Winnebago Boys finish State Runner-Up

The Winnebago Boys Basketball Team finished State Runner-up at the State Basketball Tournament this past weekend.

The second seeded Winnebago Indians faced off against the #7 Syracuse Rockets in the first round at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Thursday, March 8th, in action heard on 107.9 The Bull.

Syracuse got out to a quick lead early, but Winnebago was able to win the first quarter 12-11, and took a 27-24 lead into halftime.

A big offensive third quarter saw the Indians score 17 points and lead 44-33 at the end of three.

The Rockets won the fourth quarter 17-15, but Winnebago claimed the victory, 59-50.

D’Von LaPointe led the Indians with 17, while Maurice Scott added 16.

Winnebago met Broken Bow in the Class C-1 boys state semifinals at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Friday in a game also heard on 107.9 The Bull.

Winnebago made seven three-pointers in the first half, shooting themselves to a 35-28 lead at halftime.

Broken Bow made a couple of comeback attempts in the second half, but Winnebago was able to close out strong, winning the game 69-55.

Winnebago was led by stellar performances from Manape Cleveland, who scored 27 points, including five three-pointers, and LaPointe, who scored 25 points. Scott added 10.

The Indians came up short in Saturday morning's State Championship Game, losing 70-66 in overtime to Wahoo in action also heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Indians led the Warriors 15-14 at the end of one, and won the 2nd quarter 13-11 to take a 28-25 lead into the locker room.

Both teams scored 17 points in the 3rd quarter, and the score at the end of 3 was 45-42 in favor of Winnebago.

Wahoo won the 4th quarter 17-14 to tie the game at 59 and send it into overtime.

The Warriors outlasted the Indians 11-7 in the 4th quarter.

Tough way for Winnebago to lose, especially in a state championship game, but the Indians gave it their all and did everything in their power to win, in my opinion.

Winnebago ends their great season with a 22-7 record.

The season started off with a bang for the Indians as Winnebago knocked off the likes of Walthill, Omaha Nation, Oakland-Craig, Battle Creek, and Wisner-Pilger before the new year, and then picked up big wins over eventual C-2 State Champion Ponca, Dakota Valley, SD, Wynot, Carroll, IA, Laurel-Concord-Coleridge, Creighton, Osmond, and Wakefield in the second half of the season prior to state.

The state wins over Syracuse and Broken Bow were pretty impressive in my book, and it was definitely another season to remember for Winnebago Boys Basketball.

The Indians say goodbye to a host of seniors, including LaPointe, Scott, Cleveland, Makoonce Littlevoice, Lance Denney, Caden Cleveland, and Bear Kennedy.

Winnebago loses some great players, but you can figure on the Indians putting an excellent product on the floor next year as Winnebago simply reloads instead of rebuilds.

Key returners for the Indians next season include Ed Payer, Jeriah Greyowl, and Willy Wingett.

Some great players are leaving the program this year...players that were in high school for all 4 of Winnebago's State Tournament runs.

This year's senior class couldn't really ask for anything more from that standpoint.

The Indians could be young next year, but you can bet Winnebago will be talented.

Winnebago will have a new crop of talent to work with next year, and it will be interesting to see what the makeup of next year's team is like.

Some great players have come and gone through this program, and future Winnebago teams have a lot to live up to, there's no doubt about that.

You could say this has been one of the most successful if not the most successful time period the Indians have had in school history.

Lots of hard work, determination, and dedication will be needed this offseason to keep the tradition going.

New players must emerge and make their mark on this program.

Winnebago has to come together over the offseason, and be ready to go at the start of next season.

It will be interesting to see who all the Indians feature on their team next year.

I guess we'll find out in November who all the incoming crop of talent is for Winnebago.

BRLD Boys finish 3rd at State

The BRLD Boys Basketball Team finished 3rd at State this past weekend, defeating Elmwood-Murdock 48-47 in overtime at Lincoln Southeast in Thursday's first round on a Lucas Vogt buzzer beater that may be remembered forever before losing 50-33 to Ponca in Friday in the Semifinals at the Devaney Center, and beating Yutan 73-62 in the 3rd place game on Saturday at Lincoln East.

The last C-2 boys state basketball quarterfinal matchup of the day on Thursday saw more drama than a soap opera.

BRLD started the game hot from behind the arc, hitting five three pointers in the first quarter, taking a 17-6 lead.

The Wolverines added another pair of threes in the second quarter, running their first half total to seven made three pointers, and would lead 26-13 at halftime.

The Knights came out firing in the third quarter, however hitting a trio of three-pointers, and outscoring BRLD 15-2, and the game was tied 28-28 after three.

Both teams scored nine points in the fourth quarter, and at the end of regulation, the game was tied 37-37, sending the action into overtime.

Things seemed bleak late for BRLD, trailing 47-45 with 6.5 seconds to go.

The Wolverines rebounded a missed Elmwood-Murdock free throw and the outlet pass went to Vogt, who crossed halfcourt and drained a deep three pointer as time expired to give BRLD the OT win.

Vogt was the leading scorer for BRLD with 17 points including four threes. Darwin Snyder also hit four shots from beyond the arc and finished with 14 points.

Coming off an amazing overtime win the night before, Bancroft-Rosalie/Lyons Decatur was met with another challenge when they faced #1 Ponca in the Class C2 boys basketball semifinals heard on 107.9 The Bull.

Ponca came out hot, making six three-pointers in the first quarter, to lead 22-13. The Indians would go up 30-20 at halftime.

Cold shooting from the Wolverines in the second half allowed Ponca to keep the score out of reach for much of the game, eventually winning 50-33.

Vogt had nine points for BRLD, with Trent Gatewood adding eight and Jaxon Johnson scoring seven.

The Wolverines led the Chieftains 15-9 at the end of one, and outscored Yutan 24-14 in the 2nd quarter to take a 39-23 lead into the locker room.

The Chieftains outscored BRLD 18-10 in the 3rd quarter to make it a 49-41 game at the end of three.

The Wolverines won the 4th quarter 24-21.

Great run and season for BRLD.

The Wolverines end the year at 26-3.

BRLD had a magnificent season, in my opinion, picking up big wins over Omaha Nation, Howells-Dodge (3 times), West Point-Beemer, Oakland-Craig (twice), Wakefield (twice), Winnebago, North Bend Central, Wisner-Pilger, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, Battle Creek, and of course Elmwood-Murdock and Yutan at state.

The Wolverines did a lot of great things this year and have a ton to be proud of.

Head Coach Cory Meyer says the tough transition time in the first year of the co-op last year paid off this year. "I couldn't be more excited for our players, coaches, communities, schools, fans, etc...  Last year was a difficult year because of the 1st year of the co-op; the transition was tougher than I originally thought but was excited for it. The co-op brings the best out of the players. The more competition, the harder they try, the better they become."

Meyer adds the shot by Vogt is something he'll never forget. "I was excited and stunned at the same time. There were a lot of emotions throughout that game and that put the cherry on top. Put it this way, watching that buzzer beater and listening to it on the radio never gets old. He threw that shot up and it is not a high percentage shot, so obviously I had my doubts. I shouldn't be too surprised though because Lucas made a similar shot from almost the exact same location over the summer to win a game."

I tell you what...I'm sure Bancroft, Rosalie, Lyons, and Decatur, and other areas were rocking that night after that shot heard around Northeast Nebraska.

I know I about fell out of my chair out of excitement.

It's something I'm sure Vogt and everyone that was involved with the team in some way or was there or listened will remember for as long as they live.

It was a great shot, and is something BRLD can definitely use as a springboard into next season, in my opinion.

The Wolverines wouldn't have had the success they had without the seniors though I would say.

Meyer says being tough and unselfish allowed BRLD to have the kind of season they had. "What stands out about this team is how mentally tough they were which was a question I had going into the season. In the past, I've had teams play up to teams levels and also play down to teams levels. This team did not do that. They played hard no matter who it was against. Sure, we had a couple not so good performances but it wasn't a result of not trying hard. What I think I will remember about these seniors is the fact they accepted their roles better than I ever thought they would. And when the players except their roles, good things happen. My last impression of our senior starters Trent Gatewood and Kenyan Lovejoy and back-up seniors Michael Snyder and Hunter Ferguson will be the state consolation game vs Yutan. I cleared the locker room and had a heart to heart conversation with them, placing a lot of weight on their shoulders that game and they really came through. All 4 played about as well as I could have asked and it made a huge difference in the game. It's nice to give them a great send off like we did and be able to place a medal around their necks for their last game."

I'm sure winning that last game is something Lovejoy, Gatewood, Michael Snyder, and Ferguson will remember for the rest of their lives.

They went out winners.

The rest of the team is back next year, and I fully expect BRLD to make another state run.

The Wolverines have to work just as hard if not harder than they have in the past to be great again next year, in my opinion.

I'm sure BRLD will be up to the task of improving and growing before next season begins.

Meyer adds the co-op has brought out the best in these kids. "I'm thrilled that the board members game to an agreement to continue with the Co-op. Like I said before, the co-op creates competition and when there's competition, it makes the players work harder and become more disciplined, harder workers."

I look for BRLD to make another run at a state title next year.

BRLD Boys top Oakland-Craig in Sub-District Final, rally to beat Battle Creek in District Final

The BRLD Boys Basketball Team won 48-43 over Oakland-Craig in the C2-3 Sub-District Final from West Point-Beemer on Thursday, February 22nd before winning 40-38 over Battle Creek in the C2-2 District Final at Wayne State College last Monday night.

It came down to a deciding possession late in the 4th quarter of the Oakland-Craig game.

Down 46-43 with 7.8 seconds left, the Knights' Robby Mayberry was dribbling down court, and tried to get the ball to All-State Player Garrett Seagren for a game-tying three pointer, but Mayberry crossed half court and threw it behind to Seagren, who was trailing the play, but couldn't quite make it across halfcourt with the ball after catching it, thus the game deciding turnover.

Oakland-Craig made a furious rally late as Seagren canned three 3's after BRLD went up 45-34 with less than a minute to go.

The Knights led early, 6-5 after one, and 17-15 at halftime after winning the 2nd quarter 11-10.

The Wolverines put together a big 3rd quarter though, doubling up Oakland-Craig 18-9 to go up 33-26 at the end of three.

The Knights won the 4th quarter 17-15.

Kenyan Lovejoy led BRLD with 16 points, including 7 in the 2nd quarter, while Darwin Snyder scored 13. Will Gatzemeyer added 10.

Meyer says his team has a lot of offensive weapons. "The thing I like about our team is I don't have just one person that's going to standout. I've got 2, 3, 4, 5 guys that can all step up and score double digits in a game. And we just play good team basketball, and I'm really enjoying this year just watching them play."

Meyer adds Oakland-Craig was underrated. "Aaron always has his team ready. They're a great team. They're a lot better than what that record shows because to start the season off they didn't have Garrett to start off with, and they should be a Division I if not ranked in C-2. And there's no doubt in my mind. And trying to beat them twice is tough to do, and we did that tonight."

The Braves got out to a 15-5 lead after one, and outscored the Wolverines 13-8 in the 2nd quarter to take a 28-13 lead into the locker room.

BRLD trimmed the deficit to 7 at 33-26 at the end of three by winning the 3rd quarter 13-5.

The Wolverines outscored Battle Creek 14-5 in the 4th quarter.

Lovejoy had a team-high 12 points for BRLD while Snyder scored 8.

Meyer says the game was a tale of two halfs. "First half our shots were just uncharacteristic of us. We just weren't taking the shots that we normally take. I don't know it's just the shots weren't falling, No. 1, but the shots just weren't good quality shots I guess I should say. Really good high percentage shots that we were taking. And just think it just got away from us...and Battle Creek...they were hitting their shots, and they were getting confident. And that just snowballed on us. And all of a sudden the most we were down by was 17, and down by 15 at half, and it's tough to comeback and do that. But thank God for halftimes. And so we just settled the players down. They just needed to reverse the ball and move the ball better than what they were doing, and play better defense. Defensively, it was just okay in the first half, it picked up a lot better the second half, and that was the difference in the game, they just needed to settle down."

BRLD (24-2) takes on Elmwood-Murdock (19-4) in the first round of State at Lincoln Southeast at 8:45 p.m. Thursday night in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Knights lost 48-44 to Yutan in the C2-2 Sub-District Final at Wahoo on Thursday, February 22nd, but qualified for state for the 3rd straight year with a wildcard.

Meyer says Elmwood-Murdock poses a matchup problem from a height standpoint. "Our tallest is 6'3, and it's going to be tough to matchup with their 6'6 Wes Dreamer. He's going to be one heck of a matchup for us. And we're going to have to try and do our best, and just see if we can try to contain him."

Meyer says that's the only matchup that concerns him, saying he thinks everyone else will be alright.

He discusses the keys to the game for the Wolverines. "Well we've got to be able to rebound. And we've got to be able to run the floor. We've got to play good defense. We've got to make sure we limit Wes Dreamer. Limit him, his touches with the ball. So we've got to be able to run our offense too, and not do the same thing we did against Battle Creek."

Meyer adds this year's C-2 field is loaded. "There's a lot of talent, and I've always said that. We've beaten 3 ranked C-1 teams this year. I think C-2 is the class that's just got a lot to offer. And there's just no weak teams in it. And it's going to be tough, and it's going to be anybody's ball game."

BRLD is making their first ever state tournament appearance as a Co-op. Bancroft-Rosalie most recently made the state tournament in 2015, finishing runner-up in Class D-2 that year. Lyons-Decatur Northeast last made it in 1994.

This is going to be a tough game and matchup for the Wolverines no doubt, but BRLD can definitely win.

Whoever wins this game figures to have their work cut out in the semifinals against either Ponca or Perkins County.

The Wolverines have to start off a lot better than they did against Battle Creek if they want to win Thursday, in my opinion.

BRLD has to work the ball around the court for good shots and open looks, and not settle.

I think State Tournament experience helps the Wolverines in the case of the former Bancroft-Rosalie players who played in the tournament in 2015, but the Knights have plenty of state tournament experience too so you know they will be ready.

This figures to be a great game that comes down to the wire, and it wouldn't surprise me one bit if BRLD came out with the victory.

The path to championship Saturday is very difficult it appears, and the Wolverines will have earned a State Championship Game berth if they get it.

Anything can happen though, and BRLD can definitely walk away from this tournament as State Champs.

Thursday night's game from Lincoln Southeast can be heard on the Bull beginning at 8:45 p.m.

Winnebago Boys beat Pierce in Sub-District Final; lose to Boone Central/Newman Grove in District Final

The Winnebago Boys Basketball Team won 61-51 over Pierce in the C1-5 Sub-District Final at Norfolk High on Thursday, February 22nd before losing 63-62 to Boone Central/Newman Grove in the C1-3 District Final at Northeast Community College in Norfolk last Monday night.

The Indians jumped out to a 19-5 lead on the Bluejays at the end of one before winning the 2nd quarter 13-11 to take a 32-16 lead into the locker room.

Winnebago won the 3rd quarter 16-14 to go up 48-30 at the end of three.

Pierce outscored the Indians 21-13 in the 4th quarter.

D'Von LaPointe led Winnebago with 26 points while Manape Cleveland totaled 15 points and 7 steals. Makoonce Littlevoice added 9 points and 9 rebounds while Lance Denney scored 7 points.

The Indians led the Cardinals 10-7 after one, and outscored them 23-10 in the 2nd quarter to take a 33-17 lead into the locker room.

Boone Central/Newman Grove outscored Winnebago 27-18 in the 3rd quarter to make it a 51-44 game at the end of three.

The Cardinals won the 4th quarter 19-11.

Cleveland had 21 points to lead the way. LaPointe added 11 while Denney notched 9 points and 11 rebounds. Ed Payer added 8 points while Maurice Scott totaled 7.

Head Coach Jeff Berridge on the loss. "We kind of got in foul trouble. A couple of our main guys got in foul trouble. They did alright. First half, second half they kind of got shook up, so that's what happened there. But we make a couple more free throws we win.

The Indians qualified for state with a wildcard.

Winnebago (20-6) takes on Syracuse (17-9) in the first round of State at 3:45 Thursday afternoon at the Devaney Center in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Rockets beat Auburn 64-60 in the C1-1 District Final at Nebraska City Lourdes last Monday night.

Berridge says his team has to approach the matchup like it's the State Championship. "I like it, but they're there for a reason, so we can't take nobody lightly. So we're just going in like we're playing the No. 1 team, so we're just going to come ready, and my boys are hungry after the loss."

Syracuse is led in scoring by Ben Nannen and Wil McCoy, who come in averaging 18 points and 15 points a game, respectively.

I think the Indians have a chance to get to the state championship and win it.

I feel Winnebago can beat the Rockets, and whichever team wins the 3 and 6 seed game in the semifinals, either Broken Bow or Boone Central/Newman Grove.

Wahoo figures to be very tough if they get to Championship Saturday though.

The other side appears to be pretty stacked with the likes of the Warriors, Grand Island Central Catholic, and Lincoln Christian, but there's some talent on this side of the bracket as well.

The Indians have to keep the pedal to the medal, keep the foot on full throttle for 4 quarters so to speak.

Winnebago can't let Syracuse or any other team come back and steal one from them if they get out to a big lead.

The Indians let one get away against the Cardinals I thought after getting up big at halftime.

The good news for Winnebago is it's a whole new season and the Indians are at state for the 4th straight year.

Berridge says he feels his team matches up good with the Rockets. "Well I like it a lot. Stuff I seen on them they like to shoot the ball, so we like to shoot the ball, so it should be a fun game, and a lot of shots go in it so it should be fun."

Berridge adds playing Winnebago basketball is the key to a win. "Just sticking to our style and making them play Winnebago basketball, and not us getting stuck playing Syracuse basketball. So that's the main goal for me is let my guys go out and play their game and have fun."

It should be a fun and exciting game and state tournament as a whole, and I'm excited for things to start.

Tip-off on Thursday is set for 3:45 p.m. on the Bull.

Stanton Girls take 4th at State

The #2 seeded Stanton Mustangs faced the #7 seeded Burwell Longhorns in the first round of the girls Class C-2 state girls basketball tournament at Lincoln North Star on Thursday, March 1st.

The Mustangs dominated the first half, leading 15-8 at the end of the first quarter and 27-14 at the intermission.

Blake Mann had a big third quarter for Burwell, scoring 12 points herself, while the Longhorns outscored Stanton 16-7 in the frame. The Mustangs still held a 34-30 lead after three.

Burwell won the fourth quarter as well, outscoring Stanton 15-13, and hit a three pointer with 3.5 seconds left, but Stanton was able to hang on for the 47-45 win.

Hannah Heppner had 15 points and 8 rebounds to lead Stanton, while Bree Burtwistle added 14 points, and Liz Christensen chipped in 8.

In the State Semifinals on Friday at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, the Mustangs fell 47-44 to Superior.

Stanton led 17-11 after one, and 24-17 at halftime after winning the 2nd quarter 7-6.

The Wildcats won the 3rd quarter 13-11 to make it a 35-30 game at the end of three.

Superior outscored the Mustangs 17-9 in the 4th quarter to complete the comeback.

Jaiden Hartl paced Stanton with 14 points while Christensen registered 12. Heppner totaled 11 points and 10 rebounds, good enough for a double-double.

Stanton lost Saturday's 3rd place game at Lincoln East to Hastings St. Cecilia, 47-44.

The Mustangs led 10-9 at the end of one before the Hawkettes outscored Stanton 20-7 in the 2nd quarter to take a 29-17 lead into the locker room.

The Mustangs outscored St. Cecilia 16-7 in the 3rd quarter to make it a 36-33 game at the end of three in favor of the Hawkettes.

Both teams scored 11 points in the 4th quarter.

Burtwhistle led the way with 14 points while Heppner recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds to notch another double-double. Jessie Brandl chipped in 7 points.

Tough way for Stanton to end the season, especially losing the way they did in the semifinals.

Knowing you were so close to making it to the State Championship and being that close to playing at Pinnacle Bank Arena has to really sting.

The Mustangs wrap up the year at 24-5.

It was a very memorable season for Stanton, who picked up big wins over Howells-Dodge (twice), West Point-Beemer, North Bend Central, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, West Holt, Hartington-Newcastle, BRLD (twice), Clarkson/Leigh (twice), and Twin River. You can't forget the state win over Burwell either.

Plenty of big wins for the Mustangs this season, and a lot for Stanton to be proud of.

Heppner finished as the team's leading scorer and rebounder at 11 points and 9 rebounds per game on the season. Brandl was 2nd on the team in those categories at 10 points and 5 rebounds a game.

Burtwhistle averaged 9 points a game this year while Hartl averaged 8 and Christensen 7.

The Mustangs part ways with Heppner, Allie Spence, and Tenna Beel.

All three of these girls were big contributors for Stanton, and deserve to be recognized for all their tremendous accomplishments as members of the Mustang Girls Basketball Program.

Key returners include Brandl, Burtwhistle, Hartl, and Christensen.

These four should do a lot and be great for Stanton next year.

Next season is the Mustangs' chance to do something really great and big, in my opinion.

Oakland-Craig figures to be great too, but Stanton will be a tough team to be reckoned with in C-2 next season as well.

The Mustangs should be great in both volleyball and basketball once again next season.

Stanton has to dream big, and dream of winning a state championship next season.

The Mustangs have to visualize what it would be like to play on Championship Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena, and go out there and make their dreams come true.

Stanton has to get to work this offseason, and condition themselves as much as possible so they have the final say in the 4th quarter of the biggest game of the season next year.

That's not to say the Mustangs were wore out at the end of the Superior game, but Stanton let one get away, that's for sure.

I'm sure the Mustangs will have plenty of motivation for next year given how the Superior game ended this year.

I'm willing to bet that's a game Stanton won't soon forget, and will use as fuel and motivation for next season.

GACC Girls upset by Ansley-Litchfield in 1st round of State

The 2018 girls state basketball tournament began on Thursday, March 1st in Lincoln.

In Class D1, the #3 Guardian Angels Central Catholic Bluejays opened play against the #6 Ansley-Litchfield Spartans at Lincoln Southwest.

Ansley-Litchfield jumped out to a 15-4 lead after the first quarter, and held a 30-18 advantage at halftime.

GACC came out firing in the third quarter, making four three-pointers ans outscoring the Spartans 17-9, but still trailed 39-35 after the third.

The Bluejays were able to tie the game in the fourth quarter at 41-41, but could never quite take a lead, and Ansley-Litchfield went on to win the game 49-43.

Lexis Haase led three GACC players in double figures with 13 points. Marissa Hunke had 12, all from three point range, and Angela Jansen added 11.

Good season for the Bluejays that ended a bit sooner than they would of hoped for I'm sure.

GACC ends their season at 20-7 overall.

The Bluejays had a lot of nice wins this season, in my opinion, including victories over Fremont Bergan, Wynot, Winnebago, Howells-Dodge, O'Neill, Hartington Cedar Catholic (twice), Pierce, Clarkson/Leigh, and Weeping Water.

GACC knocked off a lot of good teams this year, and should be very proud of the season they had.

The Bluejays graduate just two seniors in Haase and Allie Knobbe.

Both are significant and big losses for GACC as both had stellar careers for the Bluejays I would say.

I'm sure their contributions to GACC basketball will not soon be forgotten, especially Haase, who is headed to Midland next season.

Key returners next year for the Bluejays include Hunke, Hannah Knobbe, Greta Vering, Brenna Rief, Jansen, Ally Plagge, Maddie Bracht, and Brandi Doernemann.

I think the future of GACC basketball remains bright.

Haase is a big loss, but the Bluejays bring back some great players.

GACC figures to be fairly young again next year, but with another year of growth, development, and experience on their side...should be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

I must say I was surprised the Bluejays lost to the Spartans.

I think digging themselves a deep hole early was ultimately too much for GACC to overcome.

The Bluejays just weren't as polished and explosive offensively this year as GACC teams of the past, in my opinion.

That means the returning players and newcomers have a lot of shooting to do this offseason.

Being confident and being able to knock down clutch shots and free throws will be critical to the Bluejays' future success I would say.

Defense and full court pressure will always be a big thing for GACC too, but the Bluejays have to get back to scoring the way GACC teams of the past have if the Bluejays want to get back to winning state titles.

Next year's girls definitely have a lot to live up to as GACC tries to make state for the 22nd year in a row.