Pender Boys looking to change culture; Girls looking for breakout campaign

Team: Pender

Mascot: Pendragons

Colors: Red and White

Class: D-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Mitch Mailloux (1st season)

2018-2019 record: 9-14 (lost to Homer in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Pender Boys are under new leadership as former player Mitch Mailloux takes over the program, replacing Sean King.

Mailloux played 3 years of basketball at Doane under Jim Weeks, and spent two years as a Boys Assistant at David City prior to coming back home to Pender.

Returning for Pender is Dylan Vogt, Nathan Breitbarth, Austin Roth, Larry McManigal, and Jaxon Maise with Caleb Trimble coming off the bench.

Mailloux says the team won't be very deep, but does have some freshmen who could step up and contribute some.

Mailloux is no stranger to working with these kids. "When I was in high school I coached some of these guys in little kids basketball league and youth football league and stuff like that so it was kind of cool getting to coach them again at the high school at the varsity level."

I think having that familiarity and bond with the kids will really help Mailloux out a lot.

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

The Pendragons may go through some growing pains this year, but Pender can definitely be good in time or perhaps right away.

I think it's important for the Pendragons to have a positive attitude and a winning mentality.

Pender has to develop a winning culture, a culture for winning basketball games.

Mailloux says that's exactly what the Pendragons are trying to do. "I've told the kids since Day 1 when I got here that the biggest challenge we're dealt with right now is changing the culture...winning basketball games, winning close games. Figuring out how to win basketball games isn't something that Pender's been known for here lately. We play hard, but we haven't won a ton."

Mailloux says he told the kids they could win 4 games, they could win 20 games.

I feel like the Pendragons have had the talent to win in recent years, but it just hasn't happened.

I feel there's talent there this year too so it will be interesting to see how things turn out for Pender this season and in the future.

The Pendragons need to establish a lot of things for the future this year.

This needs to be a year for laying a solid foundation for future teams to build off of.

Pender has to develop a winning culture and get things turned around and headed in the right direction.

Season Outlook:

The Pender Boys Basketball Team looks to turn things around and become a winning program.

The schedule has its challenges though with the likes of Wakefield, Lutheran High Northeast, Oakland-Craig, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Wisner-Pilger, Emerson-Hubbard, Winnebago, and BRLD.

I feel the schedule sets up for the Pendragons to have the potential to finish .500 or better though.

Pender opens up the season at 2019 C-2 State Qualifier Wakefield on December 5th.

The Pendragons are Sub-District D2-4 with Emerson-Hubbard, Wynot, Randolph, and Winside.

Mailloux says Pender will be familiar with the Pirates and Blue Devils prior to the postseason. "We'll see Emerson-Hubbard and Wynot both during the regular season, which may be a good thing, may be a bad thing. I'm excited to get a chance to see them during the year."

Mailloux says Randolph is always a very good basketball team and Winside is rising, adding the Sub-District should be competitive.

I think this season has a lot of potential for Pender.

I feel learning how to win and win close games will be key for the Pendragons.

Pender has to knock down free throws late in games and limit turnovers to do well this year and in the future, in my opinion.

The team needs to have good footwork and proper mechanics.

The Pendragons have to go out there and be authoritative and know what they're doing.

Pender can't hesitate or hold anything back whatsoever.

The Pendragons have to simply go out there and let it rip and make it all happen.

Pender can definitely be good and successful this year and for years to come, but the Pendragons must change the culture.

Pender is a work in progress at this point, but you hope the Pendragons become a finished product in time.

How long that takes I do not know, but I feel it can and has a chance to happen.

Only time will tell, however.

2019-2020 Pender Pendragons Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 @ Wakefield

12/06/19 Tekamah-Herman

12/12/19 Lutheran High Northeast

12/13/19 @ Oakland-Craig

12/16/19 @ Allen

12/17/19 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family

12/21/19 Stanton

12/27-12/30 (To Be Determined) Wayne Holiday Tournament Wayne State College

01/06/20 Wynot

01/09/20 Guardian Angels Central Catholic

01/14/20 @ Homer

01/16/20 @ Omaha Nation

01/18/20 @ Clarkson/Leigh

01/23/20 Wisner-Pilger

01/25/20 @ Howells-Dodge

01/27/20 Madison

01/28/20 @ Emerson-Hubbard

01/30/20 @ Winnebago

02/21/20 BRLD

Team: Pender

Mascot: Pendragons

Colors: Red and White

Class: D-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Luke Hoffman (3rd Season) (23-25 record)

2018-2019 record: 13-11 (lost to Randolph in Sub-District Final)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Pender Girls Basketball Team looks for a breakout season this year given all the talent they bring back.

3rd year Head Coach Luke Hoffman says the team returns two seniors from last year's team, including Faith Morris.

Returning Juniors are Ashley Ostrand and Zoey Lehmkuhl.

Returning sophomores include Reese Kneifl and Caitlyn Heise.

Key freshmen include Lillie Timm and Olyvia Nelson.

Hoffman says the team has a large freshmen class of 13 girls out for the team this year.

Michaela Wegner was a key player lost from last year.

Hoffman says the offseason went well. "We've always participated over at the Wayne State Summer League, so we went over there. We were really successful there and gained some confidence. Went to some day camps, went down to Wahoo, played some good competition there."

Hoffman says the team also went down to UNK. 

I think having a successful offseason and lots of girls back should really help out the Pendragons.

Pender went from 10-14 in 2017-2018 to 13-11 in 2018-2019 so I think at least 15 wins is likely this year.

I feel the Pendragons have a chance to do really well this year and for years to come.

Man 13 freshmen out for the team this year, that is crazy, especially given the fact Pender is a D-1 School.

It's a good thing though as there figures to be a lot of competition for starting spots and playing time.

I'm excited to see what the Pendragons can do this year.

I feel Pender has a chance to be successful and win quite a few games this season.

I think the Pendragons learned how to win some close games last year, and if they can keep narrowing the gap they should be just fine.

Season Outlook:

The Pender Girls look for a big season this year.

The schedule isn't easy though with the likes of Oakland-Craig, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, North Bend Central, and Stanton on it before Christmas.

Other tough games figure to come against BRLD, Wynot, Clarkson/Leigh, and GACC.

I think this season could be a lot like the past couple years in that the Pendragons start strong and then struggle from mid-December to early January.

I think the key this year, however, is finishing the season strong.

Pender has kind of tapered off at the end the past couple of years, and I feel they need to fix that this year if they hope and want to get to where they want to go.

The Pendragons open up the season at Wakefield-Allen on December 5th. "I know they got a new coach and so it'll be interesting to see what he decides to go with those girls so we have to be ready for everything. I guess man, zone, whatever they're going to run. It should be a fun game. It always is." Hoffman said.

Pender is in Sub-District D1-1 with Fremont Bergan, Walthill, Omaha Nation, and Omaha Christian Academy.

Hoffman says the team hopes to get a shot at the Knights. "You look at Bergan and obviously they're the team to beat in the Sub-District there. And I know they lost a couple of key contributors last year when I was down at State Watching them that were pretty good basketball players. I know they'll reload, but I think our girls kind of have our eyes set on playing them at some point during the season."

Hoffman says the girls have set some high expectations for themselves, including coming together as a team. 

Bergan is very tough, and I fully expect that Sub-District to come down to them and the Pendragons.

I feel Pender will have a chance to win the Sub-District when it comes time, but could still potentially make Sub-State even without a Sub-District Championship.

And I think that's due to the nature of and the strong schedule the Pendragons play.

Pender plays a lot of tough teams and competition as do the Knights, which is why both of those teams are so successful year in and year out.

2019-2020 Pender Pendragons Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 @ Wakefield-Allen

12/06/19 Tekamah-Herman

12/12/19 Lutheran High Northeast

12/13/19 @ Oakland-Craig

12/17/19 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family

12/20/19 @ North Bend Central

12/21/19 Stanton

12/27-12/30 (To Be Determined) Wayne Holiday Tournament Wayne State College

01/04/20 BRLD

01/06/20 Wynot

01/14/20 @ Homer

01/16/20 @ Omaha Nation

01/18/20 @ Clarkson/Leigh

01/23/20 Wisner-Pilger

01/25/20 @ Howells-Dodge

01/27/20 Madison

01/28/20 @ Emerson-Hubbard

01/30/20 @ Winnebago

02/11/20 Guardian Angels Central Catholic

North Bend Central Boys and Girls looking for monster seasons

Team: North Bend Central

Mascot: Tigers

Colors: Orange and Black

Class: C-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Jon Baehr (7th season) (130-146 career record)

2018-2019 record: 25-4 (lost to Auburn in State Championship)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

It was a year of firsts's at state last year for the North Bend Boys, who won a game at State for the first time ever and were playing in their first State Championship Game since 1926.

The Tigers came up just short to Auburn though, and you have to figure that has North Bend Central fueled and motivated to get back.

Key returners for 7th year Head Coach Jon Baehr include 3-year starters Austin Endorf (6'4, SR G), and Jaxon Wietfeld (6'4, JR G). Baehr said Wietfeld put in a lot of time skill wise and playing the game in the offseason.

Breckin Peters (6'0, JR G) got a lot of minutes last year, will have a bigger role this year, according to Coach Baehr.

Newcomers include Cody Prohaska 6'2, SR PG), Cody Pospisil 6'2, SR SG), Brodey Johnson (6'2, SO G), Austin Taylor 6'1, JR SG), Cole Johnson (5'10, SR F), and Landon Krenzer (6'4, JR C).

It looks like the Tigers will have a lot of size and athleticism.

North Bend Central's guards are tall and big, and that makes them very hard to defend.

The Tigers figure to be very long as a whole.

NBC lost John Emanuel, Tanner Wietfeld, Chase Ruzicka, Ben Rolenc, Cole Kluthe, and Zander Zietlow to graduation last year.

The Tigers certainly lost a lot of talent from last year, especially with Emanuel and Wietfeld.

North Bend Central had a great team last year.

I feel the Tigers are still very good this year, but might be another year away from a return trip to PBA.

Still though I feel this season has the potential to be dynamic with another run to state not out of the realm of possibility.

North Bend Central got to the Pinnacle last year, and now knows what it's like and should want that feeling of getting back there again.

The Tigers need to work extremely hard all season long and play good, consistent basketball the entire year.

If North Bend Central does that they figure to be right there in the end.


Season Outlook:

The North Bend Central Boys hope to have another huge year this year.

The schedule has its challenges with games against the likes of Class B Seward, Milford, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, Wayne, Fremont Bergan, Columbus Scotus, Oakland-Craig, Wisner-Pilger, and Howells-Dodge.

The Tigers can definitely beat a lot if not all of these teams though.

North Bend Central opens up the season at Twin River on December 5th.

Baehr on the matchup. "We obviously know when we go there and play and take them on that we're going to have to play good basketball. We're going to have to be sound in what we do to come out and play the way we want to play."

The Tigers are in Sub-District C1-5 with Columbus Scotus, Columbus Lakeview, David City Aquinas, and David City.

Baehr says it's a tough Sub-District. "We get a chance to see Columbus Scotus during the year. And they have some nice athletes coming back. David City Aquinas is well coached and is going to be very athletic as they always are. Lakeview, their coach in his second year, he does a great job there."

It's definitely a challenging Sub-District for sure, but I feel North Bend Central has a great chance to win it.

As great as last year's run was, Baehr says the team wants to turn the page. "I feel we have all the pieces that it takes to make a special season out of what we have. But I've kind of impressed upon them that we don't need to compare ourselves to anything in the past. It's important for us to write our own story, to leave our own legacy, and to go out and to do things that we can do to be successful."

It should be a very exciting and dynamic season for the Tigers.

I look for big things from North Bend Central, and expect them to do very well once again.

I think you will see a very hungry, determined, and motivated team every night out for the Tigers.

I think North Bend Central will play up to their potential and get the most out of themselves.

It should be a very special season for the Tigers, and I'm excited to see how it all plays out and unfolds.

2019-2020 North Bend Central Tigers Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 @ Twin River
12/07/19 Seward
12/10/19 Schuyler
12/12/19 @ West Point-Beemer
12/17/19 Stanton
12/27-12/28 (To Be Determined) North Bend Central Holiday Tournament North Bend Central HS
01/03/20 @ Milford
01/04/20 Raymond Central
01/10/20 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
01/14/20 @ Arlington
01/16/20 @ Wayne
01/18/20 Archbishop Bergan
01/21/20 @ Columbus Scotus
01/24/20 @ Oakland-Craig
01/28/20 Madison
01/30/20 @ Wisner-Pilger
02/01-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker BBB Tournament TBD
02/11/20 Tekamah-Herman
02/13/20 @ Howells-Dodge
02/21/20 Fort Calhoun

Team: North Bend Central

Mascot: Tigers

Colors: Orange and Black

Class: C-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Aaron Sterup (19th season) (291-97 career record)

2018-2019 record: 19-8 (lost to Bishop Neumann in first round of State)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The North Bend Central Girls are looking for a huge year after making State last year.

The Tigers return 7 out of their top 8 players from last year, including Lauren Emanuel 6'1 SR), Megan Ortmeier 5'7, SR), Sydney Emanuel (5'6, SO), Cierra Kluthe (5'9, JR), Ally Pojar 5'9, JR), and Abby Post (5'8, SR) among them.

Kaitlyn Emanuel is a newcomer, according to Coach Aaron Sterup.

This North Bend Central squad is fairly senior laden, and that should help them out a lot I would think. Sterup says it's an athletic and experienced group that is back.

The Tigers lost Faith Taylor, Kendra Lorence, and Cami Faltin off last year's squad.

Sterup says his team really challenged themselves in the offseason. "We played a lot of basketball. We tried to find some competition that we thought would make us better, and I think we got that accomplished."

Playing tough competition only makes you better.

I look for this to be a big and dynamic season for North Bend Central.

I feel the Tigers have a great shot to make a big run and get back to State and win at State.

North Bend Central has to be very excited about their team this year and their potential.

The Tigers have been waiting for this year's basketball season ever since the start of last year, and it is finally here.

North Bend Central probably can't wait until the first game and to get games started.

The Tigers have to be one of those teams that has endless energy throughout the season.

North Bend Central has to be like the Energizer Bunny, and never run out of battery power.

The Tigers have to keep going and rolling, and make this season as special as possible.

You only get one chance at high school sports and athletics so North Bend Central has to make the most of this season.

The Tigers need to not only do well on the court, but in the classroom as well.

Success off the court often leads to success on the court.

Season Outlook:

The North Bend Central Girls figure to have a huge season this year.

Taking a look at the schedule the Tigers have tough games against West Point-Beemer, Stanton, Pender, Milford, Wayne, Fremont Bergan, Columbus Scotus, and Oakland-Craig.

North Bend Central figures to hold their own against and beat a lot of these teams though.

The Tigers open up the season on December 5th at Twin River.

Sterup says the Titans are really tough to score against. "They really know what they're doing on defense. They always are really physical."

North Bend Central is tough to score against too though, and also plays good defense.

It's always a low scoring affair when the two play, and I look for it to be that way this year as well.

The Tigers are in Sub-District C1-4 with Wahoo, Arlington, DC West, and David City.

Sterup says this is new for his team. "Yeah it's a new group of teams not super familiar obviously. Wahoo is always good. But we're looking forward to the challenge, and seeing someone new is always good."

I look for the Sub-District to come down to North Bend Central and the Warriors.

Sterup says making state last year gave his team a confidence boost.

And now the Tigers know what it's like to be there and what it feels like, and can revert back to that experience throughout the season.

Going to State is an amazing experience and feeling, and I look for North Bend Central to get back there.

Even if the Tigers don't win their Sub-District they should have a strong enough regular season to snatch a Wildcard into Sub-State.

I really think this has a chance to be a great and special year for North Bend Central.

I look for the Tigers to really get after things this season, and give teams heck all season long.

I feel North Bend Central will be one of the last teams standing at season's end and will perhaps win their Holiday Tournament, the East Husker Conference Tournament, and multiple postseason games.

2019-2020 North Bend Central Tigers Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 @ Twin River

12/07/19 Seward

12/10/19 Schuyler

12/12/19 @ West Point-Beemer

12/17/19 Stanton

12/20/19 Pender

12/27-12/28 (To Be Determined) North Bend Central Holiday Tournament North Bend Central HS

01/03/20 @ Milford

01/04/20 Raymond Central

01/10/20 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder

01/14/20 @ Arlington

01/16/20 @ Wayne

01/18/20 Archbishop Bergan

01/21/20 @ Columbus Scotus

01/24/20 @ Oakland-Craig

01/28/20 Madison

01/30/20 @ Wisner-Pilger

01/31-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker GBB Tournament TBA

02/11/20 Tekamah-Herman

02/13/20 @ Howells-Dodge

GACC Boys looking to be improved; Girls to field young team with high hopes and expectations

Team: Guardian Angels Central Catholic

Mascot: Bluejays

Colors: Blue and White

Class: C-2

Conference: Mid-State

Head Coach: Alex Stieren (3rd season)

2018-2019 record: 4-18 (lost to BRLD in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 4

Overview:

The GACC Boys Basketball Team looks to be much improved from the last couple of years as the Bluejays return 4 starters off last year's team.

The returning starters for 3rd year Head Coach Alex Stieren are Brendan Rief (5'10, JR G), Ben Ulrich (6'2, JR G), Adam Reeson (6'3, SR P), and Casey Doernemann (6'5, SR P).

Stieren kind of looks for them to assert themselves as leaders of the team.

Other letterwinners/newcomers include Nate Niewohner (5'8, SO G), Tobias Steffensmeier (5'11, JR G), Cody Steffen (6'1, JR G), and Blake Pojar (5'11, SR G).

I feel like the Bluejays will have a good mix of size and speed.

I think GACC will be a tough matchup for teams this season.

Stieren says summer weightlifting went well.  "Oh yeah we did a whole new school wide lifting program that did basketball, volleyball, softball, everything. Everyone was involved with it."

Offseason highlights include Speed Camp started back up for the town, lots of improvement from a lot of guys over the summer, and winning the Concordia Team Camp.

Stieren says team expects to do well this year. "Only lost one starter. All the guys listed played extensive minutes last year. Looking forward to me more balanced team and well conditioned."

That one senior was Jared Minnick. The other senior the team lost from last year was Tyson Snodgrass.

There's no reason to think the Bluejays won't be good and successful this year.

All the pieces are in place for GACC to have a successful season.

The Bluejays should be much improved, in my opinion.

I wouldn't be surprised if they at least doubled their combined win total of the last two seasons.

I look for GACC to make a big jump and leap this year.

I think you will see a much better Bluejay squad on the floor this year.


Season Outlook:

The GACC Boys figure to be much improved this year, but the schedule is very challenging.

The toughest games figure to come against Wisner-Pilger, Lutheran High Northeast, Columbus Scotus, Wynot, David City Aquinas, Oakland-Craig, Wayne, Battle Creek, Hartington Cedar Catholic, Fremont Bergan, and Winnebago.

The schedule sure has its challenges, but I feel the Bluejays have a chance to win a quite a few of these games.

There's no reason they shouldn't honestly.

GACC just has to become more consistent on both ends of the floor.

The Bluejays would have a strong defensive game last year, but the offense would struggle.

The offense would do well and then the defense would struggle.

GACC just has to find a way to put things together in multiple games this season.

Sure the Bluejays will struggle at times and on some nights, but GACC can also improve a lot throughout the season and be a good team.

The Bluejays open up the season at home on December 6th against Wisner-Pilger in action that will be aired on 107.9 the Bull.

That should be a heck of a matchup as the Gators return quite a bit of talent as well.

GACC is in Sub-District C2-3 with Oakland-Craig, Fremont Bergan, Yutan, and Omaha Brownell-Talbot.

Stieren shares his thoughts on the Sub-District. "I think it should be fun again. I mean a great team Yutan being Runner-Up last year. Obviously replaces BRLD for us. But it's good to switch it up every once in a while. We got kind of used to playing the same teams, and it's going to be fun to open up our schedule a little bit at the end of the year."

I think this season has the potential to be very good and a heck of a year for the Bluejays.

I wouldn't be surprised if GACC got back to their winning ways of the past.

The Bluejays need to get off to a strong start though.

GACC needs to be like 3-2 or at worst 2-3 heading into the Christmas Holiday.

2019-2020 GACC Bluejays Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/06/19 Wisner-Pilger
12/07/19 @ Lutheran High Northeast
12/10/19 @ Columbus Scotus
12/12/19 @ Wynot
12/14/19 Crofton
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Homer Holiday Tournament Homer
01/04/20 Aquinas Catholic
01/07/20 @ Oakland-Craig
01/09/20 @ Pender
01/17/20 Wayne
01/18/20 Boone Central/Newman Grove
01/21/20 Battle Creek
01/24/20 O'Neill
01/25/20 @ Hartington Cedar Catholic
01/30/20 @ Mead D2
02/01-02/08 (To Be Determined) Mid State Conference Norfolk
02/11/20 Norfolk Catholic
02/13/20 @ Pierce
02/15/20 Archbishop Bergan
02/21/20 Winnebago

Team: Guardian Angels Central Catholic

Mascot: Bluejays

Colors: Blue and White

Class: C-2

Conference: Mid-State

Head Coach: Jerry Stracke (22nd season) (431-115 career record)

2018-2019 record: 15-9 (lost to Oakland-Craig in Sub-District Final)

Returning Starters: 3

Overview:

The GACC Girls look to return to state this year after having their 21-year streak snapped by Oakland-Craig last year.

3 starters return for long time Head Coach Jerry Stracke, and they are Marissa Hunke (5'7, SR G), Hannah Knobbe (5'6, SR G), and Sophia Hass (5'7, SO G).

Other returning letterwinners and newcomers include Brenna Rief (5'6, JR G), Erica Engelmeyer (5'7, SO P), Kate Gnad (5'3, SO G), Livia Hunke (5'4, SO G), and Brandi Doernemann (5'11, JR P), who is coming off an ACL tear.

Stracke says the offseason was a success. "We had a big turnout. The girls got after it in the weightroom. We've kind of put in a new program in. And summer league went really well."

He adds the team has their work cut out for them this year. "We will be young - just two seniors and two juniors  - not very tall - Class C2 will be one of the toughest class this year."

The Bluejays graduated Hannah Hrbek, Ally Plagge, Maddie Bracht, and Angela Jansen last year.

GACC also lost Reece Snodgrass to West Point-Beemer.

I think it's imperative that Doernemann stay healthy this year.

The Bluejays really need her to score points and block shots down low.

GACC has to really get after it defensively with their guards as well.

The Bluejays have to be tough and strong physically and mentally, and have to take the ball strong to the basket.

GACC can't be afraid of or shy away from contact.

The Bluejays have to be physical, and get up right their opponents' grills.

GACC has to be the hardest working team in the state.

This is a very proud program, and I wouldn't be shocked whatsoever if the Bluejays got back to state this season.

It's going to take a lot of hard work and determination on GACC's part, but it can definitely happen as long as the Bluejays make it happen.

Season Outlook:

GACC hopes to recapture the glory days of State Basketball in Lincoln this year.

Stracke hopes the team can just play this year. "Last year they were feeling the pressure. And hopefully this year they can have some fun and just enjoy playing."

The schedule sets up nicely early on for the Bluejays.

I wouldn't be surprised if GACC won all or almost all of their games before Christmas and took home another Holiday Tournament Title.

The schedule intensifies to start the new year though with the likes of Aquinas, Wayne, Bishop Neumann, and Fremont Bergan on the schedule all in a row.

GACC has a lot of tough road games the second part of the season so we'll see what that brings when the time comes.

The Bluejays open up the year at home against Wisner-Pilger on December 6th in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

Stracke says he's looking forward to the matchup. "They're coming off a great Volleyball season. And they're always going to give you your best shot. So we're looking forward to a good game and hopefully we'll see some improvement from last year."

GACC picked up a thrilling win over Battle Creek last year and then went 3-6 to end the season.

The Bluejays will need to play better basketball down the stretch this year if they hope to make it back to state.

GACC is in Sub-District C2-4 with BRLD, Wisner-Pilger, Ponca, and Homer.

Stracke says the Sub-District is loaded. "Ponca made it to state last year. BRLD is always good. Homer has people back from last year that were good."

I think Sub-State could be a very good thing for the Bluejays this year.

GACC needs to play well throughout the season to make a Sub-State game should they not win their Sub-District, but the Bluejays are very capable of getting the job done, both playing well in the regular season and winning their Sub-District.

It's a long season with a lot of games so GACC has to be mentally and physically ready for the long haul.

2019-2020 GACC Bluejays Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/06/19 Wisner-Pilger

12/07/19 @ Lutheran High Northeast

12/10/19 @ Columbus Scotus

12/12/19 @ Wynot

12/14/19 Crofton

12/19/19 Winnebago

12/21/19 Norfolk Catholic

12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Homer Holiday Tournament Homer

01/04/20 Aquinas Catholic

01/06/20 @ Wayne

01/14/20 @ Bishop Neumann

01/16/20 @ Archbishop Bergan

01/18/20 Boone Central/Newman Grove

01/21/20 Battle Creek

01/24/20 O'Neill

01/25/20 @ Hartington Cedar Catholic

01/30/20 @ Mead

02/01-02/08 (To Be Determined) Mid State Conference Norfolk, WSC

02/11/20 @ Pender

02/13/20 @ Pierce

West Point-Beemer Boys looking to be competitive; Girls expecting big things

Team: West Point-Beemer

Mascot: Cadets

Colors: Red, Black, and White

Class: C-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Jahn Kile (1st season)

2018-2019 record: 10-13 (lost to Arlington in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 3

Overview:

The West Point-Beemer Boys Basketball Team is under new leadership as Jahn Kile takes over for Cody Bobolz.

Kile was an assistant for the Cadets last year, and inherits a team that returns three starters. "Jesus Barragan, he was our point guard, he started last year every game for us. And then Keegan Doggett was another guy who was in the starting lineup a lot. And Zach Vander Griend." Kile said.

Kile says top newcomers include Miguel Perez, Drake Repschlaeger, and Riley Penrose, who are battling for the last two starting spots.

The Cadets said goodbye to last year's seniors in Blake Anderson, Dylan Newkirk, Ben Vander Griend, and Evan Landholm.

West Point-Beemer figures to be a pretty young team this year, but Kile's hope is that the team is competitive.

There's a lot of young and promising talent on the team this year, and I look for the Cadets to have a respectable season.

I think West Point-Beemer is a work in progress, and will be good in time.

I don't know if the Cadets will be really good right away, but I think West Point-Beemer has a chance to be a respectable team this year.

I feel this is a year for laying a foundation under Coach Kile, and building for future years.

It sounds like the team has already been working hard, and so as long as the Cadets continue to do that they should be just fine.

I feel this is a team that will be hungry for wins and will really scrap, fight, and claw for everything they get.

I look for Barragan, Doggett, Vander Griend, Penrose, Repschlaeger, and Perez to really lead this team.

I think there are a lot of good players beyond them too, and feel West Point-Beemer has a good chance to have and grow some good depth.

I look for the Cadets to build and make a lot of progress this year, setting themselves up for future success.

Often times things take time with a new Coach and a new system, but I have no doubt the kids will adapt and do well.


Season Outlook:

The West Point-Beemer Boys look to grow and improve throughout the season.

The Cadets have challenging games against Omaha Roncalli, North Bend Central, Howells-Dodge, Wisner-Pilger, BRLD, Battle Creek, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, Pierce, Wayne, Oakland-Craig, and Fremont Bergan.

Lots of challenging teams on the schedule for West Point-Beemer this year, but I think the Cadets can compete with every one of them.

West Point-Beemer kicks off the season on December 5th at home against Arlington in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

Kile says the Cadets are all too familiar with the Eagles. "Yeah we saw them a lot in our summer league, and played them a couple times, and they got a nice squad. They have some good coaching going on, they have some nice shooters on the perimeter, and a couple big guys inside."

West Point-Beemer is in Sub-District C1-6 with Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, Wayne, Winnebago, and Tekamah-Herman. "Wayne was another one of those teams that played good basketball last year. They're going to be solid no matter what just because of their conference too. The other teams we don't know a whole lot about. We didn't see them at all last year. With Winnebago, and of course we played Tekamah-Herman and so we know a little about them." Kile said.

Kile says team goals include win games, adding his goal is just for everyone to gain experience and be competitive.

You always want to win, of course that is the main goal, but if the Cadets can be competitive and keep things close in their losses then those could serve as moral victories.

Moral victories won't cut it after a while, but for now it's about making progress and strides as a program, and building.

Rome wasn't built in a day, and I don't think this West Point-Beemer Boys Basketball Team will be either, but the Cadets should be a solid team that no one wants to play come February and into March.

I think West Point-Beemer will be solid on both ends of the floor, and will scare some top teams this season.

I feel the Cadets will be a feared team and a team to be reckoned with in the future.

I wouldn't put it past West Point-Beemer to spring an upset or two this year either.

2019-2020 West Point-Beemer Cadets Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 Arlington
12/07/19 @ Omaha Roncalli Catholic
12/10/19 Stanton
12/12/19 North Bend Central
12/17/19 @ Howells-Dodge
12/27-12/30 (To Be Determined) Wayne Holiday Tournament Wayne State College
01/07/20 Fort Calhoun
01/10/20 Wisner-Pilger
01/11/20 @ BRLD
01/14/20 @ Battle Creek
01/16/20 @ Schuyler
01/18/20 Tekamah-Herman
01/24/20 @ Twin River
01/25/20 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
01/28/20 @ Pierce
01/30/20 Wayne
02/01-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker BBB Tournament TBD
02/11/20 @ Madison
02/14/20 Oakland-Craig
02/21/20 Archbishop Bergan

Team: West Point-Beemer

Mascot: Cadets

Colors: Red, Black, and White

Class: C-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Taylor Shepard (2nd season)

2018-2019 record: 23-3 (Lost to Lincoln Christian in first round of state)

Returning Starters: 1

Overview:

The West Point-Beemer Girls Basketball Team looks for big things once again this season after breaking through and making State last year for the first time in a long time.

Last year was a really good year for the Cadets, but only one starter returns for 2nd year Head Coach Taylor Shepard.

That lone returning starter is Sidney Swanson (5'5, JR PG), who averaged 14 points a game last season.

Other returning letterwinners include Brooklyn Weddle (5'5, JR SG), Rachel Groth (5'10, JR F), and Jadyn Meiergerd (5'9, SO F).

Promising newcomers include GACC transfer Reece Snodgrass (5'5, JR SG), Emily Toelle (5'5, SO SG), Hannah Landholm (5'4, JR SG), and Katie Combs (5'10, SR F).

Shepard says Snodgrass is a big addition. "Yeah I love the way Reece plays. She's a really solid driver that has a great outside shot as well. She's been working on that a lot this fall. And defensively she's solid. We're definitely excited to have her. And as soon as she is eligible we'll be ready to see what she can do for us."

Shepard says a lot of girls started in the spring strengthening their basketball skills, shooting before school and in the evening.

That's what it takes to be great, and last year's team certainly set the bar and standard for success.

Speaking of last year's seniors...West Point-Beemer lost Darian Repschlaeger, Sierra Kile, Andrea Hoffman, Kendra Paasch, Abby Kaup, and Brooke Haase to graduation.

Some very good players to replace and big shoes to fill, but the Cadets have a lot of good pieces to work with that's for sure.

Shepard on the team's strengths. "Core group of juniors who are strong offensive threats, quick defensively."

Shepard says the team needs to continue to work on rebounding as that is an area in need of improvement as is adjusting to a young team.

Expectations are high for West Point-Beemer, and I have no doubts that the Cadets will be successful and do well this season.

I feel the sky is the limit for West Point-Beemer in terms of how far they can go and what they can achieve.

Season Outlook:

The West Point-Beemer Girls have some very high expectations coming off the school's first state tournament berth in decades.

Shepard says the Cadets want to win the whole ball of wax. "We've talked as a program about really looking to develop ourselves into a team that competes for State Championships every year. And that's day in and day out whether that's in practice or in games."

That's a great approach and definitely something to aim and shoot for if you are West Point-Beemer.

Shepard says the Cadets want to be one of the last teams standing at the end of the season. "We've been talking about how we want to be playing Saturday, March 7th down in Lincoln. And it's been great to see the effort that this group of girls have put in like I said this preseason and even back into the spring last year."

It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, determination, toughness, grit, fight, and might to be great, and West Point-Beemer seems like they have all of that.

The Cadets open up the season at home on December 5th against Arlington in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

Shepard says she expects this year's game to be different than last year's. "We know that they'll have some size. They'll be quick and athletic. I don't think we'll be able to rely on having a large number of 3's like we did last year in our first game against them. I think it will be more nitty gritty. We'll have to get down and play some tough defense."

Shepard adds she's excited about her team's offensive scoring capabilities.

The Cadets are very up tempo and like to score quick buckets in transition and score as many points as possible.

I feel this team has the right mix of size, speed, and athleticism to put up a lot of points night in and night out.

I feel West Point-Beemer's drive to the basket game could be really strong this year.

Challenging games figure to come against the likes of North Bend Central, Fremont Bergan, BRLD, Battle Creek, Wayne, and Oakland-Craig.

I think the Cadets will be able to knock off quite a few if not most of the toughest teams on their schedule.

It should be another spectacular and great season for West Point-Beemer.

The Cadets are in Sub-District C1-3 with Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, Wakefield-Allen, and Winnebago.

Shepard says team goals include a repeat appearance at state and to win conference.

2019-2020 West Point-Beemer Cadets Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 Arlington
12/07/19 @ Omaha Roncalli Catholic
12/10/19 Stanton
12/12/19 North Bend Central
12/17/19 @ Howells-Dodge
12/27-12/30 (To Be Determined) Wayne Holiday Tournament Wayne State College
01/07/20 Fort Calhoun
01/09/20 Archbishop Bergan
01/10/20 Wisner-Pilger
01/11/20 @ BRLD
01/14/20 Battle Creek
01/16/20 @ Schuyler
01/18/20 Tekamah-Herman
01/24/20 @ Twin River
01/25/20 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
01/28/20 @ Pierce
01/30/20 Wayne
01/31-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker GBB Tournament TBA
02/11/20 @ Madison
02/14/20 Oakland-Craig

Clarkson/Leigh Boys and Girls hungry for big seasons

Team: Clarkson/Leigh

Mascot: Patriots

Colors: Red, Blue, Gray

Class: D-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Jeff Bachman (3rd season) (11-32 record)

2018-2019 record: 7-14 (lost to Fremont Bergan in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 4

Overview:

The Clarkson/Leigh Boys Basketball Team looks for success under 3rd year Head Coach Jeff Bachman.

The Patriots return four starters from last year's 7-14 team, including Carter Hanel (6'4, SO C), and Jarred Novotny (6'0, SO G), as well as Tommy McEvoy (6'2, JR F) and Isaak Wiese (6'0, SR F), who are both currently injured with McEvoy to miss the entire year with a torn ACL and Wiese's status up in the air.

Other letterwinners/newcomers include Lance Paprocki (5'8, JR G), Trevor Zulkoski (6'0, JR F), Mitch Beeson (6'1, SO F), Eli Hays (5'6, SO G), Logan Schroeder (5'6, SO G), Drew Beeson (5'8, FR G/F), and Kyle Kasik (5'8, FR G).

Head Coach Jeff Bachman says the offseason was outstanding. "The kids did a great job in the weightroom. They did a great job in camps, and the summer leagues we went to."

Daniel Beller, Douglas Pocasangre, and Travis Stanley all graduated last year.

Bachman has this preseason assessment of this year's team. "We will be young and athletic. We return several key guys with varsity experience and look to build on some end of the year success."

The Patriots won 3 of their 7 games in the month of February last year.

I think Clarkson/Leigh played really well at times last year, but really struggled at others.

If the Patriots can be consistent and knock off some of the teams they lost to close last year and narrow the gap on those teams where the games weren't close then I think that would be a huge step forward for Clarkson/Leigh.

I look for the Patriots to improve upon last year and have an even better year this year.

I think Clarkson/Leigh is still a couple years away from being really good, but there's no doubt this team can be solid this year.

The Patriots have to go out there and work hard and be ready to compete on a nightly basis.

Clarkson/Leigh can't take anyone or anything for granted. The Patriots have to play hard night in and night out.

I think Clarkson/Leigh has a lot of potential, and now it's simply a matter of putting things together this season.

Season Outlook:

The Clarkson/Leigh Boys expect a lot out of themselves this season, I think that much is safe to say.

Bachman says this year's team is very hungry and determined. "The guys show up, they work hard every day. They want to be good. They want to knock off some of the teams that we haven't beat before. They want to make a run at conference. They want to make a run at Sub-Districts, and hope to get to a Sub-State or a State Tournament."

The Patriots open up the season at home against Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family on December 6th.

Bachman says the defending D-1 State Champs will be good once again. "They have a nice group of returning players. They're very well Coached. Coach Hesse does a great job there. And they're going to be solid."

Bachman feels his team will battle with the Bulldogs. 

I think Clarkson/Leigh can definitely compete with and narrow the gap against Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family.

The Bulldogs, Oakland-Craig, BRLD, Howells-Dodge, David City Aquinas, Humphrey St. Francis, Lutheran High Northeast, Wisner-Pilger, and Logan View/Scribner-Snyder all figure to be tough.

The Patriots have to have the attitude that they're going to compete with and narrow the gap against these teams though if not beat them.

Clarkson/Leigh is in Sub-District D1-3 with Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Howells-Dodge, and Elkhorn Valley.

Bachman says his team is no stranger to tough competition. "It's good quality competition. And we're used to that. We're used to playing good teams in our Sub-District and our conference. Last year in our Sub-District we had the Class Champion and Class Runner-Up."

It's a heck of a Sub-District that's for sure, but the Patriots have a great attitude and willingness to work hard and compete, and those things should serve Clarkson/Leigh well.

The East Husker Conference is rock solid once again this year.

I feel the Patriots have a chance to improve on last year's win total and get to double digit wins this year.

Clarkson/Leigh nearly doubled their win total from 2017-2018 to last year so we'll see what this year brings.

2019-2020 Clarkson/Leigh Patriots Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/06/19 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family

12/07/19 @ Madison

12/10/19 Oakland-Craig

12/12/19 @ Winside

12/13/19 @ BRLD

12/21/19 @ Howells-Dodge

12/27-12/28 (To Be Determined) Shelby-Rising City Holiday Shelby

01/03/20 Columbus Lakeview

01/07/20 Aquinas Catholic

01/11/20 Tekamah-Herman

01/17/20 @ Humphrey St. Francis

01/18/20 Pender

01/23/20 Twin River

01/24/20 @ Lutheran High Northeast

01/28/20 Wisner-Pilger

02/01-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker BBB Tournament TBD

02/11/20 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder

02/13/20 Stanton

02/14/20 East Butler

02/21/20 @ David City

Team: Clarkson/Leigh

Mascot: Patriots

Colors: Red, Blue, Gray

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Matt Murren (7th season) (65-76 record)

2018-2019 record: 21-4 (lost to Blue Hill at Sub-State)

Returning Starters: 1

Overview:

The Clarkson/Leigh Girls look to have another huge year after going 21-4 a season ago.

Just one starter returns for 7th year Head Coach Matt Murren, however, as Ashlynn Novotny (5'11, SR G) will handle things at the point for the Patriots this season.

Other returning letterwinners include Kim Stodola (5'9, SR P), Cassidy Hoffman (6'0, JR P), and Alissa Kasik (5'5, JR G).

Other possible contributors include Reagan Settje (5'8, SR P), Bailey Lemburg (5'5, JR G), Kennedy Settje (5'6, SO G), and Kayden Schumacher (5'7, JR P).

Murren says the girls were busy with offseason activities. "Our attendance is unbelievable. We don't have kids that miss unless they have an obligation that they have to miss for."

Murren adds offseason team camps also went well. "We had a very good summer at team camps. We tried to push our team this summer and go to some different camps where we're playing some high quality competition."

The team graduated Hannah Kasik, Beth Wiese, Kaegan Held, Halee Steffensmeier, and Paige Moore last year.

Lots of talent to replace and some big shoes to fill, but this year's team is very capable, in my opinion.

I thought the program made tons of progress last year, having won a record 21 games.

The girls took 3rd at Conference and made a Sub-State Final.

Murren says the team is hungry to get back to Sub-State this year. "Last year was a big step. We felt we fell a little short of our goal. And this year it's the same goals in mind. Our goal's to get to the Sub-State Final and when you get there anything can happen."

Team strengths will be good defense and transition offense, but scoring could be a weakness for the Patriots again, according to Coach Murren.

However, I feel Clarkson/Leigh has a good mix of size and quickness, and that should help them out a lot.

I think this team will be really well balanced offensively.

It should be a fun year for the Patriots, and I'm anxious to see what Clarkson/Leigh can do this season.

Season Outlook:

The Clarkson/Leigh Girls are looking for another huge season this year.

Murren has this preseason assessment of the team. "The Patriots have an opportunity to have another strong year. They will be lead by 4-year starter Ashlynn Novotny who will run the point for them. Should have a strong inside presence with Stodola and Hoffman as well as guards that can really shoot the ball from the perimeter in with Novotny, Kasik, Lemburg and K. Settje. Consistency in their play will be key as many newcomers are in the rotation but the ability to score is there. Schumacher and Settje look to bring energy to the court with their play."

The Patriots open up the season with Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family at home on December 6th. Murren says it should be a heck of a battle. "Last year we were able to get them twice, we got them in the regular season and then we were able to get them at the conference tournament. But it's always a real good game. They've got some real nice players coming back. The Veik girl's going to be a heck of a guard for them."

I think it being a home game for Clarkson/Leigh helps the Patriots quite a bit.

Other tough games for Clarkson/Leigh this year figure to come against Oakland-Craig, BRLD, Columbus Lakeview, David City Aquinas, Humphrey St. Francis, Pender, and Twin River.

I really think the schedule and Sub-District sets up nicely for the Patriots to do well.

Clarkson/Leigh is in Sub-District C2-5 with Howells-Dodge, Lutheran High Northeast, Stanton, and Madison. "There's quality basketball, and there's a lot of good basketball, and hopefully we're peaking at the right time of the season and we'll be playing playing our best basketball then, and we'll be able to make some noise." Murren said.

Murren feels the East Husker is one of the toughest conferences in the State.

I would agree with him and I think that is where the Patriots could face their biggest challenge is come conference tournament time.

Clarkson/Leigh took 3rd last year though so we'll see how the Patriots fare in the Conference Tournament this year.

I think things set up very nicely for Clarkson/Leigh to have another great season with the chance to make Sub-State.

And I think the Patriots can make State, especially with the right Sub-State matchup.

C-2 is loaded this year again though so it doesn't figure to be easy for Clarkson/Leigh once again.

I think a lot of it hinges on the Patriots' ability to score.

2019-2020 Clarkson/Leigh Patriots Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/06/19 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family

12/07/19 @ Madison

12/10/19 Oakland-Craig

12/12/19 @ Winside

12/13/19 @ BRLD

12/17/19 @ David City

12/21/19 @ Howells-Dodge

12/27-12/28 (To Be Determined) Shelby-Rising City Holiday Shelby, NE

01/03/20 Columbus Lakeview

01/07/20 Aquinas Catholic

01/10/20 @ East Butler

01/11/20 Tekamah-Herman

01/17/20 @ Humphrey St. Francis

01/18/20 Pender

01/23/20 Twin River

01/24/20 @ Lutheran High Northeast

01/28/20 Wisner-Pilger

01/31-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker GBB Tournament TBA

02/11/20 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder

02/13/20 Stanton

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Boys excited about potential of experienced team; Girls to have strong guard play

Team: Logan View/Scribner-Snyder

Mascot: Raiders

Colors: Blue and Gold

Class: C-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Sean Forbes (6th season) (73-50 career record)

2018-2019 record: 15-10 (Lost to North Bend Central in Sub-District Final)

Returning Starters: 3

Overview:

The Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Boys are expecting big things this year with the return of all but two players.

Back for 6th year Head Coach Sean Forbes are three returning starters in Trystain Roseberry (6’4, SR F), Connor Larson (5'10, JR G), and Riley Hoetfelker (6'3, JR G).

Other Juniors and Seniors who are returning letterwinners/newcomers are Senior Wyatt Rebbe (5'11, G), and Juniors Garrett Palmer (6'0, JR), Jake Hagerbaumer (6'5 F), Brett Uhing (5'10, F), Jayden Korman (6'1, F), and Garrett Kreite (6'7 F).

Forbes says the team expects to go 9 deep rotation wise. "I expect all 9 of them to be in rotation with potentially a couple sophomores."

Kayl Francis (5'6, G), Jacob Purdy (5'10, G), and Alex Meyer (6'4, F) are sophomore letterwinners/newcomers as is freshman Aaron Fitzke (6'0, G).

Forbes says he is looking for Roseberry and Larson to provide some strong leadership this year.  "We're looking for their leadership to bring on the new guys that got some experience last year coming off the bench to move on. So the potential's really high for these guys with these 9 upperclassmen."

Nathan Wacker and Austin Peters were the two players that graduated last year.

Forbes says 21 kids are out for the team this year.

It sounds like practice has gone well for the Raiders so far, and team was very busy in the offseason with a variety of sports and activities so they should be ready to go.

I think state is very possible, achievable, and attainable for this team, especially with the new Sub-State format.

I look for huge things out of Roseberry and Larson.

These two along with Hoetfelker are the most experienced players on the team.

It should be a fun year for the Raiders, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how they do and compete.


Season Outlook:

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder's Boys Basketball Team is thinking big things this year.

Forbes says this team has the potential to have a big year. "With only losing two seniors to graduation, I believe this team has the potential to have a good year. A lot of guys gained experience last season that should help them this season. We should be fairly deep with 10-12 guys battling for playing time. We are excited to get going and see how everything shakes out. We play a tough schedule so hopefully that prepares the team for sub-districts at the end of the year."

The Raiders open up the season at Oakland-Craig on December 5th.

Forbes expects a tough battle with the Knights despite the fact they are still playing football. "They're so athletic, and they run such a good program there that I expect them to be ready to go too. There's never a letdown coming from Oakland. They're such well coached in all sports, and their kids work so hard that they'll be ready to go. So we're going to have to play our best to even have a chance to play with them. I expect them to be really good this year."

Forbes thinks the East Husker Conference is the toughest conference in the state.

The Raiders are in Sub-District C1-6 with the likes of Wayne, West Point-Beemer, Winnebago, and Tekamah-Herman.

Forbes feels his team will be there in the end. "I think we'll be one of the teams in the mix at the end of the year, but we just have to keep improving and working hard every day to see how it all shakes out."

I feel the new Sub-State Format really helps and benefits Logan View/Scribner-Snyder.

I think the Raiders would of made State two years ago had they had Sub-State then.

As long as LVSS plays well throughout the season and has a good record they should have a good chance to make a Sub-State Final.

And if they do, watch out because anything can happen in those types of games, especially with the right matchup.

I really think this is the year the Raiders could break through and make State, I really do.

The Knights, Wayne, Wahoo, North Bend Central, and Elmwood-Murdock and Fort Calhoun in the Holiday Tournament, Wisner-Pilger, Howells-Dodge, BRLD, and Yutan all figure to be really tough games and tough teams to beat, but Logan View/Scribner-Snyder should hold their own in and win some of those games.

2019-2020 Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Raiders Boys Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 @ Oakland-Craig
12/07/19 @ Twin River
12/10/19 Wayne
12/14/19 @ Wahoo
12/17/19 @ Columbus Lakeview
12/19/19 @ Tekamah-Herman
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Logan View Holiday Tournament Logan View High School
01/07/20 Douglas County West
01/10/20 @ North Bend Central
01/11/20 @ Stanton
01/14/20 Madison
01/18/20 Wisner-Pilger
01/21/20 Arlington
01/23/20 Raymond Central
01/25/20 @ West Point-Beemer
01/28/20 Howells-Dodge
02/01-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker BBB Tournament TBD
02/11/20 Clarkson/Leigh
02/14/20 BRLD
02/21/20 @ Yutan

Team: Logan View/Scribner-Snyder

Mascot: Raiders

Colors: Blue and Gold

Class: C-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Nick Hegge (9th season) (29-149 career record)

2018-2019 record: 6-17 (Lost to Tekamah-Herman in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 2

Overview:

The Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Girls are expecting big things this year, especially from their guards.

Two starters return for 9th year Head Coach Nick Hegge, and they are Valerie Uehling (5'5, JR G), and Josie Kahlandt (5'6, JR G). The two combined to average 16 points a game last season.

Others likely to contribute for the Raiders this year include Maelee Beacom (5'6, SO G/F), Reagan Klein (5'5, SR G), Liz Polk (5'8, SR F), Paige Kotik (5'5, SR G/F), and Abbey Hill (5'11, SR C).

Hegge says the Raiders should be strong at the guard positions. "We should have strong guard play this season. Our girls have been working hard and we are hoping on an improvement from last season."

Shaylin Daugherty, Ashley Uhing, Ashley Peters, and Kaylin Niewohner all graduated from last year's team.

I think Daugherty is a big loss, especially inside.

I think the post game could be a challenge for Logan View/Scribner-Snyder as they will need Hill to really step up.

I think it will be very important for the guards to be able to dribble penetrate and score from the inside as well as the outside.

Hegge says the offseason went well. "We had our younger kids playing summer league, and our older kids went to a number of different team camps. And we liked what we saw, especially toward the end of the summer. We were really starting to put things together. And the girls had a good summer in the weightroom. And we noticed some of those gains and strengths."

I think the successful offseason as well as the success these girls had in their respective fall sports can definitely lead to success in basketball.

Hegge says this is a special group. "We've got a good core group of kids returning. And then we have nice numbers in our freshmen and sophomore class. And I've really been impressed with their talent and their ability. There's some real good players there."

It will be interesting to see how things all come together for Logan View/Scribner-Snyder this season.


Season Outlook:

The Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Girls hope success in fall sports carries over to the basketball hardwood.

Hegge says his team has to go out there and make it happen against some really good competition. "Having those good fall seasons often times can carry over. There's no guarantees. We've got a lot of work in front of us. We have a lot of really good teams on the schedule. The East Husker Conference is always one of the best conferences in C-1, C-2 for Girls Basketball."

The team's toughest tests figure to come against teams like Oakland-Craig, Twin River, Wayne, Columbus Lakeview, North Bend Central, Stanton, West Point-Beemer, Howells-Dodge, Clarkson/Leigh, and BRLD.

I think there's a lot of opportunities for wins for the Raiders this year though I really do.

I feel Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has the potential to be a much improved team and force to be reckoned with.

The Raiders open up the season with the Knights on December 5th in Oakland.

Hegge thinks the Knights will be a pretty good team again, but will be a little bit different.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder is in Sub-District C1-3 with West Point-Beemer, Winnebago, and Wakefield-Allen.

Hegge says the team is focused on themselves at the moment. "If we end up reaching our full potential we think we'll be able to compete with anyone so that's kind of our focus right now."

The Cadets figure to be the Sub-District Favorite, but the Trojans and Indians should be solid too.

The blueprint has been set and made by the Volleyball Team in terms of advancing past Sub-Districts so now everything is laid out for the Basketball Team.

This team has a lot of seniors, and I look for that along with the excellent guard play the Raiders should have, to carry Logan View/Scribner-Snyder this season.

It should be a fun year for the Raiders and our area teams as a whole, and I'm anxious to see how this year's Logan View/Scribner-Snyder team stacks up with some of our other area teams.

It should be a very fun season for sure.

2019-2020 Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Raiders Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/05/19 @ Oakland-Craig
12/07/19 @ Twin River
12/10/19 Wayne
12/12/19 @ Cedar Bluffs
12/17/19 @ Columbus Lakeview
12/19/19 @ Tekamah-Herman
12/28-12/30 (To Be Determined) Logan View Holiday Tournament Logan View High School
01/07/20 Douglas County West
01/10/20 @ North Bend Central
01/11/20 @ Stanton
01/14/20 Madison
01/18/20 Wisner-Pilger
01/21/20 Arlington
01/23/20 Raymond Central
01/25/20 @ West Point-Beemer
01/28/20 Howells-Dodge
01/31-02/08 (To Be Determined) East Husker GBB Tournament TBA
02/11/20 Clarkson/Leigh
02/13/20 Boys Town
02/14/20 BRLD