North Bend Central Girls heading to State for first time since 2013

The North Bend Central Girls Basketball Team is heading to State for the first time since 2013 as the Tigers won 46-29 over Grand Island Central Catholic in the C1-7 Sub-State Final from Cross County Thursday night.

The Tigers led 7-6 after one, and 21-20 at halftime after both teams scored 14 points in the 2nd quarter.

North Bend Central then outscored the Crusaders 25-9 in the 2nd half, including 10-2 in the 3rd quarter to lead 31-21 at the end of three.

Head Coach Aaron Sterup says his team was able to pull away in the second half. "I think we wore them down a little bit. They were getting a little frustrated and we were able to take advantage of that. I think we came out in the second half and jumped on them early which really got us going."

The Tigers (19-7) take on Wahoo Neumann (20-3) in the first round of State Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the Devaney Center.

The Cavaliers won 44-29 over Omaha Roncalli in the C1-2 District Final from Elkhorn South Friday night.

Neumann is always at state and is a very tough team.

Sterup says his team simply has to play their game and not get caught up in the moment. "We need to handle the pressure not only from their side, but from the experience of playing in that atmosphere. We have done a good job lately in not getting overly anxious in big moments. We need to make sure we do that again. We will need to be strong on both ends and take care of the ball. I think if we can rebound and limit our turnovers, we can keep ourselves in the game and give ourselves a chance."

The whole awe of being at State could definitely impact these players while they're on the court, but hopefully that evaporates quickly after North Bend Central takes the floor for warmups.

Neumann is a very good team, led by the likes of Kelsie Cada and Lindsey Thiele, who each average 12 points per game.

Taylor Stuhr averages 8 points a contest.

Megan Ortmeier leads the Tigers in scoring at 11 a game while Lauren Emanuel averages 10.

Both of these teams are really tall and athletic so I think it's important for North Bend Central to stay out of foul trouble.

Sterup says it's exciting times at NBC. "Kids are very excited. The school and community is as well, especially because we are sending boys and girls for the first time. It is going to be a fun couple of weeks around here."

The boys beat Mitchell 64-51 in the C1-4 Sub-State Final from Lexington Monday night.

"The girls have been working on this dream for a long time. I am glad they have the opportunity to experience it," Sterup said.

It has been a great season for the Tigers, and it continues on Thursday.

I want to wish North Bend Central the best of luck at State and hope they win in the first round so we can cover them on Friday.

Tip-off is slated for 2:00 p.m. at the Devaney Center.

Oakland-Craig Girls heading to State for 2nd time in School History

Oakland-Craig met Hartington Cedar Catholic in the C2-4 girls sub-state basketball championship in South Sioux City heard on 107.9 The Bull Friday night.

The game was tied 7-7 early, before the Knights pulled away for a 15-9 lead after the first quarter.

Both teams scored 10 points in the second quarter, and Oakland-Craig led 25-19 at the half.

Dacey Nelson, who did not play the entire second period due to foul trouble, re-entered the game in the third, and scored 11 points, including a trio of three pointers, as the Knights scored 19 as a team and took a 44-33 lead into the fourth.

The Trojans outscored the Knights in the fourth, but Oakland-Craig was able to make free throws down the stretch, and the final score favored the Knights 57-49, sending them to the state tournament for just the second time in school history.

Kennedy Benne scored 27 points to lead Oakland-Craig, while Nelson ended up with 19.

Head Coach Joe Anderson. "The game just didn't have a lot of flow. A lot of fouls both ways. And it was called pretty tight and we had to adjust to that. But part of the problem was Dacey I think she played maybe two minutes the whole first half. And I felt really good at halftime, we're up 6 and she hadn't hardly played. So credit the other girls for really stepping up on the defensive end and slowing them down."

Anderson adds the Trojans made things difficult on his team. "Cedar's got a lot of great athletes, they're state volleyball runners up this year, and they got a lot of length, and make it hard to move the ball around. So once we started using a few more ball fakes and attacking the glass a little bit more we did a better job."

The Knights (21-3) battle Ponca (23-3) in the first round of State at Lincoln Southwest Thursday afternoon.

The Indians won 62-37 over Elm Creek in the C2-5 Sub-State Final from Seward Friday night.

Anderson says Ponca is a very tough team. "They're just a very well coached team. Coach Hayes has done a great job with them, he does every year. They are just a group that plays extremely hard. You turn on the film and are just really impressed. They're very aggressive. They play an aggressive style of defense that really tries to get you out of rhythm. They're very athletic, they rebound very well. And they're just really sound. They really like to go to the basket on offense, and just create a lot of mismatch problems because they have some girls that can kind of play inside, outside, and just given you a lot of headaches on both sides."

Of course these two teams met two years ago in a District Final with Ponca drilling a late 3 to eventually win the game.

You can bet that will be on the minds of these Oakland-Craig players as they take to the court Thursday afternoon.

This should be a close game and a heck of a battle, but I think the Knights will win.

I just feel playing a tougher schedule and having players like Nelson and Benne gives Oakland-Craig the advantage.

It should still be a very close, tight, and intense ball game though.

I fully expect things to be very physical.

Nelson and Benne need to go off for the Knights.

This is Oakland-Craig's chance to do something big in the State Tournament, and the Knights have to go out there and make things happen.

Anything can happen at State, and Oakland-Craig can't sell themselves short of believing they can win the whole thing.

Upsets and other things happen all the time, but the thing the Knights have to do is control what they can control and play their game.

Oakland-Craig can't worry about what happens in other games, the Knights just have to be focused on themselves.

Oakland-Craig is the first game in C-2 so won't have to react to any potential upset or upsets beforehand.

It's win or go home for the Knights on Thursday.

Win Thursday and you are guaranteed 3 games over the weekend. Lose and you are done.

Game time is set for 2:00 p.m., and the game can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

West Point-Beemer Girls heading to Lincoln for first time ever

For the first time ever since the school merger, the West Point-Beemer Girls basketball team is going to the state tournament.

West Point Public made state just once, earning a runner-up in 1977 in Class D, and Beemer made it once in 1999.

The Cadets met O’Neill for the C1-4 Sub-State final at Norfolk High on Thursday night, in a game heard on 107.9 The Bull.

Things looked bleak early, as the Eagles raced to an 18-5 lead after the first quarter.

The Cadets chipped away in the second quarter and found themselves trailing by just five at the half, 26-21.

Fueled by a late quarter three pointer and back-to-back free throws from Brooklyn Weddle, West Point-Beemer scored 17 points in the third quarter and led 38-36 heading into the fourth.

It was all Cadets from there, as they would go on to beat O’Neill by a final score of 53-43.

“They played great defense on us to start, and we just talked about improving our full court defense and it helped create a few things and gave us a little spark,” head coach Taylor Shepard said.

Shepard, in just her first as head coach, described the moment.

“It’s absolutely a sweet feeling to be able to go to state,” Shepard said. “Obviously it’s been a while, so we’re excited for the opportunity.”

Sidney Swanson had 17 points for the Cadets, with Weddle and Sierra Kile each adding 9.

What an amazing moment and night for West Point-Beemer. History was made on this night.

The Cadets (23-2) battle Lincoln Christian (17-8) in the first round of State Thursday morning at the Devaney Center.

The Crusaders won 41-36 over Broken Bow in the C1-5 Sub-State Final from Grand Island Northwest Friday night.

Shepard on the matchup. "The Crusaders bring a great deal of history to the state tournament-they have a storied past, and many appearances. However, we bring energy and passion that makes it a fun matchup between two good teams. They are a team that has a strong inside presence, along with great guards. It will be a fun challenge for us, and one that we are looking forward to."

This is a toss up game and a game that I feel could truly go either way.

Shepard says Lincoln Christian is a well rounded team. "Yeah they have a really solid post presence with Olivia Hollenbeck. She's a 6'4 junior, averages 17 points and I think 8 boards per game, so that will obviously be a good challenge for us, but our girls have really been stepping up their rebounding game as of late. Then they also have some quick guards and some shooters as well. So it's really going to come down to who can stick to their game plan and execute. We want to keep it going at a fast pace. And I think they do as well. So it should be a great start to the State Tournament, a fun game."

West Point-Beemer has definitely been more consistent this year, but Lincoln Christian is battle tested and has a lot of State Tournament Experience.

Shepard is familiar with the Crusaders' program, having played there in high school. "It will be fun to see how our teams match up, and I believe Nick (Coach Orduna) and I have similar coaching styles. However, the primary focus this week has been that of preparing for any other opponent. There has been some light banter between he and I this week, but we both know that the other is going to give their very best shot."

The Cadets can't get caught up in the moment and atmosphere at state and have that Deer in the Headlights look.

West Point-Beemer has to take it all during warmups and get ready to play the game.

There has to be so much excitement around this game at the school and in the communities.

Shepard says her team isn't satisfied with just making state. "The support we have had from the community has been an incredibly unique experience. We have greatly appreciated how the community has encouraged us this week. For the team, we have been talking about making it to, and winning, state since I first met the girls--it is fun to see their dedication pay off. This is a special group of girls, who hold each other accountable to reach their full potential, and I have no doubt that they will continue to do that this weekend. While it is a great accomplishment to be going to state, we are not satisfied with just making it there, but want to make waves while we are there!"

It's a huge deal and real special time for the Cadets, and I fully expect West Point-Beemer to play a great game Thursday morning.

It's a big deal for the Cadets to even be at State, but I feel West Point-Beemer has a legit shot to make Championship Saturday if they can get past the Crusaders.

I feel the winner of this game could very well play in the State Championship on Saturday.

The Cadets wouldn't see either Wahoo School until Saturday so West Point-Beemer is definitely on the good side of the bracket.

I really think this new Sub-State format has benefited the Cadets.

In the past, West Point-Beemer has been matched up with the likes of Norfolk Catholic, Wahoo Neumann, and Wahoo in a District Final, and those teams were and are always very tough.

Now the Cadets have an opportunity to show what they can do on the big stage and make a name for themselves.

Coach Shepard being a former Lincoln Christian player adds to this game as well.

There's been a lot of build up and storylines heading into this game, and I'm very excited to see how things turn out and unfold.

Tip-off is set for 9:00 a.m. on 107.9 the Bull.

Clarkson/Leigh Girls end season with Sub-State loss to Blue Hill

The season came to a close for the Clarkson/Leigh Girls Basketball Team Friday night as the Patriots lost 41-25 to Blue Hill in the C2-8 Sub-State Final at York.

The Bobcats doubled up Clarkson/Leigh 8-4 in the 1st quarter. Both teams scored 6 points in the 2nd quarter, and the score was 14-10 at halftime in favor of Blue Hill.

The Bobcats won the 3rd quarter 7-5 to go up 21-15 at the end of three.

Blue Hill doubled up the Patriots 20-10 in the 4th quarter.

Head Coach Matt Murren sums up the loss. "It was a tight game throughout the entire game, never more than a 6 point game until about 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter. Defensively, we played fantastic and really executed our game plan well. We made any and all baskets for Blue Hill tough. Everyone wanted it so bad and played their hearts out on that court. I couldn't have been more proud of their effort. Unfortunately we didn't hit many shots that night and that is a credit to Blue Hill's defense. We could never get in a groove offensively and couldn't get a shot to go to get in a rhythm. The 4th quarter started as a 21-15 game and we had 5 or 6 defensive stops but just couldn't get the ball to go in on the offensive end. Unfortunately, in basketball you have nights like that and for us, it happened in the sub-state final. The final score doesn't indicate how close the game actually was as we started to foul with about 3 minutes left to try to extend the game."

Clarkson/Leigh ends a great season at 21-4.

The Patriots have to be saddened and disappointed they didn't make state, but I felt like Clarkson/Leigh did everything they could of this year, and maximized their potential.

The season opening win over Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family and the comeback win over the Bulldogs in the East Husker Conference Tournament were victories to remember for sure, and wins over BRLD, Humphrey St. Francis, Pender, Twin River, twice over Stanton, and Battle Creek were big wins also.

Clarkson/Leigh says goodbye to a very talented senior class, including Hannah Kasik, Beth Wiese, Kaegan Held, Halee Steffensmeier, and Paige Moore.

These five meant so much to Patriot Basketball, and will be sorely missed.

Key returners include Kim Stodola, Ashlynn Novotny, Cassidy Hoffman, Alyssa Kasik, and Reagan Settje.

Murren says it was a season to remember. "This was the greatest season that we've had as a Patriot basketball program. The season didn't end the way that anyone wanted it to but the girls have a lot to be proud of and hold their heads high about. Going 21-4 with the schedule that we play is impressive and a credit to the girls. Finishing 3rd in our conference tournament (one of the toughest conferences in the state), winning sub-districts and getting to sub-state is a great year for any program. I am extremely proud to say that I was able to coach these 26 kids and watch them grow as a team throughout the whole year."

It was definitely a special season. The moment with Moore and her sister making that three pointer was truly inspiring and incredible.

Murren adds the senior class in particular was special and meant a lot. "This year's senior class put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to help build our program. They put in the time in the off-season to get better. We had multiple 3 and 4 year starters on this team that were seniors so they were a part of some tough seasons early on in their career and successful ones later in career. This group won each season from freshman to senior: 4, 9, 14, and then 21 games in their careers. That shows improvement and commitment to buying in what we wanted to as coaches and continually getting better each year. As a coach, that is what we wanted to see and seen the potential and it was great for them to have so much success their senior years. They were a fun group of seniors that will definitely be missed."

He adds this season put Clarkson/Leigh Girls Basketball on the map. "It's always nice to be recognized as a great program, that is any coaches goal. In all honesty, this year may have helped make a name for ourselves but our team's play has always been the same. We constantly talk about playing with relentless effort and going 100%. Those are the things that we can control as players and coaches and that's what I am most proud of. The girls played their hearts out all season and that means everything."

I think the Patriots will only build off this season and be a team to be reckoned with in the future as the next step is to make the State Tournament.

Murren says this season gives Clarkson/Leigh a big building block heading into the future. "This season was a great season. We've now had back to back winning seasons for the first time in program history and look to continue that. That is what we have been working on building as we continue to improve each year. The foundation has been laid, kids have experienced some success and should be hungry for more now. It'll be important that we continue to work hard on getting into the gym, working on our individual games in the off-season, and continue competing."

It's going to take a lot of hard work, determination, and dedication for returning players and newcomers to continue this great run this year's seniors had.

Emerson-Hubbard Boys win Sub-District Final over Homer, lose to Elm Creek in Sub-State Final

The Emerson-Hubbard Boys Basketball Team won 58-35 over Homer in the D1-4 Sub-District Final from Ponca Thursday night before losing 50-40 to Elm Creek in the D1-1 Sub-State Final at Cross County Monday night to end the season.

The Pirates led the Knights 11-10 after one before outscoring Homer 21-8 in the 2nd quarter to take a 32-18 lead into the locker room.

Emerson-Hubbard won the 3rd quarter 10-8 to extend their lead to 42-26 at the end of three.

The Pirates outscored the Knights 16-9 in the 4th quarter.

Nolan Belt had a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds while Jacob Kneifl notched 18 points and 11 rebounds, also good enough for a double-double. Hunter Schock added 9 points.

The Buffaloes went up 14-9 at the end of one, and won the 2nd quarter 13-11 to lead 27-20 at halftime.

Elm Creek won the 3rd quarter 8-6 to go up 35-26 at the end of three.

The Buffaloes won the 4th quarter 15-14.

Belt led the way with 19 points and 8 rebounds while Kneifl added 11 points and 8 rebounds.

Great run the Pirates made to end the season, going 4-3 in their last seven games.

Emerson-Hubbard ends the year at 9-16.

Good season for the Pirates all things considered, and especially considering where they were at the past couple of years.

I think Emerson-Hubbard has to be pretty happy with what they did this year, winning their Sub-District and getting to a Sub-State game and all.

The Pirates would have loved to have made the State Tournament I'm sure, but now that's a goal and a dream Emerson-Hubbard can pursue next year.

Belt averaged 15 points on the season to lead the team while Kneifl averaged 12, and Spencer Burcham 7.

Rebounding wise, Belt was the leader with 10 a game while Kneifl averaged 7.

Kneifl and Burcham are lost to graduation.

These two played a big role for Emerson-Hubbard this year and in years past, and will be sorely missed without a doubt.

Key returners include Belt, Schock, Mason Hall, Drake Steele, Zach Shanks, and Garrett Blanke.

I think the future is very bright for the Pirates, and feel the sky is the limit for these Emerson-Hubbard kids.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Pirates made Sub-State again and advanced to State next year.

It's going to take a lot of hard work, determination, effort, toughness, and sacrifice to make it happen, but it definitely can.

Emerson-Hubbard was 11 points short of beating the No. 1 seed in D-1 at Sub-State, and I feel that gives the Pirates a lot of momentum heading into next year.

Of course it's no consolation to Kneifl and Burcham, who won't have the opportunity to be a part of things as players next year.

Their high school careers are over, and I wish both the best of luck in their future endeavors.

For the returning players and newcomers it's about making the most of your opportunity as student athletes.

Excelling on the court and in the classroom is very important, and you only get four years in high school.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Boys lose to North Bend Central in Sub-District Final

The Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Boys Basketball Team lost 39-31 to North Bend Central in the C1-6 Sub-District Final from Oakland-Craig Thursday night.

The Raiders led 6-4 at the end of one before the Tigers doubled them up 16-8 in the 2nd quarter to take a 20-14 lead into the locker room.

North Bend Central doubled up LVSS 8-4 in the 3rd quarter to go up 28-18 at the end of three.

The Raiders won the 4th quarter 13-11.

Connor Larson had 15 points while Trystain Roseberry notched 8.

Great game and effort by Logan View/Scribner-Snyder. The Raiders certainly gave the Tigers all they could handle.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder ends the season at 15-10.

Good season for the Raiders, who were young this year.

LVSS picked up big wins over Oakland-Craig, Wayne, Omaha Brownell Talbot, Howells-Dodge, Wisner-Pilger, and twice over West Point-Beemer.

Larson and Roseberry were the team's leading scorers, averaging 12 points a game.

Riley Hoetfelker averaged 7, and Roseberry was the team's leading rebounder, averaging 6 rebounds per game.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder says goodbye to Nathan Wacker and Austin Peters.

These two were very valuable members of the team, and will be missed greatly without a doubt.

The Raiders have to be excited about next year though given who all returns.

Key returners for next year include Roseberry, Larson, Hoetfelker, Garrett Kriete, Jake Hagerbaumer, Brett Uhing, and Jayden Korman.

I look for LVSS to be really good next year and even better the year after.

The Raiders have to get after it this offseason, and really working on improving overall and as a whole.

I feel the sky is the limit for these kids and what can they can do.

I look for Logan View/Scribner-Snyder to build off the North Bend Central loss and the entire season as a whole.

I fully expect the Raiders to come back strong next year, and have a good and nice season.

I wouldn't be surprised if LVSS made Sub-State next year and advanced to State.

The Raiders have a lot of work to do in the offseason to make that happen, but it definitely can.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has to take part in as many summer leagues, summer camps, open gyms, and weightlifting sessions as possible in the offseason.

The Raiders have to get after it this offseason, and get ready to make a big run next season.

The sooner LVSS gets to work, the better.

Winnebago Boys lose to Norfolk Catholic in Sub-Districts

The Winnebago Boys Basketball Team fell 64-51 to Norfolk Catholic in the C1-7 Sub-District Semifinals from Norfolk High Tuesday night to end the season.

Tough way for the Indians to go out being the number one seed and all.

Winnebago ends the year at 10-10.

It was very much an up and down season for the Indians.

Winnebago started a little slow then played their best basketball in the middle of the season before kind of tapering off at the end.

I'm sure the Indians are disappointed not to return to Lincoln this year, but State isn't meant to be achieved every single year.

Winnebago says goodbye to TJ Frenchman and Raul Loera Jr.

The Indians will miss these two guys without a doubt.

Key returners for Winnebago next year include Javon Price, Jeriah Greyowl, Ed Payer, Jarius Bass-Earth, and Willy Wingett.

Frenchman is a huge loss, but the Indians have to be excited about next year's team given who all returns.

Winnebago has to do what they always do, which is play the game as often as possible throughout the course of the offseason.

The Indians have to play the game late into the evening at the outdoor court in town and get in the school gym as often as possible.

Winnebago has take part in as many open gyms, summer camps, summer leagues, and weightlifting sessions as possible.

The Indians have to get to work this offseason, and help get this program back to the elite level it was at just last year.

Winnebago can definitely have a nice season and make state next year, but they have to put the time in over the summer.

The Indians have to prepare for next season as soon as they can, and live and breathe the sport like I'm sure they already do.

This season wasn't too bad for Winnebago, but I'm sure the Indians will be looking for bigger things next year.

Next season starts now for Winnebago.

Wisner-Pilger Boys beat Stanton, fall to Wakefield in Sub-Districts

The Wisner-Pilger Boys Basketball Team beat Stanton 37-28 in the C2-6 Sub-District Play-In Game from Norfolk Catholic Monday night in action aired on 107.9 the Bull before losing 47-37 to Wakefield in Tuesday night's Semifinals also aired on the Bull.

The Stanton game was tied at 12 after one before the Gators tripled up the Mustangs 6-2 in the 3rd quarter to lead 18-14 at halftime.

Stanton doubled up Wisner-Pilger 6-3 in the 3rd quarter to make it a 21-20 game at the end of three in favor of the Gators.

Wisner-Pilger doubled up the Mustangs 16-8 in the 4th quarter.

Wisner-Pilger had to rely on their defense. Head Coach Duane Mendlik. "Well we always feel our defense is what's going to make us play. And I always tell the kids that our defense is the one that makes our offense score. So I thought we did a pretty good job defensively tonight. Our offense struggled almost the whole night so defense was really important, and I think we made it  difficult for them to try and get some shots off so I thought one of them was pretty good tonight and the other one of them was pretty poor."

Our Joel Janecek talked with Coach Mendlik about his win. "Well I told them that we're stinkin the place up first of all. We couldn't make a basket. They didn't use the board most of the time. We had easy shots in there. I felt if we'd of made some shots we'd of been up 10, 12, 15 points. We just did a very poor job of converting when we got down there."

Against the Trojans, the Gators cut the score to 33-31 at the end of the third quarter, but were held to just six points in the final frame as the Trojans pulled away late for the win.

Justin Pieper had 11 points to lead the Gators.

Mendlik. "We just made too many mistakes down the stretch. 4th quarter we made too many turnovers in the 4th quarter where we had opportunities possibly to tie, go ahead, that type of thing. Just one of those games they're a good ball club, they just make you do some things you don't want to do, and I felt we played pretty well. Defensively we did a pretty good job. I thought if the game was in the 40's we'd have a good chance, but didn't quite make it."

The Gators end their season at 15-10 overall.

Strong start to the season for Wisner-Pilger, but the Gators stumbled towards the end of the season, losing five out of their last seven.

Wisner-Pilger says goodbye to Caden Jackson and Jayden Raabe.

Those two were a big part of the team and will be missed greatly without a doubt.

Key returners are Regan Bellar, Trevor Styskal, Caden Schweers, Justin Pieper, Dylan Kneifl, and Colby Heller.

There was a lot of great things accomplished this year like Mendlik picking up his record setting win.

With that said, there are a lot of great players returning for the Gators and next year is their year to do something, in my opinion.

Wisner-Pilger will have a lot of seniors next year, and figures to be a really good and tough team.

The Gators have to dedicate this offseason to themselves and Coach Mendlik, and come in to the gym everyday ready to work hard and get better.

Wisner-Pilger has to dedicate themselves to getting faster, bigger, stronger, and more physical.

Playing the game often and taking part in as many open gyms, team camps, summer leagues, and weightlifting sessions as possible is super important for the Gators I feel.

Wisner-Pilger has to use the disappointment of how this season ended as motivation and fuel to the fire for next year.

The Gators have to work extremely hard to get to where they want next year, which they hope is the State Tournament.

It would be fitting for this team to make state next year, but we'll see what happens.

Wisner-Pilger has to wake up everyday motivated and ready to get after it.

The Gators have to improve in all aspects of the game, and get ready for a great run next year.

Wisner-Pilger has to go hard at it at all times and enhance every part of their game this offseason.

The Gators have to come back re-energized, anxious, hungry, and motivated when next season rolls around.

Tekamah-Herman Boys lose final two games

The Tekamah-Herman Boys Basketball Team lost 80-42 at home to DC West to round out the regular season last Friday night before falling 73-24 to Yutan in the C2-3 Sub-District Semifinals from Wahoo Tuesday night.

The Falcons led 19-10 at the end of one, and outscored the Tigers 26-11 in the 2nd quarter to take a 45-21 lead into the locker room.

Both teams scored 17 points in the 3rd quarter, and the score was 62-38 at the end of three in favor of DC West.

The Falcons outscored Tekamah-Herman 18-4 in the 4th quarter.

The Chieftains went up 22-5 at the end of one on the Tigers before outscoring Tekamah-Herman 19-4 in the 2nd quarter to take a 41-9 lead into the locker room.

Yutan outscored the Tigers 22-10 in the 3rd quarter to go up 63-19 at the end of three.

The Chieftains doubled up Tekamah-Herman 10-5 in the 4th quarter.

A tough ending to a tough season for the Tigers.

Tekamah-Herman ends the season at 2-21.

The highlights of the year were the wins over Clarkson/Leigh and Whiting, IA.

Just the fact that the Tigers won a couple of games is a promising and encouraging sign.

The wins are something to build on heading into next season.

Tekamah-Herman says goodbye to Alex Camp, Cameron Douglas, and Tyler Petersen.

Key returners include Jordan Derra, Dylan Chatt, Connor Feiling, Luke Wakehouse, Clay Beaumont, Cole Freidel, Brock Rogers, and Garrison Potadle.

I think the Tigers have to be really excited and encouraged about next year.

Tekamah-Herman returns quite a few kids, and should improve quite a bit next season you would think.

This team took its lumps and had its growing pains this year, but I think one thing you can say about the Tigers is they kept fighting and never gave up.

Tekamah-Herman had the best season its had in the last three years.

The Tigers have to use this year's wins as building blocks for next year.

Tekamah-Herman has to think about the good moments when working out and playing the game this offseason.

The more ball the Tigers play over the offseason the better they will be next year.

Tekamah-Herman has to take part in as many team camps, open gyms, summer leagues, and weightlifting sessions as possible.

The Tigers have to be excited about and look forward to next year and what it could bring.

For the seniors they have to take what they learned playing high school basketball and apply it to their lives in the future.

I'm sure many valuable life lessons were taught over the course of their four years playing basketball for Tekamah-Herman.

For the returning players and newcomers they just have to realize that the sky is the limit and they can do anything they put their minds to.

BRLD Boys win regular season finale over Pender, win Sub-District; Girls lose to GACC in Sub-Districts

The BRLD Boys Basketball Team routed Pender 80-34 at home last Friday night in the regular season finale before winning 69-25 over GACC in the C2-5 Sub-District Semifinals from Pender Tuesday night, and 74-51 over Omaha Nation in Thursday's Sub-District Final.

The Wolverines led Pender 19-13 after one, and outscored the Pendragons 24-10 in the 2nd quarter to take a 43-23 lead into the locker room.

BRLD outscored Pender 27-7 in the 3rd quarter to extend their lead to 70-30 at the end of three.

The Wolverines won the 4th quarter 10-4

Darwin Snyder led the way with 20 points while Lucas Vogt added 19. Johnson added 11 points while Beutler had 10 points and 7 rebounds. Devin Hegge recorded 8 points while Brayden Anderson pulled down 10 rebounds.

BRLD led the Bluejays 21-5 after one, and outscored GACC 23-9 in the 2nd quarter to take a 44-14 lead into the locker room.

The Wolverines outscored the Bluejays 15-4 to go up 59-18 at the end of three.

GACC won the 4th quarter 10-7.

Snyder registered 17 points while Jaxon Johnson notched 16 points and 9 rebounds. Beutler added a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds while Will Gatzemeyer totaled 9 points.

BRLD led Omaha Nation 18-7 after one, and won the 2nd quarter 16-12 to go up 34-19 at halftime.

The Wolverines won the 3rd quarter 22-18 to lead 56-37 at the end of three.

BRLD won the 4th quarter 18-14.

Vogt had 32 points and 7 rebounds while Snyder totaled 13 points. Dylan Beutler added 12 points and 10 rebounds, good enough for a double-double.

The Wolverines simply continue their dominant ways.

BRLD (23-1) takes on Hastings St. Cecilia (11-12) in the C2-1 Sub-State Final at Columbus High Monday night.

The Bluehawks knocked off Alma 44-28 in the C2-9 Sub-District Final at Adams Central Thursday night.

The game was supposed to be played on Saturday, but like all other games across the state, was moved to Monday because of the weather.

St. Cecilia is a powerhouse historically, but is down this year you could say.

The Wolverines should win, but no game is ever a given or a for sure win, especially when you play the Bluehawks.

BRLD has to be ready to play and understand that all it takes is one game and their season is over.

This is the final step to getting back to Lincoln for the Wolverines so BRLD has to bring their "A" game.

The Wolverines have to play the way they have pretty much all season and keep the ball rolling.

St. Cecilia was in the State Championship game last year and won it before that so the Bluehawks definitely know what it's like to win and get to state.

BRLD was at State last year too though and brought back the majority of last year's team this year.

That and Bancroft-Rosalie won state and was Runner-Up recently as well.

There's a lot of State history on both sides, and that should make for an interesting matchup.

It's just crazy to think this is a Sub-State matchup and not a State Tournament matchup.

The fact it's also a #1 vs #16 seed game is crazy as well.

The Wolverines just have to come out and play their game, and do what they have done pretty much all season, and they should be fine.

BRLD is a great team, and you know the Wolverines will be ready to play.

BRLD needs great scoring contributions and defensive play from everyone. If the Wolverines get that they should be in good shape.

Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.

The BRLD Girls saw their season come to an end last Tuesday night at the hands of Guardian Angels Central Catholic as the Wolverines lost 71-51 to the Bluejays in the C2-5 Sub-District Semifinals from Pender in action aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Bluejays led 20-13 at the end of one before the Wolverines won the 2nd quarter 23-20 to make it a 40-36 game at halftime in favor of GACC.

The Bluejays outscored BRLD 18-5 in the 3rd quarter to go up 58-41 at the end of three.

GACC won the 4th quarter 13-10.

BRLD was led by Isabel Freemont, who had 12 points. Aubrey Berg notched 11 while Kinlee Bacon and Jordan Snyder posted 9 and 7, respectively.

Tough way for the season to end after such a great season for the Wolverines.

BRLD ends the season at 15-8.

The Wolverines picked up big wins over Pender, West Point-Beemer, and Stanton.

The win over the Cadets had to be the highlight of the season for BRLD, who was one of just two teams to knock off West Point-Beemer, who made the State Tournament.

I'm sure the Wolverines would have liked to have played a better game against the Bluejays, but it is what it is and nothing can be done about it now.

BRLD says goodbye to Paige Peters and Brandi Simonsen.

These two players were big contributors for BRLD the last three years and for Bancroft-Rosalie and Lyons-Decatur Northeast, respectively, as freshmen.

Key returners include Freemont, Berg, Bacon, Snyder, Tyra Bonneau, Tori Ostrand, Caragan Tietz, Emma Beutler, Alyssa Buchholz, and Kelsey Larsen.

I think the future is really bright for the Wolverines given all the talent that returns next year.

I feel BRLD will be really good next year with a great chance to make Sub-State and even the State Tournament perhaps.

The Wolverines have to work extremely hard this offseason, and get after things, and really work their tails off.

BRLD has to put a lot of work into improving as players playing the game, and must get faster and stronger.

The Wolverines need to have the drive and determination to improve as a whole.

The loss to GACC is going to hurt for a little while, but the sooner BRLD puts the loss behind them and gets to work the better off they will be.

The Wolverines have to do everything with maximum effort this offseason, and really get after things in team camps, open gyms, summer leagues, and weightlifting sessions.

BRLD has to wake up everyday and dream and visualize what it would be like to play in Lincoln next year.

The Wolverines are definitely capable of doing great things next season they just need to put the time in and have a tremendous offseason.

Pender Boys and Girls see seasons end in Sub-Districts

The Pender Boys Basketball Team was upset 58-53 by Homer in the D1-4 Sub-District Semifinals from Ponca Tuesday night.

The Pendragons went up 20-8 at the end of the first quarter, and won the 2nd quarter 16-11 to take a 36-19 lead into the locker room.

The Knights outscored Pender 22-7 in the 3rd quarter to make it a 43-41 game at the end of three.

Homer outscored the Pendragons 17-10 in the 4th quarter to complete the comeback.

Tough pill to swallow and a tough way to go out for Pender. The Pendragons had it.

Pender ends the season at 9-14.

A lot was expected of the Pendragons this season, and at times Pender played really well.

Ultimately though I think a lack of consistent play ultimately cost the Pendragons.

Pender loses Chris Rutar, Eric Schopke, Korbyn Nelson, Gabriel Perez, Sam Mailloux, and Jaydon Jump.

These kids meant a lot to Pender Basketball and will sorely be missed without a doubt.

Key returners include Caleb Trimble, Dylan Vogt, Austin Roth, Nathan Breitbarth, Jaxon Maise, and Lucas Timm.

Lots of talent lost to graduation, but lots of talent coming back as well.

The Pendragons are going to be hurt and disappointed by the outcome of the final game for quite some time I would imagine.

This was Pender's chance to win Sub-Districts and advance to a Sub-State game.

It wasn't meant to be though, and all the returning players and newcomers can do is work hard in the offseason and get ready for next year.

The seniors have to get ready for baseball or track or whatever spring sport they do if they do one.

The seniors have to take the life lessons they learned playing high school basketball and apply them to their lives in the future.

I'm sure the end result of the season is disappointing, but 20 years from now I'm sure the kids will look back at things and remember all the good times they had together and will cherish the relationships built.

For the returning players and newcomers, they have to come back strong and use this year's disappointment as motivation to get better and have a better season next year.

They have to work hard in the offseason through open gyms, summer camps, summer leagues, and weightlifting sessions so they can set themselves up for success next year.

I honestly thought Pender would win the Sub-District and make Sub-State and have an overall better season than they did based on what they did last year and who was coming back, but the Pendragons struggled for whatever reason.

Pender has to bounce back and try and right the ship next season.

The Pender Girls saw their season come to an end last Thursday night as the Pendragons lost 55-42 to Randolph in the D1-6 Sub-District Final from Stanton.

The Pendragons led 12-11 after one. The Cardinals tripled up Pender 21-7 in the 2nd quarter to take a 32-19 lead into the locker room.

Randolph won the 3rd quarter 14-12 to increase their lead to 46-31 at the end of three.

The Pendragons won the 4th quarter 11-9.

Zoey Lehmkuhl led all scorers with 21 points.

Good season overall for Pender, but the finish had to be a little disappointing.

The Pendragons ends the season at 13-11.

Pender had a tough start to the season and then went just 2-4 in their last six games.

I thought the Pendragons did a lot of nice things over the course of the season though.

Ashley Ostrand led the team in scoring with 15 points a game while Lehmkuhl averaged 10. Sarah Krueger averaged 7.

Ostrand was the team's leading rebounder, averaging 7 per game.

Pender says goodbye to Krueger and Michaela Wegner.

Key returners include Caitlyn Heise, Lehmkuhl, Ostrand, Faith Morris, and Claire Felber.

I think the future of this team and program is very bright.

Lots of great players and talent return next year, and I think that bodes well for the Pendragons.

Pender has to get after it this offseason, and work on their game often and with great and tremendous effort.

The Pendragons have to wake up and have good attendance at weights, in open gyms, during summer camps, and also during summer leagues.

Pender has to work extremely hard to get back to that elite level they were at just a couple of years ago.

These girls have to be gym rats, and must get after things as much as possible.

I wish Wegner the best of luck at CCC playing Softball and to Krueger and her future endeavors also.

Those two meant a lot to and had great careers for the Pendragons, and will be sorely missed without a doubt.

Pender has to gear up and get ready for bigger and better things next year.

I feel the Pendragons can and will use the disappointment of last Thursday's loss as motivation and fuel to the fire heading into this offseason and into next year.

Pender has to workout and play the game with tremendous pride and passion this offseason in order to grow and improve and be type of team they can and hope to be next year.

GACC Boys go 1-2 in final three games; Girls' 21-year Consecutive State Tournament Streak snapped at the hands of Oakland-Craig

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Boys Basketball Team went 1-2 in their final three games of the season, losing 75-57 at Winnebago Friday night before winning 70-53 over Walthill in the C2-5 Sub-District Play-In-Game from Pender Monday night, and then losing 69-25 to BRLD in Tuesday night's Semifinals.

Jared Minnick and Adam Reeson each had 15 points against the Indians while Casey Doernemann notched 8.

The Bluejays went up 14-10 at the end of one on Walthill before outscoring the Blujays 21-8 in the 2nd quarter to take a 35-18 lead into the locker room.

GACC won the 3rd quarter 16-15 to push the lead up to 18 at 51-33 at the end of three.

Walthill won the 4th quarter 20-19.

Ben Ulrich led the way with 25 points while Minnick added 14 points and 8 rebounds. Brendan Rief chipped in 11 points while Cody Steffen pulled down 11 rebounds.

BRLD led the Bluejays 21-5 after one, and outscored GACC 23-9 in the 2nd quarter to take a 44-14 lead into the locker room.

The Wolverines outscored the Bluejays 15-4 to go up 59-18 at the end of three.

GACC won the 4th quarter 10-7.

Minnick had 10 points to lead the team in his final game in a Bluejay uniform.

I'm glad the Bluejays picked up a postseason win before the season ended. I think the win can lead to good things this offseason and heading into next season.

GACC ends the year at 4-18.

The wins over O'Neill and Walthill were the two biggest wins of the season I feel.

4-18 may not be a great record, but keep in mind the Bluejays only had two seniors, including one who didn't see much playing time.

Ulrich had a team-high 255 points for the season while Minnick recorded 227.

Minnick led the team in rebounds with 112 while Casey Doernemann notched 111.

GACC says goodbye to Minnick and Tyson Snodgrass.

These two will be missed without a doubt.

Key returners for next year include Rief, Nate Niewohner, Ulrich, Steffen, Blake Pojar, Reeson, Doernemann, and Matthew Rolf.

I think the Bluejays will be much improved next year, and even better in two years.

This team was very young this year, and showed some signs of improvement and growth throughout the course of the season I thought.

GACC lost 8 games by 10 points or less.

Now if GACC can turn some of their close losses into wins they will be in good shape and good to go.

The Bluejays have a lot of work to do this offseason, and could really benefit from shooting and defensive work in particular I feel.

It has to be a big spring, summer, and fall of conditioning, weightlifting, open gyms, summer leagues, and summer camps.

GACC has to want to work hard everyday and become better players throughout the course of the offseason.

The Bluejays have to be excited to go to work everyday and improve, grow, and get better.

GACC has to put the work in necessary to become a successful team next year.

The Bluejays have to wake up every day ready to work hard and get after it.

GACC has to expect big things out of themselves during the summer, and has to be ready to bring it each and every day.

Champions are made between April and November, not between December and March.

The Bluejays are only a couple of years removed from a State Championship Game appearance and 8 years from a State Title so GACC definitely knows what it has to do and can definitely get back to that level.

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Girls' 21-year consecutive State Tournament Streak was ended by Oakland-Craig last Thursday night as the Knights topped the Bluejays 62-43 in the C2-5 Sub-District Final from Pender Thursday night in action aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Knights led 19-14 at the end of one, and won the 2nd quarter 18-13 to take a 37-27 lead into the locker room.

Oakland-Craig won the 3rd quarter 12-8 to go up 49-35 at the end of three.

The Knights outscored the Bluejays 13-8 in the 4th quarter.

Marissa Hunke had a team-high 13 points for GACC while Sophia Hass added 10.

Great run for the Bluejays. If there was a team to end your streak to then this Oakland-Craig team was one to tip your hat to given how great a team they are.

GACC's season ends at 15-9.

The season started out promising for the Bluejays, who started the season 8-1 and were 10-2 after Christmas.

However, the second part of the season was unkind to GACC.

I thought the struggles kind of started with the O'Neill loss.

The Bluejays were kind of up and down after that.

Still though what a heck of a run for GACC.

21 years in a row at state is a great accomplishment and tremendous feat, and doesn't go unnoticed.

Streaks are meant to be broken, and this year just happened to be the year the Bluejays' streak was snapped.

I think GACC could very well start a new one next year.

The Bluejays say goodbye to Hannah Hrbek, Ally Plagge, Maddie Bracht, and Angela Jansen.

Four seniors who contributed greatly and will be missed without a doubt.

Key returners include Hass, Hunke, Hanna Knobbe, Brenna Rief, Greta Vering, Reece Snodgrass, Erica Engelmeyer, and Brandi Doernemann.

I think the future is very bright for GACC with all the talent that returns next year.

The Bluejays figure to still be young next year, but in a couple of years should return back to championship form I would think.

GACC has a lot of work do this offseason, especially from an offensive standpoint.

The Bluejay players have to become better shooters and more prolific scorers.

GACC has defense down, but could really benefit from an offseason of growth and improvement offensively, in my opinion.

I look for the Bluejays to have a really good offseason, and get after things next season.

You can bet things will be intense in the offseason with workouts, open gyms, summer camps, and summer leagues as well.

Clarkson/Leigh Boys lose to David City and Fremont Bergan to end season; Girls top Battle Creek in Sub-District Final

The Clarkson/Leigh Boys Basketball Team lost 64-57 at home to David City Friday night to close out the regular season before falling 75-35 to Fremont Bergan in the D1-3 Sub-District Semifinals from David City Aquinas Tuesday night.

The Patriots went up 15-14 after one on the Scouts before David City won the 2nd quarter 21-16 to take a 35-31 lead into the locker room.

The Scouts outscored Clarkson/Leigh 13-7 in the 3rd quarter to go up 48-38 at the end of three.

The Patriots won the 4th quarter 19-16.

Tommy McEvoy had 16 points while Daniel Beller notched 13 points and 11 rebounds, good enough for a double-double. Carter Hanel added 11 points and 10 rebounds while Jarred Novotny totaled 11 points.

The Knights jumped out to a 30-11 lead at the end of one before winning the 2nd quarter 15-10 to take a 45-21 lead into the locker room.

Bergan outscored Clarkson/Leigh 18-8 in the 3rd quarter to lead 63-30 at the end of three.

The Knights doubled up the Patriots 12-6 in the 4th quarter.

Beller had a team-high 8 points while Hanel registered 11 rebounds.

I thought Clarkson/Leigh played pretty well against David City, but Bergan proved to be very tough.

The Patriots's season ends at 7-14.

I thought Clarkson/Leigh made some nice improvements this year in winning 7 games, which equals their win total from the last two years combined.

Highlight wins came over Pender and East Butler, and throw Stanton in there as well.

What the Patriots did may not seem like a big deal, but it really is.

Clarkson/Leigh took some small steps this year towards becoming who and what they want to be, in my opinion.

Novotny and Beller each led the way with 13 points on the season averaged while McEvoy averaged 9.

Beller led the way in rebounding with 168 total rebounds while Hanel and McEvoy had 157 and 121, respectively.

The Patriots say goodbye to Beller, Douglas Pocasangre, and Travis Stanley.

The three will be missed for sure given how much they meant to Clarkson/Leigh Boys Basketball.

Key returners include Novotny, Lance Paprocki, Isaak Wiese, Hanel, Logan Schroeder, and McEvoy.

I think the future is really promising and bright for the Patriots given who all returns next year.

Beller is the only real big loss from a production standpoint, but he is a big loss nonetheless.

I think this team and program is headed in the right direction though and is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

Playing the game as much as possible in the offseason is the key to even better things next year I feel.

Honing and enhancing skills and getting better at everything could go a long ways for Clarkson/Leigh, in my opinion.

The team has to get after it in the weightroom and during open gyms as well as during summer camps and in summer leagues.

I think there's a lot of potential in the returning players, and feel the Patriots can be an even better team next year than they were this year.

The Clarkson/Leigh Girls won 39-34 over Battle Creek in the C2-6 Sub-District Final from Norfolk High Thursday night.

The Bravettes went up 10-8 at the end of the 1st quarter before the Patriots outscored Battle Creek 16-2 in the 2nd quarter to take a 24-12 lead into the locker room.

The Bravettes won the 3rd quarter 12-9 to make it a 33-24 game at the end of three in favor of Clarkson/Leigh.

Battle Creek won the 4th quarter 10-6.

Kaegan Held led the way with 13 points while Hannah Kasik had 10 points and 11 rebounds, good enough for a double-double. Ashlynn Novotny added 8 points and 10 rebounds while Beth Wiese notched 7 points.

Head Coach Matt Murren says Held, Kasik, and Novotny each played a big role in the game. "Kaegan, Ashlynn, and Hannah are key players for us. Kaegan is our point guard and handles the ball a majority of the time. She gets us into our offense and is our floor general. We loved seeing her knock down a key 3 pointer at the beginning of the 2nd half. Ashlynn is a player who can do it all. She can score it, pass it and board it. She played a heck of a game and ended with 8 points, 10 boards and 5 steals. It felt like she was everywhere on Thursday. Her and Kaegan really feed off of each other and handle our guard positions so well. Hannah just battles. She is constantly working to find open spots, find the ball off the glass, and put herself in position to score. She ended up with a double-double against Battle Creek with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Her tireless work ethic and athletic ability allow her to play so well in the post."

Murren on the win."Thursday's Sub-District Final was a 32 minute battle. Our kids understand that we have to play hard for 32 minutes and bring the defensive energy the whole time. We have had numerous close games this year that have built our character and will to keep fighting in those close games. Thursday was no different as it took a great defensive game to contain their explosive, fast paced offense. Our regular season schedule is tough and that schedule sets us up for games like against Battle Creek when you have to grind one out."

Clarkson/Leigh (21-8) takes on Blue Hill (20-4) in the C2-8 District Final from York High School Friday night.

The Bobcats lost 65-37 to Hastings St. Cecilia in the C2-10 Sub-District Final from Adams Central on Thursday.

Murren says Blue Hill is the real deal. "Blue Hill is a great team, very experienced, and sitting at 20-4. They start 5 seniors, won state volleyball and have been to state basketball as well. They understand the moment and what it takes to get it done. They play very good defense, push in transition with their guards, and find great shots offensively at the hoop and from the perimeter. They are athletic and can put up points. They have a couple very solid posts inside, 2 guards that can shoot it, and a guard that really slashes well."

Emily Meyer and Jamie Bonifas are a couple of those players I feel.

The Bobcats are certainly a great team and program that has accomplished a lot, but so is Clarkson/Leigh.

The Patriots have come such a long ways from when these seniors were freshmen.

Murren says this is it. "It would be huge for us to be able to continue our momentum and get through sub-state. These girls have put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to put themselves in this position and a spot to pay off all that time. They believe in each, believe in our team, and believe in our goal. Our program has worked very hard to put ourselves where we are and we are ready to embrace and attack the moment. Blue Hill is such a solid opponent. It's going to take 32 minutes of great defense and pressure to make it tough on them offensively. We cannot give them easy baskets and make them work for everything. I know our crowd is going to bring it so the atmosphere will be rocking!"

This is what the players have worked their entire lives for. All the hard work, blood, sweat, and tears growing up and in the offseason and during the hot days of summer is for this moment.

Clarkson/Leigh has a Black Out Theme for the game too, and I expect York High School to be one loud place Friday night.

The Patriots have found ways to win close games against tough teams all year, and will need to take that experience into Friday night's game.

Every girl growing up dreams of one day playing in the State Basketball Tournament.

The girls have already been there for Volleyball, and are now one game away from making it in Basketball.

Clarkson/Leigh has to go out there and let it rip, and leave everything out on the floor.

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

Oakland-Craig Boys lose to Omaha Nation in Sub-Districts; Girls top GACC in Sub-District Final

The Oakland-Craig Boys Basketball Team lost 68-54 to Omaha Nation in the C2-5 Sub-District Semifinals from Pender Tuesday night.

Robby Mayberry had 19 points and 7 rebounds while Colton Thomsen and Tyson Harney notched 8 points and 9 rebounds apiece. Wyatt Seagren added 7 points.

It appears the Knights gave a great effort, but simply came up a little short. I must say though I was surprised Oakland-Craig lost, especially after beating the Chiefs in the regular season.

Oakland-Craig's season ends at 12-11.

Wins over Howells-Dodge, Wilber-Clatonia, Omaha Nation, Twin River, and Walthill were some of the better wins on the season for the Knights, in my opinion.

This was a senior heavy class with some talented kids and athletes.

Thomsen and Mayberry led the team in scoring at 9 points a game while Garrison Dodge and Seagren notched 8 apiece. Harney averaged 7.

So the Knights were pretty well balanced offensively this year, they just didn't have that one dominate scorer that could take over a game like they once had in Garrett Seagren.

Seagren led the way in rebounding with 187 boards while Harney totaled 106.

Oakland-Craig graduates Dodge, Mayberry, Harney, Cole Bures, and Jared Mulder.

Key returners include Jaron Meyer, Seagren, Coulter Thiele, Ian Lundquist, and Gunnar Ray.

I feel the Knights are graduating a talented senior class, but think there's a lot of potential in the returning players as well.

Seagren has to take on more of a scoring role and load next season.

He is going to need to dominate down low for Oakland-Craig to be successful I feel.

I feel there's a lot of potential in the other four players as well and am thinking that could be the team's starting five next year.

The Knights lose a lot of experience and kids who had very successful high school athletic careers at Oakland-Craig as a whole.

I want to wish the seniors the best of luck in their future endeavors in college, the armed forces, or workforce, whatever they decide to do in life after high school.

For the returning players and newcomers it's about getting after it as much as possible in the offseason and playing a lot of basketball.

It will be to the team's benefit to attend as many open gyms, weightlifting sessions, summer camps, and summer leagues as possible throughout the course of the summer and the entire offseason as a whole.

The Oakland-Craig Girls Basketball Team ended Guardian Angels Central Catholic's 21-year consecutive State Tournament Streak by topping the Bluejays 62-43 in the C2-5 Sub-District Final from Pender Thursday night in action aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Knights led 19-14 at the end of one, and won the 2nd quarter 18-13 to take a 37-27 lead into the locker room.

Oakland-Craig won the 3rd quarter 12-8 to go up 49-35 at the end of three.

The Knights outscored the Bluejays 13-8 in the 4th quarter.

Dacey Nelson led all scorers with 34 points while Ashley Denton notched 9.

Great win for the Knights.

Oakland-Craig improves to 20-3 on the season and advances to Sub-State against Hartington Cedar Catholic (12-8) at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at South Sioux City in action that will be aired on the Bull

The Trojans upset Ponca 46-45 in the C2-7 Sub-District Final from Wayne High on Thursday.

Cedar Catholic has won four in a row and is a quality team.

Nelson and Benne need to have big games for the Knights to come out on top I feel.

This is do or die for Oakland-Craig. There are no more wildcards to State.

This is the Knights' time to shine and get the job done.

Oakland-Craig figures to have a great shot to win and advance to State and be a respectable seed, but the Knights have to take care of business against the Trojans.

Cedar Catholic won by 5 at GACC in the regular season, and is a tough team.

Hartington Cedar Catholic has been there and done that before too so you know they will be ready to go.

Oakland-Craig has a lot of experience, but history is on the Trojans' side.

It should be a great game that ultimately culminates in a Knight win, but all it takes is one game and the season is done.

Oakland-Craig can't be looking ahead to state or anything like that.

It's fine to dream and visualize what state would be like again, but not let that impact play on the court Friday night.

The Knights have to be focused on Cedar Catholic and Cedar Catholic only.

Oakland-Craig has to lock in and get ready to go toe to toe with a great team and program.

The Knights have to play great basketball and leave it all out on the floor.

It has to be Oakland-Craig's time to shine, and everyone on the team has to play a big role, whatever that is.

The Knights have to do everything possible to win and advance to state.

A loss would be a bitter taste and disappointment no doubt.

West Point-Beemer Boys end season with losses to Fremont Bergan and Logan View/Scribner-Snyder; Girls fall to North Bend Central in Sub-District Final

The West Point-Beemer Boys Basketball Team lost 63-46 at Fremont Bergan Friday night before falling 31-28 to Logan View/Scribner-Snyder in the C1-6 Sub-District Semifinals from Oakland-Craig Tuesday night.

The Knights led the Cadets 17-9 after one before winning the 2nd quarter 12-11 to take a 29-20 lead into the locker room.

Bergan outscored West Point-Beemer 15-8 in the 3rd quarter to go up 44-28 at the end of three.

The Knights won the 4th quarter 19-18.

Blake Anderson had 17 points and 8 rebounds while Jesus Barragan added 9 points.

The Cadets went up 8-2 on the Raiders after one. Both teams scored 8 points in the 2nd quarter, and the score was 16-10 at halftime in favor of West Point-Beemer.

The Raiders battled back in the 2nd half, winning the 3rd quarter 13-8 to make it a 24-23 game at the end of three in favor of the Cadets.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder doubled up West Point-Beemer 8-4 in the 4th quarter.

Anderson led the way with 13 points.

Great effort from the Cadets both nights I thought. A lot of good things and positives to build on for next year.

West Point-Beemer ends the season at 10-13.

Slow start and tough finish to the season for the Cadets, who started the season 2-3 and lost their last four games and 7 out of their last 8.

West Point-Beemer went 7-3 in all their other games.

The Cadets were a young team this year, and certainly growing pains were evident throughout the course of the season.

Anderson led the team in scoring with 14 points a game while Ben Vander Griend averaged 10. Keegan Doggett averaged 8 while Zach Vander Griend averaged 7.

Anderson led the team in rebounding with 148 on the season while Zach Vander Griend had 102.

The Cadets say goodbye to Anderson, Dylan Newkirk, Ben Vander Griend, and Evan Landholm.

These four seniors will be missed no doubt, and were big reasons why West Point-Beemer was as successful as they were this year, in my opinion.

Key returners include Barragan, Doggett, Manny Barragan, Drake Repschlaeger, and Zach Vander Griend.

I feel there is some good talent returning for the Cadets next year, and look for growth and improvement across the board.

West Point-Beemer has to work on getting bigger, faster, stronger, and more physical.

The Cadets also have to become better ball handlers, better passers, better shooters, and just all around better ball players.

West Point-Beemer has to work on agility and conditioning drills in the offseason, and play the game often.

Taking part in team camps, summer leagues, open gyms, and weightlifting sessions is all important and critical for the Cadets to improve I would say.

West Point-Beemer has to work their tails off in the offseason, and be ready for a good season next year.

The Cadets also have to take part in community activities and projects, and volunteer their time as well.

I feel those things would be good for the returning players and newcomers at the very least.

The West Point-Beemer Girls Basketball Team lost 53-46 in overtime to North Bend Central in the C1-6 Sub-District Final from Oakland-Craig Thursday night.

The Tigers led the Cadets 12-10 after one. Both teams scored 13 points in the 2nd quarter, and the score was 25-23 at halftime in favor of North Bend Central.

The Tigers won the 3rd quarter 11-9 to go up 36-32 at the end of three.

West Point-Beemer won the 4th quarter 12-8 to tie the game at 44 and send it into overtime.

North Bend Central outlasted the Cadets 9-2 in the extra session.

Sierra Kile led the way with 13 points while Brooklyn Weddle and Sidney Swanson added 12 and 10, respectively.

Head Coach Taylor Shepard says the Tigers had a good game plan. "North Bend is a talented team-they have a lot of length, which makes them a tough matchup for us. They did a great job of taking away some of our guards, which made scoring difficult for us. Additionally, they did a nice job of breaking our press. We have battled with them several times throughout the year, and wish them the best in the post-season."

Tough loss for West Point-Beemer, but the good news is the Cadets still advanced to Sub-State.

West Point-Beemer (22-2) takes on O'Neill (19-5) in the C1-4 District Final from Norfolk High Thursday night in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Eagles knocked off Pierce 36-24 in the C1-7 Sub-District Final from Norfolk Catholic Thursday night.

The Cadets are trying to make state for the first time ever as West Point-Beemer as the last and only time West Point went was in 1977.

O'Neill is looking for their first State Tournament berth since 2000 so something has to give in this one.

Shepard says it should be a great battle. "They are a team very similar to us. They like to push the ball, shoot the outside shot, and pressure on defense. We will need to match their tempo, and look for our opportunities to hit shots when they are available. It should be a fun, fast paced game."

The Cadets have had a great season, and I would say this is their best chance to go to State out of all the years they've been in District Finals recently.

This is West Point-Beemer's chance and opportunity to make state, a golden opportunity if you may.

The Cadets have to capitalize on and take advantage of this opportunity, and find a way to win.

West Point-Beemer has to make plays in the clutch, and be very tough and resilient throughout the course of the game.

The game was supposed to be played on Friday, but was moved up a day.

I don't know if that really benefits or hurts the Cadets, but from the sounds of things O'Neill is ready.

Claire Morrow and Brianna Bauer are players to watch out for for the Eagles as they combined for 25 points in the win over the Bluejays.

Things appear to be pretty even on paper, I just think this game comes down to who makes more plays in the end and who wants it more.

This is the team to break West Point-Beemer's drought, the team to get the Cadets to State.

Shepard says getting to state would be a huge deal. "We have had the goal of going to state all season, and the girls have put in a great deal of  hard work since this summer. We have such a fun group of girls who work hard and have great chemistry. It would be a phenomenal experience to see their hard work pay off."

Hopefully the atmosphere is ruckus and the gym is rocking because I'm sure West Point-Beemer will be ready to rock and roll.

The Cadets simply have to get the job done and finish this time around.

The unfinished business has to become finished business Thursday night.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. on the Bull.

North Bend Central Boys beat Fort Calhoun to end regular season, down Arlington in Sub-Districts; Girls win Sub-District C1-6

The North Bend Central Boys Basketball Team routed Fort Calhoun 65-37 on the road Friday night to close out the regular season before winning 69-26 over Arlington in the C1-6 Sub-District Semifinals from Oakland-Craig Tuesday night.

The Tigers led the Pioneers 13-6 at the end of one before outscoring Fort Calhoun 21-10 in the 2nd quarter to take a 34-16 lead into the locker room.

North Bend Central outscored Fort Calhoun 18-8 in the 3rd quarter to go up 52-24 at the end of three.

Both teams scored 13 points in the 4th quarter.

Strong finish to the regular season for the Tigers, and also a strong start to the postseason.

North Bend Central (21-3) takes on Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (15-9) in the Sub-District Final Thursday night.

The Raiders won 31-28 over West Point-Beemer in Tuesday night's Semifinals.

The Tigers beat LVSS 52-36 on the road in the regular season.

North Bend Central should win this one you would think.

However, with the new Sub-State format more upsets have seemed to happen so far than they did before.

I don't know if it's favorites tend to lax or what the deal is, but look at West Point-Beemer and North Bend Central in girls last week.

Similar situation between the Raiders and Tiger Boys Thursday night.

North Bend Central has to come out and play well and be ready to take care of business Thursday night.

The Tigers have to play the way they have the last two games.

If North Bend Central can do that then they should be able to take care of business.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder is led by the likes of Trystain Roseberry and Connor Larson.

The Raiders are young, but talented.

The Tigers are the more experienced and veteran laden team though so it is simply North Bend Central's time.

The Tigers have to come out ready to roll from the get go, and must play championship basketball.

It figures to be a split crowd between the Sub-District Final and Girls District Final so North Bend Central has to adjust and adapt to their crowd being smaller than usual if that is the case.

The Tigers simply have to go out there and play their game and do what they've done for much of the season, which is dominate.

The game will tip-off at 7:00 p.m.

Win or lose, North Bend Central will advance to Sub-State.

The North Bend Central Girls Basketball Team defeated Arlington 39-36 in the C1-6 Sub-District Semifinals at Oakland-Craig last Tuesday night before upsetting West Point-Beemer 53-46 in overtime in the Sub-District Final Thursday night.

The Eagles led 13-12 at the end of one before the Tigers won the 2nd quarter 8-7 to tie the game at 20 at halftime.

Arlington won the 3rd quarter 10-9 to lead 30-29 at the end of three.

North Bend Central won the 4th quarter 10-6.

The Tigers led the Cadets 12-10 after one. Both teams scored 13 points in the 2nd quarter, and the score was 25-23 at halftime in favor of North Bend Central.

The Tigers won the 3rd quarter 11-9 to go up 36-32 at the end of three.

West Point-Beemer won the 4th quarter 12-8 to tie the game at 44 and send it into overtime.

North Bend Central outlasted the Cadets 9-2 in the extra session.

Head Coach Aaron Sterup says his team was battle tested, and that allowed them to get over the hump on Thursday. "I think our girls knew what was on the line and weren’t quite ready to have this season end. They have fought back all year when we have been in tough situations, so I think we are very practiced in what to do when we are down late. It was really just a lot of guts and effort. They were mentally strong enough to make plays when we needed them."

The Tigers (18-7) take on Grand Island Central Catholic (18-5) in the C1-7 District Final at Cross County Thursday night.

The Crusaders lost 35-28 to Adams Central in the C1-9 Sub-District Final at Kearney High Thursday night.

I think North Bend Central has a great shot to win this game.

Sterup says GICC is a tough matchup. "They are obviously a very good team. They have a big inside presence, so we will have to be strong inside on both offense and defense. We really have been rebounding much better lately. That trend will have to continue. If we are going to have a chance to win, we will need to get extra opportunities for ourselves and limit their extra chances. They are very athletic and tough-minded, so we will have our work cut out for us."

The Tigers are big inside too with the likes of Lauren Emanuel and Faith Taylor.

Sterup says his team has developed a tough mentality over the course of the season. "Our confidence has grown lately. Early in the year we were a little rusty and lacked the confidence that we could do things when they were needed. Now I think our girls expect to succeed, which is a mentality that every good team must have. We expect to win every game, whether we really should or not. That is a big part of beating good teams. We have that now."

This figures to be a very close and tight ball game.

It would be a huge deal for North Bend Central to win it, and I hope it happens.

Sterup says making state would be special for this group. "I think it would be a great accomplishment. We knew coming in we had a lot of talent that really hadn’t had a chance to show itself yet because of the group we had. It just took us some time to put it all together and have these girls realize what varsity basketball was all about. I think we have that figured out and are playing well because of it. Our girls are very motivated to show that they can play basketball."

I don't think there's any doubt the Tigers have proven their worth and deserve to be where they are at.

North Bend Central has come a long ways and earned everything they have accomplished this year.

It has truly been a special, great, and remarkable season for the Tigers, and I hope the momentum and ride continues all the way to the State Tournament.

This one is for all the marbles, and is the biggest game of the season for North Bend Central so far no doubt.

The game was supposed to be played on Friday, but was moved up a day due to the weather.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Boys lose regular season finale to Yutan, beat West Point-Beemer in Sub-Districts

The Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Boys Basketball Team lost 50-35 at home to Yutan Friday night before winning 31-28 over West Point-Beemer in the C1-6 Sub-District Semifinals at Oakland-Craig Tuesday night.

The Raiders and Chieftains were tied at 12 at the end of one before Yutan won the 2nd quarter 12-7 to take a 24-19 lead into the locker room.

The Chieftains won the 3rd quarter 13-9 to go up 37-28 at the end of three.

Yutan outscored LVSS 13-7 in the 4th quarter.

Trystain Roseberry had 12 points to lead the Raiders while Connor Larson was also in double figures with 10.

The Cadets went up 8-2 after one. Both teams scored 8 points in the 2nd quarter, and the score was 16-10 at halftime in favor of West Point-Beemer.

The Raiders battled back in the 2nd half, winning the 3rd quarter 13-8 to make it a 24-23 game at the end of three in favor of the Cadets.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder doubled up West Point-Beemer 8-4 in the 4th quarter.

Roseberry notched 9 points while Larson totaled 8.

I thought the Raiders showed some fight and grit coming back the way they did against the Cadets.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (15-9) takes on North Bend Central (21-3) in the Sub-District Final Thursday night.

The Tigers dominated Arlington 69-26 in Tuesday night's Semifinals.

North Bend Central beat the Raiders 52-36 in the regular season.

Conventional wisdom says the Tigers are going to win this one, but anything can happen.

This new Sub-State format has created a whole new kind of upset, in my opinion.

It seems like maybe with the favorites knowing they're already heading to Sub-State they have a tendency to lax some in Sub-Districts.

At least that what it seems like has happened in certain games in Girls Sub-Districts.

The season is over for Logan View/Scribner-Snyder if they lose Thursday night.

The Raiders will not earn one of the four wildcards into Sub-State unless they win.

Knowing they have nothing to lose makes LVSS a really dangerous team, in my opinion.

The Raiders just have to go out there and play their game, and let it rip.

Roseberry, Larson, Nathan Wacker, Austin Peters, Riley Hoetfelker, and others all need to have big games for Logan View/Scribner-Snyder.

The Raiders have to defend the Tigers' drive and kick game, and contest shots from the three-point line.

North Bend Central is a great team, and these two teams know one another very well.

I fully expect a great game and battle between the two squads Thursday night.

The Tigers are in Sub-State win or lose so perhaps North Bend Central won't play with as much of a sense of urgency as Logan View/Scribner-Snyder.

This is do or die for the Raiders....win and the season continues, lose and it's over.

The Tigers are a veteran, senior laden experienced ball club, which makes them tough, but LVSS has some good young talent so we'll see what happens.

Game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.