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.
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