North Bend Central Boys 2-0 in last two games; Girls 2-1 in last three

The North Bend Central Boys Basketball Team knocked off Wisner-Pilger 76-54 at home Thursday night before winning 74-56 at home over Oakland-Craig in the East Husker Conference Tournament Quarterfinals Tuesday night.

The Gators led the Tigers 19-14 after one before North Bend Central outscored Wisner-Pilger 23-12 in the 2nd quarter to pull in front 37-31 at halftime.

The Tigers outscored the Gators 22-8 in the 3rd quarter to lead 59-39 at the end of three.

North Bend Central won the 4th quarter 17-15.

Jaxon Wietfeld led the way with 21 points while John Emanuel notched 18. Tanner Wietfeld added 16 while Breckin Peters totaled 7.

The Tigers tripled up Oakland-Craig 12-4 in the 1st quarter, and outscored the Knights 31-14 in the 2nd quarter to take a 43-18 lead into the locker room.

North Bend Central won the 3rd quarter 17-14 to go up 60-32 at the end of three.

Oakland-Craig outscored the Tigers 24-14 in the 4th quarter.

Tanner Wietfeld led all scorers with 25 points while Jaxon Wietfeld and Emanuel were in double figures with 13 and 12, respectively. Austin Endorf chipped in 8.

Two very solid performances from North Bend Central.

The Tigers (16-1) take on Howells-Dodge (14-5) at home in the Semifinals Friday night in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Jaguars won 43-35 over Wisner-Pilger in the other Quarterfinal at North Bend Central Tuesday night.

Howells-Dodge is having a nice season, and knocked off BRLD at home earlier this season.

The Jaguars should definitely have North Bend Central's attention.

The Tigers figure to have a good shot to win this whole tournament, but it won't happen unless North Bend Central takes of business against Howells-Dodge first.

The Tigers can't be looking ahead to a potential matchup with BRLD or anything like that.

North Bend Central has to focus on playing great fundamental basketball against the Jaguars.

The Tigers have to come out and play their game, and get out in transition and run.

North Bend Central has to be sharp and on from the outside, and their inside game has to be solid also.

The Tigers have to turn in a great performance against Howells-Dodge, and do what they have pretty much all season.

North Bend Central hasn't lost since December 15th at Seward, and the run the Tigers are on is truly great.

North Bend Central has to keep it going, and has to keep getting things done with their offense and defense.

The Tigers are one of the top teams in C-1, in my opinion, and I look for North Bend Central to come out and play well Friday night.

The Tigers have some big games coming up before season's end, and this is kind of where the real fun begins for North Bend Central.

We're basically to crunch time and so the Tigers have to come out and play the way they have all season long.

North Bend Central and Howells-Dodge will go at it after BRLD and Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family at 6:00 p.m. on the Bull.

The North Bend Central Girls won 48-23 at home over Wisner-Pilger Thursday night before defeating Howells-Dodge 56-40 at home in the first round of the East Husker Conference Tournament Friday night, and then losing 46-40 at West Point-Beemer in the Tournament Quarterfinals Monday night.

The Tigers led Wisner-Pilger 15-11 at the end of one before outscoring the Gators 14-5 in the 2nd quarter to take a 29-16 lead into the locker room.

North Bend Central outscored Wisner-Pilger 13-4 in the 3rd quarter to go up 42-20 at the end of three.

The Tigers doubled up the Gators 6-3 in the 4th quarter.

Megan Ortmeier had 11 points for North Bend Central while Hannah Williams chipped in 9.

The Tigers went up 16-12 on Howells-Dodge after one before outscoring the Jaguars 19-11 in the 2nd quarter to take a 35-23 lead into the locker room.

North Bend Central won the 3rd quarter 10-6 to go up 45-29 at the end of three.

Both teams scored 11 points in the 4th quarter.

The Cadets led the Tigers 15-8 at the end of one, and won the 2nd quarter 8-5 to take a 23-13 lead into the locker room.

North Bend Central outscored West Point-Beemer 13-6 in the 3rd quarter to close within 3 at 29-26 at the end of three.

The Cadets won the 4th quarter 17-14.

I thought the Tigers had a good chance to upset West Point-Beemer given how well they had been playing, but it simply did not happen.

North Bend Central (13-7) battles Twin River (10-8) in a Tournament Consolation game at Lyons Thursday night.

The Titans lost 52-38 to Oakland-Craig in the EHC Tournament Quarterfinals at Oakland-Craig Monday night.

North Bend Central defeated the Titans 40-35 at home in the season opener on November 29th.

The Tigers certainly have their work cut out for them in this one, but North Bend Central can definitely pick up the win.

The Tigers have to forget about what happened Monday night, and simply move on.

North Bend Central has to have a quick memory, and can't worry about what happened against the Cadets.

It was a tough loss no doubt and the Tigers could very well see West Point-Beemer again in Sub-Districts, but North Bend Central has to simply continue on with their season.

North Bend Central has Tekamah-Herman and Howells-Dodge next week so two more chances at wins before the postseason hits.

Best case scenario is the Tigers win out and give them the best chance for postseason success.

North Bend Central will likely be the two seed in Sub-Districts so they have to win out to ensure that and lock that up.

Three wins to close out the regular season would be really good positive momentum heading into Sub-Districts, in my opinion.

The Titans always play tough so it will be interesting to see if the Tigers can bounce back.

North Bend Central has to rebound well and make easy shots at the basket.

Knocking down free throws is going to be critical as well for the Tigers I feel.

This figures to be a tough, close game for North Bend Central once again, and it will be a good test for the the Tigers.

I think it will be a good character test for North Bend Central also.

Tip-off is slated for 6:00 p.m.

Howells-Dodge Boys 2-1 in last three games; Girls 1-1 in last two

The Howells-Dodge Boys Basketball Team lost 47-45 at home to Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Thursday night before winning 78-43 at home over Clarkson/Leigh on Saturday in the first round of the East Husker Conference Tournament, and 43-35 over Wisner-Pilger in the EHC Tournament Quarterfinals at North Bend Central Tuesday night.

The Raiders led the Jaguars 11-6 at the end of one. Both teams scored 14 points in the 2nd quarter, and the halftime score was 25-20 in favor of LVSS.

Howells-Dodge outscored the Raiders 17-11 in the 3rd quarter to pull in front 37-36 at the end of three.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder won the 4th quarter 11-8.

The Jaguars jumped out to a 22-8 lead at the end of one before outscoring the Patriots 28-15 in the 2nd quarter to take a 50-23 lead into the locker room.

Howells-Dodge outscored Clarkson/Leigh 20-8 in the 3rd quarter to go up 70-31 at the end of three.

The Patriots won the 4th quarter 12-8.

Wisner-Pilger went up 16-9 on Howells-Dodge at the end of one before the Jaguars won the 2nd quarter 11-5 to make it a 21-20 game at halftime in favor of the Gators.

Howells-Dodge outscored Wisner-Pilger 11-4 in the 3rd quarter to go up 31-25 at the end of three.

The Jaguars won the 4th quarter 12-10.

Tough loss for Howells-Dodge against Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, but a great response Saturday and Tuesday.

The Jaguars (14-5) take on North Bend Central (16-1) in the Semifinals in North Bend Friday night.

The Tigers won 74-56 at home over Oakland-Craig in the Quarterfinals Tuesday night.

Howells-Dodge definitely has their work cut out for them in this one, but an upset can certainly happen.

North Bend Central has to be considered the the top favorite to win this Tournament, but who's to say the Jaguars can't go in there and spoil the party?

Howells-Dodge beat BRLD by 10 in December so they certainly know what it's like and what it takes to knock off a top team.

The difference in that game though was the game was at home while this one is on the road.

That and the stakes are much higher in this game, and the Tigers haven't lost since December 15th against Seward.

The rest of the regular season is going to be really tough for the Jaguars so we'll find out exactly what they are made of at the end of the season.

Howells-Dodge has been great and consistent for the most part this year, especially in the second half of the season, and I look for that continue prior to the start of Sub-District play.

The Jaguars have to be ready to go in and compete against and can't back down from North Bend Central at all.

Howells-Dodge has to give the Tigers their best shot and all they can handle and then some.

The Jaguars have to be ready to get physical and contest shots from the outside.

Howells-Dodge has to be tough minded offensively and defensively.

The Jaguars have to let er rip whenever they see a chance to do something good such as make a shot or get a steal.

With that said, Howells-Dodge has to know time and situation as well and has to play under control at all times.

The game will be the second game of night on the Bull, and will follow the BRLD/Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family game at 6:00 p.m.

The Howells-Dodge Girls knocked off Logan View/Scribner-Snyder 55-31 at home Thursday night before falling 56-40 to North Bend Central in North Bend in the first round of the East Husker Conference Tournament Friday night.

The Jaguars jumped on the Raiders 19-2 at the end of one before outscoring Logan View/Scribner-Snyder 13-7 in the 2nd quarter to take a 32-9 lead into the locker room.

Howells-Dodge won the 3rd quarter 16-15 to extend their lead to 48-24 at the end of three.

Both teams scored 7 points in the 4th quarter.

Erin Prusa had 20 points and 7 rebounds while Jessi Brester recorded 12 points and 13 rebounds, good enough for a double-double.

The Tigers went up 16-12 after one before outscoring the Jaguars 19-11 in the 2nd quarter to take a 35-23 lead into the locker room.

North Bend Central won the 3rd quarter 10-6 to go up 45-29 at the end of three.

Both teams scored 11 points in the 4th quarter.

Prusa led the way with 13 points.

Howells-Dodge (8-11) takes on Pender (11-8) on the road in a Tournament Consolation Game on Thursday.

The Pendragons lost 57-54 to Twin River at North Bend Central in the first round of the Tournament Friday night.

Pender beat the Jaguars 58-41 at home last Saturday.

Howells-Dodge is going to need to play real well to win this one I feel.

The Pendragons will no doubt be ready to play a great game after a tough loss to the Titans.

With that said, I don't think the Jaguars played as good a game against Pender as they could of.

I feel Howells-Dodge can and should play much better in this one.

Whether that yields the Jaguars a win remains to be seen, but I feel Howells-Dodge will play better this time around.

Prusa and Brester have to play big on both ends of the floor the way they did against the Raiders.

The Jaguars need other girls to step up and play well also.

I feel Howells-Dodge is a better team than what their record indicates it's just a matter of getting some more girls going.

Of course the Jaguars have been without Grace Dvorak and Tonya Brester all season, and that has really hurt them.

If Howells-Dodge is able to get one or both of them back it could make a huge difference, but I'm not sure if the Jaguars will get either player back this season.

Both teams have had ample time to prepare for one another so it should be a good, competitive close game.

It's never easy to beat the same team twice in the same season, and Howells-Dodge has to come out and prove that theory correct.

This is the second to last regular season game for the Jaguars with North Bend Central coming up next Thursday to round out the regular season so Howells-Dodge has to make this one really count.

The game is the first game of the day/night at Pender.

BRLD Boys top West Point-Beemer in East Husker Conference Tournament; Girls down Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, fall to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family

The BRLD Boys Basketball Team defeated West Point-Beemer 58-38 at home Tuesday night in the East Husker Conference Tournament Quarterfinals.

The Wolverines climbed out to a 13-9 lead after one before outscoring the Cadets 19-11 in the 2nd quarter to take a 32-20 lead into the locker room.

BRLD outscored West Point-Beemer 17-10 in the 3rd quarter to go up 49-30 at the end of three.

The Wolverines won the 4th quarter 9-8.

Good strong win for BRLD.

The Wolverines (15-1) take on Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family (15-3) in the Semifinals at North Bend Central Friday night in action that will be aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Bulldogs won 44-33 over Logan View/Scribner-Snyder in Bancroft in the Quarterfinals Tuesday night.

These two teams played an instant classic last Monday in which the Wolverines came back from 21 down at one point to win the game in overtime, 83-71.

That game was in Humphrey so it will be interesting to see how the two teams fare in a neutral court game.

I think BRLD will find a way to win a close game in this one.

I'm thinking it's going to be the Wolverines against North Bend Central in the Championship on Saturday, but anything can certainly happen.

BRLD has to be on top of their game and can't afford to fall behind like they did the first time around.

If the Wolverines get behind by 21 again I'm not so sure they can win a second time.

BRLD has to play the way they did after getting down 21 the whole time Friday night.

If that's the case I think the Wolverines could run away with things, but I suspect things will be close and tight.

BRLD has to play a complete game like they did against the Cadets.

The Wolverines have to get it done on both ends of the court with their press, defense, and offense.

BRLD has to have their full arsenal of tricks on display in this one.

The Wolverines have to come out and play championship basketball from start to finish, and light things up from the outside and inside against the Bulldogs.

BRLD has to play with lots of drive, toughness, grit, heart, pride, passion, fire, emotion, and determination.

The Wolverines have to get excited when they make big plays and the crowd has to be electric.

Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. on the Bull.

The BRLD Girls routed Logan View/Scribner-Snyder 61-35 in the first round of the East Husker Conference Tournament at Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family Friday night before falling 62-46 to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in Monday night's Quarterfinals at Oakland-Craig.

The Bulldogs got out to a 20-9 lead at the end of one. The Wolverines won the 2nd quarter 10-8 to make it a 28-19 game at halftime in favor of Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family.

The Bulldogs won the 3rd quarter 16-14 to extend their lead to 44-33 at the end of three.

Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family won the 4th quarter 18-13.

I think it's safe to say the Bulldogs are the real deal, and showed why.

BRLD (12-7) takes on Stanton (13-6) in a Tournament Consolation Game in Lyons Thursday night.

The Mustangs lost 34-27 to Clarkson/Leigh in the Quarterfinals at West Point-Beemer Monday night.

Stanton defeated the Wolverines 51-46 on the road last Saturday.

I think BRLD might get the Mustangs this time around though.

I know the Wolverines are just 2-4 in their last six games, but I'm not sure how motivated Stanton is going to be playing in a consolation round.

The first game was played at a time when the Mustangs were playing real well and had a lot to play for.

It was a close game, and beating the same team twice is certainly not easy.

BRLD is a young team and will be energized and motivated I feel whereas Stanton being a senior and veteran laden team still might be disappointed about losing to Clarkson/Leigh.

This game is going to be about who responds mentally more than anything, in my opinion.

The Wolverines have to get after things on both ends of the floor, and must get out and run and create turnovers with their press to get easy layups in transition.

BRLD has to be relentless with their attack, and must be very aggressive shooting and passing the ball.

The Wolverines have to take chances, and can't be afraid to make mistakes.

BRLD has to play the passing lane, and box out and rebound well also.

Contesting shots, making free throws, and converting layups are all important, in my opinion.

The Wolverines have to do the little things well and play well in all facets of the game to pick up a win in this one I would say.

BRLD can definitely do it too they just have to want it more than Stanton.

The Wolverines have to defend one of their home courts, and pick up a big win to gain some momentum heading into the final two regular season games next week.

The game will tip-off after the North Bend Central and Twin River game at 6:00 p.m.

Oakland-Craig Boys beat Twin River, lose to North Bend Central in East Husker Conference Tournament; Girls down Twin River in EHC Quarterfinals

The Oakland-Craig Boys Basketball Team won 68-56 over Twin River in the first round of the East Husker Conference Tournament at West Point-Beemer Saturday night before losing 74-56 to North Bend Central in North Bend in Tuesday night's Quarterfinals.

The Knights and Titans were tied at 11 after one before Oakland-Craig outscored Twin River 23-13 in the 2nd quarter to take a 34-24 lead into the locker room.

The Titans won the 3rd quarter 19-18 to make it a 52-43 game at the end of three.

The Knights won the 4th quarter 16-13.

Tyson Harney led the way with 20 points while Wyatt Seagren totaled 12 points and 11 rebounds, good enough for a double-double. Colton Thomsen had 11 points while Garrison Dodge notched 10.

The Tigers tripled up Oakland-Craig 12-4 in the 1st quarter, and outscored the Knights 31-14 in the 2nd quarter to take a 43-18 lead into the locker room.

North Bend Central won the 3rd quarter 17-14 to go up 60-32 at the end of three.

Oakland-Craig outscored the Tigers 24-14 in the 4th quarter.

Seagren posted a team-high 10 points while Thomsen had 9. Jaron Meyer and Coulter Thiele notched 8 apiece.

Well played game for the Knights Saturday night. Credit Oakland-Craig for battling hard until the very end on Tuesday as well.

The Knights (10-9) take on West Point-Beemer (9-7) in an EHC Tournament Consolation game at Wisner-Pilger Friday night.

The Cadets fell 58-38 at BRLD in Tuesday night's Quarterfinals.

The two teams are scheduled to meet in Oakland next Friday as well, and this should be a great game between two solid teams.

I feel this game and the game next Friday will come down to the final minutes and perhaps seconds.

The game is a toss up in terms of who wins and loses as I feel the game could come down to a deciding possession.

The Knights are a senior, veteran laden ball club while the Cadets are young.

I feel West Point-Beemer might be a little more athletic, but Oakland-Craig is more experienced for sure.

It should be a great battle between two very equal teams.

I think defense could be the difference in this one, but give the Knights the advantage when it comes to offense.

The Cadets might be the stronger defensive team, but I'll take Oakland-Craig's offense.

I think being veteran laden and better on offense could make the difference for the Knights in this one.

If West Point-Beemer struggles to keep pace with Oakland-Craig offensively then the Knights could be very happy campers.

Oakland-Craig has to get out and run and knock down open shots in transition.

The Knights have to try and slow the Cadets down, and keep their offense at bay.

Seagren needs to have another big game, and use his big frame to dominate down low and dunk it like he did against Twin River.

Oakland-Craig has to come out fired up and intense and ready to go from the get go.

Tip-off is slated for 6:00 p.m. in the Swamp.

The Oakland-Craig Girls defeated Twin River 52-38 in the East Husker Conference Tournament Quarterfinals at home Monday night.

The Knights got out to a 20-9 lead at the end of one before the Titans won the 2nd quarter 13-9 to make it a 29-22 game at halftime in favor of Oakland-Craig.

Twin River won the 3rd quarter 10-8 to make it a 37-32 game at the end of three.

The Knights outscored the Titans 15-6 in the 4th quarter.

Dacey Nelson had 29 points while Kennedy Benne notched 11. Makenna Pearson added 7 rebounds.

Good win for Oakland-Craig.

The Knights (16-1) take on Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family (18-1) at home in the Semifinals Thursday night in action that will be aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Bulldogs won 62-46 over BRLD in the Quarterfinals at Oakland-Craig Monday night.

Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family is a legit team and the real deal.

I feel the Bulldogs are s legitimate threat to knock off the Knights.

Oakland-Craig has been really good this season, but I feel the Knights can be more dominant.

Nelson had a great game against Twin River, but Benne needs to increase her scoring against Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family.

These are the types of games Oakland-Craig has to come out and play well in if they want to go to State and make some noise down in Lincoln.

The goal has to be to win the Conference Tournament, and that can still happen, but the Knights have to come out and play championship basketball from start to finish.

I'm challenging Oakland-Craig in this one because I feel they are capable of playing a great four quarter game and winning.

The Knights played good against the Titans, but I felt Oakland-Craig could have been more dominant.

But anyways, now is the time and the stage to come out and be dominant on.

Nelson and Benne have to go off in big ways for the Knights in this one.

Both have to bring it for four quarters, and give the Bulldogs everything they've got.

Oakland-Craig has to get super jacked and pumped up for this one, and must defend their home court.

Knowing Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family is a legit threat to win has to motivate and bring out the best in the Knights.

Oakland-Craig has to come out and be relentless with their press and pressure for four quarters, and must try and slow down and limit the likes of Brittney Veik, Taya Beller, and Allanah Beller.

Those three scored in double figures against the Wolverines so the Knights have to be wary of them at all times.

The game will be the second game of the night on the Bull. The first game between West Point-Beemer and Clarkson/Leigh will tip-off at 6:00 p.m.

West Point-Beemer Boys defeat Madison, fall to BRLD in EHC Tournament; Girls win Quarterfinal matchup over North Bend Central

The West Point-Beemer Boys Basketball Team won 71-37 at home over Madison in the first round of the East Husker Conference Tournament at home Saturday night before losing 58-38 to BRLD in Bancroft in Tuesday night's Quarterfinals.

The Cadets jumped out to a 27-4 lead on the Dragons after one before winning the 2nd quarter 11-6 to take a 38-10 lead into the locker room.

West Point-Beemer won the 3rd quarter 18-15 to go up 56-25 at the end of three.

The Cadets won the 4th quarter 15-12.

Blake Anderson had a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds while Zach Vander Griend registered 15 points and 9 rebounds. Ben Vander Griend totaled 12 points while Jesus Barragan notched 7.

The Wolverines climbed out to a 13-9 lead after one before outscoring the Cadets 19-11 in the 2nd quarter to take a 32-20 lead into the locker room.

BRLD outscored West Point-Beemer 17-10 in the 3rd quarter to go up 49-30 at the end of three.

The Wolverines won the 4th quarter 9-8.

Ben Vander Griend led the way with 13 points while Zach Vander Griend totaled 12. Keegan Doggett notched 9.

Outstanding start to the game and performance on Saturday. Strong play some of the time against BRLD I thought.

The Cadets (9-7) take on Oakland-Craig (10-9) in an EHC Consolation game at Wisner-Pilger Friday night.

The Knights lost 74-56 to North Bend Central in Tuesday night's Quarterfinals at North Bend Central.

This will be the first meeting of the season between the two teams.

It should be a really good, close, and intriguing matchup.

I look for both teams to really get after one another and compete.

It's a game where both squads are about dead even and it's hard to predict and say who is going to win or lose.

Oakland-Craig is a more of a veteran laden team while West Point-Beemer is young is kind of the only difference.

West Point-Beemer might be a little more athletic, but it should be a tremendous game.

The two teams will meet in Oakland next Friday so it will be interesting to see what happens, takes place, and transpires in the first meeting.

The game could easily come down to the final seconds and a final possession so every shot, free throw attempt, lay up, and turnover is absolutely critical.

I feel there's room for the Cadets to make mistakes, but West Point-Beemer has to force Oakland-Craig mistakes too.

I think there's going to be mistakes and errors on both sides, but whichever team can find that extra gear at the end and makes the big play down the stretch figures to win.

It could come down to a final shot or a final defensive stand I would say.

I feel there's a number of different ways this game could end.

The Cadets have a big week next week so it would be a lot better to go into the Twin River game on Monday with a win Friday night.

West Point-Beemer has to do everything in their power to come away with the victory, and has to fight hard against and challenge the Knights all night long.

The game will tip-off at 6:00 p.m. at the Swamp.

The West Point-Beemer Girls defeated North Bend Central 46-40 at home Monday night in the East Husker Conference Tournament Quarterfinals.

The Cadets led the Tigers 15-8 at the end of one, and won the 2nd quarter 8-5 to take a 23-13 lead into the locker room.

North Bend Central outscored West Point-Beemer 13-6 in the 3rd quarter to close within 3 at 29-26 at the end of three.

The Cadets won the 4th quarter 17-14.

Sidney Swanson had 15 points while Sierra Kile notched 12 points and 8 rebounds, and Brooke Haase added 12 points.

Head Coach Taylor Shepard. "I mean they have a really solid team. They have some great inside players, and we wanted to make sure that we really tried to contain that. Overall, I thought the girls did a phenomenal job with that down towards the stretch. Lauren Emanuel is a great offensive rebounder, averages about 4 per game, and we gave them the challenge of not allowing her to have any, I think she got 1, so definitely impressed with our girls and how they came out."

West Point-Beemer (16-1) takes on Clarkson/Leigh (16-2) in the Semifinals at Oakland-Craig Thursday night in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Patriots knocked off Stanton 34-27 in the Quarterfinals at West Point-Beemer Monday night.

Shepard on the matchup. "Clarkson/Leigh they're great outside shooters, really well rounded, and have a great basketball IQ so that will be a tough challenge for us. They play a little bit of zone at times so we'll keep looking to fine tune that, but we're hoping our pressure can give them some issues."

Both teams are great and elite, and I expect things to be very close and tight.

The Cadets are the favorite to win I would say, but West Point-Beemer has been the favorite pretty much every game this season so I don't see that affecting or phasing them.

I'm willing to bet Clarkson/Leigh relishes in playing the underdog role so I'm sure they will fight extremely hard and come ready to play as well.

Plays figure to be made in clutch moments for both teams in this one.

I think the difference in the game could be some kind of big turnover that comes from the Cadets' press.

Which team is more big game ready is the question.

Both teams have been building for this for quite a while, but this might be the biggest game either has played at this stage of the season in quite some time.

Both teams really get after things defensively, and this should be a great defensive game.

I think West Point-Beemer might be a little bit better offensively, and feel that could get them over the hump in this one.

That and the Cadets are the larger school.

It will be a heck of a battle and test for both teams without a doubt though.

West Point-Beemer seems to play well in Oakland-Craig's gym, and I think the game being there is an advantage for them compared to if it was somewhere closer to Clarkson or a place that was equal distance for both teams.

The Cadets have to come out and get off to a hot start and get out to an early lead.

The Patriots can definitely battle back like they did against the Mustangs, but West Point-Beemer presents a different dynamic offensively than Stanton does.

Game time is set for 6:00 p.m. on the Bull.

Clarkson/Leigh Boys lose to Howells-Dodge in first round of East Husker Conference Tournament; Girls 2-0 in tourney so far

The Clarkson/Leigh Boys Basketball Team lost 78-43 to Howells-Dodge in the first round of the East Husker Conference Tournament at Howells on Saturday.

The Jaguars jumped out to a 22-8 lead at the end of one before outscoring the Patriots 28-15 in the 2nd quarter to take a 50-23 lead into the locker room.

Howells-Dodge outscored Clarkson/Leigh 20-8 in the 3rd quarter to go up 70-31 at the end of three.

The Patriots won the 4th quarter 12-8.

Daniel Beller had 17 points and 7 rebounds while Jarred Novotny totaled 11 points.

The Jaguars simply played well the first three quarters, and put the game away early.

Clarkson/Leigh (4-11) takes on Tekamah-Herman (1-17) in an EHC Consolation game at Twin River Friday night.

The Tigers lost 77-39 to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family at Humphrey in the first round of the Conference Tournament Saturday night.

Tekamah-Herman knocked off Clarkson/Leigh 54-48 at home on January 5th for their only win of the season so far.

The Patriots could definitely use a win to get back on track as they have lost four in a row and six out of their last seven.

A win would allow Clarkson/Leigh to avenge one of their defeats this season too.

I think it comes down to playing more of a complete game if you are the Patriots.

Clarkson/Leigh has to play well the first three quarters in particular, and outplay the Tigers.

The Patriots have to play with great and tremendous heart, hustle, pride, grit, toughness, and determination.

Clarkson/Leigh has to fight hard and dive after loose balls and leave it all out on the floor.

The Patriots have to exert every ounce of energy in their bodies in this one.

Clarkson/Leigh should be gassed after this one because they fought and played hard.

The Patriots have to flat out honestly be upset about losing to Tekamah-Herman the first time around, and have to come out and do something about it.

Clarkson/Leigh has to come out and play tough as nails if you may.

The Patriots have to execute the offense and make big plays down the stretch.

Clarkson/Leigh has to make big momentum shots to give them a lead and lift them to victory.

The Patriots need to have their inside as well as their outside game working.

Beller and Novotny need to have big games scoring for Clarkson/Leigh, and Tommy McEvoy has to step up and contribute in a big way as well.

The Patriots will play the second game of the night at 6:00 p.m.

The Clarkson/Leigh Girls find themselves in the East Husker Conference Tournament Semifinals thanks to a 51-15 win over Madison at home in the first round Friday night, and a big 34-27 win over Stanton in the Quarterfinals at West Point-Beemer Monday night.

The Patriots got out to a 17-2 lead on the Dragons at the end of one before doubling up Madison 12-6 in the 2nd quarter to take a 29-8 lead into the locker room.

Clarkson/Leigh outscored the Dragons 16-1 in the 3rd quarter to extend their lead to 45-9 at the end of three.

Both teams scored 6 points in the 3rd quarter.

Ashlynn Novotny totaled 11 points and 9 rebounds while Halee Steffensmeier and Hannah Kasik notched 9 and 8 points, respectively.

The Mustangs led the Patriots 8-5 after one before Clarkson/Leigh outscored Stanton 14-9 in the 2nd quarter to take a 19-17 lead into the locker room.

The Patriots won the 3rd quarter 8-6 to go up 27-23 at the end of three.

Clarkson/Leigh won the 4th quarter 7-4.

Novotny led the way with 15 points while Kasik added 9.

Head Coach Matt Murren on the win. "The kids just battled all night. We talked about coming into the game it was going to have to happen on the defensive end of the court. And they battled all night. Awfully proud of their effort, awfully proud of their energy. Very very proud of all of them tonight."

The Patriots (16-2) take on West Point-Beemer (16-1) in the Semifinals at Oakland-Craig Thursday night in action that will be aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Cadets downed North Bend Central 46-40 at home in Monday night's Quarterfinals.

Both of these teams are very defensive oriented and good.

These two teams normally don't play one another so it figures to be a good and tough test for Clarkson/Leigh.

These are the types of games you want to be playing in and the type of team you want to be facing in a game like this if you are the Patriots.

Clarkson/Leigh has gotten to a point they were hoping to get to.

The win over Stanton was super special, and now the Patriots are knocking on the door of an EHC Tournament Championship.

I thought the shot to put Clarkson/Leigh up 25-23 on the Mustangs in the 3rd quarter after trailing got them over the hump and ultimately allowed them to win the game.

Back to discussing Thursday's matchup though...Clarkson/Leigh has to keep dreaming big and shooting for big things.

West Point-Beemer is a great team, but so is Clarkson/Leigh.

The Patriots must play good perimeter defense to try and limit the Cadets from the outside.

Getting a hand in the faces of Sierra Kile and Sidney Swanson is very important in particular for Clarkson/Leigh I feel.

The Patriots should feel good knowing they're headed to CCC in Columbus on Saturday regardless of Thursday night's outcome, but be hungry, motivated, and determined to get to the Championship Game.

Clarkson/Leigh can't be complacent or satisfied by just reaching this point, the Patriots have to want more.

It's going to take a great game for Clarkson/Leigh to win, but it can definitely happen.

The Patriots just have to come through in the clutch and make plays when it matters most like they did against Stanton Monday night.

Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. on the Bull.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Boys 2-1 in last three games; Girls 0-2 in last two

The Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Boys Basketball Team won 47-45 at Howells-Dodge Thursday night before topping Stanton 42-33 in the first round of the East Husker Conference Tournament at Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family on Saturday, and then falling 44-33 to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in Tuesday night's Quarterfinals at BRLD.

The Raiders led the Jaguars 11-6 at the end of one. Both teams scored 14 points in the 2nd quarter, and the halftime score was 25-20 in favor of LVSS.

Howells-Dodge outscored the Raiders 17-11 in the 3rd quarter to pull in front 37-36 at the end of three.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder won the 4th quarter 11-8.

Connor Larson had 17 points while Trystain Roseberry was also in double figures with 11. Riley Hoetfelker added 7.

The Mustangs got out to an 11-6 lead on the Raiders at the end of one before LVSS won the 2nd quarter 10-8 to make it a 19-16 game at halftime in favor of Stanton.

The Raiders outscored the Mustangs 17-9 in the 3rd quarter to pull in front 33-28 at the end of three.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder won the 4th quarter 9-5.

Roseberry had 11 points and 8 rebounds while Hoetfelker and Larson notched 11 and 10 points, respectively.

The Bulldogs went up 9-5 on the Raiders at the end of one. Both teams scored 15 points in the 2nd quarter as Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family took a 24-20 lead into the locker room.

Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family won the 3rd quarter 7-4 to go up 31-24 at the end of three.

The Bulldogs won the 4th quarter 13-9.

Larson led the way with 8 points.

Great upset win over Howells-Dodge before a couple games I would call somewhat of a struggle for the Raiders.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (12-7) takes on Wisner-Pilger (13-6) in an EHC Consolation Game at Wisner-Pilger Friday night.

The Gators lost 43-35 to Howells-Dodge at North Bend Central in the Quarterfinals Tuesday night.

Wisner-Pilger won the first meeting between the two teams 52-34 in Wisner on Saturday, January 12th.

The Raiders can definitely win this time around though if they get back on track.

I thought Tuesday night's game was respectable, but the Bulldogs are pretty dang good.

Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family beat Wisner-Pilger by 15 so I think the potential for a win is there for Logan View/Scribner-Snyder.

I really don't know what to expect between the two teams given what happened the first time they met.

I thought that game would be closer, but it wasn't.

I think this game could be a close, thrilling win for the Raiders, or a blowout win for the Gators.

It's really hard to say what's going to take place, happen, and transpire in this one.

Roseberry, Larson, and Hoetfelker all need to turn in big time performances for LVSS though.

The Raiders have to be efficient offensively and play better defense than they did the first time these two teams played one another.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder can definitely do it and get the job done too they just have to put their minds to it.

The Raiders have to avoid a slow start like they got off to against the Mustangs.

LVSS has to start fast and play a complete game the way they did against the Jaguars.

Howells-Dodge has beaten Wisner-Pilger twice, and the Raiders have beaten the Jaguars so a win on Friday is very possible for Logan View/Scribner-Snyder.

The game will start after the West Point-Beemer and Oakland-Craig game, which is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m.

The Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Girls lost 55-31 at Howells-Dodge Thursday night before falling 61-35 to BRLD in the first round of the East Husker Conference Tournament at Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family Friday night.

The Jaguars jumped on the Raiders 19-2 at the end of one before outscoring Logan View/Scribner-Snyder 13-7 in the 2nd quarter to take a 32-9 lead into the locker room.

Howells-Dodge won the 3rd quarter 16-15 to extend their lead to 48-24 at the end of three.

Both teams scored 7 points in the 4th quarter.

Josie Kahlandt had a team-high 9 points for the Raiders. Shaylin Daugherty added 8 rebounds while Ashley Uhing recorded 7.

Valerie Uehling had 9 points against the Wolverines while Daugherty posted 7 points and 10 rebounds. Kahlandt and Uhing added 7 points apiece.

Take away the first half against the Jaguars and the Raiders are right there.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (5-13) takes on Wisner-Pilger (5-14) in an EHC Consolation Game at Pender Thursday night.

The Gators lost 57-31 to Stanton at Clarkson Friday night in the first round of the Conference Tournament.

These two teams met on January 12th in Wisner with the Gators winning 47-36.

The Raiders can definitely win this time around, but LVSS has to get off to a much better and faster start than they did against the Jaguars.

Slow starts have really hurt the Raiders at times this year, and Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has to find a way to come out strong out of the gates.

The Raiders have to come out and smack Wisner-Pilger in the mouth and set the tone for the game.

It's the late game at Pender, and anything can certainly happen, especially given the fact it's a consolation game.

There should be a small crowd with not a lot of noise, and that should allow LVSS to play cool, calm, collected, and relaxed.

These consolation games have a funny way of going a certain way sometimes, and it would not surprise me one bit to see the Raiders come away with the victory.

Both teams struggle offensively, but if LVSS can find their offensive rhythm then it could make all the difference.

I don't think a low scoring slugfest really favors one team over the other, but I think if the game is that way it is the Raiders' best chance at winning.

Offensive efficiency figures to be big and critical in this one, and Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has to be as effective offensively as possible.

Daugherty needs to play big and rebound well also, and Kahlandt, Uhing, and Uehling need big offensive games as well.

The Raiders need to play four good quarters of basketball, and if they do, then I think a win is a definite possibility.

The game will begin after the Pender/Howells-Dodge and Tekamah/Herman Madison games.

Wisner-Pilger Boys 1-2 in last three games; Girls 0-2 in last two

The Wisner-Pilger Boys lost 76-54 at North Bend Central Thursday night before defeating Pender 68-37 in the first round of the East Husker Conference Tournament at Howells-Dodge on Saturday, and then falling 43-35 to the Jaguars in North Bend Tuesday night in the Quarterfinals.

The Gators led the Tigers 19-14 after one before North Bend Central outscored Wisner-Pilger 23-12 in the 2nd quarter to pull in front 37-31 at halftime.

The Tigers outscored the Gators 22-8 in the 3rd quarter to lead 59-39 at the end of three.

North Bend Central won the 4th quarter 17-15.

The Gators went up 17-10 after one on Pender before outscoring the Pendragons 17-7 in the 2nd quarter to take a 34-17 lead into the locker room.

Wisner-Pilger outscored Pender 21-13 in the 3rd quarter to go up 55-30 at the end of three.

The Gators won the 4th quarter 13-7.

Wisner-Pilger went up 16-9 on Howells-Dodge at the end of one before the Jaguars won the 2nd quarter 11-5 to make it a 21-20 game at halftime in favor of the Gators.

Howells-Dodge outscored Wisner-Pilger 11-4 in the 3rd quarter to go up 31-25 at the end of three.

The Jaguars won the 4th quarter 12-10.

Really good effort from the Gators on Saturday, but North Bend's gym did not treat Wisner-Pilger kindly for whatever reason.

The Gators (13-6) take on Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (12-7) at home in a consolation game of the tournament Friday night.

The Raiders lost 44-33 to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in Tuesday night's Quarterfinals at BRLD.

Wisner-Pilger beat LVSS 52-34 at home on Saturday, January 12th, and would love nothing more than to do it again I'm sure.

The Gators are kind of struggling right now though while the Raiders are playing well.

LVSS had won 5 in a row and 7 out of their last 8 prior to losing to the Bulldogs while Wisner-Pilger has lost two out of their last three.

The Gators can definitely come away with another win over the Raiders though, and I think they very well could being at home and everything.

I look for both teams to be motivated and don't think that will be an issue for either team.

I think Wisner-Pilger being a veteran team and being at home gives them an edge and advantage though.

Plus the Gators have the mental edge and advantage having taken the first meeting between the two schools.

Wisner-Pilger needs the same kind of performance they got against the Raiders the first time around.

Offense and defense has to be clicking on all cylinders like it was in that game and against Pender on Saturday.

If the Gators struggle offensively like they did against the Jaguars this could be a very interesting game.

Defensive struggles could be costly too, but Wisner-Pilger might have enough offense to win it if they're on top of their game.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder is definitely a stronger team defensively than offensively I would say so any offensive struggles against the Raiders could prove to be costly, in my opinion.

The Gators just have to go out there and play their game, and if they do that they should be fine.

The two teams will play the second game of the night after West Point-Beemer against Oakland-Craig.

The West Point-Beemer and Oakland-Craig game will start at 6:00 p.m.

The Wisner-Pilger Girls lost 48-23 at North Bend Central Thursday night before falling 57-31 to Stanton in the first round of the East Husker Conference Tournament at Clarkson Friday night.

The Tigers led 15-11 at the end of one before outscoring the Gators 14-5 in the 2nd quarter to take a 29-16 lead into the locker room.

North Bend Central outscored Wisner-Pilger 13-4 in the 3rd quarter to go up 42-20 at the end of three.

The Tigers doubled up the Gators 6-3 in the 4th quarter.

The Mustangs got up 15-7 at the end of one on the Gators before outscoring Wisner-Pilger 16-6 in the 2nd quarter to take a 31-13 lead into the locker room.

Stanton outscored the Gators 18-5 in the 3rd quarter to go up 49-18 at the end of three.

Wisner-Pilger won the 4th quarter 13-8.

Tough games, especially from an offensive standpoint for the Gators.

Wisner-Pilger (5-14) take on Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (5-13) in a consolation game of the tournament at Pender Thursday night.

The Raiders lost 61-35 to BRLD in the first round Friday night at Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family.

These two teams met earlier this season with the Gators winning 47-36 in Wisner.

I think this game comes down to which team is better on offense.

The Gators went up against two top notch defenses in North Bend Central and Stanton so that should help them.

The Raiders struggled against a couple of teams who are solid defensively, but maybe not quite as good as the Tigers and Mustangs on that end of the floor in BRLD and Howells-Dodge.

All indications are pointing towards another Wisner-Pilger win, but you never know.

It's the late game on Thursday, and funny things happen in consolation games.

The underdog seems to win more often than not in consolation games it seems.

A win would be good momentum for the Gators heading into the final games of the regular season next week though.

It's one of the last games Wisner-Pilger and these seniors figure to play this year so the Gators have to make the most of it.

Both teams have had ample time to prepare for one another so neither should really have much of an advantage in this one from that standpoint I wouldn't think.

I think there's an advantage for Wisner-Pilger from the standpoint of they won the first meeting between the two teams though.

The Gators won by double digits not too long ago, and I think that has to be on their minds still.

These two teams matchup pretty evenly so I think it's a matter of both teams getting out there and executing.

It could very well be a defensive struggle so Wisner-Pilger has to get ready for a slugfest if that's the case.

The game will be the third game of the night after the Pender/Howells-Dodge and Tekamah-Herman/Madison games.

Stanton Boys lose to Logan View/Scribner-Snyder in EHC Tournament, fall to Twin River; Girls down Wisner-Pilger, lose to Clarkson/Leigh in Tournament

The Stanton Boys Basketball Team lost 42-33 to Logan View/Scribner-Snyder in the first round of the East Husker Conference Tournament at Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family on Saturday before falling 58-48 at Twin River Tuesday night in a regular season game.

The Mustangs got out to an 11-6 lead on the Raiders at the end of one before LVSS won the 2nd quarter 10-8 to make it a 19-16 game at halftime in favor of Stanton.

The Raiders outscored the Mustangs 17-9 in the 3rd quarter to pull in front 33-28 at the end of three.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder won the 4th quarter 9-5.

Nathan Arens had 10 points and 8 rebounds while TJ Larson totaled 8 points. Marcus Spotanski added 7 points and 7 rebounds.

The Titans led 13-8 after one before Stanton won the 2nd quarter 15-13 to make it a 26-23 game at halftime in favor of Twin River.

The Titans outscored the Mustangs 21-6 in the 3rd quarter to go up 47-29 at the end of three.

Stanton outscored Twin River 19-11 in the 4th quarter.

Spotanski and Sam Bates each had 13 points while Arens notched 11, and Parker Krusemark chipped in 7.

Great job by the Mustangs to start out strong against the Raiders and finish strong against the Titans.

Stanton (5-14) heads right back to Genoa on Friday to take on Pender (6-12) in an EHC Consolation Game.

The Pendragons were routed 68-37 by Wisner-Pilger in the first round of the Tournament at Howells-Dodge on Saturday.

The game between Stanton and Pender is the final game of the night.

The Pendragons defeated the Mustangs 49-48 in Stanton earlier this season.

I think Stanton has a good shot to win this time around, especially if they turn in a complete game performance.

I thought the Mustangs played well at times against LVSS and Twin River, I just think a lack of consistent play throughout the games hurt Stanton.

The good news for the Mustangs is Pender is like Jekyll and Hyde.

The Pendragons play great one game and then struggle the next.

It's hard to know which Pender team Stanton is going to get Friday night.

The Mustangs should have success if they just focus on themselves though.

Stanton has to work on offensive efficiency and solid and stout defensive play.

I think the Mustangs are going to need to score in the 50's or 60's to knock off the Pendragons.

Pender has a really good offense when they're on, and can be tough to defend.

Arens and Bates have to try and neutralize Sam Mailloux in the post, and force other players to rebound and beat them.

Stanton has to be suffocating defensively, and must take the fight to the Pendragons in that regard.

I think offense is ultimately going to decide this one though.

Whichever team can find their rhythm and groove offensively should have the upper hand in this one.

Both offenses have really sputtered at times this year so it will be interesting to see which one steps up and rises to the occasion.

Stanton figures to have a good chance to close out the regular season with two wins, but I'm sure the Mustangs would love to make it 3.

The Stanton Girls routed Wisner-Pilger 57-31 in the first round of the East Husker Conference Tournament at Clarkson Friday night before losing 34-27 to Clarkson/Leigh in the Quarterfinals at West Point-Beemer Monday night.

The Mustangs got up 15-7 at the end of one on the Gators before outscoring Wisner-Pilger 16-6 in the 2nd quarter to take a 31-13 lead into the locker room.

Stanton outscored the Gators 18-5 in the 3rd quarter to go up 49-18 at the end of three.

Wisner-Pilger won the 4th quarter 13-8.

Liz Christensen totaled 17 points while Jessie Brandl had 14 points and 7 rebounds. Bree Burtwhistle chipped in 13 points.

The Mustangs led the Patriots 8-5 after one before Clarkson/Leigh outscored Stanton 14-9 in the 2nd quarter to take a 19-17 lead into the locker room.

The Patriots won the 3rd quarter 8-6 to go up 27-23 at the end of three.

Clarkson/Leigh won the 4th quarter 7-4.

Burtwhistle had a team-high 8 points.

Great performance by Stanton on Friday followed up by a tough loss on Monday.

The Mustangs (13-6) take on BRLD (12-7) in an EHC Consolation Game in Lyons Thursday night.

The Wolverines lost 62-46 to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family at Oakland-Craig in Monday night's Quarterfinals.

Stanton won 51-46 at BRLD last Saturday.

So the Mustangs know they can go into BRLD's home territory and pick up a win.

Stanton did it once and so it can certainly happen again.

You have to be concerned about the Mustangs' struggles on offense against the Patriots though.

That and how much motivation does Stanton have after losing to Clarkson/Leigh?

I think this could very well be a game of who wants to be there the most wins it.

The Wolverines are a young team and I fully expect them to be motivated and ready to go, and somehow the Mustangs have to find some motivation themselves.

I know Stanton is probably disappointed they're not playing in the Semifinals and on Saturday at CCC in Columbus, but the Mustangs have to realize they have at least 1 or 2 more shots left against the Patriots.

There's a lot of games yet to be played, and Stanton has to stay motivated and hungry.

The Mustangs have to do what they did the last time they faced BRLD.

I think Stanton is going to have to shoot and play much better offensively than they did against Clarkson/Leigh.

The Mustangs need a performance like they got the first time around against the Wolverines.

Stanton was very effective on both ends of the floor, and needs to play like that again to win a second time, in my opinion.

The Mustangs close out the regular season with Clarkson/Leigh and Norfolk Catholic next week so have to gain some momentum for those games by picking up a win over the Wolverines.

The game between Stanton and BRLD will be the second game of the night in Lyons.

Twin River will play North Bend Central at 6:00 p.m.

Winnebago Boys beat Walthill, Girls upend Laurel-Concord-Coleridge in first round of Lewis & Clark Conference Tournament

The Winnebago Boys Basketball Team beat Walthill 64-56 in the first round of the Lewis & Clark Conference Tournament at Osmond Monday night.

The Indians went up 19-5 at the end of one before the Blujays outscored Winnebago 23-10 in the 2nd quarter to make it a one-point game at 29-28 at halftime.

The Indians outscored Walthill 20-12 in the 3rd quarter to go up 49-40 at the end of three.

The Blujays won the 4th quarter 16-15.

TJ Frenchman had a double-double of 34 points and 12 rebounds while Ed Payer notched 19 points and 9 rebounds. Jarius Bass-Earth added 8 rebounds.

Nice win for Winnebago, avenging a loss earlier in the season to Walthill.

The Indians (9-6) take on top seeded Osmond (16-1) in the Quarterfinals at Plainview Friday night.

The Tigers beat Homer 74-28 at home on Monday in the first round.

I think Winnebago has a legit shot to pull the upset if you want to call it that.

The Indians are a C-1 school while Osmond is D-2, and I think that carries some weight in this one.

Winnebago knows how to win and has a knack for winning big games.

It would not surprise me one bit to see the Indians win this.

The winner gets either Wakefield or Wausa in the Semifinals on Saturday at Randolph, and that could be a great game for Winnebago as well if they're able to knock off the Tigers.

The Indians have to try and intimidate Osmond and suffocate them defensively with their press.

Winnebago has to take the bull by the horns in this one and play a marvelous and fantastic game.

The Indians have to jump around and get all fired and psyched up.

Winnebago has to jump on the Tigers early, and force them to play from behind.

I would suggest fans get there early knowing how big of a crowd there figures to be.

This is a big game and a big opportunity for the Indians.

Winnebago is playing really good basketball right now as they've won three in a row and five out of their last six.

The Indians have to take charge of the game and control things from start to finish.

Winnebago has to be the aggressor, and must take the fight to the Tigers.

If it's a close game I like the Indians' chances of springing the upset.

Winnebago can't get all cocky and big headed though....the Indians have to stay level headed and keep an even keel.

There's a lot of potential for Winnebago in this one, the Indians just have to go out there and find a way to win and get the job done.

Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m.

The Winnebago Girls won 60-47 over Laurel-Concord-Coleridge in the first round of the Lewis & Clark Conference Tournament at Wynot on Saturday.

The Indians led 13-12 after one before the Bears won the 2nd quarter 18-12 to take a 30-25 lead into the locker room.

Winnebago blanked Laurel-Concord-Coleridge 17-0 in the 3rd quarter to go up 42-30 at the end of three.

The Indians won the 4th quarter 18-17.

Keisha Snyder had 16 points while Jayla Price totaled 12. Kae Earth chipped in 10 points and 8 rebounds while Natasha Deal registered 9 rebounds.

Great win and third quarter for Winnebago.

The Indians (6-9) take on Wynot (12-4) in the Quarterfinals on Thursday night at Wynot.

The Blue Devils defeated Winside 52-16 at home in the first round on Saturday.

Wynot beat Winnebago 47-35 on the road on Friday, January 11th.

This ought to be a good, hard fought game between two solid ball clubs.

I was really impressed with the Indians on Saturday, and am looking for big things from them again on Thursday.

This game was supposed to be played Tuesday night, but was moved due to the frigid cold.

It will be interesting to see how Winnebago comes out with their being no school on Wednesday and no activities so no practice on Wednesday.

I feel that could be a disadvantage for the Indians, but if the Blue Devils are in the same boat then it's even.

Either way Winnebago has to be chomping at the bit to get back out there after Saturday's performance.

I thought the Indians did a nice job of getting themselves back on track, and I look for the game to carry over to Thursday night.

The good thing is Winnebago has already been prepping for Wynot so they have had time to get ready for them already.

The key now is remembering what was worked on Saturday and applying it to Thursday night's game.

The kids have to try and remain mentally sharp despite their being no school on Wednesday.

It will be a good day to just sit inside and stay warm and play video games, but moving around and doing some sort of indoor activity would be good as opposed to just laying around all day and doing nothing.

The Indians have to mentally prepare themselves for the game, and even exercise at home if they have an indoor facility to workout at.

Winnebago has to try and gain whatever edge they can mentally and/or physically.

Thursday night's game will tip-off at 6:00 p.m. with the winner playing either Hartington-Newcastle or Homer in the semifinals in Hartington on Saturday.

Pender Boys fall to Winnebago and Wisner-Pilger; Girls down Indians, lose to Twin River

The Pender Boys Basketball Team blew a big lead against Winnebago at home Thursday night, falling 62-61, and then lost 68-37 to Wisner-Pilger in the first round of the East Husker Conference Tournament at Howells-Dodge on Saturday.

The Pendragons went up 17-10 at the end of one on the Indians, and won the 2nd quarter 20-15 to take a 37-25 lead into the locker room.

The Indians won the 3rd quarter 18-14 to make it a 51-43 game at the end of three.

Winnebago outscored Pender 19-10 in the 4th quarter.

The Gators went up 17-10 after one before outscoring the Pendragons 17-7 in the 2nd quarter to take a 34-17 lead into the locker room.

Wisner-Pilger outscored Pender 21-13 in the 3rd quarter to go up 55-30 at the end of three.

The Gators won the 4th quarter 13-7.

The Pendragons should of had the Indians Thursday night. As far as Saturday goes, I'm not quite sure what happened.

Pender (6-12) takes on Stanton (5-13) in an EHC Consolation game at Twin River Friday night.

The Mustangs lost 42-33 to Logan View/Scribner-Snyder in the first round of the tournament at Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family on Saturday.

These two teams met earlier in the season with the Pendragons winning the first matchup 49-48 in Stanton.

It's never easy to beat a team twice in the same season, especially a team that played you so close.

Pender can definitely win the game though they just need to learn how to finish and close out games.

I don't think there's any doubt that losing to Winnebago the way they did affected their play against the Gators on Saturday.

The Pendragons have to find a way to get back on track and regroup.

Pender has to forget about the last two games, and go out and play a fantastic game Friday night.

It figures to be a good battle down low between Sam Mailloux and Nathan Arens and Sam Bates.

I heard Eric Schopke got hurt against the Indians so we will see if he is back for this game.

It will also be interesting to see which Pendragon team comes to play Friday night.

Pender has looked like a D-1 State Contender at times this year and then sometimes look like a totally different team.

The Pendragons have to come out and play a complete game Friday night and get their season back on track.

Pender's next three games can all be wins, but the Pendragons need to play well.

Pender has Spalding Academy and Wynot next week, and BRLD to end the regular season on February 15th.

The Pendragons have to use this game against the Mustangs as build up for the Spalding Academy game.

If Pender can beat Stanton I think it will give them even more confidence to go on the road and beat the Shamrocks and Blue Devils.

The Pendragons have to come out and play well and up to their potential though.

The Pender Girls downed Winnebago 68-52 at home Thursday night before losing 57-54 to Twin River in the first round of the East Husker Conference Tournament at North Bend Central Friday night.

The Pendragons led the Indians 19-15 at the end of one before winning the 2nd quarter 16-11 to take a 35-26 lead into the locker room.

Winnebago won the 3rd quarter 15-14 to make it a 49-41 lead for Pender at the end of three.

The Pendragons outscored the Indians 19-11 in the 4th quarter.

Ashley Ostrand had 21 points and 9 rebounds while Faith Morris totaled 17 points. Sarah Krueger added 11 points and 7 rebounds.

The Titans got out to a 14-12 lead on Pender at the end of one, and won the 2nd quarter 15-10 to take a 29-22 lead into the locker room.

Twin River won the 3rd quarter 15-14 to make it a 44-36 game at the end of three.

The Pendragons outscored the Titans 18-13 in the 4th quarter.

Ostrand led the way with 18 points while Zoey Lehmkuhl totaled 15. Morris chipped in 9.

Really nice win for Pender on Thursday. The Pendragons simply came up short to a sound ball club on Friday.

Pender (11-8) takes on Howells-Dodge (8-11) at home in an EHC Consolation Game on Thursday.

The Jaguars lost 56-40 to North Bend Central at North Bend in the first round of the tournament Friday night.

The Pendragons knocked off Howells-Dodge 58-41 at home last Saturday, and would love nothing more than to do it again I'm sure.

Pender can definitely do it too, but it won't be easy.

The Jaguars are more at the Pendragons' competition level than the Titans though since Twin River is a large C-2 school and Howells-Dodge D-1.

I think Pender will be confident heading into this one too since they'll be at home and have already knocked off the Jaguars once.

This game has Pendragon win written all over it, and we'll see if Pender can go out there and get the job done.

The Pendragons need this one too with tough games at GACC and Wynot coming up next week.

A second win over Howells-Dodge would be a big deal, and Pender needs to come out and play well and get the job done.

Ostrand, Krueger, Lehmkuhl, and Morris all need to play well for the Pendragons.

Pender has to play lights out on offense and defense the way they did against the Jaguars the first time around.

If Howells-Dodge is able to get a couple of starters back from injury that could change the complexity of their team, but I don't know if Grace Dvorak or Tonya Brester are coming back this season or not.

The Pendragons can't worry about that or the Jaguars for that matter...Pender has to be focused on themselves.

The Pendragons need to come out and play a complete four quarter game, and defend their home court the same way they did against the Indians.

Pender needs to come out and play well and pick up another double digit win if at all possible.

The Pendragons had been red hot prior to the loss to the Titans so we'll see how that loss affects Pender, or if it does at all.

Tekamah-Herman Boys and Girls lose in first round of EHC Tournament to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family

The Tekamah-Herman Boys Basketball Team lost 77-39 at Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in the first round of the East Husker Conference Tournament on Saturday.

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 22-8 lead at the end of the first quarter before outscoring the Tigers 16-6 in the 2nd quarter to take a 38-14 lead into the locker room.

Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family outscored Tekamah-Herman 21-14 in the 3rd quarter to go up 59-28 at the end of three.

The Bulldogs won the 4th quarter 18-11.

Good effort by the Tigers, but Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family simply proved to be too much.

Tekamah-Herman (1-17) takes on Clarkson/Leigh (4-11) in the second game of a consolation round at Twin River Friday night.

The Patriots lost 78-43 to Howells-Dodge in the first round of the Tournament at Howells on Saturday.

Of course these two teams met back on January 5th with the Tigers picking up their first win of the season and snapping their 64-game losing streak against Clarkson/Leigh.

Tekamah-Herman beat the Patriots once this season, and I'm sure their confidence is high that they can do it again.

The Tigers definitely can do it, and this game should be a close barn burner like the first matchup between the two teams was.

I look for Tekamah-Herman to come out inspired, motivated, and ready to go.

The Tigers have a realistic shot at winning this one and one of their other 3 remaining regular season contests, in my opinion.

To get to 3 wins this year would be a big step in the right direction for this program all things considered.

Tekamah-Herman already got the monkey off their back earlier this month so now the Tigers can just go out there and play loose and relaxed and even better than they did before.

Tekamah-Herman has to come out ready to take care of the basketball and make good, strong, crisp passes.

The Tigers have to have good court awareness and be heady when attacking the basket.

The fundamental things like boxing out, getting good post position, rebounding, and knocking down free throws and layups are all going to be important for Tekamah-Herman no doubt.

The Tigers have to also get a hand in the shooter's face and contest shots.

Tekamah-Herman has to challenge shots and not allow wide open looks at the basket if at all possible.

I think the Tigers have a good shot to win this, but it won't be easy.

It's never easy beating the same team twice in the same season so Tekamah-Herman is going to have to earn things if they are to win.

It can definitely be done though all the Tigers have to do is put their minds to it.

The Tekamah-Herman Girls lost 74-44 at Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in the first round of the East Husker Conference Tournament Friday night.

The Bulldogs went up 25-7 at the end of one before winning the 2nd quarter 20-13 to take a 45-20 lead into the locker room.

Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family outscored the Tigers 15-8 in the 3rd quarter to extend their lead to 60-28 at the end of three.

Tekamah-Herman won the 4th quarter 16-14.

Good strong effort for the Tigers after the 1st quarter, but the slow start to the game proved to be the difference for Tekamah-Herman.

The Tigers (4-15) battle Madison (2-17) in the second game of consolation play at Pender Thursday night.

The Dragons lost 51-15 at Clarkson/Leigh in the first round of the Tournament Friday night.

These two teams met on January 11th in Madison with the Dragons winning 61-59.

I look for Tekamah-Herman to play well and avenge that loss come Thursday night.

I think the game will be close and respectable, but look for the Tigers to pull things out.

Tekamah-Herman's defense has to be sound....the Tigers can't let Madison go off on them like the Dragons did the first time around.

Tekamah-Herman has to come out upset about what happened against Madison the first time around and on Friday night.

The Tigers should be upset that they didn't win either game and must do something about it.

Tekamah-Herman has a challenging week next week so they could really use a win heading into the Omaha Mercy game next Monday.

We are getting down to the very end....the very nitty gritty.

The Tigers have to play at as high a level as possible on Thursday and next week to create momentum for Sub-Districts.

This is a must win for Tekamah-Herman...the Tigers simply cannot afford to lose this game.

They shouldn't either and quite honestly shouldn't of the first time these two teams met.

I'm sure the Dragons have Tekamah-Herman's attention now so the Tigers can just come out and play good basketball at a high level.

This is a low pressure game so I look for Tekamah-Herman to come out and turn in a good, solid performance.

This is the type of game that if the Tigers win it big can lead to a domino effect next week.

If Tekamah-Herman can beat Madison and Omaha Mercy in their next two games who knows what it could do for Tekamah-Herman against North Bend Central next Tuesday and Omaha Roncalli to round out the regular season next Thursday.

Emerson-Hubbard Boys fall to Pender, beat Allen; Girls fall to Pendragons

The Emerson-Hubbard Boys Basketball Team lost 64-38 at Pender Tuesday night in action aired on 107.9 the Bull before winning 38-36 at home over Allen Thursday night.

The Pendragons got out to a 14-6 lead on the Pirates at the end of one. Pender outscored Emerson-Hubbard 18-7 in the 2nd quarter to take a 32-13 lead into the locker room.

The Pendragons won the 3rd quarter 16-9 to go up 48-22 at the end of three.

Both teams scored 16 points in the 4th quarter.

Spencer Burcham had 11 points while Nolan Belt totaled 10 points and 7 rebounds. Hunter Schock added 7 points while Jacob Kneifl had 9 rebounds.

Emerson-Hubbard went up 16-7 on the Eagles at the end of one. Allen won the 2nd quarter 12-8 to make it a 24-19 game at halftime.

The Eagles won the 3rd quarter 9-5 to close within 1 at 29-28 at the end of three.

The Pirates won the 4th quarter 9-8.

Kneifl led the way with 17 points while Belt notched 10 points and 7 rebounds.

Good response by Emerson-Hubbard on Thursday after falling to the Pendragons on Tuesday.

The Pirates (5-12) take on Ponca (14-3) in the first round of the Lewis & Clark Conference Tournament at Ponca Monday night.

The Indians won 75-49 at home over Wynot Thursday night.

Ponca beat Emerson-Hubbard 63-31 at home earlier in the season.

The Pirates just have to go out there and compete and give things their best shot on Monday.

Beating the Indians doesn't figure to be easy, but Emerson-Hubbard can't back down from the challenge.

The Pirates have to take the challenge head on, and go out there and play Ponca tough.

Emerson-Hubbard has to use the game as an opportunity to grow and improve.

The Pirates have to play their hearts out and fight as hard as possible.

Emerson-Hubbard can never give up, and has to keep fighting and grinding no matter how difficult things get.

The Pirates need to give the Indians all they can want and handle and then some.

Emerson-Hubbard has to implore a tough press and defense that is suffocating.

The Pirates also need to be on top of their game offensively.

Offense has definitely been the biggest challenge for Emerson-Hubbard so far this year.

I feel the Pirates have a chance and opportunity to be successful on Monday, but success won't come easy, especially against the Indians.

Emerson-Hubbard will have to earn everything they get in this one.

The Pirates have to come out and play hard and smart from the get go.

Emerson-Hubbard has to take some chances on defense and try and gamble some to come up with big turnovers and things of that sort.

The Pirates have absolutely nothing to lose in this game so they have to take every risk and chance imaginable, and try and pull the unthinkable.

The game will start 20 minutes after the conclusion of the Hartington-Newcastle and Bloomfield game, which is set to begin at 6:00 p.m.

The Emerson-Hubbard Girls lost 59-32 at Pender Tuesday night in action aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Pendragons led the Pirates 11-5 at the end of one, and won the 2nd quarter 8-7 to go up 19-12 at halftime.

Pender turned things on in the 2nd half, outscoring Emerson-Hubbard 15-5 in the 3rd quarter to lead 34-17 at the end of three.

The Pendragons outscored the Pirates 25-15 in the 4th quarter.

Melanie Gentrup had 16 points while Addison Mackling totaled 7. Taylor Daum added 9 rebounds.

Heck of an effort by Emerson-Hubbard despite the loss.

The Pirates (6-10) take on Wakefield-Allen (3-12) in the first round of the Lewis & Clark Conference Tournament at Randolph Saturday night.

Wakefield-Allen lost 59-36 at home to Laurel-Concord-Coleridge Thursday night, and has dropped six in a row.

Emerson-Hubbard beat Wakefield-Allen 49-45 at home just over a week ago.

So the Pirates beat Wakefield-Allen once, and I think Emerson-Hubbard can do it again.

The Pirates caught a red hot Pender Team Tuesday night, and I think only having 8 players out for the team caught up to Emerson-Hubbard at the end of the game.

The Pirates will have gotten some good prep work in, and should be ready to go and have an advantage with Wakefield-Allen playing on Thursday I would think.

It's never easy to beat the same team twice, especially when the games are so close together, but it can be done.

The winner gets either Randolph or Plainview in Wynot on Tuesday, and I think Emerson-Hubbard has to believe they can beat either of those two teams too.

I think the Pirates can make a nice little run in this tournament if they play up to their potential.

Emerson-Hubbard has been doing well this year for only having 8 girls out for the team, in my opinion.

Gentrup and Mackling need big offensive games for the Pirates, and Daum needs another strong performance on the boards.

Emerson-Hubbard has to exert every ounce of energy in their bodies and leave everything out on the floor.

The Pirates should be spent and have nothing left after this one.

Emerson-Hubbard needs to play a great game in order to advance.

You know Wakefield-Allen will be out for payback and vengeance, and will try and right their own ship against the Pirates.

It should be another very close game and nail biter that comes down to the wire, perhaps the final minutes or even the final seconds.

Tip-off is slated for 6:00 p.m.