BRLD Boys win C-2 State Championship

Two conference opponents squared off for the third time this season when Bancroft-Rosalie/Lyons-Decatur and Howells-Dodge met in the opening round of the Class C2 boys state basketball tournament at Northeast High School on Thursday, as heard on 107.9 The Bull.

BRLD got off to a hot start, taking a 19-9 lead after the first quarter.

Howells-Dodge scored 15 points in the second quarter, cutting their deficit to six points. BRLD led 30-24 at the half.

The Jaguars hit a three pointer on their first offensive possession of the third quarter to cut it to 30-27, but the Wolverines went on to score 18 points in the quarter, leading Howells-Dodge 48-33 after three.

The fourth quarter was high scoring for both teams, and Howells-Dodge made one last run, but BRLD was able to pull away for the 70-51 win.

Dylan Beutler had 21 points for BRLD. Lucas Vogt added 18, with Will Gatzemeyer and Jaxon Johnson each scoring 10.


A combined record of 49-3 was on hand when Bancroft-Rosalie/Lyons-Decatur met Centennial in the Class C2 boys state basketball semifinals at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Friday, as heard on the Bull.

BRLD hit five three-pointers in the first quarter, including three from Darwin Snyder, and the Wolverines led 17-9 after one.

The Broncos responded in the second by connecting on a trio of their own three-pointers, and outscored BRLD 9-8. But the Wolverines still led 25-18 at halftime.

BRLD completely took the game over in the second half, holding Centennial scoreless in the third quarter, while scoring a dozen points of their own.

In fact, Centennial went over 14 minutes without scoring a point, starting with 4:27 left in the second quarter, and ending midway through the fourth. The Broncos didn’t score their first shot from the field in the second half until 3:23 left in the game.

BRLD added 17 points in the fourth compared to 7 for Centennial, and the Wolverines won 54-25.

Vogt had 18 points for the Wolverines.


Bancroft-Rosalie/Lyons-Decatur continued their impressive state tournament run, defeating Yutan 54-42 for the Class C2 boys state basketball championship Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena in action heard on 107.9 The Bull.

BRLD led from start to finish, taking a 14-8 lead at the end of the first quarter, and pulled to a 27-16 lead at halftime.

The lead grew to 14 points for the Wolverines, as they were ahead 38-24 after three quarters.

Shots started to fall for the Chieftains in the fourth quarter, and they were able to pull within 8 points, but BRLD pulled away to win.

Johnson led the Wolverines with 15 points, to go along with 13 from Gatzemeyer.

The Wolverines won their three state tournament games by a combined average of 20 points.

BRLD ends their impressive season at 27-1 overall, and as the champions of Class C2.

The title is the first state championship in any sport for Bancroft-Rosalie/Lyons-Decatur since the co-op began three years ago.

Head Coach Cory Meyer on his team. "They're not just a good group of athletes. They're great kids. And they're a lot of fun to be around. That makes this much more enjoyable."

Meyer adds being a state champion is an amazing feeling. "It's almost like having kids. You don't know what it's like until you have them. The same feeling. You don't know what it's like to be a state champion until you are, when it happens. I tell you what you can't really describe it it's an unbelievable feeling."

This is truly a great and amazing accomplishment for this team.

My good friend Keith Eriksen called it a few years ago, he said BRLD would be State Champs this year, and he was right.

Meyer says beating the Broncos the way they did was a combination of their defense and Centennial's cold shooting. "I would have to assume it's both. They're a really good shooting team. But they live and die by the 3-point line is what they do. And sometimes it helps, sometimes it hurts, and I think that game it really hurt. But we'd had a walk through that morning and we went through must of the stuff that they run, and our kids executed very well."

Meyer adds Yutan was a good matchup for his team. "We matched up very well. And they got I think that Timm kid, and we got Vogt and they were matched up together, and they were very similar, and they played ball together in the summer time, and they know each other very well."

Vogt finished with 14 points a game to lead the team in scoring while Beutler averaged 13 and Snyder and Johnson 10 apiece. Gatzemeyer averaged 9.

Johnson and Beutler each averaged 7 rebounds a game to lead the team in that category.

The Wolverines graduate just one senior in Nick Ronnfeldt.

Meyer says it was special for Ronnfeldt to be on the court at the end of the state championship game. "It was pretty cool. When we put him in there it was neat. Meeting Jaxon and they greeted about midcourt, and watching our fans and parents and everybody that came to support us stand and applaud. And it was really cool. I know it put a big smile on his face. And Nick's been a pretty big part of this team coming in and subbing for Jaxon."

I'm sure that's a moment Ronnfeldt will remember for the rest of his life.

Key returners include Beutler, Gatzemeyer, Vogt, Snyder, and Johnson.

Meyer says things look really good heading into the future. "I like our chances, I really do. You got to like Yutan's chances as well. They got their guys coming back too. It's yeah it's going to be really interesting. And I hope the kids are still hungry. And I know that's going to try and be another goal to try and get a repeat. And that's all we can do. And try to get these guys ready. Not only physically, but we got to get these kids prepped mentally everyday, and have them realize hey one state championship's great, but let's try and get two."

BRLD should enjoy this State Championship, but not be complacent, and get ready for next year when it's time.

North Bend Central Boys finish State Runner-Up

North Bend Central opened the Class C1 boys basketball tournament against Adams Central at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Thursday, as heard on 107.9 The Bull.

Adams Central was held scoreless until the final 30 seconds of the first quarter, and NBC led 11-2 after the first.

The Patriots went on a run in the second, but the Tigers held a 19-15 lead at halftime.

Despite a pair of three pointers from NBC, Adams Central won the third quarter 15-12. The teams swapped leads a couple of times, however, NBC took a narrow 31-30 lead into the fourth.

There were more lead changes in the fourth, but NBC was able to make free throws down the stretch, and a late layup gave the Tigers a six point lead in the final seconds.

A foul was called with less than a second left in the game, giving Adams Central one last opportunity to score points.

In the end, the final score favored North Bend Central, 42-37.

Tanner Wietfeld had 16 points to lead NBC.


North Bend Central looked to play spoiler to Ogallala’s undefeated season when the two teams met in the semifinals of the boys Class C1 state basketball tournament Friday morning at Pinnacle Bank Arena, in action heard on the Bull.

Wietfeld scored 11 points in the first quarter, including a trio of three pointers, and the Tigers led 17-14 after the first.

The Tigers matched their point total in the second, thanks to a nine point quarter from John Emanuel, and NBC led 34-26 at halftime.

Ogallala went on a short run in the third quarter, but the Tigers still outscored them 13-12 in the period, taking a 47-38 lead after three.

NBC held the Indians to just six points in the fourth quarter, and the Tigers were able to pull away, winning the game 64-44.

Ogallala was previously undefeated at 27-0 heading into the game.

Wietfeld scored 26 to lead NBC, with Emanuel adding 14.


North Bend Central was aiming for its first boys state basketball title in school history when the faced Auburn for the C1 crown Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena, heard on the Bull.

Points were at a premium throughout the game, with Auburn leading 12-6 after the first, and 16-14 at halftime.

Both teams scored just four points in the third quarter, and the Bulldogs led 20-18 after three.

North Bend Central went on a short run in the fourth, taking a 27-24 lead.

Auburn tied the game at 27-27 before the Tigers got a late bucket to take a 29-27 lead.

The Bulldogs had the ball in the final seconds, and connected on a deep three-pointer to take a 30-29 lead with 1.4 seconds remaining.

NBC called a timeout to design a play, but their desperation heave missed, securing the 30-29 win for Auburn.

Wietfeld had 8 points for the Tigers, and Jaxon Wietfeld scored 7.

Head Coach Jon Baehr had this to say to his team following the heartbreaking loss. "I told them that the measure of a man isn't based on how many games they win or titles that they are associated with. The measure of a man is how you go about your life. While today may feel like falling short, it is truly a special moment that very few get to experience and that I was so very proud of them and honored to be part of it and to be their coach."

North Bend Central ends their season at 25-4 overall, and as the Class C1 State Runner-Up.

What a tremendous season for the Tigers.

North Bend Central won a game at state for the first time in school history and played in their first state championship game since 1926.

Baehr says the state championship game appearance is something everyone will always remember. "I think anytime you have a chance to be in the state final it is a big deal. That requires so much heart and dedication to make it there, doesn't matter if it was last year or 90 years ago. It was a special moment that I can say the team, our coaches, the community who supported us, our school anyone associated with our program will never forget."

This was certainly a very special ride and season for the seniors in particular.

The Tigers say goodbye to Emanuel, Tanner Wietfeld, Chase Ruzicka, Ben Rolenc, Cole Kluthe, and Zander Zietlow.

Baehr says this year's senior class accomplished a lot. "This group was a special group and I enjoyed coaching them so very much. They accomplished a lot things in their time. They won 88 games in their 4 years of high school. Very few groups can say they were part of that. They went to the state tournament twice, when before they started their career we had been there only twice in the previous 90 years. They are the first team in 90 plus years to win a game in the state tournament and then make it to the finals. However, the key part is they represented themselves, their families, our community, and our school in a classy way and I couldn't be more proud of them."

Baehr adds the seniors definitely left their mark on the program. "I think they continued to build upon the work of those that had come before them. They worked hard and did things the right way and I think that is what they will leave behind for our next group to work off of."

Baehr says this year's state run was truly special and memorable. "I think it was a tremendous experience for our kids. They have put in a lot of time over the off season and worked really hard this season and to have an opportunity to play in the state tournament and make a run for the title will be a memory that they can take with as an adult."

Key returners include Breckin Peters, Austin Endorf, and Jaxon Wietfeld.

I look for these three to be catalysts and step up and lead next year's team.

This was an amazing and fantastic season for the Tigers, and now all future teams can do is build upon it and try and win the whole thing.

Losing to a legendary Coach in Jim Weeks is nothing to hang your head about for sure no matter how much the loss hurts or stings right now.

Howells-Dodge Boys lose to BRLD in first round of State

Two conference opponents squared off for the third time this season when Bancroft-Rosalie/Lyons-Decatur and Howells-Dodge met in the opening round of the Class C2 boys state basketball tournament at Northeast High School Thursday night, as heard on 107.9 The Bull.

BRLD got off to a hot start, taking a 19-9 lead after the first quarter.

Howells-Dodge scored 15 points in the second quarter, cutting their deficit to six points. BRLD led 30-24 at the half.

The Jaguars hit a three pointer on their first offensive possession of the third quarter to cut it to 30-27, but the Wolverines went on to score 18 points in the quarter, leading Howells-Dodge 48-33 after three.

The fourth quarter was high scoring for both teams, and Howells-Dodge made one last run, but BRLD was able to pull away for the 70-51 win.

Blake Sindelar had 23 points for Howells-Dodge, with Josh Brester and Luke Rocheford each adding 11.

Great effort from the Jaguars, I just thought the Wolverines were a step faster.

The Jaguars end their season at 18-10 overall.

It was definitely a huge and tremendous accomplishment for Howells-Dodge to make state in Head Coach Kevin Janata's first season. "Making it to state my first year in Howells-Dodge was certainly satisfying. As a coach, you always dream of a chance to coach in the state tournament, and to achieve that in my first year here was definitely unexpected. Watching this team on film and then working with them this summer, I knew we were talented and had a lot of potential, but you never know if that potential is going to materialize into a state appearance," Janata said.

I have to admit I didn't know if Howells-Dodge would be this good this fast. I knew the Jaguars had the potential, but they were a relatively young team this year.

Janata says the team hung in there and persevered when things got tough. "I couldn't be more proud of this group of kids and what they accomplished this year. At one point, this team was 3-3 and had lost 3 in a row and this season could have gone very differently at that point. The kids did a nice job of staying the course, buying into what the coaches were saying, and believing that they had the potential to be a state tournament team. To make it to state certainly makes the hard work that went into this season worth it."

The Jaguars say goodbye to seniors Josh Brester, Matt Cada, Kade Hegemann, Lane Hegemann, and Cole Stewart.

Janata says all the seniors were big contributors and helped lay a foundation for future success in the program. "This group of seniors was a very special class. They not only were great team leaders, but they bought into a new coaching philosophy and were able to learn a completely new offense in a short amount of time. We are definitely going to miss all 5 seniors who each contributed to the team in their own way. Josh Brester was our defensive specialist, our second leading scorer, and very capable of hitting big time shots. Lane Hegemann was our big enforcer inside, averaging over 7 rebounds a game and bringing toughness to our lineup. Matt Cada and Cole Stewart each came off the bench and gave our team very valuable minutes. And Kade Hegemann, although hurt during the football season and not able to play most of the season, showed up day in and day out, mentoring his teammates and showing how to successfully deal with the disappointment of injury."

Key returners include Charlie Dvorak, Rocheford, Sindelar, RJ Bayer, Darrin Pokorny, Austin Steffensmeier, and Logan Nelson.

Janata says the future is bright. "I am very excited for the future of the program. We have 3 starters returning, 3 role players that saw a lot of varsity time returning, and several other players who are in a position to step up and contribute on the varsity level. This team has seen the hard work and dedication it takes to compete at a high level and make it to state. I think we will have a highly motivated group with the goal of not only making it to state next year, but fighting for a chance to play at PBA."

This was a great season, and now the Jaguars have to build upon it and try and win a game or two at state next year.

That would certainly be a tremendous accomplishment and should be a goal heading into next year.

BRLD Boys knock off Hastings St. Cecilia in Sub-State to get back to State

The BRLD Boys Basketball Team is heading back to State as the Wolverines won 48-41 over Hastings St. Cecilia in the C2-1 Sub-State Final from Columbus last Monday.

The Wolverines led 13-9 at the end of one before both teams scored 11 points in the 2nd quarter to make it a 24-20 game at halftime in favor of BRLD.

The Wolverines won the 3rd quarter 9-7 to extend their lead to 33-27 at the end of three.

BRLD won the 4th quarter 15-14.

Lucas Vogt and Darwin Snyder each had 13 points while Dylan Beutler totaled 9 points and 12 rebounds.

Scary game, especially for a 1/16 game, but the Bluehawks are always a tough out no matter their record.

The Wolverines (24-1) battle Howells-Dodge (18-9) in the first round of State Thursday night at Lincoln Northeast in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Jaguars upset Freeman 45-41 in overtime in the C2-4 Sub-State Final from Malcolm last Monday night in action aired on the Bull.

Howells-Dodge handed BRLD their only loss of the regular season, winning 61-51 at home over the Wolverines on December 14th.

BRLD came back and defeated the Jaguars 56-34 in the Howells-Dodge Holiday Tournament Championship Game on December 29th.

Head Coach Cory Meyer says the early season loss to the Jaguars was just the wake up call his team needed. "Right now I would say we're playing pretty good. The whole season wise we didn't start off the best, and to be honest with you it took that loss to Howells-Dodge to kind of wake us up a little bit, and realize that we weren't the Alpha Dog that some of the kids probably thought we were, and we just need to be humbled there, and get back into the grind, and just work on ourselves and fundamentals, and just get back to the realization that anything can happen on any given night, and you can't take anybody for granted."

This figures to be a tough opening State game for the Wolverines given the familiarity the two teams have with one another.

Meyer says it's a pretty even matchup. "We matchup very well as a team together. They got their bigs we got our bigs, they got their guards we got our guards. It's a pretty good overall matchup. And basketball is all about matchups, and we do, we match up very well together."

Basketball is a game of runs and momentum as well, and I feel whichever team can get on that big run throughout the course of the game stands the best chance of winning.

I think BRLD being at State last year and having that experience of the big gym atmosphere and everything like that really helps them.

With that said, the Jaguars have nothing to lose and may not be feeling the pressure whatsoever.

The Wolverines have to be on top of their game, because if they're not, an upset could definitely happen.

Centennial or Wakefield would be tough in the State Semifinals as well, but BRLD is more than capable of winning the whole ball of wax.

It will be interesting to see how things turn out.

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

The Semifinal game would be on Friday at 3:45 p.m. at the Devaney Center.

The C-2 State Championship Game is at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Howells-Dodge Boys beat LHNE, lose to Wakefield in Sub-Districts; upset Freeman in Sub-State

A strong second half propelled Howells-Dodge past Lutheran High Northeast 64-44 in the C2-6 Sub-District Semifinals from Norfolk Catholic on Tuesday, February 19th.

The two teams played each just four days prior, with the Jaguars also winning that contest, 67-63.

The Eagles tied the first quarter score at 11-1 after a buzzer beating three points. The Jaguars went off for 17 points in the second quarter to lead 28-20 at the half.

A 36 point second half helped Howells-Dodge create separation and gain the win.

Lane Hegemann led three Howells-Dodge players in double figures with 18 points, 16 of them in the second half. Blake Sindelar added 15 points and RJ Bayer had 11.

Head Coach Kevin Janata. "We weren't really hitting our shots on Friday. We talked about how we wanted to push the ball, and I think we got some good transition points. And the main thing was talking on defense just doing the small fundamental things. I mean I feel like we gave up a lot of lay ups on Friday, and we did a nice job of protecting the basket and rebounding and talking on defense. Much better this time."

The Jaguars then lost 57-49 to Wakefield in the Sub-District Final on Thursday, February 21st.

Howells-Dodge led 12-9 after one before the Trojans won the 2nd quarter 14-13 to make it a 25-23 game at halftime in favor of the Jaguars.

Wakefield outscored Howells-Dodge 17-7 in the 3rd quarter to go up 40-32 at the end of three.

Both teams scored 17 points in the 4th quarter.

Howells-Dodge upset Freeman 45-41 in overtime in the C2-4 Sub-State Final from Malcolm in action aired on 107.9 the Bull on Monday, February 25th.

The Jaguars hit a layup just before the first buzzer to take a 10-5 lead after the first quarter, and then led 20-16 at halftime.

Freeman outscored Howells-Dodge in the third quarter, and the game was tied 27-27 after the third.

After a short run in the fourth, the Jaguars led at one time by eight points, the largest margin for either team in the game.

Howells-Dodge was up 36-33 late in the fourth when the Falcons hit a three pointer to tie the game at 36-36 at the end of regulation, sending the game into overtime.

Jaguars made 5 of 7 free throws in the extra period while outscoring the Falcons 9-5, and went on to claim the upset victory 45-41. Howells-Dodge was the #13 seed heading into the game while Freeman was the #4 seed.

“We already gave our end of season speech when we lost to Wakefield, we knew it was a long shot to get the wildcard, and I don’t think anybody wanted to feel that feeling again,” Janata said. “We just said at pregame you guys gotta go out there and you have to play with no fear, you just gotta leave it all on the line and have no regrets win, lose or draw at the end. Just know that you gave it everything you got.”

The Jaguars are making their first state tournament appearance since 2014.

Janata. "We're just lucky that we executed down the stretch when it came down to it. We had a little bit of a lead in the 4th quarter, and then credit Freeman....they battled their way back and tied it up at the end of regulation. And at that time you're just playing on adrenaline and whatever you got left, and the boys did a nice job of pulling through in the end."

Howells-Dodge (18-9) will play BRLD (24-1) in the first round of State on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Lincoln Northeast in the 1/8 seed game in action that can be heard on the Bull.

The Wolverines won 48-41 over Hastings St. Cecilia in the C2-1 Sub-State Final from Columbus last Monday.

The Jaguars beat BRLD 61-51 at home on December 14th before losing 56-34 to the Wolverines on December 29th at the Howells-Dodge Holiday Tournament.

Janata on the matchup. "I know we've definitely improved since those games. Going in BRLD is a good team, and yeah we beat them before, but we know they beat us a couple days later. And they've also improved as a team as well."

It should be a heck of a game and matchup, and I can't wait to see how things turn out and transpire.

If there was ever a time for an 8 seed to knock off a 1 seed this would be it.

This is a tough bracket with Centennial and Wakefield waiting for a potential Semifinal matchup.

I'm sure Howells-Dodge would love another crack at the Trojans, but both teams have to win first.

It's a big deal for the Jaguars to be at State, but Howells-Dodge has to want to do something at state and can't be satisfied with just being there.

It's kind of unfortunate that two of our area teams have to meet in the first round, but it is what it is.

It's kind of exciting in a way because we are guaranteed to have someone in the State Semifinals.

I'm honestly looking forward to watching the game in person as it should be a lot of fun.

State is a great time nonetheless, and this is an experience these kids will remember for the rest of their lives.

It's something you dream about growing up in small town Nebraska, and now these kids have an opportunity to do something special.

8 seeds have won state before so the Jaguars need to dream and think big.

Howells-Dodge beat BRLD once, and that definitely has to help with confidence and everything.

The winner plays at the Devaney Center on Friday in the Semifinals at 3:45 p.m.

The C-2 State Championship game will be played at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

North Bend Central Boys beat Logan View/Scribner-Snyder in Sub-District Final, knock off Mitchell in Sub-State Final

The North Bend Central Boys Basketball Team won 39-31 over Logan View/Scribner-Snyder in the C1-6 Sub-District Final from Oakland-Craig on Thursday, February 21st before downing Mitchell 64-51 in the C1-4 Sub-State Final from Lexington on Monday, February 25th.

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.


North Bend Central led Mitchell 18-15 after one. NBC won the 2nd quarter 15-13 to take a 33-28 lead into the locker room.

North Bend Central outscored Mitchell 17-4 in the 3rd quarter to go up 50-32 at the end of three.

Mitchell won the 4th quarter 19-14.

Tanner Wietfeld had 21 points while John Emanuel posted 13.

Huge accomplishment for NBC to get back to state.

The Tigers (23-3) take on Adams Central (17-7) in the first round of State Thursday afternoon from the Devaney Center in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Patriots won 72-49 over Ashland-Greenwood in the C1-5 Sub-State Final Monday night.

Head Coach Jon Baehr says Adams Central is a really good team. "Coach Foster does a great job, and they got some really talented players. They got some guys that are really difficult to guard. They got some guys that can really play and really do some great things."

The two teams met in the first round of the 2016 State Tournament with the Patriots winning 53-43.

I feel this North Bend Central team is stronger than they were then, and I don't know if Adams Central is quite as good as they were that year.

Still though the Tigers lost by 10 to Seward whereas the Patriots fell to the Bluejays by 4.

North Bend Central also lost to GICC by 9 while Adams Central downed the Crusaders by 7.

Baehr says it will be key for his team to be on offensively in this tournament. "I think with our guys it's just about flow and playing the game the right way. And we got guys that are playing with a lot of confidence, so it will be important for us to kind of carry that on into the state tournament and make sure we're taking quality shots, and good shots. I think if we do that we'll make some and we'll just keep working on it."

I think the Tigers have a good shot to win this game.

And if they do, I wouldn't be surprised if North Bend Central made it to Championship Saturday.

Baehr has nothing but positive things to say about his team and the way they play the game. "Our guys play with a lot of confidence. They enjoy playing the game. They have a very team oriented attitude. And I think we're going to come out and we'll play really hard, and see where that leads us."

It should be a heck of a ball game, and I look forward to watching the game in person.

I will be at the Devaney Center cheering the Tigers on, and look forward to a great and fun filled state tournament.

It should be a lot of fun, and I hope North Bend Central comes out on top.

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

The Tigers would play at 10:45 a.m. at Pinnacle Bank Arena in the Semifinals on Friday if they win Thursday.

The C-1 State Championship Game will be at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday at PBA.

Oakland-Craig Girls finish 3rd at State

In just its second state tournament appearance in school history, the Oakland-Craig girls basketball team squared off with Ponca in the opening round of the C2 bracket at Lincoln Southwest High School on Thursday, as heard on 107.9 The Bull.

The Knights hit five three pointers in the first quarter, including three in a row to end the period, and took a 17-5 lead into the second.

Ponca came out strong in the second quarter, outscoring the Knights 15-14, but it was Oakland-Craig leading at halftime 31-20.

Ashley Denton connected on five shots from three point range in the first half for 15 points.

Ponca again came out strong in the third quarter and cut the deficit to just two points, but Oakland-Craig caught fire toward the end of the frame, thanks in part to Dacey Nelson scoring 14 points in the quarter. The Knights led 50-38 after three.

Ponca made one more run in the fourth, but Oakland-Craig was able to stay on top and pull away for the 59-47 victory.

Nelson ended up with 25 points on the game, to go along with 15 from Denton and 11 from Kennedy Benne.


Oakland-Craig lost an overtime thriller 72-68 to Hastings St. Cecilia in the semifinals of the Class C2 state tournament at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Action heard on 107.9 The Bull Friday.

The Knights jumped out to a 12-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.

HSC caught fire offensively in the second period, outscoring Oakland-Craig 20-10 in the frame, while taking a 30-22 lead into halftime.

The third quarter favored the Hawkettes as well, with HSC now leading 42-30 heading into the final quarter.

Oakland-Craig came to life in the final period, erupting for 27 points and even taking a lead for a short while.

HSC hit a three pointer with 9 seconds to go, giving them a 57-54 lead.

The Knights took the ball down to their end of the floor and called timeout with 3.6 seconds left in the game.

On the ensuing play, Dacey Nelson hit a three pointer as time expired to tie the game at 57-57, sending things into overtime.

Teams swapped leads a couple times early in the extra period, but HSC was able to make free throws when it counted, holding on for the 72-68 victory.

Nelson finished the game with 33 points for the Knights, including an 11-12 performance from the free throw line.

Benne went 15-18 from the foul line to finish with 15 points, and Jeannina Blahak added 12.

As a team, Oakland-Craig finished 30-37 from the charity stripe.


Oakland-Craig earned bronze, defeating Fillmore Central 68-60 in the third place game at Lincoln Southeast on Saturday morning.

The Knights led from start to finish, taking a 19-16 lead at the end of the first quarter, and a 33-32 lead into halftime.

Oakland-Craig continued its strong offensive performance in the second half, outscoring the Panthers 18-13 in the third quarter and 17-14 in the fourth quarter, on their way to the 68-60 victory.

The Knights were great again from the free throw line, converting on 25 of 30 attempts.

Nelson scored 31 points to lead Oakland-Craig, bringing her three day tournament total to 89 points. Benne added 13.

What a fantastic and amazing season for the Knights. Oakland-Craig certainly had a great run.

Oakland-Craig ends their 2018-2019 campaign with a 23-4 record and a third place finish.

Nelson received All-Tournament honors from both major Nebraska publications following her stellar performance at the girls state basketball tournament Feb. 28 – March 2. Nelson was named to the All-Class tournament team, as well as the Class C2 team for the Omaha World Herald. Nelson also received Class C2 honors for the Lincoln Journal Star.

What a ride it was for the team this year.

Nelson averaged 27 points on the season while Benne averaged 14 a game.

The St. Cecilia game was basically the state championship game, in my opinion.

The Knights say goodbye to Nelson, Denton, Grace Pille, Natalia McNeill, and Ellie Weitzenkamp.

This senior class accounted for so much for Oakland-Craig, helping lead the Knights to their first two State Tournament appearances in School History.

Oakland-Craig brings back a lot of talent though in Benne, Makenna Pearson, Blahak, Ashten Rennerfeldt, and Mya Guzinski.

This team can certainly be great again next year and make state for the 3rd time in the last 5 years, in my opinion.

I look for Benne to take on the type of scoring role she took on when Nelson was hurt last year.

The Knights will need to develop a second and third scoring option with the departure of Nelson and others though.

But from what I understand Oakland-Craig has some good talent coming up.

The Knights should sit back and enjoy this one for a little while, but be ready to get back to work when the time calls.

Oakland-Craig can't be complacent or satisfied with this season's success...the Knights have to want more next year.

It's going to take a lot of hard work in the offseason for Oakland-Craig to get back to state, but it can definitely happen.

This was the Knights' year though, and they certainly had a great and tremendous State Tournament showing.

North Bend Central Girls fall in overtime to Bishop Neumann in first round of State

North Bend Central met #2 seeded Bishop Neumann in the first round of the girls Class C1 state basketball tournament at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Thursday.

The game was close throughout, with Neumann holding a slim 23-21 lead at halftime.

North Bend Central was held to nine points in the third quarter and found themselves trailing 35-30 heading into the fourth.

The Tigers turned the tide in the fourth, and held a two point lead with just over two minutes to play. The score ended up tied at 46-46 at the end of regulation.

Neumann held NBC to just two points in the extra period, and the Cavaliers won 52-48.

Sydney Emanuel led the Tigers with 13 points, while Megan Ortmeier and Cierra Kluthe each added 10.

Head Coach Aaron Sterup says the loss was a tough pill to swallow. "It was very disappointing because of the fact that we thought we had the game won. They made some nice plays down the stretch, but I thought we outplayed them. We were unlucky as much as anything. I would hope that a game like that would really be a motivator for next season."

North Bend Central ends its season at 19-8.

What a great run for the Tigers this year. I don't know if many outside the program expected North Bend Central to do what they did and make the kind of run they did.

This team put things together at the right time and really did some nice things.

Sterup says his team persevered and reached their potential. "I think we knew the entire time we had a lot of talent and ability. It just took us some time to gain some confidence and learn how to play basketball the way we had to to be successful. Once we figured out our roles and what worked for us, I knew we would be tough to beat. The girls worked very hard. After losses, they came ready to improve. After wins, they came in the same way. They are a good group that wants to be successful and is willing to work to make that happen."

North Bend Central says goodbye to Faith Taylor, Kendra Lorence, and Cami Faltin.

Next year should be a really good year with the likes of Lauren Emanuel, Ortmeier, Sydney Emanuel, Kluthe, Ashley Humlicek, and Abby Post among those returning.

Sterup says the team is anxious for next year to begin. "Well, we can certainly use a bit of a break, but I am sure we will all be biting at the bit to get going much sooner than November. It should make for an exciting 8 months getting ready for the challenge."

I think the Tigers can make a big state run next year if everything falls into place.

This team could of easily made the State Semifinals or farther with the right matchup.

I think North Bend Central proved how great of a team they are this season.

The Sub-State format really helped the Tigers although NBC won their way through the postseason anyways.

I think the loss to the Cavaliers is something the Tigers can use as motivation to get even better next season.

There's no doubt North Bend Central can be a great team next year with the potential to win a State Title.

The Tigers have a lot of key pieces back next year and should be a huge force to be reckoned with once again next season.

I look for North Bend Central to have a huge offseason and comeback even stronger next year than they were this year.

West Point-Beemer Girls fall to Lincoln Christian at State

The West Point-Beemer girls basketball team took the trip to Lincoln for their first ever state tournament appearance on Thursday, meeting Lincoln Christian at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, in Class C1 action heard on 107.9 The Bull.

Sierra Kile hit a pair of three pointers in the first quarter, but the Crusader still led 13-6 at the end of the frame.

The Cadets were again held to single digit scoring in the second quarter, and Lincoln Christian took a 29-14 lead into halftime.

West Point-Beemer had its best quarter of the game in the third, thanks to three points buckets by Kile, Rachel Groth and Sidney Swanson, but the Crusaders still led by 10 and 47-37 heading into the fourth.

Swanson added six more points in the final period, but Lincoln Christian was able to keep the Cadets at bay, winning the game 46-35.

“I know that Coach Orduna really had a great game plan, he knew that we had some outside shooters so he had the guards go out and contest them. And they had 6’4 in the middle of the lane so took away a little bit of our driving game,” head coach Taylor Shepard said. “It was just tough to get something going in that first half especially, you never want to end a half with 14 points, much less down at the state tournament. So I thought that there were definitely some things that we could learn and grow from, but our girls had such a great season, and I don’t think that’s maybe a reflection of how the whole season went.”

Both Swanson and Kile had 13 points for the Cadets, with 11 of Swanson’s points coming in the second half.

West Point-Beemer ends their season at 23-3 overall.

What a marvelous and fantastic season for the Cadets.

West Point-Beemer did great, finishing 6th in the final rankings.

Kile and Swanson were the team's leading scorers on the season at 14 points per game while Andrea Hoffman finished with an average of 8.

The Cadets say goodbye to six seniors in Darian Repschlaeger, Kile, Hoffman, Kendra Paasch, Abby Kaup, and Brooke Haase.

Shepard says these seniors earned everything they accomplished this season. "I think the biggest thing is just thank you to that phenomenal group of seniors that we had. Their leadership from Day One has been incredible. They showed up early every single day this summer, and worked as hard as they possibly could. They showed up and shot every morning before we had practice, and they're just such a great group of girls who are going to do great things."

Shepard adds the future looks bright given who all comes back next year.  "Having Sidney Swanson back at the point guard position and a role as a junior will really be helpful for us as she's really settled in and had some of this state experience now. Abbey Dale, who had a phenomenal second half for us and was a really big part of that spark to get us back into the game. She'll be back as our senior, which I'm excited to see what she can do on the defensive end. Brooklyn Weddle also one of our key guard subs will be back. And then we get Rachel Groth in the post position, and some of our freshmen. Jadyn Meiergerd, Emily Toelle, and even some of those 8th graders coming up I think definitely have an opportunity to step into some roles."

I look for West Point-Beemer to reload and bounce back strong next year.

The Cadets now know what it's like and what it takes to get to state, and need to capitalize on this state berth and prepare even harder this offseason and get ready for next year.

I think there's a lot of promise in next year's team, and now they have to build off of the great season this year's team had.

History was made at West Point-Beemer this year, and these girls should be very proud of what they accomplished.

Now it's a matter of taking that next step and getting back to the state tournament next year and getting past the first round.