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.
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