Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Emerson-Hubbard Boys and Girls looking to be improved this year
Team: Emerson-Hubbard
Mascot: Pirates
Colors: Purple, Gold, and White
Class: D-2
Conference: Lewis and Clark
Head Coach: Alan Gottula (2nd season)
2016-2017 record: 2-21 (lost to Clarkson/Leigh in Sub-Districts)
Returning Starters: 3
Overview:
The Emerson-Hubbard Boys Basketball Team returns 3 starters from last year. They are Joshua Sebade Sr. Letter Winner, Jacob Kneifl Jr. Letter Winner, and Nolan Belt So. Letter Winner.
Chandler Emmons Sr. Letter Winner started part-time for the Pirates last season.
Contributors this year include Blake Eriksen Sr. Letter Winner, Luke Stolze Sr., Keaton Wriedt Sr, Spencer Burcham Jr. Letter Winner.
I think the Pirates will be much improved this year.
Emerson-Hubbard won't be very big, but what they lack and size they should make up for with speed and athleticism.
I think it will be a good season for the Pirates. Emerson-Hubbard certainly brings some talent back, and that should be to their benefit.
Season Outlook:
The Emerson-Hubbard Boys Basketball Team looks to be improved from a year ago. Head Coach Alan Gottula. "This team made significant improvement last season against very tough competition including BRLD, LCC, LHNE, Ponca, Randolph, Wakefield, Walthill, Winnebago, Wisner-Pilger, and Wynot. Joshua Sebade, Jacob Kniefl, and Nolan Belt will provide outstanding leadership as this team continues to develop throughout the coming season. The Pirates will no doubt compete and play hard this season; but, must do a better job of taking care of and shooting the basketball to play well. Our schedule will be excellent preparation for the Sub-District Tournament featuring Emerson-Hubbard, Humphrey St. Francis, St. Edward, and Winside."
Tough games for the Pirates this year include Ponca, BRLD, Walthill, Winnebago, Wynot, and Randolph.
There doesn't appear to be a ton of easy or gimme games on the schedule this year for Emerson-Hubbard so it looks like the Pirates are going to need to fight that much harder this year.
I think Emerson-Hubbard has a shot to be good this season, but the Pirates have to play at a high level on both ends of the floor.
Emerson-Hubbard's players have to be two-way players, not just one or the other if at all possible.
The Pirates have to work hard boxing out and rebounding to the best of their ability.
There's no doubt Emerson-Hubbard can be good this year, they just have to fix what went wrong last year.
The Pirates open up the season at Wisner-Pilger Friday night in the Northeast Nebraska Tip-Off Classic.
2017-2018 Emerson-Hubbard Pirates Boys Basketball Schedule:
12/01-12/02 (To Be Determined) Northeast Nebraska Tip-Off Classic Emerson-Hubbard/Wisner-Pilger, Lutheran High NE
12/05/17 BRLD
12/08/17 Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
12/12/17 @ Walthill
12/15/17 Ponca
12/21/17 Winside
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Madison Holiday Tournament Madison
01/04-01/06 (To Be Determined) Bob Clough Post Holiday Wakefield
01/09/18 @ Winnebago
01/13/18 @ Wynot
01/16/18 Homer
01/19/18 @ Wakefield
01/23/18 Pender
01/25/18 Allen
01/26-02/05 (To Be Determined) Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament TBA
02/06/18 Randolph
02/09/18 @ Omaha Nation
02/16/18 @ Stanton
Team: Emerson-Hubbard
Mascot: Pirates
Colors: Purple, Gold, and White
Class: D-2
Conference: Lewis and Clark
Head Coach: Mitchell DeMers (1st season)
2016-2017 record: 8-14 (lost to Guardian Angels Central Catholic in Sub-Districts)
Returning Starters: 3
Overview:
The Emerson-Hubbard Girls Basketball Team looks to get back to their winning ways this year. Head Coach Mitchell DeMers says the Pirates are low on numbers."We got kind of a small team this year, not many girls coming out this year which kind of stinks a little bit. But I really feel like we have a really good group. I feel like we're really committed to the team and we're working hard."
DeMers says the Pirates bring back 3 starters."Melanie Gentrup (5'8) is one returning starter from last year, she was a sophomore now she's gonna be a junior. Courtney Bokemper's (5'6, SG) gonna be a junior, she was one of the starters last year. Addison Mackling (5'5, PG), she was a freshman last year now she's gonna be a sophomore. She started some games last year so she'll have some experience coming back. Stephanie Ferrusca (5'4, JR), she really stepped up this summer and is really working hard. I feel like she might be getting into that starting role. Taylor Lamp (5'9, C), she's been a senior, she's been out here for basketball the past four years, she's really got some experience playing in some varsity games. I think she's ready to get a starting role for that."
DeMers adds having low numbers has made it difficult to do a lot of things in practice, but that hasn't held his team back. "We've only had about eight girls or so, it's really hard to do a lot of five-on-five things, so we either work three-on-three or four-on-four. Just a lot of effort and a lot of energy goes into practice, so I love to see how the girls work. We had a fun summer really trying to learn some new things with me being the head coach and just trying to figure out the system more. We're really excited to get the season started and really see how our season looks."
Emerson-Hubbard may not have a lot of girls out or be big from a height standpoint, but you can bet the Pirates will play hard and with a lot of hustle and determination this season.
Emerson-Hubbard has some good players back, and I think they are capable of being a really good team.
It will be interesting to see how the Pirates fare this year. I think Emerson-Hubbard is definitely one of those teams that can't afford any injuries or foul trouble.
Red Cloud made state with 6 girls last year so the Pirates can definitely do it with 8.
Emerson-Hubbard should be solid at the guard positions, it's just the post positions I wonder about.
Losing Emma Haberman and others is not easy to replace, but again, the Pirates bring a lot back so Emerson-Hubbard should be very competitive this season.
Season Outlook:
The Emerson-Hubbard Girls Basketball Team hopes to get back to being a dominate program.
First up for the Pirates is a date with Guardian Angels Central Catholic on Thursday. "They just won a state title. They're a solid basketball program. They've had success for many, many years. The years I've seen them play, they're always solid. So it'll be a real tough matchup for these girls, but I tell you what, these girls are ready for these type of challenges. They're willing to attack these challenges and prove that, hey, that we belong right up there. This program has had success before and they kinda wanna get back to that success level," DeMers said.
I think Emerson-Hubbard will take a lot of steps in the right direction towards being dominant again.
The Pirates have tough games with Ponca, BRLD, Oakland-Craig, and Wynot this season.
A lot of games are very winnable for Emerson-Hubbard though.
The schedule isn't terribly difficult, and I think the Pirates have what it takes to win at least 10-15 games this season.
I think Emerson-Hubbard might even be able to get up to 16 or 17.
The Pirates are Sub-District D2-3 with Humphrey St. Francis, Winside, and St. Edward.
I think the Flyers pose the biggest threat to Emerson-Hubbard.
I think Humphrey St. Francis will be the one team that stands in the way of the Pirates getting out of that sub-district.
There's a long way to go until that time though, and if Emerson-Hubbard can win a bunch of games this year, do something like double their win total from last year, which they can definitely do, in my opinion, then they should put themselves in a good position to make a postseason run.
I really think Emerson-Hubbard can be good this year. I'm optimistic about the Pirates' chances of having success this season.
Emerson-Hubbard has to be excited to get the year going. It has been a long wait, and now the wait is finally over.
The Pirates can just go out there and play the game they love.
2017-2018 Emerson-Hubbard Pirates Girls Basketball Schedule:
11/30-12/02 (To Be Determined) Northeast Nebraska Tip-Off Classic Emerson-Hubbard/GACC, Wisner-Pilger
12/05/17 BRLD
12/08/17 Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
12/12/17 @ Walthill
12/15/17 Ponca
12/21/17 Winside
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Madison Holiday Tournament Madison
01/04-01/06 (To Be Determined) Bob Clough Post Holiday Wakefield
01/09/18 @ Winnebago
01/11/18 Oakland-Craig
01/13/18 @ Wynot
01/16/18 Homer
01/19/18 @ Wakefield
01/23/18 Pender
01/25/18 Allen
01/26-02/05 (To Be Determined) Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament TBA
02/06/18 Randolph
02/09/18 @ Omaha Nation
Stanton Boys and Girls looking to bounce back this season
Mascot: Mustangs
Colors: Orange and Black
Class: C-2
Conference: East Husker
Head Coach: Bryan Mendlik
2016-2017 record: 7-15 (lost to Wisner-Pilger in Sub Districts)
Returning Starters: N/A
Overview:
The Stanton Boys Basketball Team looks to have a bounce back season after going 7-15 a year ago. Head Coach Bryan Mendlik says the starting five has been decided. "Nate Arens, he was our kid that was hurt last year with a neck injury. Sam Bates is our other post player, another junior. I have two senior guards that start for me, Beau Wilke and Broderick Sieh. And I have another junior, kind of a wing player, Marcus Spotanski. Those are our five at the beginning of the year that we're gonna get rolled out on the floor. A couple of my key bench players, I guess, TJ Larson is a sophomore for us. He's hurt right now so he didn't play in our jamboree game. He's one of out better shooters on the floor so hopefully he can get healed and we can get him out there sooner than later. We have a senior, Ashton Flood, that is probably one of my favorite players that I've coached. He works his butt off. Every hustle play on the floor he will make."
Senior Tayton Lierman will also play.
Mendlik says the team is young. "We have a lot of youth coming in. I mean, we have guys that are juniors, but haven't played a ton with some injuries last year. So, we're coming along nicely. We have good energy and team camaraderie in practice, so that's good to see moving forward."
Positive attitudes are always good and contagious, and it appears that this Stanton team has that this season.
I think the Mustangs have a chance to do well this year and get back to their winning ways.
Stanton isn't accustomed to losing, and I think what the Mustangs went through last year will only help them grow this year.
Stanton was inconsistent last year you could say, but I look for that to change this year.
I think the Mustangs will have a good year, and do better than they did last year. Stanton just has to focus on gelling as a team, and continuing to improve and come together as the year goes on.
Stanton is a top notch program, and I look for this young Mustang team to grow up quickly.
Stanton may be young, but they have some good experience that figures to see the playing floor this year too.
The Mustangs have to focus on growing and improving every time they take the floor.
Season Outlook:
The Stanton Boys Basketball Team figures to be big this year. Mendlik. "We should have some size on a lot of teams, I would hope this year at least at the four and five position. So hopefully we can work from the inside out and kinda build on that."
It will be interesting to see what the Mustangs have at the guard positions, and how that affects their ability to take care of the ball and bring the ball up and stuff.
Mendlik added that Stanton is going to have to rely on their defense this year as he doesn't feel they'll be able to score a ton of points like in the past.
Mendlik says the team's goal is to win more games than they did last season. "Our goal we kinda set for the team and ourselves, we're trying to double up our wins from last year. So hopefully we can go from seven to about 14. We'd be pretty happy with that."
I feel that would be pretty good progress for the Mustangs.
Stanton will be challenged early with the likes of Howells-Dodge, West Point-Beemer, North Bend Central, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, and Wisner-Pilger on the schedule before Christmas.
Oakland-Craig, Boone Central/Newman Grove, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, BRLD, and Twin River figure to be tough after Christmas, but there are a lot of winnable games on the schedule for the Mustangs late in the season.
I feel Stanton is a team that will get better as the year goes on, and play their best basketball at the end of the season.
The Mustangs are in Sub-District C2-4 with Howells-Dodge, Wisner-Pilger, Battle Creek, and Lutheran High Northeast.
All of those teams are good, and so the path to a District Final and State doesn't appear to be easy.
Making State is never easy though, it is earned, and I'm sure Stanton understands that.
The Mustangs open up the season on Thursday at Tekamah-Herman.
The Tigers went 0-19 last year, but have 19 kids out for the team this year compared to 9 last year.
Stanton should be able to win that one I would think though.
2017-2018 Stanton Mustangs Boys Basketball Schedule:
11/30/17 @ Tekamah-Herman
12/01/17 Howells-Dodge
12/05/17 @ West Point-Beemer
12/12/17 @ North Bend Central
12/15/17 Wakefield
12/16/17 @ Pender
12/19/17 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
12/21/17 Wisner-Pilger
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Stanton Holiday Tournament Stanton
01/05/18 @ Oakland-Craig
01/06/18 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
01/09/18 Plainview
01/12/18 @ Boone Central/Newman Grove
01/13/18 Battle Creek
01/16/18 @ Madison
01/20/18 BRLD
01/23/18 Twin River
01/27-02/03 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/08/18 @ Clarkson/Leigh
02/16/18 Emerson-Hubbard
Team: Stanton
Mascot: Mustangs
Colors: Orange and Black
Class: C-2
Conference: East Husker
Head Coach: Greg Wegner (3rd season) (38-13 record)
2016-2017 record: 19-5 (lost to Battle Creek in Sub-Districts)
Returning Starters: 4
Overview:
The Stanton Girls Basketball Team returns 4 starters from last year's 19-5 squad. Head Coach Greg Wegner. "We have four returning starters. Hannah Heppner (SR), Bree Burtwistle (JR), Jessie Brandl (JR) and Jaiden Hartl (JR), which is gonna be a good core group to go off of. And then we also have a few seniors that we look to produce for us off the bench. We got a nice transfer in from Battle Creek, Liz Christensen (JR). I'm seeing good things out of all those kids, those role players and hopefully we can get the incorporated into the offense and into the lineups so later in the season they feel comfortable."
The Mustangs started 17-1 last year, but stumbled at the end of the season, losing 4 out of their last 6.
Wegner says his team has changed the way they do some things. "We've done a couple of things different in practices with preparation and things like that that the kids are gonna have to do this year. So, hopefully that'll get us to that next step of being totally mentally focused and prepared for each and every game."
I think having success in Volleyball will help Stanton again this year, but the struggles the Mustangs had at the end of last year came at the wrong time.
Stanton hopes that if there's a struggling period this year it's not at the end of the season.
A mid-season slump wouldn't be the worst thing for this team this year, but the Mustangs should focus on being on top of their game at all times.
This team and program knows how to win, and I'm sure Stanton will put themselves in a good position to have success in the postseason this year.
I look for the Mustangs to come out of the gates strong and play well early and at the end of the season too.
Stanton is a great team and a great program, and I'm sure the Mustangs will bounce back from the tough end to their season a year ago.
It will be interesting to see how Stanton does given the long Volleyball season they had, but it didn't affect the Mustangs last year so that's a good thing.
Stanton has to put last year behind them, and finish strong this year.
The Mustangs are more than capable of being one of the best teams, if not the best team in C-2 this season, in my opinion.
Season Outlook:
The Stanton Girls Basketball team looks to bounce back this year after faltering at the end of last season.
Wegner assesses his team when it comes to the East Husker Conference. "Our conference is pretty tough, pretty competitive. But, I'd like to think we'd be up there again. It's nice playing at Columbus, it's a nice venue, but it all matters who you play in the matchups you have."
The Mustangs have a tough schedule this year, especially early on, taking on the likes of Howells-Dodge, North Bend Central, West Point-Beemer, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Wisner-Pilger, Oakland-Craig, BRLD, Twin River, and Clarkson/Leigh.
I think Stanton will be ready for these teams, and will play well against them though.
The Mustangs are in Sub-District C2-4 with the likes of Wisner-Pilger, Howells-Dodge, Lutheran High Northeast, and Battle Creek.
Not an easy Sub-District for Stanton by any means, but you have to figure the Mustangs will stand a good chance to advance out of that Sub-District when the time comes.
I think Stanton has a great chance to get back to state this year, I really do.
Losing Mackenzie Brandl really hurts, but the Mustangs have plenty of talent on the team this year.
Stanton opens up the season on Thursday at Tekamah-Herman.
The Mustangs will need to try and slow down Marin Jetensky, Anna Wakehouse, and others.
If Stanton can hold all players but Jetensky down, or slow down Jetensky and force other players to beat them, they should be in good shape.
The Mustangs have to come out fired up and raring to go from the start this season.
Stanton has to use the end of last season as fuel and motivation to grow and improve each and every day.
The Mustangs are a strong defensive team, but I would say their scoring needs to be better this year.
Stanton was held under 50 points in 19 of their games last season.
2017-2018 Stanton Mustangs Girls Basketball Schedule:
11/30/17 @ Tekamah-Herman
12/01/17 Howells-Dodge
12/05/17 @ West Point-Beemer
12/12/17 @ North Bend Central
12/15/17 Wakefield
12/16/17 @ Pender
12/19/17 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
12/21/17 Wisner-Pilger
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Stanton Holiday Tournament Stanton
01/05/18 @ Oakland-Craig
01/06/18 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
01/09/18 Plainview
01/12/18 @ Boone Central/Newman Grove
01/13/18 Battle Creek
01/16/18 @ Madison
01/20/18 BRLD
01/23/18 Twin River
01/26-02/03 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/08/18 @ Clarkson/Leigh
02/09/18 @ Norfolk Catholic
Pender Boys and Girls hoping to be successful this year
Team: Pender
Mascot: Pendragons
Colors: Red and White
Class: D-1
Conference: East Husker
Head Coach: Sean King (3rd season)
2016-2017 record: 5-18 (lost to GACC in Sub-Districts)
Returning Starters: 4
Overview:
The Pender Boys Basketball Team appears to be poised to have a nice season as the Pendragons return some familiar faces. Head Coach Sean King. "We've got quite a few boys back from last year that had some experience. We've got 3 returning starting seniors...Jarred Tyrell (5'6, SR), Tyler Nelson (5'9, SR), and Jordan Springer. And then we bring back quite a bit of experience with our juniors in returning starter Sam Mailoux (6'5, JR). And then we have got Chris Rutar (5'11, JR), Jaydon Jump (5'11 JR), Eric Schopke (6'0, JR)...who are expected to bring a lot off the bench, and possibly could be starting this year as well."
King says 8 juniors are out and there are 4 seniors that could see quite a bit of playing time.
The Pendragons have a nice returning mix of Juniors and Seniors, and that should help Pender out tremendously I would think.
The Pendragons have to work extremely hard day in and day out.
I think Pender has a great chance to start a winning culture in Boys Basketball this year, and feel this season could be the start of great things for the Pendragons.
I think Pender has what it takes to become a great team. The Pendragons have a lot of upperclassmen, and that should lead to a lot of success I would think.
I really feel this season has a chance to be a good one for Pender.
If the Pendragons can get anywhere from like 10-12 wins I think that would be very significant progress.
Pender has to push themselves hard in practice and in games, and continue to improve and get better as the season progresses.
The Pendragons have to do a good job of taking care of the ball and adjusting to different defenses teams throw at them.
Pender has to work the ball inside and out, and find good open looks at the basket from the perimeter and inside the paint.
The Pendragons also need to do an excellent job pressuring the ball and contesting shots as well as boxing out and rebounding well.
Pender should matchup well with teams with height, and teams with speed given their defense.
Season Outlook:
The Pender Boys Basketball Team appears to have a lot of winnable yet tough games on the schedule this year.
Winnable games appear to be against Tekamah-Herman, Allen, Clarkson/Leigh, Stanton, Homer, Madison, and Emerson-Hubbard.
Tough games appear to be against the likes of Oakland-Craig, Oakland-Craig, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Wisner-Pilger, Howells-Dodge, and BRLD.
Pender opens up the season on Thursday at Wakefield. "We know that they're going to bring size, they've got some kids that are pretty tall. We know they're going to bring intensity on defense. They the last couple years wanted to come out and play pressure man. We've had to deal with some full court press at times. But we also have to be aware of every once in a while they throw a 1-3-1 at you so it's something we have to be prepared for," King said.
King says the Pendragons will look to push the ball to catch them off guard with it, and not let them get their zone set up.
King also commented on Pender's Sub-District. "I think our Sub-District shapes up pretty well for us. I think in terms of size wise we matchup pretty well with the teams that are in our Sub-District, and probably outsize the majority of them."
King adds he thinks his team will be able to match a couple teams' speed with their defense, saying he feels his team might be one of the better defensive teams in the Sub-District.
The Pendragons are in Sub-District D1-4 with GACC, Clarkson/Leigh, and Walthill.
I think Pender has an excellent chance to win more games this year than they did last year, and be competitive in the East Husker and Sub-District Tournaments.
The Pendragons definitely have what it takes to be successful this year, in my opinion, it just depends how bad they want it and how hard they're willing to work.
Pender has to make a commitment on both ends of the floor in order to be successful, in my opinion.
The Pendragons have to be positive, and work together well as a team and gel and mesh well together throughout the course of the season.
2017-2018 Pender Pendragons Boys Basketball Schedule:
11/30/17 @ Wakefield
12/01/17 Tekamah-Herman
12/08/17 @ Oakland-Craig
12/11/17 @ Allen
12/14/17 Clarkson/Leigh
12/16/17 Stanton
12/21/17 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Great Northeast Nebraska Shootout Wayne State College
01/04-01/06 (To Be Determined) Bob Clough Post Holiday Wakefield
01/09/18 @ Homer
01/11/18 @ Omaha Nation
01/18/18 Wisner-Pilger
01/19/18 Wynot
01/20/18 @ Howells-Dodge
01/22/18 Madison
01/23/18 @ Emerson-Hubbard
01/27-02/03 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/05/18 Spalding Academy
02/16/18 BRLD
Team: Pender
Mascot: Pendragons
Colors: Red and White
Class: D-1
Conference: East Husker
Head Coach: Luke Hoffman (1st Season)
2016-2017 record: 18-9 (lost to Dundy County-Stratton in the 1st round of State)
Returning Starters: 1
Overview:
The Pender Girls Basketball Team has one starter back from last year's state team. 1st year Head Coach Luke Hoffman says there's a couple seniors and a freshman who should contribute significantly this year. "We have one returning starter from last year and that'll be Michaela Wegner (5'5, JR), so she'll have to lead on the floor a little bit because she has the most experience. We also have a senior, Tymaree Krusemark (5'4), who will have to step up and fill a role. And also Ashley Ostrand (5'5) is a freshman who will be coming in. She'll be seeing quite a bit of playing time. She's been on a few different traveling teams and different things, and she's really developed well. Hopefully she can contribute a little bit as a freshman."
Hallie Ballinger, Rylee Lehmkuhl, and Kam Anderson are a few key losses for the Pendragons.
I look for Pender to carry on the success of past teams, and make their mark on this program.
I feel the Pendragons can definitely sustain the success they've had in the past.
Pender just has to believe and has to come to practice everyday with a positive attitude and willingness to work hard.
The girls have to get along together, and play for the common good of the team.
Hoffman says things have been going well in the preseason. "I'd like to think we're on schedule. It's my first year being a girls coach, so along with me getting used to the girls, the girls are getting used to me and processing a lot of new information. Which I know takes a little time when you have a new coach. We're getting used to each other. It's the first week of a long year, so I gotta keep thinking about that, but I'm hoping that our defense and conditioning will get us through our first few games here as we start off the season."
This team has to play smart, physical, tenacious, and tough basketball this season.
The Pendragons have to go out there every night with a chip on their shoulder and a willingness to compete and be the best they can be.
Pender has to give an all out effort at all times, and can't let up at any point in the season.
The Pendragons have to play with a sense of purpose and urgency when they take the floor.
Executing and communicating on both ends of the floor will be critical for this team, in my opinion.
I'm optimistic that Pender can continue their winning ways from the past.
Season Outlook:
The Pender Girls Basketball Team looks to keep their tradition and winning ways alive.
The Pendragons appear to have very winnable games against Wakefield, Tekamah-Herman, Allen, Homer, Emerson-Hubbard, and Winnebago.
There are a lot of tough teams on the slate for Pender this year, including Oakland-Craig, Stanton, BRLD, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Wisner-Pilger, Howells-Dodge, and Guardian Angels Central Catholic.
Pender may be facing a lot of powers this year, but the Pendragons can't be scared of or back down from any of these teams.
I look for the Pendragons to compete well in the East Husker Conference Tournament and in Sub-Districts.
Pender opens up the season on Thursday at Wakefield. "I know Coach Metzler over there in Wakefield will have that team ready to go. They're a good team and with so many new starters, so many girls playing, we'll have to be on top of our game to be able to beat them this year," Hoffman said.
Pender is in Sub-District D1-4 with Clarkson/Leigh, GACC, and Walthill.
The Pendragons can definitely win and get the job done this year, in my opinion.
Pender has to trust and believe in one another, and get excited, pumped, fired, jacked, and psyched up to go out there and play great games.
The Pendragons have been to State and won championships so there's no reason to think this team can't do that.
Pender has to be confident shooting the ball, and must work the ball around the perimeter for good, open looks.
The Pendragons have to control things at their pace, and not let other teams get out and run on them.
Pender won't be very big, but it's important for the post players to play big and stay out of foul trouble.
Teams with size could give the Pendragons issues, but I would think Pender will be able to match up well with most teams from a guard standpoint.
2017-2018 Pender Pendragons Girls Basketball Schedule:
11/30/17 @ Wakefield
12/01/17 Tekamah-Herman
12/08/17 @ Oakland-Craig
12/11/17 @ Allen
12/14/17 Clarkson/Leigh
12/15/17 @ North Bend Central
12/16/17 Stanton
12/19/17 BRLD
12/21/17 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Great Northeast Nebraska Shootout Wayne State College
01/04-01/06 (To Be Determined) Bob Clough Post Holiday Wakefield
01/09/18 @ Homer
01/18/18 Wisner-Pilger
01/19/18 Wynot
01/20/18 @ Howells-Dodge
01/23/18 @ Emerson-Hubbard
01/25/18 @ Winnebago
01/26-02/03 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/06/18 Guardian Angels Central Catholic
Wisner-Pilger Boys and Girls looking for big seasons
Team: Wisner-Pilger
Mascot: Gators
Colors: Green and White
Class: C-2
Head Coach: Duane Mendlik
2016-2017 record: 11-13 (lost to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in Sub-Districts)
Returning Starters: N/A
Overview:
The Wisner-Pilger Boys Basketball Team looks for a big year this year.
Key returners for the Gators include Gunner Labenz (5'11, SR), Keegan Ruskamp (6'2, F), Hunter Waterman (5'11, PG SR), Mason Dimon (5'11, SF/PF SO), Trevor Styskal (6'0, SG SO), Colby Heller (6'1, PF SO), and Jayden Raabe (C JR).
Wisner-Pilger should be really good this year despite losing Korrell Koehlmoos to Lutheran High Northeast. I don't think there's any doubt the Gators will have a big season.
Wisner-Pilger has to wake up everyday raring and ready to go.
The Gators can't take a night off, and have to play their hearts out at all times.
Season Outlook:
The Wisner-Pilger Boys Basketball Team figures to be one of the top teams in the East Husker Conference this year.
The Gators have difficult contests this year with the likes of Oakland-Craig, Wayne, Arlington, West Point-Beemer, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Howells-Dodge, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, Twin River, North Bend Central, and BRLD.
Wisner-Pilger has a difficult schedule, but I think the Gators are ready to take on a lot of these teams and beat them.
Wisner-Pilger is in Sub-District C2-4 with Howells-Dodge, Stanton, Lutheran High Northeast, and Battle Creek.
The Gators open up the season on Friday at home against Emerson-Hubbard in the Northeast Nebraska Tip-Off Classic.
2017-2018 Wisner-Pilger Gators Boys Basketball Schedule:
12/01-12/02 (To Be Determined) Northeast Nebraska Tip-Off Classic Emerson-Hubbard/Wisner-Pilger, Lutheran High NE
12/08/17 @ Tekamah-Herman
12/14/17 Oakland-Craig
12/15/17 @ Wayne
12/19/17 Arlington
12/21/17 @ Stanton
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Shootout On the Elkhorn Wisner
01/05/18 @ West Point-Beemer
01/09/18 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
01/12/18 Howells-Dodge
01/13/18 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
01/16/18 Twin River
01/18/18 @ Pender D1
01/23/18 @ Clarkson/Leigh
01/25/18 North Bend Central
01/27-02/03 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/06/18 @ BRLD
02/08/18 Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
02/16/18 @ Madison
Team: Wisner-Pilger
Mascot: Gators
Colors: Green and White
Class: C-2
Head Coach: Karrie Bodwell (2nd season)
2016-2017 record: 9-14 (lost to Battle Creek in Sub-Districts)
Returning Starters: 5
Overview:
The Wisner-Pilger Girls Basketball Team looks for a big year with all 5 starters back.
The Gators return starters Alexis Heller (5'6, G SR), Maci Batenhorst (5'10, F SR), Ariel Meyer (5'7, G SR), Ashton Meyer (5'7, PF SR), and Jordan Wegner (5'11, P JR).
Other returning letterwinners are Taylor Stuhr (5'7, G JR), and Aspin Waterman (5'6, G SO).
Newcomers likely to contribute are Makenzi Brown (5'6, SO) and Karrin Jindra (5'9, SO).
It should be a big and great season for Wisner-Pilger. The Gators have a lot of seniors and depth it appears, and both those things are things a team must have to have a big season.
Head Coach Karrie Bodwell. "Our point guard tore her ACL this summer so we will start the year out with having to make a few adjustments, but I like the experience we have coming back. We had a lot of close games last year with an inexperienced group so it will be fun to see how we fare this year."
Wisner-Pilger lost 10 games by 9 points or less last year.
Season Outlook:
The Wisner-Pilger Girls Basketball Team figures to be a legit East Husker Conference and postseason contender this year.
The Gators have tough games with the likes of Lutheran High Northeast, Oakland-Craig, Wayne, Stanton, West Point-Beemer, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Howells-Dodge, Twin River, Clarkson/Leigh, North Bend Central, and BRLD.
The schedule appears to be pretty difficult for Wisner-Pilger this year so hopefully the tough schedule doesn't get to the Gators too much.
Wisner-Pilger is in Sub-District C2-4 with the likes of Stanton, Howells-Dodge, Battle Creek, and Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family.
I think the Gators have a chance to be a postseason factor, and perhaps make state for the first time since 1993.
Wisner-Pilger opens up the season on Thursday against Lutheran High Northeast in the Northeast Nebraska Tip-Off Classic.
2017-2018 Wisner-Pilger Gators Girls Basketball Schedule:
11/30-12/02 (To Be Determined) Northeast Nebraska Tip-Off Classic Emerson-Hubbard/GACC, Wisner-Pilger
12/08/17 @ Tekamah-Herman
12/14/17 Oakland-Craig
12/15/17 @ Wayne
12/19/17 Arlington
12/21/17 @ Stanton
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Shootout On the Elkhorn Wisner
01/04/18 Madison
01/05/18 @ West Point-Beemer
01/09/18 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
01/12/18 Howells-Dodge
01/13/18 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
01/16/18 Twin River
01/18/18 @ Pender
01/23/18 @ Clarkson/Leigh
01/25/18 North Bend Central
01/26-02/03 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/06/18 @ BRLD
02/08/18 Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
Wisner-Pilger opens up the season on Thursday against Lutheran High Northeast in the Northeast Nebraska Tip-Off Classic.
2017-2018 Wisner-Pilger Gators Girls Basketball Schedule:
11/30-12/02 (To Be Determined) Northeast Nebraska Tip-Off Classic Emerson-Hubbard/GACC, Wisner-Pilger
12/08/17 @ Tekamah-Herman
12/14/17 Oakland-Craig
12/15/17 @ Wayne
12/19/17 Arlington
12/21/17 @ Stanton
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Shootout On the Elkhorn Wisner
01/04/18 Madison
01/05/18 @ West Point-Beemer
01/09/18 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
01/12/18 Howells-Dodge
01/13/18 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
01/16/18 Twin River
01/18/18 @ Pender
01/23/18 @ Clarkson/Leigh
01/25/18 North Bend Central
01/26-02/03 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/06/18 @ BRLD
02/08/18 Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
Winnebago Boys looking to sustain success; Girls eyeing improvement
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)
2016-2017 record: 28-3 (took third at state)
Returning Starters: 2
Overview:
The Winnebago Boys Basketball Team has gained a transfer and brings back 2 starters from last year's team that went 28-3 and finished 3rd at State. Head Coach Jeff Berridge. "I've got D'Von Lapointe (6'0) back, he was my point guard last year. He's a senior this year. And I mean he put some big numbers up last year so he's going to play an even bigger role this year since we losing a lot. Then I got another starter back...Manape Cleveland (SR SG/SF). One of my sharp shooters from the outside. He kind of grew over the summer so he's kind of taller. So he's looking to play more of an inside/outside game. So I got him and then I got a transfer kid from South Sioux that's going to contribute big time. His name's Lance Denney (6'7, SR C). So he's a big body kid. So he's going to be able to bang around and get us some rebounds and some blocks, and hopefully some scoring down low."
Berridge says Maurice Scott (SR PG/SG), who came off the bench for the Indians last year, had a big summer.
The Indians may be small for the most part this year, but Denney and Willy Wingett and others should make a big impact down low for Winnebago I would think.
It appears the Indians have plenty of talent and are poised to make another state run.
A lot of people probably think that Winnebago won't be as good this year as in the past, but I think the Indians will prove their doubters wrong.
The big thing for Winnebago is to keep a level head and keep their eye on the prize at all times.
The Indians just have to play their brand of basketball, and continue to get better as the season progresses.
Winnebago beat Omaha South in their jamboree game, and that's a pretty big deal for the Indians, in my opinion.
Exhibition or not, Winnebago downed a Class A power.
That has to give the Indians a ton of confidence heading into this season.
I look for Winnebago to be mighty and strong again this year, and to give everyone on their schedule fits.
The Indians have to look to push tempo and force teams to adjust and adapt to their style of play.
Winnebago has to take the ball strong to the basket, and get to the free throw line and convert as well as make easy layups.
Playing tight defense and being committed on the defensive end of the floor will also be critical for the Indians I feel.
Season Outlook:
The Winnebago Boys Basketball Team looks to have another huge season this year.
The Indians have what I consider to be difficult games against the likes of Walthill, Oakland-Craig, Ponca, Gretna, BRLD, Grand Island Central Catholic, and Guardian Angels Central Catholic.
Winnebago has some challenging games, but a lot of the games on the schedule that should be sure wins.
The Indians are looking to win their 5th consecutive Lewis & Clark Conference Tournament.
Winnebago kicks off their season on Thursday at home against Homer. Berridge says the Indians have a newly remodeled gym. "It's going to be a good one. It's a home game. And our gym was newly redone. We got a brand new floor, new bleachers...so it's kind of like a refresher, a new home. So hopefully we can break it in with our regular season."
The Indians clobbered the Knights 101-18 in Homer last year.
I look for Winnebago to come out and win big again this year.
I think the Indians will start fast and run away with things quickly. I don't think the Knights can hang with Winnebago.
The Indians are in Sub-District C1-5 with Pierce, Wayne, Norfolk Catholic, and Madison.
The Blue Devils figure to be tough, and the Bluejays should be good too, but Winnebago should have a good chance to get through that sub-district when the time comes I would think.
The Indians just have to play consistent ball throughout the course of the season like they have in recent years.
Winnebago has to find ways to win close games, and has to take care of business against the opponents they're projected to beat.
The Indians can't afford to take a night off, and can't get cocky or complacent.
Winnebago has to stay focused throughout the course of the season, and must give it their all at all times.
The Indians have to play for each other, and for the school and community of Winnebago.
2017-2018 Winnebago Indians Boys Basketball Schedule:
11/30/17 Homer
12/01/17 @ Walthill
12/07/17 @ Omaha Nation
12/12/17 @ Oakland-Craig
12/21/17 @ Norfolk Catholic
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined Shootout On the Elkhorn Wisner
01/04/18 Dakota Valley, SD Site: CNOS Classic CNOS Classic
01/05/18 Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
01/06/18 @ Wakefield
01/09/18 Emerson-Hubbard
01/12/18 @ Wynot
01/13/18 Carroll, IA Site: Jennie Ed MAC Shootout Jennie Ed MAC Shootout
01/16/18 Ponca
01/20/18 Gretna Site: Nebraska Prep Classic Nebraska Prep Classic
01/23/18 @ BRLD
01/26-02/05 (To Be Determined) Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament TBA
02/06/18 @ Wakefield
02/10/18 Grand Island Central Catholic Site: Heartland Hoops Classic Heartland Hoops Classic
02/16/18 @ Guardian Angels Central Catholic
Team: Winnebago
Mascot: Indians
Colors: Blue and White
Class: C-1
Conference: Lewis and Clark
Head Coach: Doug Mackling (2nd Season)
2016-2017 record: 6-18 (lost to Arlington in Sub-Districts)
Returning Starters: N/A
Overview:
The Winnebago Girls Basketball Team looks to be improved this year, especially with the transfers they have from Fremont.
Players that I recognize from last year are Isabel Earth (5'4,PG SR), Evah Appleton (5'5 G SR), Tia Yellowthunder (5'5, PG/SG SO), Kae Earth (5'7, F JR), Jean Parker-Morris (C, JR), and Deonna Harris (5'8, PF/C SR).
I think all the experience the Indians bring back and gained with the transfers should allow Winnebago to be pretty good and competitive this season.
The Indians have to focus on the fundamentals of the game, and must work hard everyday in practice and in games.
Winnebago has to take care of the ball, make smart passes, take good shots, get to and convert at the free throw line, and make easy layups.
The Indians also have to pressure the ball hard on defense, and create turnovers into easy points.
Boxing out and rebounding well will be important for Winnebago too I feel.
The Indians have to play together as one to try and win more games this year than last.
Team camaraderie has to be good throughout the course of the season, and Winnebago has to play with a positive attitude the entire time.
Season Outlook:
The Winnebago Girls Basketball Team looks to be better this year than they were last year.
The Indians have difficult games against the likes of Oakland-Craig, Guardian Angels Central Catholic, Ponca, Pierce, BRLD, and Wahoo Neumann to say the least.
These games appear to be pretty difficult, but there are a lot of games on the schedule that Winnebago can definitely win.
I think the Indians have a chance to get their program turned around this season, and start a winning culture.
Changing the culture of a team is never easy, but I think Winnebago has a chance to get things headed in the right direction this year and be a factor in the Lewis & Clark Conference as well as in their sub-district.
The Indians are in Sub-District C1-5 with Pierce, Wayne, Norfolk Catholic, and Madison.
Tough sub-district as both the Bluejays and Blue Devils should be really good, but you never know what can happen when that time comes.
The Indians open up the season on Thursday at home against Homer.
2017-2018 Winnebago Indians Girls Basketball Schedule:
11/30/17 Homer
12/01/17 @ Walthill
12/07/17 @ Omaha Nation
12/12/17 @ Oakland-Craig
12/14/17 @ Guardian Angels Central Catholic
12/21/17 @ Norfolk Catholic
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Shootout On the Elkhorn Wisner
01/05/18 Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
01/06/18 Dakota Valley, SD Site: CNOS Classic CNOS Classic
01/09/18 Emerson-Hubbard
01/12/18 @ Wynot
01/16/18 Ponca
01/19/18 Pierce
01/23/18 @ BRLD
01/25/18 Pender
01/26-02/05 (To Be Determined) Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament TBA
02/06/18 @ Wakefield
02/08/18 @ Bishop Neumann
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Guardian Angels Central Catholic Boys and Girls hoping to overcome youth and inexperience
Team: Guardian Angels Central Catholic
Mascot: Bluejays
Colors: Blue and White
Class: D-1
Conference: Mid-State
Head Coach: Alex Stieren (1st season)
2016-2017 record: 16-14 (lost to Nebraska City Lourdes in State Championship)
Returning Starters: 0
Overview:
The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Boys Basketball Team returns no starters from last year's Class D-1 State Runner-Up Team and only has two seniors out for the team this year. 1st year Head Coach Alex Stieren says four of the starting spots have been decided. "Bryant Rief (6'3), Derek Petz (5'10), both seniors. Juniors...Landon Stalp (6'4) and Jared Minnick (5'11)."
Stieren says the 5th starting spot is up for grabs between Casey Doernemann (6'3, SO) and Hunter Uhing (5'10, JR).
Guardian Angels Central Catholic lost big in their jamboree game against Ponca Monday night. Stieren says the game was a good learning experience for the kids. "It really opened the eyes of our kids to show them what they need to really to go after, what they need to look like. And Ponca plays a real tight man-to-man, their hands are everywhere. They're always following the ball. They're a real experienced group coming off their state win last year. But all in all can't complain, a game's a game, and that's good to get those pregame jitters out with such a young team."
The Bluejays may have lost a lot of players to graduation last year and may have fell big to Ponca, but I think GACC can be good this year.
Stieren won a State Championship as a player at GACC, and I think he will bring a lot of what he learned as a player to the table as Head Coach of the program.
It may take the Bluejays a little bit to get going, but I fully expect GACC to have a successful season.
The Bluejays have to come to practice and games with a positive and willing to learn attitude.
The players have to put the team first, and think about what's best for the team before themselves.
Everyone has to know and understand their roles, and be good, team players.
GACC has to play with a lot of school pride, passion, toughness, tenacity, grit, fire, drive, and determination.
The Bluejays can't take a night off. GACC has to work very hard to be successful.
Working the ball inside as well as hitting perimeter shots will be keys offensively for the Bluejays I feel.
Playing strong, straight up defense and pressuring the ball tightly will be critical for GACC as well I would say.
Season Outlook:
The GACC Boys Basketball Team looks to make another state run this year, but it doesn't figure to be easy given the fact the Bluejays lost all five starters to graduation.
GACC is kind of starting over with new players and a new coach you could say.
The Bluejays have what I consider to be tough contests against Lutheran High Northeast, Columbus Scotus, Wynot, Oakland-Craig, Wayne, Boone Central Newman/Grove, Battle Creek, Hartington Cedar Catholic, O'Neill, Pierce, Fremont Bergan, and Winnebago.
The schedule is pretty challenging, but I think GACC has a chance to win quite a few games this season.
The Bluejays open up the season on Friday at Lutheran High Northeast in the Northeast Nebraska Tip-Off Classic.
Stieren says it should be a pretty even matchup. "It'll be pretty interesting. I know they lost one of their leading scorers, but I know they have quite a few people back. And hopefully it will be a nice, close game. It always is with Lutheran High. We always play them quite a bit during the year, usually end up seeing them in state. Can't really complain about the competition."
The Bluejays lost 59-35 to the Eagles in the Classic last year before beating them later in the regular season.
GACC was very up and down last year so perhaps the Bluejays will become more consistent this year.
GACC is in Sub-District D1-4 with Clarkson/Leigh, Pender, and Walthill.
I feel that sub-district could come down to the Bluejays and Blujays again this season.
Clarkson/Leigh and Pender figure to be no slouches though.
The Mid-State Conference is a tough conference, and GACC figures to be challenged throughout the course of the season by everyone they play.
Making a State Championship kind of puts a target on the Bluejays' back I would say.
GACC is kind of the hunted now given the run they made last year I would think.
2017-2018 Guardian Angels Central Catholic Bluejays Boys Basketball Schedule:
12/01-12/02 (To Be Determined) Northeast Nebraska Tip-Off Classic Emerson-Hubbard/Wisner-Pilger, Lutheran High NE
12/05/17 @ Columbus Scotus
12/07/17 @ Wynot
12/09/17 Crofton
12/19/17 @ Oakland-Craig
12/22/17 Aquinas Catholic
12/29-12/30 (To Be Determined) BRLD Tournament Lyons/Bancroft
01/02/18 @ Lutheran High Northeast
01/12/18 Wayne
01/13/18 Boone Central/Newman Grove
01/16/18 Battle Creek
01/19/18 O'Neill
01/20/18 @ Hartington Cedar Catholic
01/27-02/03 (To Be Determined) Mid State Conference Tournament Norfolk
02/06/18 Norfolk Catholic
02/08/18 @ Pierce
02/10/18 Archbishop Bergan
02/16/18 Winnebago
Team: Guardian Angels Central Catholic
Mascot: Bluejays
Colors: Blue and White
Class: D-1
Conference: Mid-State
Head Coach: Jerry Stracke (15th season) (352-46 career record)
2016-2017 record: 24-2 (beat Dundy County-Stratton in State Championship)
Returning Starters: 1
Overview:
Lots of new faces will see the floor for the Guardian Angels Central Catholic Girls Basketball Team this season. Longtime Head Coach Jerry Stracke. "We have 4 juniors on the team. They include Maddie Bracht, Angela Jansen, and Ally Plagge. They'll see a lot of playing time for us. And then our Sophomores that were back from last year's team was Hanna Knobbe, Marissa Hunke, Greta Vering. So I mean we do have some players back, but not a lot of experience."
Senior and Midland signee Lexis Haase is the Bluejays' lone returning starter from last year's State Championship Team.
I look for Haase to have a gigantic season and lead this team.
She should have a big year, but you know teams will be out to shut her down.
That means other players will need to step up and score to take away some of the pressure and defense on her.
GACC went 24-2 and won the Class D-1 State Championship last year. Stracke says this year's team won't have quite as much offensive firepower as Bluejay teams of the past. "Well this year we're going to have to rely a lot on our defense. Our defense is going to have to carry us through, especially early in the season. Offensively, there's going to be some games that we're going to really struggle. But hopefully as the season goes along that aspect of our game will get a little bit better."
GACC has made state 20 years in a row and I look for the Bluejays to have a fine season and find their way once again this year.
GACC should be able to do some special things this season and have a good year I would think.
The Bluejays only returned one starter last year and found a way so who's to say GACC can't do it again this year?
The Bluejays will need to develop some scorers throughout the course of the season though.
GACC has to continue to shoot, shoot, and shoot in practice and in games.
The girls have to be confident in shooting the ball, must get to the free throw line, and convert easy layups as well.
Playing tight, pressure defense, and creating turnovers and steals to get easy baskets will be critical too as will rebounding and boxing out well I feel.
Season Outlook:
The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Girls Basketball Team looks for another big season this year, and hopes to continue the dominance they've had over the last two decades.
The Bluejays have a lot of challenging games on the schedule, especially in the early season, against the likes of Columbus Scotus, Wynot, Crofton, Fremont Bergan, Wayne, Bishop Neumann, Hartington Cedar Catholic, Pierce, and Spalding Academy.
I think GACC might struggle early, but look for the Bluejays to hit their stride towards the end of December.
The Bluejays open up the season at home on Thursday against Emerson-Hubbard in the Northeast Nebraska Tip-Off Classic. Stracke breaks down the matchup. "Emerson traditionally has been very, very good. They're kind of rebuilding these last couple years. New Coach I think. So don't really know what to expect from them. And will be our first game, and like I said we got a lot of inexperienced players so should be a pretty good matchup first round."
The Bluejays beat the Pirates 66-33 in last year's season opener.
This is a game with a lot of unknown and uncertainty for GACC I would say.
The Bluejays don't really know what they have right now, but should soon find out.
GACC is in Sub-District D1-4 with the likes of Walthill, Clarkson/Leigh, and Pender, and Clarkson/Leigh and perhaps Pender figure to be very legit contenders.
The Patriots in particular figure to be really good, but the Bluejays have a great coach and a great system, and have been great the last 20 years, and I think GACC will find a way to continue their winning ways.
A lot of the Bluejays' games might be low scoring, but I still fully expect GACC to grind some games out and find success.
GACC has the BRLD Holiday Tournament as well as the Mid-State Conference later in the season prior to sub-districts, and I look for the Bluejays to do well in both of those tournaments.
It figures to be an interesting, but good season for GACC.
I think the Bluejays will learn a lot about themselves throughout the course of the season.
2017-2018 Guardian Angels Central Catholic Bluejays Girls Basketball Schedule:
11/30-12/02 (To Be Determined) Northeast Nebraska Tip-Off Classic Emerson-Hubbard/GACC, Wisner-Pilger
12/05/17 @ Columbus Scotus
12/07/17 @ Wynot
12/09/17 Crofton
12/12/17 @ Archbishop Bergan
12/14/17 Winnebago
12/16/17 Norfolk Catholic
12/18/17 @ Wayne
12/22/17 Aquinas Catholic
12/29-12/30 (To Be Determined) BRLD Holiday Tour. Lyons/Bancroft
01/09/18 @ Bishop Neumann
01/13/18 Boone Central/Newman Grove
01/16/18 Battle Creek
01/19/18 O'Neill
01/20/18 @ Hartington Cedar Catholic
01/25/18 @ Spalding Academy
01/27-02/03 (To Be Determined) Mid State Conference Tournament Norfolk
02/06/18 @ Pender
02/08/18 @ Pierce
Oakland-Craig Boys and Girls looking for good seasons
Team: Oakland-Craig
Mascot: Knights
Colors: Orange and White
Class: C-2
Conference: East Husker
Head Coach: Aaron Meyer (168-148 career record)
2016-2017 record: 16-8 (lost to Elmwood-Murdock in first round of State)
Returning Starters: N/A
Overview:
The Oakland-Craig Boys Basketball Team returns a lot of kids from last year's 16-8 State Tournament Team. Head Coach Aaron Meyer. "Garrett Seagren (6'2, SR PG/SG) obviously is a returning All-Stater that we will be hoping to get quite a bit from. His brother Wyatt (6'6, SO PF/C), also started for us in the post. Tyson Harney (6'2, JR PF), Kobe Benne (5'10, SR PG/SG), Garrison Dodge (5'9, JR PG/SG), Robby Mayberry (5'10, JR SG/SF), Jared Mulder (6'0, JR PG/SG/SF)."
I look for each and every one of these players, especially Seagren, to have big seasons.
The Knights may have lost Carter Thiele, but Oakland-Craig should still be a very good team.
The Knights have to play fast and within themselves this season.
Oakland-Craig has to visualize what it was like to play at state, and must work hard everyday in practice and during games to make their dreams a reality.
Oakland-Craig may have lost to Elmwood-Murdock at state last year, but Elmwood-Murdock was a very good team.
Oakland-Craig has to play more heart, passion, desire, determination, toughness, grit, tenacity, and fire than their opponents.
The Knights have a lot of speed and athleticism, now it's a matter of turning all that talent into a great team.
I feel Oakland-Craig has what it takes to be a great team, and think this could be another special year for the Knights.
Oakland-Craig has to play with drive and energy every time they take to the floor, and must push themselves everyday in practice and in games to get better.
The Knights have to do their best to play their best basketball at the end of the season so they can make a postseason run.
Oakland-Craig got a wildcard to state last year, but getting one of those is never easy.
The Knights have to do the fundamental things well to get back to state. I feel things like looking for good shots, being ready to shoot at all times, converting easy layups, and getting to the free throw line are all critical.
I think guarding the ball tight, getting steals to get out in transition, boxing out, and rebounding will be big for Oakland-Craig as well.
Season Outlook:
The Oakland-Craig Boys Basketball Team is looking for big things again this year.
Tough games on the schedule appear to be against Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, Boys Town, Howells-Dodge, Winnebago, Wisner-Pilger, Walthill, BRLD, North Bend Central, West Point-Beemer, Fremont Bergan, and Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family.
The Knights definitely have their work cut out for them this season, but I look for tough competition to bring out the best in this Oakland-Craig Team.
I feel the Knights will be factors in their Holiday Tournament as well as the East Husker Conference Tournament and Sub-Districts.
The Knights open up the season on Thursday at home against Logan View/Scribner-Snyder.
Meyer says the Raiders are the complete package. "They are big, they're well coached, they can handle the ball well, they can shoot the ball from the outside. They've got one or two potential All-State kids on that team so yeah right out of the gates with a very, very good team. Going to be no easy task."
LVSS beat the Knights twice last year.
Oakland-Craig is in Sub-District C2-3 with BRLD, Omaha Nation, Homer, and Wakefield.
I think the Knights should have a good chance to win that sub-district and get to a district final.
I feel Oakland-Craig has a great chance to get to state again this year, only this time winning their way into the tournament.
I look for it to be a good and successful year for the Knights, and for many good and great things to come their way.
Sure Oakland-Craig may experience a few bumps in the road throughout the course of the season, but in the end the Knights should be right there for a potential state berth.
The most important thing for Oakland-Craig though is taking things one day at a time and not getting too ahead of themselves.
It's okay to dream and visualize what getting back to state and winning would feel like, but it should all be done within reason.
2017-2018 Oakland-Craig Knights Boys Basketball Schedule:
11/30/17 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
12/02/17 Boys Town
12/05/17 @ Clarkson/Leigh
12/08/17 Pender
12/09/17 Howells-Dodge
12/12/17 Winnebago
12/14/17 @ Wisner-Pilger
12/16/17 @ Madison
12/19/17 Guardian Angels Central Catholic
12/21/17 @ Omaha Nation
12/29-12/30 (To Be Determined) Malcolm Holiday Tournament Malcolm
01/05/18 Stanton
01/09/18 Walthill
01/12/18 @ BRLD
01/16/18 Tekamah-Herman
01/19/18 North Bend Central
01/23/18 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
01/27-02/03 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/06/18 @ Archbishop Bergan
02/09/18 @ West Point-Beemer
Team: Oakland-Craig
Mascot: Knights
Colors: Orange and White
Class: C-2
Conference: East Husker
Head Coach: Joe Anderson (5th season) (57-39 record)
2016-2017 record: 14-7 (lost to Ponca in District Final)
Returning Starters: 3
Overview:
The Oakland-Craig Girls Basketball team brings back some talented players from last year minus Dacey Nelson, who is out for the season with a torn ACL. Head Coach Joe Anderson says returning starters include Kennedy Benne and Natalia McNeill. "Kennedy Benne (PG/SG/SF JR) is probably our leading returner. She averaged 11 points a game last year. I really feel that she's going to be one of the better players in the conference this year. And she scored 29 in our jamboree game, and did a really good job. Just a great athlete that plays well on offense and defense. But also the one that really came on that's going to make a big difference for our team is Natalia McNeill (SG/SF). She's a Junior. She scored 18 points in our jamboree game. She's a girl that averaged maybe 2 or 3 points a game last year, and she's going to really be called upon to score a lot more, and she's really taken that role."
Anderson says another returning starter is Grace Pille (PG/SG, JR), who only averaged 2 or 3 points a game last year, but scored 11 points in the Jamboree game. Mya Guzinski (PG/SG SO) also returns, and she had 5 assists in the jamboree game.
Others expected to contribute this season are Freshman Makenna Pearson (5'10, PF), and Juniors Ashley Denton (PG/SG) and Ellie Weitzenkamp (SF/PF).
Anderson says his team won't be very tall and guard oriented, but I look for Oakland-Craig to have another fine season.
It appears a lot of girls have stepped up and raised their level of play with the absence of Nelson.
The Knights won their jamboree game over Fort Calhoun, 58-38, and that's a pretty impressive win for Oakland-Craig, in my opinion, even if it is just an exhibition game.
These girls have to play super hard, fast, physical, tenacious, tough, and downright nasty this season.
Oakland-Craig has to give everyone their best shot every time they take to the floor, and must get after one another in practice.
The Knights have to play with attitude, fight, might, grit, fire, passion, and pride.
Oakland-Craig can't take a night off or a play off for that matter, and must give teams their all at all times.
The Knights also have to work extra hard at things like boxing out and rebounding given how small they are.
Being ready to shoot, getting good and easy shots, and making layups as well as getting to the free throw line should all be a focus for Oakland-Craig.
So should pressuring the ball, creating steals, and playing tight, in your face defense.
Season Outlook:
The Oakland-Craig Girls Basketball Team figures to be mighty and talented this season even without Nelson.
Clarkson/Leigh, Howells-Dodge, Winnebago, Wisner-Pilger, Stanton, Elmwood-Murdock, BRLD, Tekamah-Herman, North Bend Central, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, and Fremont Bergan figure to be the toughest games on the schedule.
I feel Oakland-Craig has a great shot to beat a lot of those teams though.
Oakland-Craig kicks off the season on Thursday at home against Logan View/Scribner-Snyder. Anderson expects the Raiders to be tough. "I know last year they gave up some fits. I think in that 3rd quarter last year they really made a run and closed the gap on us a little bit. And I know they return for the most part their whole team. And so they have a lot of seniors. And so hopefully our girls are ready to go."
The Knights took last year's contest 68-43.
Oakland-Craig suffered a heartbreaking overtime defeat at the hands of Ponca in the C2-2 District Final at Wisner-Pilger to end last season. Anderson says it's something his team hasn't forgotten. "That's something that we were setting goals here a few days ago....setting team goals. And that's something that came up. We were seconds from being in the State Tournament. And we just realized that rather than saying hey that was a lucky shot whatever, we try to work that much harder. If we would of found a little bit more time and worked a little harder during the summer, a little harder during practice.... then those opportunities for them to win at the end of the game probably wouldn't be there."
The Indians won the game 63-55 in overtime, aided by a clutch three-pointer by Emma Kneifl that tied the game in regulation.
I look for that game to only fuel and motivate Oakland-Craig throughout the course of the season.
The Knights have to find a little something extra in their gear to improve their game over the course of the season.
Just when Oakland-Craig feels they've done enough or doesn't feel like they can do anymore, the Knights have to remember back to that game and that moment and find a little something extra.
Oakland-Craig's toughest games come at the end of the season so the Knights will have to be ready to go, especially in the 4th quarter of those games.
Oakland-Craig is in Sub-District C2-3 with BRLD, Omaha Nation, Wakefield, and Homer.
2017-2018 Oakland-Craig Knights Girls Basketball Schedule:
11/30/17 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
12/02/17 Boys Town
12/05/17 @ Clarkson/Leigh
12/08/17 Pender
12/09/17 Howells-Dodge
12/12/17 Winnebago
12/14/17 @ Wisner-Pilger
12/16/17 @ Madison
12/21/17 @ Omaha Nation
12/29-12/30 (To Be Determined) Malcolm Holiday Tournament malcolm
01/05/18 Stanton
01/06/18 @ Elmwood-Murdock
01/11/18 @ Emerson-Hubbard
01/12/18 @ BRLD
01/16/18 Tekamah-Herman
01/19/18 North Bend Central
01/23/18 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
01/26-02/03 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/06/18 @ Archbishop Bergan
02/09/18 @ West Point-Beemer
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