drake Gorrin (6'0, SR G), Miguel Baker (6'0, SR C), and D'Von LaPointe (6'0, JR G).

Other returning letterwinners and newcomers for the Indians include Maurice Scott (6'1, JR G), Cedrick Blackdeer (6'3, SR F), TJ Frenchman (6'0, SO G), Manape Cleveland (6'2, JR G), Drew Parker (6'2, FR G), Ed Payer III (6'0, FR G), Jeriah Greyowl (6'0, FR G), Willy Wingett (6'4, FR F) and Makoonce Littlevoice (6'3, JR F/C).

Winnebago should have plenty of depth and players ready to see the floor this season.

I look for this to be another great season for the Indians, who are back up in C-1.

Winnebago has to be considered a top favorite to win C-1 this year.

Bishop Neumann being the defending C-1 State Champs will probably be really good again too, along with Columbus Scotus and other teams so it will be interesting to see how things shake out in Class C-1.

Aspen LaPointe is the lone senior gone from last year's team that placed third in C-2.

I look for Wingett to have a wonderful senior campaign, and for Gorrin, D'Von LaPointe, Baker, Scott, Blackdeer, Frenchman, Cleveland, and Littlevoice to do great as well.

The Indians were so close to repeating as state champions last year before being upset by Elmwood-Murdock in the semifinals.

That has to make Winnebago hungry and motivated to get back to state and win another title.

The Indians are a legit threat to win state again, and with the backing and support of the crowd they bring to games, can definitely do it.

Season Outlook:

There's not a lot to say about Winnebago other than they're a great team that has a shot to win another state championship.

Berridge has this preseason assessment of his team.

"Only losing one starter from last season. Looking good and seeing good things out of the players. Have some young guys looking to help this year."

It will be interesting to see how big of an impact the freshmen can make.

The Indians are loaded with great players in the upper classes so playing time could come at a premium for the younger players.

The freshmen have to be ready to be supportive cheerleaders from the bench. That might be their main role with the team this season.

I fully expect Winnebago to be up big enough in most games for the freshmen to get significant playing time, but this is still the upperclassmen's show I would say.

The Indians have challenging games in the Lakota Nation Invitational December 14th through the 17th in Rapid City, SD, and a Ralston Arena matchup with Class A Powerhouse Omaha Central on December 22nd should be Winnebago's toughest challenge of the last three years.

Norfolk Catholic, Laurel-Concord-Coleridge, Ponca, Wynot, BRLD, Walthill, Hastings St. Cecilia, and Guardian Angels Central Catholic figure to all challenge Winnebago as well.

I look for the Indians to have a season very similar to the past two years with another state run in the mix.

Winnebago's goal has to be win another state title, but the Indians have to remain humble, poised, and confident throughout the course of the season.

Winnebago can't get cocky, arrogant, and overconfident, especially in the postseason.

The Indians are in Sub-District C1-6 with Arlington, Fort Calhoun, Tekamah-Herman, and Logan View/Scribner-Snyder.

Winnebago opens up the season on Thursday at Homer.

2016-2017 Winnebago Indians Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/01/16 @ Homer
12/02/16 Walthill
12/08/16 Omaha Nation
12/14-12/17 (To Be Determined) Lakota Nation Invitational Rapid City, SD
12/22/16 Omaha Central Site: Ralston Arena Ralston Arena
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Shootout on the Elkhorn Wisner
01/03/17 Norfolk Catholic
01/06/17 @ Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
01/07/17 Oakland-Craig
01/10/17 @ Emerson-Hubbard
01/13/17 Wynot
01/17/17 @ Ponca
01/24/17 BRLD
01/27-02/06 (To Be Determined) Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament TBA
02/07/17 Wakefield
02/11/17 Hastings St. Cecilia Site: Heartland Hoops Classic - GI Heartland Hoops Classic - GI
02/17/17 Guardian Angels Central Catholic

Team: Winnebago

Mascot: Indians

Colors: Blue and White

Class: C-1

Conference: Lewis and Clark

Head Coach: Doug Mackling

2015-2016 record: 8-17 (lost to GACC in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Winnebago Girls hope to be successful this season after winning 8 games a year ago.

Some of the main players for the Indians are Jonna Price, Deonna Harris, Allie Frenchman, Tia YellowThunder, Jasmine Colvin, Delicia Payer, and Jean Parker-Morris.

Here is the Indians' entire roster:

1 Jonna Price                    SG         Jr.
3 Jocelyn Colvin PG         So.
4 Deonna Harris                PF, C Jr.
5 Allie Frenchman SF, PF Sr. 5-8
10 Bailey Blackdeer PF, C, SF Jr.
12 Rosalind Grant PG, SG Jr.
14 Tia YellowThunder PG, SG Fr.
20 Jasmine Colvin PG, SG Sr. 5-6
21 Shaylee Kearnes PG, SG So.
23 Alex Neff                       SG         So.
24 Delicia Payer                  SG         Sr.
32 Jaidan Payer                    SF, PF Fr.
40 Jean Parker-Morris          C         So.
44 Kiana Lewis                     PF, SF, C Fr.
50 Aniyah Grant                    C         So.
52 Daelyn Zagurski PF, C So.

I look for Winnebago to have success this year. I think the Indians have the talent and depth to compete with the majority of the teams on their schedule.

It will be interesting to see how the season shakes out, but I truly believe Winnebago has what it takes to be better this season than they were last,

Season Outlook:

The Winnebago Girls figure to have a shot to be better than they were last year with all the talent that is on their roster.

The Indians will take part in the Lakota Nation Invitational in Rapid City, SD December 14th through the 17th, and that figures to be challenging for Winnebago.

A Ralston Arena game with Pender on December 22nd figures to be challenging as well as games with Norfolk Catholic, Emerson-Hubbard, Oakland-Craig, GACC, Wynot, Ponca, Pierce, and BRLD.

The schedule has it's challenges for the Indians, there's no doubt about it, but I think Winnebago can be competitive against the tough teams on their schedule and take care of the teams they're supposed to beat and win the 50/50 games.

The Indians are in Sub-District C1-6 with the likes of Tekamah-Herman, Fort Calhoun, Arlington, and Logan View/Scribner-Snyder.

I feel Winnebago can be a postseason factor if they are playing their best basketball at the right time.

The Indians open the season at Homer on Thursday.

2016-2017 Winnebago Indians Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/01/16 @ Homer
12/02/16 Walthill
12/08/16 Omaha Nation
12/14-12/17 (To Be Determined) Lakota Nation Invitational Rapid City, SD
12/22/16 Pender Site: Ralston Arena Ralston Arena
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Shootout On the Elkhorn Wisner
01/03/17 Norfolk Catholic
01/06/17 @ Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
01/07/17 Oakland-Craig
01/10/17 @ Emerson-Hubbard
01/12/17 Guardian Angels Central Catholic
01/13/17 Wynot
01/17/17 @ Ponca
01/20/17 @ Pierce
01/24/17 BRLD
01/27-02/06 (To Be Determined) Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament TBA
02/07/17 Wakefield

Stanton Boys and Girls looking for big seasons

Team: Stanton

Mascot: Mustangs

Colors: Orange and Black

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Bryan Mendlik

2015-2016 record: 18-7 (lost to Lutheran High Northeast in Sub Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Stanton Boys look to have another fine season after going 18-7 a year ago.

Key losses include Kyle Sperl, Josh Krentz, Brook Klinetobe, and Mitchael Sieh.

Here is this year's Stanton roster:

0 Beau Wilke         Jr.
2 TJ Larson         Fr.
3 Malachi Jochum Jr.
4 Broderick Sieh Jr.
5 Cade Goger         So.
10 Hunter Stallbaum Sr.
11 Henry Bohac         Sr.
23 Myles Nickolite Sr.
24 Marcus Spotanski So.
30 Ashton Flood         Jr.
33 Trey Erbst         Sr.
34 Tanner Krusemark Jr.
40 Sam Bates         So.
50 Parker Theisen Sr.

I look for Erbst, Nickolite, Bohac, and Stallbaum to be the main leaders on the team with Wilke, Sieh, Theisen, and Flood being other contributors.

I like the makeup of this Mustang team and think they can be really good this year.

Stanton had a lot of success in football this season, and I think the Mustangs can have even more success on the hardwood.

I'm anxious and excited to see how well Stanton does this season.

Season Outlook:

The Stanton Mustangs figure to be good again and have another fine season.

Stanton has some challenging games this season like all teams do, and the Mustangs' biggest games appear to be against Howells-Dodge, North Bend Central, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Battle Creek, Oakland-Craig, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, Boone Central Newman/Grove, Twin River, and BRLD.

Stanton figures to be challenged by all of these teams and others they play throughout the course of the season, but I look for the Mustangs to find their way nicely and have a good season.

Stanton is in Sub-District C2-7 with Battle Creek, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Wisner-Pilger, and Howells-Dodge.

The Mustangs open up the season on Thursday at home against Tekamah-Herman.

2016-2017 Stanton Mustangs Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/01/16 Tekamah-Herman
12/02/16 @ Howells-Dodge
12/06/16 West Point-Beemer
12/08/16 @ Wisner-Pilger
12/13/16 North Bend Central
12/16/16 @ Wakefield
12/17/16 Pender
12/20/16 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Stanton Holiday Tournament Stanton
01/03/17 @ Battle Creek
01/06/17 Oakland-Craig
01/07/17 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
01/10/17 @ Plainview
01/13/17 Boone Central/Newman Grove
01/17/17 Madison
01/21/17 @ BRLD
01/24/17 @ Twin River
01/28-02/04 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/09/17 Clarkson/Leigh

Team: Stanton

Mascot: Mustangs

Colors: Orange and Black

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Greg Wegner (2nd season)

2015-2016 record: 19-8 (lost to GACC in the first round of state)

Returning Starters: 3

Overview:

The Stanton Girls are anticipating another big season under 2nd year Head Coach Greg Wegner, and should with all the talent they return.

Three starters return for the Mustangs in MacKenzie Brandl - Sr. - 5’5’’ - 3 year Starter, Bree Burtwistle - So. 5’8’’ - 2 Year Starter, and Jessie Brandl - So. - 5’6’’ - 2 Year Starter.

A key loss is Hiliary Huss, who averaged 19 points per game and had 99 steals a season ago.

Newcomers who could make an impact, according to Wegner.

Hannah Heppner - Jr. - 5’11” -Post
Jaiden Hartl - So. - 5’5’’ - Guard
Ashley Colwell - Sr.  - 5’4’’ - Guard
Kiley Wiedeman - Sr. - 5’6’’ - Post/Guard
Allie Spence - Jr.  - 5’5’’ - Guard

Here is Stanton's projected starting lineup:

MacKenzie Brandl - Sr. - 5’5’’ - 3 year Starter
Bree Burtwistle - So. 5’8’’ - 2 Year Starter
Jessie Brandl - So. - 5’6’’ - 2 Year Starter
Hannah Heppner - Jr. - 5’11’’ - 1 Year Starter
???? Unsure on my 5th Starter as of now.

The majority of these girls were on the Mustangs' state championship Volleyball team.

Wegner says success in that sport helps, but notes the differences between the two.

"I think anytime you have state experience it helps you in the other sports throughout the year. Now, volleyball and basketball are two completely different games. Some kids do not like the physical play of basketball, and can often times be the difference in the game. I feel that the state experience gives my kids more confidence and settles their nerves down. I sure noticed a difference last year in the sub-district and district finals. My kids came out and played like they knew they could, and did not let the pressure of the game affect their play."

I would say champions are made from April through October when it comes to basketball.

Wegner said these girls had a tremendous offseason.

"Our girls work really hard in the offseason. They are in the weight room and you can really tell by how some of their bodies changed over the summer. I saw a lot of their maxes go up, and times got cut down by good margins. So far, they’ve had great attitudes at practice, even during conditioning. These kids love to compete."

Stanton started 1-4 last year.

Wegner says this year's goals include winning more games than last year and making it back to state.

"We are looking to get to 20 wins this season. I feel that 20 is a great number to get to within a season. Last year, we dropped a few games at the beginning of the season that we felt we should have won, which made us fall short of 20 wins. Our other goals are to win our conference tournament, which has several good teams this year, including Howells-Dodge, North Bend Central, and Oakland-Craig. Our final goal is to get to Lincoln and make it to Saturday. We were thrilled to break a 26 year streak of not making it to state, but this year we want more. We want to get to Lincoln, and win down there."

Season Outlook:

Stanton's goals are to get back to the state tournament and be playing on championship Saturday.

Wegner says to have another good season and get back to Lincoln, multiple girls have to score.

"We will have to play balanced basketball this year. Last year we relied on Hiliary for a majority of our scoring. This season, we will need to play better defense, and spread the scoring out between 4-5 girls, rather than looking for one person to score in big games. We have a tough sub-district with Howells-Dodge in with us. They beat us both times we played last year, and return basically the same team, which was the D-1 runner-up."

Wegner adds he's looking for his team to play together and play well on defense this season.

"I am really looking forward to see how we play as a whole team. I felt last year, we didn’t always play team basketball. I felt we got used to relying on the same people to do everything for us. This summer and so far this year, we have spread the ball out, and everyone was a part of our offense. I also want to see us play defense for 4 quarters. I don’t want to try to outscore everyone we play, we need to stop people and shut them down. "

Teams are generally better in a coach's second season than their first.

Wegner feels he's more ready this year than he was last.

"I feel more relaxed than last year. There are a few situation and play calls I’d like to have back, but being a 1st year head coach, I didn’t have the experience in certain situations. This year, I’ll be ready to call different sets or plays in key situations, which I was not completely ready for last year. "

The Mustangs have some challenging games this year, especially in the early season against the likes of Tekamah-Herman, Howells-Dodge, West Point-Beemer, Wisner-Pilger, North Bend Central, Pender, and Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family.

Oakland-Craig, BRLD, Twin River, and Norfolk Catholic figure to be challenging games in the second half of the season.

There are a lot of challenging games on the slate for Stanton this year, but I look for the Mustangs to win the majority of their games and make another state run.

Stanton is in Sub-District C2-7 with Howells-Dodge, Wisner-Pilger, Battle Creek, and Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family.

The Mustangs open up the season at home on Thursday against Tekamah-Herman.

2016-2017 Stanton Mustangs Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/01/16 Tekamah-Herman
12/02/16 @ Howells-Dodge
12/06/16 West Point-Beemer
12/08/16 @ Wisner-Pilger
12/13/16 North Bend Central
12/16/16 @ Wakefield
12/17/16 Pender
12/20/16 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Stanton Holiday Tournament Stanton
01/03/17 @ Battle Creek
01/06/17 Oakland-Craig
01/07/17 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
01/10/17 @ Plainview
01/13/17 Boone Central/Newman Grove
01/17/17 Madison
01/21/17 @ BRLD
01/24/17 @ Twin River
01/27-02/04 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/09/17 Clarkson/Leigh
02/10/17 Norfolk Catholic

Tekamah-Herman Boys and Girls hoping for success in 2016-2017

Team: Tekamah-Herman

Mascot: Tigers

Colors: Purple, Vegas Gold

Class: C-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Zach Rosenboom

2015-2016 record: 2-20 (lost to West Point-Beemer in Sub Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Tekamah-Herman Boys appear to be low on numbers again as only 9 players are listed on their roster on MaxPreps.

Here are the 9 players on the Tigers' roster:

3 Nate Olson                       Sr.
11 Tyler Petersen                So.
13 Dustin Pickell                Sr.
15 Jordan Derra                  Fr.
21 Brady Ball                     So.
23 Clay Beaumont              Fr.
25 Luke Wakehouse            Fr.
31 Chauncey Rogers           Fr.
35 Colton Morrow-Merrill  Sr.

Tekamah-Herman appears to be young again, and youth combined with a lack of depth could make for a lot of challenges for the Tigers this season.

I think Tekamah-Herman can overcome the challenges facing them though and have a better season than last.

I look for Pickell, Olson, and Morrow-Merrill to lead this team being the 3 seniors on the roster.

I think Luke Wakehouse and Clay Beaumont could be freshmen to watch out for for the Tigers.

I think Brady Ball is another player who could make a significant impact on Tekamah-Herman this season.

I would say the keys to a better season for the Tigers are more consistent offensive play, and better play on defense.

Tekamah-Herman gave up a lot of points in certain games last year, and the offense wasn't consistent enough to get the Tigers over the hump in most cases.


Season Outlook:

The Tekamah-Herman Tigers will have to be road warriors early in the season as 5 of their 7 games before the Holiday Break are on the road.

Stanton, Wisner-Pilger, Twin River, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, BRLD, Oakland-Craig, West Point-Beemer, Fort Calhoun, North Bend Central, Yutan, and DC West all figure to be challenging games for Tekamah-Herman.

I think the Tigers can win more games than they did last year, but Tekamah-Herman has to stay healthy.

Losing Derek Haber and Gus Langley to graduation doesn't help matters this season so someone is gong to have to step up and lead this team.

I look for Pickell to really put this team on his back and carry the team.

I think he is going to have an outstanding individual season for the Tigers.

Tekamah-Herman is in Sub-District C1-6 with the likes of Fort Calhoun, Winnebago, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, and Arlington.

The Tigers open up the season on Thursday at Stanton.

2016-2017 Tekamah-Herman Tigers Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/01/16 @ Stanton
12/02/16 Pender
12/09/16 @ Wisner-Pilger
12/10/16 @ Twin River
12/12/16 @ Omaha Brownell Talbot
12/16/16 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
12/17/16 Arlington
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Nebraska Wesleyan Holiday Tournament Nebraska Wesleyan
01/06/17 BRLD
01/10/17 Clarkson/Leigh
01/13/17 @ Madison
01/14/17 West Point-Beemer
01/17/17 Oakland-Craig
01/28-02/04 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/07/17 @ Fort Calhoun
02/10/17 North Bend Central
02/14/17 @ Yutan
02/17/17 Douglas County West

Team: Tekamah-Herman

Mascot: Tigers

Colors: Purple, Vegas Gold

Class: C-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Scott Guzinski (6th season) (72-94 career record)

2015-2016 record: 13-10 (lost to Fort Calhoun in Sub Districts)

Returning Starters: 1

Overview:

The Tekamah-Herman Girls look to be competitive again in 2016-2017 after having some success a year ago.

One starter returns for 6th year Head Coach Scott Guzinski in Jess Fleischmann.

Here are the projected starters for Tekamah-Herman:

Jess Fleischmann-SR-F Four year starter
Carson Cameron-SR-G
Kassidy Kellog-SR-F
Maddy Horn-SR-G
Marin Jetensky-JR-F
OR
Sarah Stang-SR-F

Having a veteran and senior laden starting lineup should allow the Tigers to be successful this year I would think.

Guzinski says there are several players from last year the team graduated.

"Lost seven seniors including second leading scorer and rebounder Allie Snow. Allie Snow, Kat Gregerson, and Hannah Tobin were all three year starters.

Guzinski adds there are a couple of newcomers who could make and would of made an impact, but one is injured.

"Jadyn Fleischmann 6’0’ Freshman post will be a key sub in varsity games. She is long and can play defense. Lost Freshman Mya Guzinski (point guard) to an ACL tear over the summer.  She would’ve been a starter."

Guzinski expects a number of veteran players to step in and fill the void left by last year's departing seniors.

"We will have 10 juniors and seniors and have a lot of kids who have paid their dues. They have earned the right to play and I look forward to them stepping up and getting the job done!"

I would say having players come through the system ready to play meaningful games at the varsity level when it's there time is a luxury to have as opposed to having to play young players too early.

Guzinski says the varsity team will consist of mostly upperclassmen.

"We won’t play a ton a younger kids at the varsity level. Most of our varsity players will be juniors and seniors. They have played a lot of JV ball over the last few years and will be ready for varsity."

Working hard in the offseason is critical to the success of any team, and the Tekamah-Herman Girls are no exception.

Guzinski says the upperclassmen know what it's like to work.

"Our older kids get it. They work hard in weight room and show up for summer camp. I am really hoping that some of that wears off on our younger kids. We have had three winning seasons in a row and I would expect that to continue this year. The only way it will continue in the future is if the younger kids put in the time to get better year after year."

Season Outlook:

It appears Tekamah-Herman is primed and ready to have a fourth straight winning season.

Guzinski says he's really looking forward to working with his team this year.

"I have three seniors-Kassidy Kellogg, Maddy Horn, and Sarah Stang-who have been out all four years and have earned the right to play. I look forward to seeing them grow in a varsity role. Also, I look forward to seeing how much Jess Fleischman has improved after spending the summer playing with Class A players on the OSA U17 National Team. She has 847 total points for her career and is going to be really tough to guard. Finally, Marin Jetensky led our kids in weight room days last summer. I know she is going to do great. Looking forward to working with her. Overall, I just have a really great group of student-athletes. Nice kids. Kids who work hard in the classroom. I really enjoy being around my team."

I would add that depth appears to be a strength for the Tigers.

Tekamah-Herman appears to have a lot of hungry players who have waited their turn to play varsity.

Some girls have probably had to sit behind last year's senior class, but not anymore.

This is their year and their time to shine, and I look for the Tigers to have a very fine season.

Tekamah-Herman has tough contests with Stanton, Pender, Wisner-Pilger, Twin River, Omaha Roncalli, Fort Calhoun, BRLD, West Point-Beemer, Oakland-Craig, Howells-Dodge, and North Bend Central.

I think the Tigers will certainly be challenged this year, but I think Tekamah-Herman has a shot to have a fairly good amount of success throughout the course of the season.

The Tigers are in Sub-District C1-6 with the likes of Arlington, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, Fort Calhoun, and Winnebago.

The Sub-District appears to be wide open. I wouldn't be shocked if Tekamah-Herman made a district final.

The Tigers open up the season at Stanton on Thursday.

2016-2017 Tekamah-Herman Tigers Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/01/16 @ Stanton
12/02/16 Pender
12/06/16 Douglas County West
12/09/16 @ Wisner-Pilger
12/10/16 @ Twin River
12/13/16 @ Yutan
12/16/16 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
12/17/16 Arlington
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Nebraska Wesleyan Holiday Tournament Nebraska Wesleyan
01/03/17 @ Omaha Roncalli Catholic
01/05/17 @ Fort Calhoun
01/06/17 BRLD
01/10/17 Clarkson/Leigh
01/13/17 @ Madison
01/14/17 West Point-Beemer
01/17/17 Oakland-Craig
01/20/17 @ Howells-Dodge
01/24/17 @ Omaha Mercy
01/27-02/04 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/10/17 North Bend Central

Clarkson/Leigh Boys and Girls hoping to be competitive this season

Team: Clarkson/Leigh

Mascot: Patriots

Colors: Red, Blue, Gray

Class: D-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Jay Knaak (5th season) (46-53 record)

2015-2016 record: 4-20 (lost to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in Sub Districts)

Returning Starters: 0

Overview:

The Clarkson/Leigh Boys hope to be better this year than they were last year when they won just four games.

The Patriots don't have any returning starters though, and this is what Clarkson/Leigh's starting lineup could look like:

Haden Held 11 G 0
Anthony Bruhn 11 G 0
Garrett Schroeder11 G 0
Luiz Mayorga 12 C 0
Mark Aguirre 12 F 0

Bradley Bunner is going out for the team, so just having him as a team member should really help.

5th year Head Coach Jay Knaak says Bunner is a newcomer who could make an impact.

"Bradley Bunner 6’0 12 F, he is going out for basketball for the first time in his high school career,
but is a talented athlete so I hope he will contribute to the team on the boards and on defense."

Given the Patriots' struggles on defense last year, having Bunner should help Clarkson/Leigh out tremendously on that end of the floor.

Blake Paprocki (12 6’1 F) is another returning letterwinner for the Patriots.

Knaak says he saw good growth and improvement in the offseason.

"We did a good job of improving over the summer. We were competitive in the Y league in Norfolk and some players took a step up in their game."

Knaak adds the team figures to be challenged down low this season.

"We will not have much height this year, with our post players at 6’1 or less. We will have to depend on grit and hard work to get on the boards and defend the bigger post players we have in the conference."

Season Outlook:

Clarkson/Leigh is looking for good things in 2016-2017.

Knaak discusses the keys to a successful season.

"We will have to rely on defense and shoot the ball at a better percentage. We are not very deep so will also have to stay out of foul trouble."

Knaak says he's looking for growth and improvement throughout the course of the season.

"I am looking forward to seeing if we can grow as a team and improve each game and see how good we can be at the end of the season."

Knaak adds the team's chemistry is good, they just need to develop a bench.

"I like the nucleus of the team and need to develop younger players to come off the bench and give
the starters some rest and keep us in the ballgame."

I would say the Patriots can't afford to have the starters get all the minutes. Clarkson/Leigh has to find some options on the bench to give the starters blows.

If the Patriots have to rely on their starting five to do everything it could be an interesting season.

It looks like Clarkson/Leigh should have at least seven players see the floor though.

Knaak says it should be a fairly good season.

"We should be competitive in all of our games this year. We will have to depend on shooting the ball well from the outside, defending the post and forcing turnovers."

Looking at the schedule, the Patriots appear to have tough games against Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Oakland-Craig, BRLD, Howells-Dodge, Yutan, North Bend Central, GACC, Humphrey St. Francis, Twin River, Lutheran High Northeast, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, and Stanton.

The schedule appears to be pretty difficult for Clarkson/Leigh, but I think the Patriots can hang in there with the majority of the teams on their schedule.

Clarkson/Leigh is in Sub-District D1-4 with GACC, Pender, Emerson-Hubbard, and Walthill.

The Patriots open up the season on Friday at Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in a game that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

2016-2017 Clarkson/Leigh Patriots Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/02/16 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
12/03/16 Madison
12/06/16 @ Oakland-Craig
12/08/16 Winside
12/09/16 BRLD
12/15/16 Pender
12/17/16 @ Clarkson/Leigh
12/17/16 Howells-Dodge
12/20/16 Yutan
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Nebraska Christian Holiday Tournament Nebraska Christian
01/03/17 @ North Bend Central
01/07/17 @ Guardian Angels Central Catholic
01/10/17 @ Tekamah-Herman
01/13/17 Humphrey St. Francis
01/17/17 Elgin Public/Pope John
01/19/17 @ Twin River
01/20/17 @ Lutheran High Northeast
01/24/17 @ Wisner-Pilger
01/28-02/04 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/07/17 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
02/09/17 @ Stanton

Team: Clarkson/Leigh

Mascot: Patriots

Colors: Red, Blue, Gray

Class: D-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Matt Murren (4th season) (21-49 record)

2015-2016 record: 4-19 (lost to Battle Creek in Sub Districts)

Returning Starters: 4

Overview:

The Clarkson/Leigh Girls hope and figure to be much improved this season given the fact four starters return this year.

Head Coach Matt Murren has this analysis of the returning starters.

"We have four girls back on this years roster that started at some point last season. Shelby Paprocki is a senior for us who has started the past two seasons and has a lot of ability on the perimeter and can score inside. Kaegan Held, Beth Wiese, and Hannah Kasik all started as freshmen last season. Kaegan is our point guard and plays a lot of minutes. Kaegan averaged almost 2.5 assists/game last season and we look for that number to increase this year as she is more comfortable with the offense. Hannah plays both inside and outside for us and looks to use her strength inside this season. She is a great rebounder and has ability to score in transition. Beth played both inside and outside for us last year and we look to get her more into her comfort zone back inside this season."

Murren says Alyssa Novotny, Maddie Cerv, and a few others are key losses.

"We lost five seniors from last years team. Maddie Cerv was a 3 year starter for us and will be a big loss as far as a leader, defender, and shooter. Alyssa Novotny wasn't able to play as a senior last season but did average 16 ppg and 11 rpg so she was missed last season and will be missed as well this season. We will also miss Jessi Sayers, Megan Svehla, and Camille Koehn who all contributed in different ways."

Murren adds he's excited about some newcomers who could make an impact.

"Ashlynn Novotny, younger sister to Alyssa, will impact our team this season. She has the ability to handle the ball, great vision, and can shoot the ball as well. She will play minutes for us this year as her, Kaegan, and Halee work well together as guards both defensively and offensively. Sara McEvoy (sophomore), Sydney Folken (junior), and Kim Stodoloa (freshman) could see some varsity minutes as they continue to pick up the speed of the varsity game as the season progresses."

Murren feels success in fall sports should help the girls be successful this basketball season.

"The girls had great fall seasons in both softball and volleyball where both sports had winning records and winning seasons. We look to have that success in the fall sports transfer over into basketball. It's my belief that in order to have a successful program, we must be successful in all girls activities here and the fall we had leads us in the right direction. It should give us confidence as we head into our season. "

The girls worked really hard in the offseason, according to Murren.

"We had a great offseason, I was very impressed with how hard the girls worked. We had seven girls make our 10,000 shots made club last summer: Halee Steffensmeier, Held, Ashlynn Novotny, Paige Moore,  Kasik, McEvoy, and Reagan Settje. It shows the girls' commitment to basketball and shows they want to improve and get better when they put in individual time on their own. The most improvement that I saw this summer was from our transition offense creating opportunities for points for us. We did some summer activities such as trips to Mahoney State Park to continue to build ourselves together as a team. The girls enjoyed these activities and really had fun."

Here is Clarkson/Leigh's projected starting lineup:

We have seven girls that are currently competing for the five varsity starting spots and they've worked hard with each showing individual strengths to the team. I will list all seven who have an opportunity to be in the starting lineup that first night against Humphrey/LHF on December 2nd:

                               Year Ht. Pos Pts/Gm Reb/Gm Ast/Gm
Shelby Paprocki     12 5’8 F 6.3 5.9 1.8  (starter for 2 years)
Kaegan Held 10 5’4 G 4.7 2.9 2.3 (starter for 1 year)
Beth Wiese 10 5’8 F 2.1 2.3 0.5   (starter for 1 year)
Hannah Kasik 10 5’8 F 6.3 5.2 0.5   (starter for 1 year)
Paige Moore 10 5’8 F 1.4 1.7 0.4
Halee Steffensmeier10 5’4 G 1.2 0.7 0.4
Ashlynn Novotny 9 5’8 G

Season Outlook:

The Clarkson/Leigh Patriots have to be thinking they have a chance to be successful this year given all the hard work they put in during the offseason and the success the girls had in their respective fall sports.

Murren says his team has to be better on offense.

"We have really stressed ball handling over the summer and into the preseason so far. That was a weak area for us last season and it has been a focal point in practice. We have guards that are more comfortable working against pressure defense and that will be a key factor in us winning more games. We have to handle the basketball better and minimize our turnovers. We also have to shoot the ball better. We shot 29% last season as a team and we look for that number to hopefully be 40% or above this season. We have to knock down perimeter shots to get our inside going. We also look to use our transition game this season. Defensively we must play better the season and minimize scoring attempts. We will look to switch up between man and zone."

Clarkson/Leigh was held under 50 points in every game last year, and that has to change for the Patriots to be successful this year, in my opinion.

Murren is hoping for good things this season.

"Looking to see the growth of our team as a whole. We had a really fun summer, did some fun activities and had some great summer success. I'm hoping that translates into the season where we have a lot of fun and that fun leads into success for us into the season. We have a great group of hardworking girls that love to have fun so hopefully changing up practices will lead to a successful season. "

Murren adds the mental aspect of the game will be critical to Clarkson/Leigh's success this season.

"I'm very excited about the upcoming season and what it brings for our girls program. Our motto this season is "Contagious Positivity" and "No Complaining." We adopted these motto's because for us to have fun, which we all want, we must have the above motto's. We have got to stay positive in the tough moments in games and can not drop our heads in the rough times during the season (no complaining.) It'll be interesting to see how much growth this team can make as the season goes along because we have athleticism and ability and now it is about fine tuning and continuing to grow our basketball skills so each player has the confidence in themselves that they are and can be a great basketball player."

I think the Patriots have a chance to be a lot more competitive this year than they were last year, but the schedule is still tough.

Clarkson/Leigh has tough games against the likes of Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Oakland-Craig, BRLD, Pender, Howells-Dodge, Yutan, North Bend Central, GACC, Tekamah-Herman, Humphrey St. Francis, Elgin Public/Pope John, Twin River, Lutheran High Northeast, Wisner-Pilger, and Stanton.

I think the Patriots will be quite a bit more competitive in all games this year, and win at least a few more games than they did a season ago.

Clarkson/Leigh has a tough path to success this year, but given all the hard work this team put in, they can certainly make some things happen this season.

The Patriots are in Sub-District D1-4 with the likes of GACC, Pender, Emerson-Hubbard, and Walthill.

Clarkson/Leigh opens up the season at Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family on Friday in a game that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

2016-2017 Clarkson/Leigh Patriots Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/02/16 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family

12/03/16 Madison

12/06/16 @ Oakland-Craig

12/08/16 Winside

12/09/16 BRLD

12/15/16 Pender

12/17/16 Howells-Dodge

12/20/16 Yutan

12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Nebraska Christian Holiday Tournament Nebraska Christian

01/03/17 @ North Bend Central

01/07/17 @ Guardian Angels Central Catholic

01/10/17 @ Tekamah-Herman

01/13/17 Humphrey St. Francis

01/17/17 Elgin Public/Pope John

01/19/17 @ Twin River

01/20/17 @ Lutheran High Northeast

01/24/17 @ Wisner-Pilger

01/27-02/04 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD

02/07/17 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder

02/09/17 @ Stanton

Guardian Angels Central Catholic Boys and Girls anticipating big seasons

Team: Guardian Angels Central Catholic

Mascot: Bluejays

Colors: Blue and White

Class: D-1

Conference: Mid-State

Head Coach: Brad Slaughter (5th season) (156-161 career record)

2015-2016 record: 16-9 (lost to Winnebago in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 2

Overview:

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Boys are looking for big things after finding a good amount of success last season.

Two starters return for 5th year Head Coach Brad Slaughter, and they are Kobe Slaughter and Andrew Guenther.

Here is Brad Slaughter's projected starting lineup:

Kobe Slaughter, 6’, 12th,G, 2 years
Andrew Guenther, 6’, 12th, part time starter.
Mitch Hass, 6’1, 12th.
Nolan Plagge, 6’, 12th
Cole Kreikemeier, 6’, 12th

GACC will have to make up for the loss of 5 contributing seniors.

Newcomers who could make an impact include Sam Ulrich, Jared Minnick, and Landon Stalp, according to Slaughter.

The Bluejays run a motion offense to go with their 2-3 zone and man-to-man defense.

Slaughter says the team should have adequate speed, and a great football season is another team strength.

He adds that height and foul trouble could be team weaknesses and/or Achilles' heels.

I think GACC has a shot to be good this year given the fact they did well last season and had an outstanding football season.

The Bluejays return a lot of players who know how to win, and given the fact GACC is now in D-1, they have to be considered a legitimate state tournament team.

Season Outlook:

GACC has to be thinking state tournament this year.

Slaughter says the team expects to win state this year. I would say that's a very good expectation and goal to have. And it can definitely happen if things come together for the Bluejays at the right time.

Slaughter adds his team should be battle tested come the postseason.

"We will be very competitive, our schedule is extremely difficult. If we can stay healthy and manage our tough schedule, it should be an advantage and very helpful during district time."

GACC has very difficult games against Columbus Scotus and Wynot in the early season, and I would say contests against David City Aquinas and Oakland-Craig are no gimmes either.

Tough contests in the second half of the season appear to be against Lutheran High Northeast, Battle Creek, Boone Central/Newman Grove, O'Neill, Hartington Cedar Catholic, Winnebago, Fremont Bergan, and Pierce.

The second half of the season is going to really test and prepare this team for the postseason, in my opinion.

There aren't a lot of games you can look at and mark as for sure W's based on last year's results.

The Bluejays are in Sub-District D1-4 with defending State Runner-Up Walthill, Pender, Clarkson/Leigh, and Emerson-Hubbard.

If GACC can get through Sub-Districts, they should have a pretty good chance to win their district final.

I think it's important for GACC to get better throughout the season. The Bluejays have to prepare themselves mentally and physically for the long grind of the season.

GACC can't get down on themselves during periods of struggle either. This team has to remain positive and realize all their goals of getting to state and winning a title are right there in front of them.

The Bluejays begin play in the Northeast Nebraska Tip-Off Classic on December 2nd.

2016-2017 Guardian Angels Central Catholic Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/02-12/03 (To Be Determined) Northeast Nebraska Tip Off Classic Lutheran High Northeast/GACC
12/06/16 Columbus Scotus
12/08/16 Wynot
12/10/16 @ Crofton
12/20/16 Oakland-Craig
12/22/16 @ Aquinas Catholic
12/29-12/30 (To Be Determined) GACC Holiday Tour West Point
01/03/17 Lutheran High Northeast
01/07/17 Clarkson/Leigh
01/13/17 @ Wayne
01/14/17 @ Boone Central/Newman Grove
01/17/17 @ Battle Creek
01/20/17 @ O'Neill
01/21/17 Hartington Cedar Catholic
01/28-02/04 (To Be Determined) Mid State Conference Tournament NECC/Norfolk Catholic
02/07/17 @ Norfolk Catholic
02/09/17 Pierce
02/11/17 @ Archbishop Bergan
02/17/17 @ Winnebago

Team: Guardian Angels Central Catholic

Mascot: Bluejays

Colors: Blue and White

Class: D-1

Conference: Mid-State

Head Coach: Jerry Stracke (14th season) (328-44 career record)

2015-2016 record: 27-2 (lost to Crofton in State Championship)

Returning Starters: 1

Overview:

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Girls are expecting to be good again this year despite the fact they lost a ton of talent from last year's team that made the Class C-2 State Championship game.

The Bluejays return just one starter in Lexis Haase.

Here is Jerry Stracke's projected starting lineup so far:

Lexis Haase       Jr  5’8       2 year starter
Lauren Wobken Sr 5’8
Hannah Hunke   Sr 5’5
Emily Reeson    Sr 5’8

Stracke lists all the talent lost to graduation.

"We lost a strong senior class - 6 players from last year.  Katey Brown, Kate Knobbe, Katie Steuter, Breanne Kreikemeier, Morgan Bracht, and Sara Wordekemper."

These 6 girls were no doubt the backbone and leaders of last year's team. This year's team has a lot of work to do to get back to the pinnacle, there's no doubt about it.

Stracke says Attitude, Work ethic, and players who like to play defense are strengths of this year's team.

He adds a weakness is the Bluejays don't have as much depth this year as in years past.

However, I fully expect GACC to be good and put a very competitive team on the floor.

The Bluejays figure to simply reload, and have to be considered a legit team to win it all in D-1 given the type of program they are year in and year out.

I don't know if this year's team will be as dominant as last year's team, but GACC should be really good again this year.

The success the softball and volleyball teams had in making their respective state tournaments should lead to success on the basketball court, in my opinion.

Season Outlook:

GACC figures to be in the mix for a state championship yet again this year.

Stracke says these girls have been there and done that before.

"Even though we lost a strong class we do return some players with experience. These girls know what it takes to get down to state. It will depend how much we improve and grow throughout the season."

The Bluejays aren't very deep this year.

Stracke says it's important for his team to get the most out of themselves and play to their potential.

"We don’t have a lot of depth this year so we need to stay away from injuries and will need to learn how to stay out of foul trouble. We will need to learn how to grind it out and be able to win the close games. It should be a fun season."

GACC figures to face challenges from Columbus Scotus, Wynot, Crofton, Wayne, Bishop Neumann, Pierce, and Pender.

The Bluejays may not win as many games and lose as few games as they did last season, but I still expect GACC to be good.

I also look for the Bluejays to have good showings in their Holiday and Conference Tournaments, and perhaps win both.

The road to Lincoln appears to be easy for GACC if they can get past Pender, Emerson-Hubbard, Clarkson/Leigh, and Walthill are other teams in their sub-district.

The winner of Sub-District D1-4 figures to have a pretty easy district final. I would say it's also possible for either GACC or Pender to get a wildcard into the state tournament.

Every game is big and counts, and so the Bluejays have to bring it and be on top of their game night in and night out.

If GACC can do that, they should have a good chance to win every time they take the floor.

The Bluejays open up the season on December 1st in the Northeast Nebraska Tip-Off Classic.

2016-2017 Guardian Angels Central Catholic Bluejays Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/01-12/03 (To Be Determined) Northeast Nebraska Tip-Off Classic Lutheran High NE/Guardian Angels Central Catholic, Wisner-Pilger
12/06/16 Columbus Scotus
12/08/16 Wynot
12/10/16 @ Crofton
12/17/16 @ Norfolk Catholic
12/19/16 Wayne
12/22/16 @ Aquinas Catholic
12/29-12/30 (To Be Determined) GACC Holiday Tour West Point
01/07/17 Clarkson/Leigh
01/10/17 Bishop Neumann
01/12/17 @ Winnebago
01/14/17 @ Boone Central/Newman Grove
01/17/17 @ Battle Creek
01/20/17 @ O'Neill
01/21/17 Hartington Cedar Catholic
01/28-02/04 (To Be Determined) Mid State Conference Tournament NECC/Norfolk Catholic
02/06/17 Pender
02/09/17 Pierce