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.
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