BRLD Boys top Ponca in Sub-District Final

The BRLD Boys Basketball Team defeated Ponca 59-43 in the C2-4 Sub-District Final from Pender Thursday night.

The Wolverines led the Indians 19-11 at the end of one and won the 2nd quarter 11-9 to take a 30-20 lead into the locker room.

BRLD outscored Ponca 19-11 in the 3rd quarter to extend their lead to 49-31 at the end of three.

The Indians won the 4th quarter 12-10.

Lucas Vogt had 20 points while Jaxon Johnson totaled 14. Darwin Snyder and Dylan Beutler notched 10 apiece.

Very impressive win for the Wolverines.

BRLD (25-0) takes on Twin River (16-9) in the C2-2 Sub-State Final from Norfolk Catholic Monday night.

The Titans won 78-73 over Shelby-Rising City in overtime in the C2-7 Sub-District at David City Aquinas Thursday night.

Twin River has really put things together in the postseason and is playing good basketball right now.

The Wolverines have to come out and take care of business and dominate Monday night.

BRLD could very well be looking at a 29-0 season, and if the Wolverines accomplish that feat it would be amazing.

The thing is though if BRLD were to lose to Twin River they would be done for the season and not have an opportunity to defend their State Title.

I fully expect the Wolverines to win Monday night, but BRLD can't take the Titans lightly or for granted.

The Wolverines have to come out and play their tails off come Monday night.

BRLD has to do what they have done all year and dominate.

If the Wolverines play up to their full potential on Monday they should win, and perhaps win big.

Twin River is a good team and quality program though so they won't be easy to beat at all.

Ponca is probably better though, and BRLD got through the Indians fairly easily so perhaps that will be the case again on Monday.

The Wolverines are a great team and program, and this team is great and elite.

BRLD would beat a lot of teams in classes higher than them.

The Wolverines are truly one of a kind, and BRLD has to come out and smash and be ready to go come Monday night.

The Wolverines have to take it to the Titans for four quarters and must be relentless and can't ever let up.

BRLD has to keep their foot on the accelerator and throttle for 32 minutes, and punch their ticket to Lincoln for the 3rd straight year.

Oakland-Craig Boys lose to Yutan in Sub-District Final, but qualify for Sub-State

The Oakland-Craig Boys Basketball Team lost 55-39 to Yutan in the C2-3 Sub-District Final from West Point-Beemer Thursday night.

The Chieftains doubled up the Knights 12-6 in the 1st quarter, and won the 2nd quarter 9-5 to take a 21-11 lead into the locker room.

Yutan won the 3rd quarter 14-12 to go up 35-23 at the end of three.

The Chieftains won the 4th quarter 20-16.

The Knights may have lost, but they still qualify for Sub-State!

Oakland-Craig (17-8) takes on Sutton (22-2) in the C2-3 District Final at Columbus High Monday night in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Knight Girls won a Sub-District Final at CHS Friday night, and Clarkson/Leigh upset GACC, showing these kids that anything can happen!!!!!

Oakland-Craig has to head into this game believing that they can win because I definitely know they can.

The Knights have to come out and play a great, gutsy game from start to finish Monday night.

Oakland-Craig has to play their hearts out and leave everything out on the floor Monday night.

The Knights have to give it all they got, and do everything in their power to pick up the win.

Oakland-Craig had a great regular season and earned this Wildcard berth into Sub-State.

Columbus High is my Alma Mater so hopefully the Knights can go into Columbus and leave my hometown with a victory and a State Berth!

Very exciting times for Oakland-Craig right now, and the Knights have to be extremely excited and fired up!

Oakland-Craig ended Sutton's season in Football at the State Championship in Lincoln, and have to end their basketball season in Columbus Monday night and punch their ticket to the Capitol City.

The Knights have to be upbeat and have to be on top of their game come Monday night.

Oakland-Craig has to play their best game of the year to come out on top.

The Knights can definitely do it too so go out there and get it Oakland-Craig!

I'll be listening from the station and can't wait to listen what I hope is a Knights' win!

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

It's winner take all, and with Sub-State now all it takes is one game to win and qualify for State.

Oakland-Craig has done a great job to make it this far, and has to keep the train rolling Monday night.

Onto Columbus Monday night and hopefully onto Lincoln after that!

Emerson-Hubbard Boys go 1-2 in final three games

The Emerson-Hubbard Boys Basketball Team lost 49-34 at Stanton last Friday night in the regular season finale before beating Winside 58-28 in the D2-4 Sub-District Play-In Game from Wisner-Pilger Monday night. The Pirates' season came to an end Tuesday night when they lost 61-24 to Randolph in the Sub-District Semifinals.

The Stanton game was tied at 9 after one before the Mustangs doubled up the Pirates 12-6 in the 2nd quarter to take a 21-15 lead into the locker room.

Stanton outscored Emerson-Hubbard 17-5 in the 3rd quarter to extend their lead to 38-20 at the end of three..

The Pirates won the 4th quarter 14-11.

Nolan Belt had 12 points and 7 rebounds while Garrett Blanke registered 8 points.


Emerson-Hubbard led the Wildcats 7-4 after one. The Pirates outscored Winside 21-10 in the 2nd quarter to take a 28-14 lead into the locker room.

Emerson-Hubbard won the 3rd quarter 11-4 to extend their lead to 39-18 at the end of three.

The Pirates outscored the Wildcats 19-10 in the 4th quarter.

Belt had 20 points and 9 rebounds while Mason Hall totaled 18 points. Blanke added 9 points and 10 rebounds.


The Cardinals got out to a 14-6 lead at the end of one. Randolph outscored Emerson-Hubbard 24-2 in the 2nd quarter to take a 38-8 lead into the locker room.

The Cardinals outscored the Pirates 9-2 in the 3rd quarter to increase their lead to 47-10 at the end of three.

Both teams scored 14 points in the 4th quarter.

Difficult end to the year for Emerson-Hubbard.

The Pirates end the season at 5-17.

Much was expected out of Emerson-Hubbard this year, but things just didn't materialize.

The Pirates will be no more next year as Emerson-Hubbard and Allen will be known as the Tri County Northeast Wolfpack.

It's a sad time with the new co-op for Emerson-Hubbard, but it is what it is.

Seniors lost to graduation include Belt, Hunter Schock, Anthony Lawrence, and Tyler Stark.

Hall, Ethan Eriksen, and Zach Shanks figure to be key returners for the new co-op team next year.

It will be interesting to see how the Tri County Northeast Wolfpack fares next year.

I'm sure the Pirates expected more out of themselves this year with everyone they had returning from last year, but things just didn't materialize.

This is going to be a huge change for these kids next year.

They will still play football as Emerson-Hubbard for two more years and then will co-op with Allen for that after that.

It's going to take some getting used to I'm sure, but I'm sure the kids will be used to it and will adapt in time.

It may not be easy right away, but the kids will have to adapt and adjust.

This is simply what happens when numbers get really low, and this is especially needed for Girls Basketball.

This is much needed and will be a good thing in the long run for both Emerson-Hubbard and Allen I am sure.

It might be tough right now, but I have no doubts that it will get easier for both teams and schools.

The kids have to try and get to know each other over the summer if they don't know one another already.

It will be interesting to see what all happens next year and everything.

I feel the team has a chance to be pretty good next year if things come together.

Stanton Boys beat Emerson-Hubbard in regular season finale, lose to Crofton in Sub-Districts

The Stanton Boys Basketball Team won 49-34 at home over Emerson-Hubbard in last Friday night's regular season finale before losing 40-35 to Crofton in the C2-5 Sub-District Play-In Game from Wayne Monday night.

The Emerson-Hubbard game was tied at 9 after one before the Mustangs doubled up the Pirates 12-6 in the 2nd quarter to take a 21-15 lead into the locker room.

Stanton outscored Emerson-Hubbard 17-5 in the 3rd quarter to extend their lead to 38-20 at the end of three.

The Pirates won the 4th quarter 14-11.

TJ Larson had 15 points while Mason Bruggeman totaled 13. Parker Krusemark added a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.


The Warriors and Mustangs were tied at 6 at the end of one. Stanton won the 2nd quarter 7-6 to increase their lead to 13-12 at halftime.

Crofton quadrupled up the Mustangs 16-4 in the 3rd quarter to go up 28-17 at the end of three.

Stanton outscored the Warriors 18-12 in the 4th quarter.

Larson led the way with 21 points.

The Mustangs came close to beating Crofton.

Stanton's season ends at 5-18.

Definitely a year of learning and growth for the Mustangs this year.

The Tekamah-Herman game where Larson won it on a three-pointer at the buzzer was one of the highlights of the year.

The win over West Point-Beemer in the East Husker Conference Tournament was a highlight as well.

Larson and Ben Wilke are the seniors lost to graduation.

They will be missed a lot and remembered for all they did in their careers.

Key returners include Krusemark, Brennan Wragge, Bruggeman, and Ben Butterfield.

I think Stanton has a chance to be better next year than they were this year.

It was a tough season for the Mustangs by their standards.

I'm sure Stanton expects to be better and also expects more out of themselves.

There's no doubt this program can get back to what it once was though.

I feel the Mustangs have a chance to get back to form next year.

It will be interesting to see what happens, but as long as Stanton works hard in the offseason and puts a lot of time and work in they should be successful.

The kids have to get into the gym and weightroom and work hard this offseason.

The Mustangs have to be in there often and do everything with maximum effort.

Stanton has to be motivated and excited and has to want to get better.

The Mustangs have to take part in as many open gyms, team camps, summer leagues, and summer camps as possible.

It has to be an offseason full of basketball for Stanton and their returners.

The Mustangs have to come out with a new attitude next year and reset and regroup.

If Stanton does that then it could be a different season for them.

Tekamah-Herman Boys lose to DC West in regular season finale and fall to West Point-Beemer in Sub-Districts

The Tekamah-Herman Boys Basketball Team lost 80-63 at DC West in last Friday night's regular season finale before falling 59-45 to West Point-Beemer in the C1-6 Sub-District Play-In Game at Oakland-Craig Monday night in action aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Falcons led 25-14 after one. The Tigers won the 2nd quarter 23-18 to make it a 43-37 game at halftime.

DC West won the 3rd quarter 20-15 to extend their lead to 63-52 at the end of three.

The Falcons outscored Tekamah-Herman 17-11 in the 4th quarter.

Brock Rogers had 25 points while Jed Hoover and Clay Beaumont notched 16 and 11, respectively.


The Cadets led just 31-28 at halftime, before pulling away in the second half.

Rogers scored 21 points to lead Tekamah-Herman. Hoover added 8 and Beaumont posted 7 rebounds.

I thought the Tigers played the Falcons tough, and gave the Cadets a run for their money for a while.

Tekamah-Herman ends the year at 4-18.

I thought the Tigers did some nice things this year despite their record.

Tekamah-Herman loses just one senior to graduation so they should be even better next year you would think.

Key returners for next year include Wyatt Deemer, Dylan Chatt, Hoover, Eldridge Jensen, Rogers, Cole Freidel, and Kaleb Quick.

I think the Tigers have a good core group returning next year and can be even better next season than they were this year.

Tekamah-Herman was a very young team this year, and went through a lot of growing pains.

Perhaps some of this year's close losses will be wins next year.

I think the Tigers can definitely be even better next year if they grow and improve in the offseason.

The team has to really get after it this offseason, and shoot and get in the gym often as well as get in the weightroom often.

The kids have to get bigger, faster, and stronger.

Tekamah-Herman has to work hard as often as possible this offseason, and really dedicate themselves to the gym and weightroom.

The Tigers have to want to improve and get better over the course of the summer.

Tekamah-Herman has to get excited about next season and get excited and pumped up over the course of the offseason.

The Tigers have to play their favorite music and hits while working out to get themselves pumped and fired up.

Tekamah-Herman has to put blood, sweat, and tears into this offseason, and do some serious work.

The Tigers are definitely capable of turning things around, in my opinion, they just have to go out there and make it happen.

Tekamah-Herman has to take the offseason by storm, and gear up and get ready for 2020-2021.

Howells-Dodge Boys go 2-1 in final 3 games; Girls lose to Clarkson/Leigh in Sub-District Final

The Howells-Dodge Boys Basketball Team won 63-54 at Lutheran High Northeast in last Friday's regular season finale before defeating Elkhorn Valley 57-55 in overtime in the D1-3 Sub-District Semifinals from Norfolk Catholic Tuesday night. The Jaguars then lost 55-46 to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in Thursday night's Sub-District Final.

The Eagles led the Jaguars 15-13 after one. Howells-Dodge outscored LHNE 21-10 in the 2nd quarter to take a 34-25 lead into the locker room.

The Jaguars won the 3rd quarter 16-14 to extend their lead to 50-39 at the end of three.

The Eagles won the 4th quarter 15-13.


Howells-Dodge led the Falcons 18-17 after one. Elkhorn Valley won the 2nd quarter 13-9 to take a 30-27 lead into the locker room.

The Jaguars won the 3rd quarter 14-11 to tie the game at 41 at the end of three.

Both teams scored 10 points in the 4th quarter to send the game into OT tied at 51.

Howells-Dodge outlasted the Falcons 6-4 in the extra session.


The Bulldogs got out to a 17-14 lead at the end of one. The Jaguars outscored H/LHF 19-13 in the 2nd quarter to take a 33-30 lead into the locker room.

The Bulldogs outscored Howells-Dodge 12-2 in the 3rd quarter to reclaim the lead at 42-35 at the end of three.

Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family won the 4th quarter 13-11.

I thought the Jaguars really played strong basketball at the end of the season, winning 3 in a row before losing to the Bulldogs to end the year.

Howells-Dodge ends the season at 14-11.

I think the Jaguars got things going a little too late at the end of the season.

I think Howells-Dodge is a team that would be good enough to be at State this year had they gotten into a Sub-State Final.

The Jaguars just didn't do enough in the regular season to get a wildcard for Sub-State.

I'm sure Howells-Dodge would like to still be playing right now, but the Jaguars still did some nice things this year.

Howells-Dodge says goodbye to Darrin Pokorny, Charlie Dvorak, Luke Rocheford, Austin Steffensmeier, and Logan Nelson.

Five very good and solid seniors that will be missed without a doubt.

Key returners for next year's team include Jacob Tomcak, Brittin Sindelar, RJ Bayer, Blake Sindelar, Lance Brester, and Aandy Dominguez.

So lots of good returners for the Jaguars next season.

I think Howells-Dodge has a chance to be good next year.

I feel the Jaguars were pretty good this year, but could be even better next year.

I would just say becoming more consistent throughout the course of the entire season is going to be key for Howells-Dodge next year.

The Jaguars have to work really hard this offseason, and get after it in the gym and in the weightroom.

Howells-Dodge has to take part in as many open gyms, summer camps, team camps, summer leagues, and other team activities as possible.

These kids have to work extremely hard between now and the start of next season.

The Jaguars have to give maximum effort and go hard at it 110% during the course of the offseason.

Howells-Dodge has to work to get bigger, faster, and stronger, and has to dedicate themselves to the gym and weightroom this offserason.

The Howells-Dodge Girls lost 41-39 to Clarkson/Leigh in the C2-5 Sub-District Final from Norfolk Catholic last Thursday night.

The Jaguars led 12-10 after one before the Patriots won the 2nd quarter 15-11 to take a 25-23 lead into the locker room.

Howells-Dodge won the 3rd quarter 7-6 to make it a 31-30 game at the end of three.

Clarkson/Leigh won the 4th quarter 10-9.

Jaedyn Ratzlaff had 13 points while Cassie Pieper notched 8. Janessa Schmidt added 9 rebounds.

The Jaguars nearly pulled it off.

Howells-Dodge ends their season at 9-14.

It was definitely a better second half of the season than the first part for the Jaguars.

I think what Howells-Dodge did in the second half of the season gives them momentum and is something they can build on heading into next year.

The Jaguars say goodbye to Grace Kreikemeier and Alyssa Coufal.

Two very valuable seniors that are going to be missed for sure.

Key returners include Pieper, Riley Pokorny, Schmidt, Brooklyn Macholan, Lilly Praest, Ratzlaff, and Sasha Perrin.

Lots of talent returns for Howells-Dodge next season.

Macholan was the team's leading scorer and rebounder this year with 192 points and 159 rebounds.

I look for her and Schmidt to be a real dynamic duo for the Jaguars next year.

I think Howells-Dodge has the pieces returning to get back to their old selves next year.

I look for the Jaguars to do some great and special things next season.

Howells-Dodge has to work extremely hard this offseason though.

The Jaguars have to wake up ready to work hard every single day.

Howells-Dodge has to put the time in the gym and weightroom that allows them to be successful.

The Jaguars have to work hard at their craft and improve their shooting and overall game.

The girls have to get faster and stronger as well.

I think next season has a chance to be a good one for Howells-Dodge.

I feel like the Jaguars have a shot to get back to their old form and do well and be a successful team.

It's going to take a lot of hard work and dedication on Howells-Dodge's part to be successful, but there's no doubt the Jaguars can do it and make it happen.

West Point-Beemer Boys beat Fremont Bergan in regular season finale, down Tekamah-Herman and fall to Wayne in Sub-Districts: Girls beat Winnebago in Sub-District Final

The West Point-Beemer Boys Basketball Team upset Fremont Bergan 41-40 at home in Friday night's regular season finale before winning 59-45 over Tekamah-Herman in the C1-6 Sub-District Play-In Game at Oakland-Craig Monday night in action aired on 107.9 the Bull, only to lose 59-52 to Wayne in Tuesday night's Sub-District Semifinals.

Bergan led 11-9 at the end of one. The Cadets won the 2nd quarter 12-10 to the game at 21 at halftime.

The Knights won the 3rd quarter 10-8 to regain the lead at 31-29 at the end of three.

West Point-Beemer outscored Bergan 12-9 in the 4th quarter.

Zach Vander Griend had 13 points and 10 rebounds, good enough for a double-double, while Keegan Doggett and Miguel Perez totaled 8 points apiece. Jesus Barragan added 7 rebounds.


The Cadets led the Tigers just 31-28 at halftime, before pulling away in the second half.

Miguel Perez had a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds to lead WP-B, with Doggett adding 13 points. Drake Repschlaeger had 7 points and 8 rebounds while Vander Griend totaled 8 boards.


The Blue Devils led 17-11 after one. The Cadets outscored Wayne 19-11 in the 2nd quarter to take a 30-28 lead into the locker room.

West Point-Beemer outscored the Blue Devils 14-8 in the 3rd quarter to go up 44-36 at the end of three.

Wayne outscored the Cadets 23-8 in the 4th quarter to earn the come from behind win.

Vander Griend had 19 points while Doggett was also in double figures with 16.

Great finish to the season for West Point-Beemer. The Cadets finished the year strong.

West Point-Beemer ends their year at 6-19.

The Cadets certainly went through their fair share of growing pains this year, but I think the strong finish West Point-Beemer had at the end of the season gives them a lot of hope, confidence, and promise heading into next year.

The Cadets don't lose a single player to graduation.

Everyone is back for West Point-Beemer next year, and I look for the Cadets to be much improved next season.

West Point-Beemerr was very young this year, but came through and persevered at the end of the season.

I think these things are things the Cadets can build on heading into next year.

I look for West Point-Beemer to have a better year next year.

Imagine if the Cadets had upset Wayne in Sub-Districts...they nearly did.

I think that game shows West Point-Beemer that they can go out and compete with the best of the best.

I think it also shows the Cadets what they need to do to get to the top.

West Point-Beemer has to really get after things this offseason and be gym rats.

The Cadets have to get bigger, faster, and stronger.

West Point-Beemer has to continue their good deeds of picking up the trash from the bleachers after the games as well.

I'm sure they will do that too.

Things should be really positive heading into this offseason and next year.

The Cadets were really young this year, but will be more seasoned next year.

A lot of these kids will be Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores as opposed to Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen.

That should make a big difference for West Point-Beemer next year I would think.

The West Point-Beemer Girls defeated Winnebago 62-43 in the C1-3 Sub-District Final from Wisner-Pilger last Thursday night.

The game was tied at 8 before the Cadets outscored the Indians 21-10 in the 2nd quarter to take a 29-18 lead into the locker room.

Winnebago outscored West Point-Beemer 21-8 in the 3rd quarter to pull in front 39-37 at the end of three.

The Cadets outscored the Indians 25-4 in the 4th quarter.

Sidney Swanson scored 24 points while Jadyn Meiergerd had 14 and Brooklyn Weddle added 9.

Head Coach Taylor Shepard says the team's defense rose to the occasion in the final 8 minutes. "We knew going into the 4th that we needed to lock in defensively. We really challenged the girls to be aggressive on the defensive end, and we were able to use that to spark our offense."

Shepard adds Swanson and Meiergerd came up big. ". Sidney has been a solid scorer for us all year. She knows when to attack the rim, and how to facilitate for her teammates. It has also been great to see Jadyn step into a larger role this year. She hit two big threes in the fourth quarter to really solidify our lead. What has been so fun to see with Jadyn is when things aren’t falling for her outside, she has really improved her ability to attack the rim. This makes her a difficult player to guard."

West Point-Beemer (22-5) takes on Milford (17-6) in the C1-7 District Final from Fremont High Friday night in action that will be aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Eagles lost 35-25 to Malcolm in the C1-5 Sub-District Semifinals from Lincoln Southwest last Tuesday night.

Shepard says the two teams are mirror images of one another. "It will definitely be a battle of two very similar teams. We both like to play at a fast pace, and both teams have the ability to attack the basket and shoot the outside shot."

It could definitely be a game that comes down to one final play, one made free throw, one turnover, a lot like the Oakland-Craig game last Friday night.

Hopefully there's a big crowd from West Point-Beemer at the game and hopefully the fans from the first game between GACC and Clarkson/Leigh stick around to root on the Cadets as well.

It figures to be "West Point United" in Fremont Friday night.

It should be an action packed game, and I think many fans from Central Catholic will want to stick around and watch Reece Snodgrass.

I feel like she makes a big difference in a game like this for West Point-Beemer.

Shepard says her team has worked their tails off to be in this position once again. "Our girls have really challenged themselves since last year to continue to improve their game. Our success this season is a direct result of that, and I would love to see that hard work manifested with another trip to state."

It should be a great game Friday night.

I think things will definitely be tight and close and could go either way.

This is for all the marbles baby, and the Cadets have to come out and win on Championship Friday!!!!!

I'm excited to listen to the game from the comforts of the 107.9 the Bull Studio, and feel like I am right there watching it along with everyone else.

The West Point-Beemer fans have to "rock the gym" and be loud and proud come Friday night.

I really hope the Cadets can make state for the second consecutive year as that would be an amazing accomplishment for this team and program.

Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. on the Bull.

GACC Boys lose final two games of season; Girls defeat BRLD and Ponca in Sub-Districts

The GACC Boys Basketball Team lost 69-54 at home to Winnebago in Friday night's regular season finale before falling 63-55 to Oakland-Craig in the C2-3 Sub-District Semifinals from West Point-Beemer in action aired on 107.9 the Bull Tuesday night.

The Indians led 17-11 after one, and outscored the Bluejays 21-11 in the 2nd quarter to take a 38-22 lead into the locker room.

GACC won the 3rd quarter 17-15 to make it a 53-39 game at the end of three.

Winnebago won the 4th quarter 16-15.

Adam Reeson had a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Bluejays while Blake Pojar notched 15 points and 9 rebounds. Nate Niewohner chipped in 7 points while Casey Doernemann registered 7 rebounds.


Oakland-Craig led 10-8 after one before the Bluejays tied things up at 25 at halftime.

The Knights picked things up in the 3rd quarter, outscoring GACC 23-13 to go up 48-38 at the end of three.

The Bluejays won the 4th quarter 17-15.

Doernemann and Reeson each had 13 points to lead the way for GACC while Brendan Rief added 11. Doernemann also had 7 rebounds.

Great effort by GACC on Tuesday, they just came up a little short.

The Bluejays end their year at 11-13.

A much improved campaign for GACC this year compared to the last couple of years.

I feel like the Bluejays made a lot of strides and improvement from the past couple of seasons, and have put themselves in position to have a winning season next year.

GACC says goodbye to Pojar, Reeson, Doernemann, and Sam Hilbers.

These four seniors will be sorely missed, especially given their size, athleticism, and skill.

The Bluejays return quite a few of their guards next year, including Rief, Niewohner, Ben Ulrich, and Cody Steffen.

I look for these guys to lead the team next year, and for GACC to build and improve upon this season.

I think the Bluejays will be a team to be reckoned with next year.

GACC will have to break in some new post players next year, but they should be able to and should be fine you would think.

Still though the Bluejays are still losing some quality post players, and that's not easy to replace.

GACC has a lot of work to do this offseason if they hope to get back next year.

They can definitely get back though and have a great season next year.

The Bluejays have to take part in as many open gyms, summer camps, summer leagues, team camps, and other offseason activities as possible.

GACC's kids have to be active over the summer and keep themselves busy, and I am sure they will do just that.

The Bluejays have to take part in other offseason activities that are non sports related such as fundraisers and things of that sort if there are any, but also devote proper time to the sport of basketball.

GACC has to look to improve and get bigger, faster, and stronger over the summer.

If the Bluejays make the necessary improvements they need to take the next step in their program next year then next season should be a good one for GACC.

The GACC Girls won 51-36 over BRLD in the C2-4 Sub-District Semifinals from Pender last Tuesday night in action aired on 107.9 the Bull before beating Ponca 47-33 in last Thursday night's Sub-District Final in action also aired on the Bull.

The Bluejays led 10-2 after one, and outscored the Wolverines 14-8 in the 2nd quarter to take a 24-10 lead into the locker room.

BRLD won the 3rd quarter 14-8 to cut the deficit to 8 at 32-24 at the end of three.

GACC outscored the Wolverines 19-12 in the 4th quarter.

Brenna Rief had 16 points followed by 15 points and 7 rebounds from Brandi Doernemann. Sophia Hass added 9 points and 8 rebounds.


The Bluejays led the Indians 17-6 at the end of one. Ponca won the 2nd quarter 15-10 to make it a 27-21 game at halftime.

GACC won the 3rd quarter 7-4 to increase their advantage to 34-25 at the end of three.

The Bluejays outscored the Indians 13-8 in the 4th quarter.

Rief led the way with 15 points while Hass had 10 points and 8 rebounds. Doernemann added 10 points while Marissa Hunke notched 8.

Two outstanding, great, and amazing wins for GACC.

Head Coach Jerry Stracke says the Wolverines and Indians brought out the best in his team. "We couldn't ask for a better sub district to be in - we faced some good teams that forced us to raise the level of our play and bring out some of our best basketball. We were fortunate to come out with two wins and hopefully the momentum will carry over to the next game."

The Bluejays (22-3) take on Clarkson/Leigh (19-5) in the C2-4 District Final from Fremont High Friday night in action that will be aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Patriots won 41-39 over Howells-Dodge in the C2-5 Sub-District Final from Norfolk Catholic last Thursday night.

Stracke says Clarkson/Leigh is a formidable foe. "Clarkson is a well coached team with great athletes. They will create some matchup problems with their strong physical posts and Novotny basketball IQ and height will be a challenge for us."

I think the strong Sub-District GACC had and the tough schedule they played prepares them for these types of moments.

Of course the Bluejays would love to get back to State after missing the Tournament last year for the first time in 21 years.

Stracke says the kids are just playing this year as compared to last season. "Last year the girls put a lot of pressure on themselves and this year we seem to be more relaxed and enjoying the season. We also made great strides and improvement throughout the season. It will be a great accomplishment for the girls to make it down to state."

I wish both of these teams could make state as I really enjoy covering both schools, but unfortunately only one can make it.

One team's dreams will come true and be realized while the other team's dream of making State will be dashed for this season.

I think GACC has a great chance to win, but the Patriots are a very good team.

It's not going to be easy for the Bluejays to win whatsoever.

GACC can definitely do it though, and I think the Bluejays have a good and strong chance to win.

I think the game could be a defensive game, and feel GACC's ability to score and put up points could be the difference.

Clarkson/Leigh has gotten better offensively, but I think the Bluejays' defense could be suffocating enough to limit the Patriots offensively.

We shall see what happens as it should be a good one.

Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on the Bull.

I would suggest getting to the game early if you are planning to go as both West Point Schools are playing back-to-back.

Clarkson/Leigh Boys top David City in regular season finale; lose to H/LHF in Sub-Districts: Girls beat Howells-Dodge in Sub-District Final

The Clarkson/Leigh Boys Basketball Team won 45-32 at David City Friday night to end the regular season before falling 71-40 to Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in the D1-3 Sub-District Semifinals from Norfolk Catholic Tuesday night.

The Patriots led the Scouts 16-6 after one, and won the 2nd quarter 12-8 to take a 28-14 lead into the locker room.

Clarkson/Leigh won the 3rd quarter 13-10 to extend their lead to 41-24 at the end of three.

David City doubled up the Patriots 8-4 in the 4th quarter.

Jarred Novotny had 21 points while Carter Hanel notched 10 points and 16 rebounds, good enough for a double-double.


The Bulldogs jumped out to a 16-7 lead at the end of one, and won the 2nd quarter 12-10 to take a 28-17 lead into the locker room.

Things unraveled for Clarkson/Leigh in the 3rd quarter as Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family outscored the Patriots 26-12 to increase their edge to 54-29 at the end of three.

The Bulldogs won the 4th quarter 17-11.

Hanel led the way with 10 points while Novotny and Eli Hays registered 9 apiece.

I think H/LHF showed why they are the defending D-1 State Champs.

Clarkson/Leigh's season ends at 8-14.

I think it was a successful season for the Patriots in many ways.

Clarkson/Leigh won their last 3 regular season games and played their best basketball in early to mid-January.

The Holiday Tournament win over Arcadia/Loup City was big as well.

All positives to build off of for next year for what was a pretty young team this year.

Novotny was the team's leading scorer this year, finishing with 330 points.

Hanel led the team in rebounding with 243 boards on the season.

The Patriots graduate just one senior in Isaak Wiese.

Clarkson/Leigh brings back nearly everyone next year, including Lance Paprocki, Hays, Kyle Kasik, Drew Beeson, Kanyon Held, Mason Whitmore, Hanel, Tommy McEvoy, and Mitch Beeson.

I think having McEvoy back fully healthy next year will make a huge difference for the Patriots.

I look for Clarkson/Leigh to be even better next year and even better than that in 2021-2022.

I think the Patriots are definitely a team to look out for and be reckoned with in the future.

These kids are multi-sport athletes so you know they will be very active and get after things throughout the course of the summer.

Of course family vacations are always nice during the summer so the kids should enjoy their vacation to wherever they go if they take one and enjoy the summer and time off from school.

With that said, the kids have to put the time in in the gym and in the weightroom this offseason as well.

The kids have to get bigger, faster, and stronger, and become better ball players than they were this year.

With another year of development and maturation I fully expect Clarkson/Leigh to do fine things in 2020-2021.

I think the Patriots will improve from this year to next year as I felt they improved from last year to this year.

The Clarkson/Leigh Girls held off Howells-Dodge 41-39 in the C2-5 Sub-District Final from Norfolk Catholic last Thursday night.

The Jaguars led 12-10 after one before the Patriots won the 2nd quarter 15-11 to take a 25-23 lead into the locker room.

Howells-Dodge won the 3rd quarter 7-6 to make it a 31-30 game at the end of three.

Clarkson/Leigh won the 4th quarter 10-9.

Kennedy Settje had 12 points while Cassidy Hoffman totaled 9 points and 10 rebounds. Alissa Kasik chipped in 7 points.

Head Coach Matt Murren says his team was ready for a four quarter battle. "We knew going in that it was going to be a battle. Howells-Dodge has improved throughout the year and came in winning 8 of their last 11 games. It was just your typical postseason battle between two rivals. I am glad that we were able to come out on top. The game was close from start to finish. Our biggest lead of the game was 4 points and theirs was 5 points. In the 4th quarter the lead for either team never extended beyond 3 points. Kennedy Settje hit a 3 pointer with 4 minutes left to put us up 40-39. Our defense was able to get stops late in the game, that allowed us to move on to sub-state. We made a giant stop with 6 seconds left and secured the board."

The Patriots (19-5) battle GACC (22-3) in the C2-4 District Final from Fremont High Friday night in action that will be aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Bluejays won 47-33 over Ponca in the C2-4 Sub-District Final from Pender last Thursday night.

Murren says GACC is a great team. "Year in and year out GACC is a top program. Coach Stracke does a great job with his teams and they are having another great year. They are a team that is extremely athletic and like to use their athleticism defensively to cause issues. They look to speed teams up and force them into turnovers. On the offensive end, they can really score the ball from the perimeter with the 3 and do a great job of finding their posts inside. It's going to be a fun matchup, our kids will be prepared for them and we are excited to get the opportunity to play in a sub-state game."

This is the 2nd straight year Clarkson/Leigh is in a Sub-State game as they fell 41-25 to Blue Hill in last year's Sub-State Final.

Another difficult matchup and opponent for the Patriots this year, but to be the best you have to beat the best.

Murren says his team has to simply play their game and execute. "We just need to make sure that we come out and play our style of basketball. We started the year searching for our identity and as the year has gone along we have found out the team we are and the style we like to play. At the end of the day, Friday night comes down to how we handle their pressure, defend in transition, and limit 2nd chance opportunities. These are all things that we've preached all year and we are going to keep the same mindset as we approach this game."

There's no doubt Clarkson/Leigh will need to play their best game of the year to come out on top.

Murren says his squad is thrilled to be back at Sub-State with an opportunity to qualify for state. "At the beginning of the year we talked as a team and I told the girls we could be back in this spot if we work hard and peak at the correct time of the year. I'm not sure how many believed me at the time but as the season has gone along, they have started to believe and trust in one another and it's led us to this point. This group has done such a great job of working together, improving and having fun daily that they've given themselves this opportunity to advance to state. If we are able to come out on top Friday night, it would mean a lot to the team, fans, parents and community. We have been building for these moments now and we are glad to have another chance to do it."

Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on the Bull.

I would suggest getting there early if you plan to go with both West Point Schools playing back-to-back.

Oakland-Craig Boys beat GACC in Sub-Districts; Girls down Yutan in Sub-District Final

2nd seeded Oakland-Craig met 3rd seeded Guardian Angels Central Catholic in the C2-3 Boys Sub-District Semifinals at West Point-Beemer Tuesday night in action aired on 107.9 the Bull with the Knights prevailing 63-55.

Oakland-Craig led 10-8 after one before the Bluejays tied things up at 25 at halftime.

The Knights picked things up in the 3rd quarter, outscoring GACC 23-13 to go up 48-38 at the end of three.

The Bluejays won the 4th quarter 17-15.

Colton Thomsen led Oakland-Craig with a game-high 15 points while Caden Nelson and Wyatt Seagren each had 13. Gunnar Ray added 9 while Jaron Meyer chipped in 7.

Good, hard fought win for the Knights. I thought Oakland-Craig really cranked things up in the 2nd half.

The Knights improve to 17-7 on the season and move on to face Yutan (20-3) in Thursday night's Sub-District Final.

The Chieftains routed Fremont Bergan 50-24 in Tuesday night's other Semifinal.

Head Coach Aaron Meyer says it will be an interesting matchup. "They're a solid team. I mean they've got shooters, they got some size, tough point guard. I mean they got a lot of talent. They were in the finals last year for a reason. I like the way we matchup. I don't know how many teams can matchup the way that I feel like we can so you got to play the game so at this point in time it doesn't matter if you're ofer or if you're undefeated you got to win the game and advance."

I think Oakland-Craig could make a Sub-State Final even with a loss, but you always want to win to ensure yourself a trip to a District Final.

Yutan is going to be very difficult to beat though, but if the Knights play the way they did in the 3rd quarter Tuesday night I think they can hold their own with the Chieftains.

Yutan has some future Division I basketball players on their roster so they will be very tough no doubt.

Oakland-Craig has some stud athletes going to college for football though so the Knights have some size and athleticism in their own right.

This is big for Oakland-Craig.

The Knights have had a nice season, but need to play up to and maximize their potential come Thursday night.

I feel like Oakland-Craig can do that too.

I think it's going to take a complete four quarter game for the Knights to get the job done, but feel it can definitely happen.

Yutan is the real deal though, and is going to be extremely difficult to beat.

They shutout Bergan 15-0 in the 1st quarter Tuesday night, and made things look easy against the Knights.

Let's hope things are different for the Oakland-Craig Knights Thursday night.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

The Oakland-Craig Girls defeated Yutan 52-39 in the C2-2 Sub-District Final from Logan View Thursday night.

The Chieftains led 9-7 after one before the Knights won the 2nd quarter 12-10 to tie the game at 19 at halftime.

Oakland-Craig outscored Yutan 17-10 in the 3rd quarter to pull in front 36-29 at the end of three.

The Knights won the 4th quarter 16-10.

Chaney Nelson led the way with 15 points while Kennedy Benne totaled 12 points and 7 rebounds. Sadie Nelson added 10 points while Sydney Guzinski notched 7. Mya Guzinski and Jeannina Blahak registered 7 rebounds apiece.

Head Coach Joe Anderson says defense was the name of the game in the final 16 minutes. "We turned up our defensive pressure in the 2nd half. We were able to create some offense with our press and help increase the tempo of the game."

Anderson adds it was a great team win. "Kennedy was in foul trouble the whole game, so we had some other girls really step up. Chaney Nelson did a great job of attacking the basket in the 2nd half and really took over. It was nice to see a balanced scoring attack. We know all 8 of the girls can score, and we will need them to do that on Friday. "

The Knights (24-1) battle Wood River (14-11) in the C2-1 Sub-State Final from Columbus High Friday night.

The Eagles won 47-37 over Ravenna in Thursday night's C2-10 Sub-District Final from Ord.

Wood River is a solid team, and has a player back they had been missing for much of the season.

Anderson says they're better than their record. "They are a really good basketball team. They have an outstanding shooting guard that can knock shots down from anywhere, and their leading scorer from last year (16 ppg) just returned the last 3 games as she had been out for the year. They are a scrappy team that does a lot of things well, so we are going to have to play one of our best games to get a win and get to Lincoln."

Still though I fully expect Oakland-Craig to go in there and take care of business.

Anderson says State has been on the team's mind for almost a year now. "Lincoln has been the #1 goal for this group since last March. They know they are one step away, and doing all the right things in practice this week to go out and accomplish that goal."

Columbus High is my Alma Mater, and Columbus has a brand new, State of the Art School and Gym.

Very fun atmosphere and great place to play.

So hopefully it's a night to remember for the Knights.

It should be, and Oakland-Craig should go into State as the No. 1 seed.

I feel like the C-2 field is stacked and loaded this year.

The Knights could very well rematch with BRLD at State, and it would be an intriguing matchup if it happens.

Oakland-Craig has to worry about beating Wood River first though.

The Knights don't get to Lincoln and to a potential rematch with the Wolverines without beating the Eagles first.

Oakland-Craig has to come out and light things up from the start Friday night.

I feel like the Knights have played such a tough schedule that has put them in this position that they are in.

Oakland-Craig plays some really tough competition, but then again so does Wood River.

The Grand Island and Hastings Area has some quality teams for Girls Basketball, and the Eagles are one of them.

The Knights definitely have their work cut out for them in this one, and need to play well.

I fully expect Oakland-Craig to do just that though, and cut down the nets and make a return trip to State.

Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. at CHS.

BRLD Boys roll Pender in regular season finale and Wakefield in opening game of Sub-Districts; Girls lose to GACC in Sub-Districts, but earn Wildcard to Sub-State

The BRLD Boys Basketball Team won 56-18 at Pender Friday night in the regular season finale before defeating Wakefield 65-25 in the C2-4 Sub-District Semifinals from Pender Tuesday night.

The Wolverines led the Pendragons 20-0 at the end of one. BRLD won the 2nd quarter 16-11 to take a 36-11 lead into the locker room.

The Wolverines blanked Pender 15-0 in the 3rd quarter to extend their lead to 51-11 at the end of three.

The Pendragons won the 4th quarter 7-5.

Lucas Vogt had 16 points while Dylan Beutler totaled 13 and Jaxon Johnson added 10.


BRLD led the Trojans 15-3 at the end of one, and won the 2nd quarter 17-13 to take a 32-16 lead into the locker room.

The Wolverines outscored Wakefield 25-2 in the 3rd quarter to extend their lead to 57-18 at the end of three.

BRLD won the 4th quarter 8-7.

Darwin Snyder led the way with 15 points while Will Gatzemeyer added 12. Vogt chipped in 10 points and 7 assists while Johnson had 9 points and Beutler 7.

Great, dominating performance from the Wolverines both nights.

BRLD (24-0) takes on Ponca (22-3) in Thursday night's Sub-District Final.

The Indians beat Omaha Nation 67-54 in Tuesday night's other semifinal.

Both teams are pretty much headed to Sub-State either way, but this game is big for seeding should both teams get to the State Tournament.

That and you always want to win games this time of year and win your way into Sub-State.

I look for the Wolverines to do just that Thursday night, and move on to Sub-State unblemished.

BRLD is a team unlike any other, and I feel the Wolverines could very well run away with this game.

BRLD is an incredible team, and I look for the Wolverines to play lights out come Thursday night.

We'll see what happens, but I feel like BRLD stands a great chance to win big.

Ponca is a great team though, and will give the Wolverines their best shot.

If BRLD is on like they have been all year though I don't see any way they get beat.

These two teams could very well meet again at State so I think it's important for the Wolverines to come out and establish a dominating presence Thursday night.

BRLD has to come out and thrash the Indians, and take it to Ponca for four quarters.

These two teams have had some pretty intense battles the past couple of years, and I look for Thursday night's game to be no different.

You know Ponca will do everything in their power to knock off, beat, and upset the Wolverines.

BRLD has to simply not allow it to happen.

What an exciting time for the Wolverines with the Girls Team also in a Sub-State Final on Friday.

It's a great time to be a Wolverine, and the fans and students have to come out in full force Thursday and Friday nights.

For the boys of BRLD, they have to simply come out and take care of business like they have all year.

If they do that then they will be just fine.

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

The BRLD Girls fell 51-36 to GACC in the C2-4 Sub-District Semifinals from Pender last Tuesday night in action aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Bluejays led 10-2 after one, and outscored the Wolverines 14-8 in the 2nd quarter to take a 24-10 lead into the locker room.

BRLD won the 3rd quarter 14-8 to cut the deficit to 8 at 32-24 at the end of three.

GACC outscored the Wolverines 19-12 in the 4th quarter.

Jordan Snyder came off the bench to lead BRLD with 15 points and added 9 rebounds while Isabel Freemont hit four three pointers to total 12 points, and Caragan Tietz pulled down 7 rebounds.

Tough loss for BRLD, but the Wolverines still qualified for Sub-State.

BRLD (19-5) battles South Loup (21-2) in the C2-8 Sub-State Final from York Friday night.

The Bobcats beat Elm Creek 51-36 in the C2-11 Sub-District Final at Gothenburg Thursday night.

South Loup is a very good team and is going to be extremely difficult to beat.

Still though the Bobcats haven't played quite the caliber of opponents that BRLD has.

I think the Wolverines have a good chance to win this one and qualify for State for the first time in Co-op history.

Head Coach Rod Peters says making Sub-State is a testament to how tough this region is. "I think us having enough power points to qualify for sub-state shows the competition level in Northeast, NE. Give a lot of credit to GACC in the sub district they came out and played hard forced us into turnovers and just out played us. The advantage is that the schedule we played allowed us to get one of the wildcards."

BRLD has stumbled some down the stretch, but has lost to some great teams.

Peters says the Bobcats have some offensive weapons the Wolverines have to try and slow down. "As far as South Loup is concerned they are a very good team. They have a big girl that can handle the ball get up and down the floor and score some points. We will have to do a good job of containing her and keeping her off the boards. They also have some shooters that are very capable of hitting shots so we are going to have to do a good job on containing her. So they are a tough matchup for us on Friday night. We look forward to the challenge."

What an exciting time for BRLD...an opportunity to qualify for State in both boys and girls basketball.

If that happened that would be truly special.

Peters says his girls are so close to making their dream a reality. "One thing every year that I coach is that I want to get the girls to have the opportunity to play in Lincoln. This past summer I thought if we improved we might have the opportunity. Now we are just one game away we look to come out Friday night and play at a high level."

I really hope the Wolverines are able to win on Friday and qualify for State.

If BRLD wins they could very well face Oakland-Craig in the first round of State, and I'm sure that's a rematch the Wolverines would welcome.

Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. at York High.

North Bend Central Boys beat Fort Calhoun to end regular season, down Columbus Scotus in Sub-Districts; Girls outlast Wahoo in OT in Sub-District Final

The North Bend Central Boys Basketball Team won 53-40 at home over Fort Calhoun Friday night to end the regular season before defeating Columbus Scotus 66-54 in the C1-5 Sub-District Semifinals from Columbus High Tuesday night.

The Pioneers led the Tigers 9-7 at the end of one. Both teams scored 14 points in the 2nd quarter, and Fort Calhoun held a 23-21 lead at halftime.

NBC outscored the Pioneers 13-5 in the 3rd quarter to pull in front 34-28 at the end of three.

North Bend Central won the 4th quarter 19-12.

Austin Endorf and Cody Prohaska each had 12 points for the Tigers while Jaxon Wietfeld had 9 points and 8 rebounds. Brodey Johnson added 9 points while Breckin Peters notched 7.


The Tigers led the Shamrocks 18-12 at the end of the 1st quarter. NBC won the 2nd quarter 11-7 to take a 29-19 lead into the locker room.

The Tigers won the 3rd quarter 14-11 to extend their lead to 43-30 at the end of three.

Scotus won the 4th quarter 14-13.

Finding ways to win, that's exactly what North Bend Central continues to do.

The Tigers (23-1) battle David City Aquinas (12-11) in Thursday night's Sub-District Final.

The Monarchs beat Columbus Lakeview 60-45 in the other semifinal on Tuesday.

Aquinas is a solid team, but this game and Sub-District is North Bend Central's to lose as far as I'm concerned.

The Tigers are headed to Sub-State either way, but you always want to win your way into Sub-State.

NBC is in the midst of making another State run, and has to keep things going and keep the mojo rolling Thursday night.

The Tigers don't want to lose to the Monarchs, that would be a momentum and buzz killer heading into Sub-Districts.

I think things could be tight Thursday night, but feel North Bend Central will prevail and find a way to win.

The Tigers are a very tough team, and know how to win games, and have to make it happen Thursday night.

NBC has to come out ready to play a great game.

The Tigers ended Scotus's season Tuesday night, and have to want to end the Monarchs' year Thursday night.

North Bend Central has to be all about beating teams to continue their season at this point.

I feel like the Tigers are primed to make another State run, and could at least make it to the 3rd place game on the final day of the season.

It will be interesting to see if North Bend Central matches up with Auburn in the Semifinals if the two teams both make state and are the 2 and 3 seeds.

If the State Tournament were to start today those are the seeds those two teams would be.

I look for the Tigers to play a great and amazing game Thursday night, and come out intense and fired up.

North Bend Central has to come out and play a strong game, and treat the game as a must win as after all almost every game this time of year is do or die, win or go home.

Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. at CHS.

The North Bend Central Girls outlasted Wahoo 65-61 in the C1-4 Sub-District Final from David City Aquinas Thursday night.

The Tigers led the Warriors 19-13 at the end of one. Wahoo won the 2nd quarter 15-11 to make it a 30-28 game at halftime.

Both teams scored 13 points in the 3rd quarter, and the score was 43-41 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

The Warriors won the 4th quarter 15-13 to tie the game at 56 and send it into OT.

North Bend Central outlasted Wahoo 9-5 in the extra session.

Close call for the Tigers, but they prevailed.

North Bend Central (23-2) takes on Norfolk Catholic (17-7) in the C1-3 Sub-State Final from Wisner-Pilger Friday night.

The Knights beat Pierce 35-15 in the C1-7 Sub-District Tournament at Norfolk High Thursday night.

Norfolk Catholic has beaten teams like GACC, O'Neill, and Battle Creek.

The Knights are a legit threat to win and upset the Tigers if you may.

Still though NBC has been great all year and survived a scare from one other traditional power in Wahoo.

The Tigers have to be ready for a four quarter battle with Norfolk Catholic though.

North Bend Central has to be ready to hold off the Knights and punch their ticket to State knowing it is win or go home.

Head Coach Aaron Sterup says his team has rose to the occasion time after time in the past. "These girls have shown over and over again that they do not give up easily. They have had a lot of instances in the past couple of seasons where their backs have been up against the wall and they have shown to not give up very easily. It is one of the qualities that has made them very successful. Getting a win over Wahoo is always good. I really think we took their best shot as they played very well and shot amazingly. To get out with a win says a lot about the heart of our girls."

I really think North Bend Central will get Norfolk Catholic's best shot Friday night, but very well could rise to the challenge once again and beat the Knights.

Sterup adds it's going to be an extremely difficult matchup. "They are going to be a very difficult matchup for us. They have good size and strength. They play really solid defense and are consistently tough to score against. They have size inside which could give us trouble if we aren’t fundamentally sound. It will be a tough test for us."

The Tigers could very well come up short Friday night, but I'm hoping they won't and don't think they will.

I feel like playing at Wisner-Pilger helps North Bend Central as they know that gym better than Norfolk Catholic probably.

Sterup says this is the time of year when you hope all your hard work pays off. "Obviously, the goal is always to get to state, so we are excited for another opportunity. Our girls have put in a lot of time, effort, blood, sweat and tears so now is the time that all of that work hopefully pays off. We look forward to the opportunity and certainly don’t take them for granted."

Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. at "The Swamp."

Pender Boys lose to BRLD in regular season finale, fall to Wynot in Sub-Districts; Girls lose to Fremont Bergan in Sub-District Final, but make Sub-State

The Pender Boys Basketball Team fell 56-18 at home to BRLD Friday night in the regular season finale before losing 41-38 to Wynot in the D2-4 Sub-District Semifinals from Wisner-Pilger Tuesday night.

The Wolverines led the Pendragons 20-0 at the end of one. BRLD won the 2nd quarter 16-11 to take a 36-11 lead into the locker room.

The Wolverines blanked Pender 15-0 in the 3rd quarter to extend their lead to 51-11 at the end of three.

The Pendragons won the 4th quarter 7-5.

Tough end to the season for Pender.

The Pendragons conclude their year at 5-18.

It was definitely a struggle this year for Pender, but it was the first year for Head Coach Mitch Mailloux and the Pendragons are still trying to adapt and adjust to trying to create a culture of winning.

I think the Pendragons did well at times this year, but Pender has a lot of work to do to get things turned around.

The Pendragons were really young this year too as they say goodbye to just two seniors in Austin Roth and Larry McManigal.

Pender brings back the likes of Caleb Trimble, Nathan Breitbarth, Dylan Vogt, Spencer Rabbass, Jaxon Maise, and Lucas Timm.

The Pendragons will have a good nucleus of seniors next year and need to make some strides.

I think next year is critical for Pender.

The Pendragons need to see improvement, and have to show that they are on the rise and improving and getting better.

Pender wants to change the culture and fortunes of their program so the Pendragons need to really get after things this offseason.

Pender has to instill a tremendous work ethic within themselves and the returning players and newcomers need to get up this summer and go hard at it in the weightroom and on the court.

It has to be an offseason of dedication and hard work on the court.

The Pendragons have to develop and mold themselves between now and November.

Pender had a tough season, but it can get better.

The Pendragons just have to work hard and go out there and make it happen this offseason.

Pender has to play the game as much as possible, and shoot as often as possible at the school or at the Community Center.

Pender has a nice, brand new Community Center and the kids should be in that thing everyday if they can.

The Pender Girls lost 54-34 to Fremont Bergan in the D1-1 Sub-District Final at West Point-Beemer Thursday night, but qualified for Sub-State.

The Pendragons (16-11) battle Cambridge (16-8) in the D1-7 District Final from Grand Island Northwest Friday night.

The Trojans beat power Dundy County-Stratton 49-34 in the D1-11 Sub-District Final from McCook Thursday night.

This figures and ought to be a very interesting game.

Cambridge started the year just 2-6, but is 14-2 in their last 16 games.

The tough schedule the Pendragons play though would leave you to believe that they can win.

Of course Pender made a second half run themselves, winning 9 in a row at one point and taking 4th in the conference tournament.

Head Coach Luke Hoffman says the EHC is well represented in Sub-State. "Everyone knows that the EHC is a strong conference and it showed again this year. Even though our team wanted to win a few more of those conference games, all of the teams we lost to in the conference are in Sub-State Finals themselves."

Hoffman adds the Trojans are well rounded. "Cambridge is a solid team. You wouldn't be a solid team and make it this far. They have a fantastic guard that has been seen on film scoring at will. Cambridge has a couple athletic six foot posts inside that we will have to play solid defense on. The team is well coached and they know their strengths and weaknesses and try to maximize and minimize those. I like the matchup and think there are opportunities for us to press their other guards & posts while we keep track of where their scorer is on the floor."

The Pendragons aren't the tallest team, and they've stumbled down the stretch in recent games.

I think Pender is going to have to get after it with their guards and create turnovers if they want to win.

Hoffman says making state would be a big deal. "If you ask every kid in Nebraska that played basketball this year, they probably would want to go to state. Hopefully some history repeats itself from 2017 and the few years prior when Pender made it to state on a wildcard every year. It would be a good accomplishment for these girls and something they have set their eyes on from the beginning of the year."

Hopefully the Pendragons can get the job done. I am really pulling for them and hope they can win.

Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. at GINW.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Boys lose to Yutan in regular season finale, beat Winnebago in Sub-Districts

The Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Boys Basketball Team lost 30-21 at Yutan Friday night in the regular season finale before beating Winnebago 59-51 in the C1-6 Sub-District Semifinals from Oakland-Craig Tuesday night.

The Raiders and Chieftains were tied at 10 at the end of one. Yutan won the 2nd quarter 8-7 to take an 18-17 lead into the locker room.

Both teams scored 2 points in the 3rd quarter, and it was a 20-19 game at the end of three in favor of the Chieftains.

Yutan outscored LVSS 10-2 in the 4th quarter.

Trystain Roseberry had 12 points to pace the Raiders.


The Raiders held a 13-10 lead on the Indians at the end of one. Logan View/Scribner-Snyder outscored Winnebago 22-10 in the 2nd quarter to take a 35-20 lead into the locker room.

The Indians outscored LVSS 20-7 in the 3rd quarter to make it a 42-40 game at the end of three.

The Raiders won the 4th quarter 17-11.

Riley Hoetfelker had 22 points while Roseberry notched 14. Garrett Kriete totaled 9 points and 9 rebounds while Larson added 9 points and Brett Uhing 7 rebounds.

Two solid, well played games from LVSS, in my opinion.

The Raiders (17-8) take on Wayne (19-6) in Thursday's Sub-District Final.

The Blue Devils beat West Point-Beemer 59-52 in the other semifinal on Tuesday.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder beat Wayne 41-38 at home back on December 10th.

I think the Raiders will win again.

I just like the way LVSS plays defense and gets after things on that end of the floor.

I feel the Raiders will control and dictate pace to their liking.

Both teams could very well make Sub-State win or lose, but you always want to win your way into Sub-State, and I think Logan View/Scribner-Snyder needs this one a little bit more.

The Raiders have to come out and play with lots of intensity and passion Thursday night.

LVSS has to make more plays than Wayne, and outwork and outhustle the Blue Devils.

It should be a great game that comes down to the wire.

I really do like the Raiders' chances of winning though, especially if they're on offensively.

I think Logan View/Scribner-Snyder is a really tough team who has played a lot of tough teams and is battle tested.

I could be wrong, but I just really like the way the Raiders are playing right now.

Either way it should be a tight and closely contested ball game that can go either way.

Both these teams are very familiar with one another and know what to expect from each other so there shouldn't be any surprises on Thursday.

I look for things to come down to the wire, and have the game come down to a defensive stand or late basket to win it.

As tough as it can be, LVSS just has to stay and remain calm at all times, and make the plays that are presented to them.

The Raiders have to find a way to prevail, and ensure themselves a trip to a Sub-State Final next week.

Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. in Oakland.

Winnebago Boys beat GACC in regular season finale; Girls fall to West Point-Beemer in final game of year

The Winnebago Boys Basketball Team won 69-54 at GACC Friday night to end the regular season.

The Indians led 17-11 after one, and outscored the Bluejays 21-11 in the 2nd quarter to take a 38-22 lead into the locker room.

GACC won the 3rd quarter 17-15 to make it a 53-39 game at the end of three.

Winnebago won the 4th quarter 16-15.

I feel like the Indians are going to be a tough team to beat in the postseason.

Winnebago (9-12) battles Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (16-8) in the C1-6 Sub-District Semifinals at Oakland-Craig Tuesday night.

The Raiders lost 30-21 at Yutan in Friday night's regular season finale.

This is a battle of two teams with contrasting styles.

LVSS likes to grind things out and play a slow down, half court type of game while the Indians like to get out and run and gun.

I think the big thing for Winnebago is to stay patient and not get frustrated.

The Raiders will try and win the mental aspect of the game and really work hard for their shots.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder will hold the ball until they get what they want too, and that can be frustrating for a team like the Indians, who like to get out and run.

I think for Winnebago it's all about trying to play at their pace and get out and run.

The Indians have to try and get steals and get out there and run and gun.

Winnebago has to try and prevent the Raiders from playing keep away from them if at all possible.

The Indians have to fly all over the court and take advantage of every opportunity given to them.

Winnebago has to make more plays than Logan View/Scribner-Snyder as well as capitalize on Raider mistakes.

The Indians can't be afraid to take chances and gamble on some plays.

Winnebago has to come out and play their brand of basketball, and give the Raiders all they got and then some.

This is the season for the Indians, and Winnebago has to play like there is no tomorrow because if the Indians lose on Tuesday then the season is over.

Winnebago has to go out there and look to light things up from the outside.

The Indians also have to play tough defense, which LVSS is known for.

I think this game favors the Raiders if it's low scoring and Winnebago if it is high scoring.

Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. in Oakland.

The Winnebago Girls Basketball Team lost 62-43 to West Point-Beemer in the C1-3 Sub-District Final from Wisner-Pilger Thursday night.

The game was tied at 8 before the Cadets outscored the Indians 21-10 in the 2nd quarter to take a 29-18 lead into the locker room.

Winnebago outscored West Point-Beemer 21-8 in the 3rd quarter to pull in front 39-37 at the end of three.

The Cadets outscored the Indians 25-4 in the 4th quarter.

I thought Winnebago did a nice job of battling against and giving West Point-Beemer a game, they just came up a little short.

The Indians end their year at 14-10.

It was definitely a year of growth and improvement for Winnebago.

I look for the Indians to breakthrough next year and get to Sub-State and perhaps even State.

Winnebago is certainly a program headed in the right direction and destined for great things.

The Indians graduate Jayla Price, Tia YellowThunder, Savannah Fierro, Jaidan Payer, and Azure Goodman.

Key returners for Winnebago include Maddy Cleveland, Keisha Snyder, Natasha Deal, and Lakaylah Kearnes.

I look for Cleveland, Snyder, and Deal to be the "Big 3" for the Indians next season.

Next year has to be Winnebago's year.

The girls have to wake up every day this offseason hungry and ready to get to work.

The Indians have to be motivated and have to want to improve throughout the course of the summer.

Winnebago has to have that toughness, drive, and determination that makes them great.

The Indians need to get after it each and every day and go hard 100% at it all the time.

Winnebago has to dream big and go out there and achieve greatness and do what they can do.

The girls have to think and dream big in the offseason, and envision what it would be like to play at Pinnacle Bank Arena next year.

The boys have had their glory days and I think it could very well be the Girls' turn to get down to Lincoln next year.

We'll find out for sure next year, but Winnebago has to be very excited about what they can do and the potential they have heading into next season.

The Indians definitely made a ton of strides from last year to this year, and I look for Winnebago to have a great summer and comeback even better and stronger next year.

2020-2021 should be Winnebago's year I would think.

It will be very fun and exciting to cover the Indians on the blog once again next year.

Wisner-Pilger Boys defeat Madison in regular season finale

The Wisner-Pilger Boys Basketball Team won 67-50 at Madison Friday night to conclude the regular season.

The Gators now turn their attention to Sub-Districts.

Wisner-Pilger (15-8) takes on Lutheran High Northeast (13-9) in the C2-5 Sub-District Semifinals at Wayne Tuesday night.

The Eagles lost 63-54 at home to Howells-Dodge in Friday night's regular season finale.

The two teams met at the beginning of the season with the Gators winning 56-47 in Wisner.

It should be an interesting second matchup for sure.

I feel like Wisner-Pilger will be locked and loaded and amped up and ready to go come Tuesday night.

I'm sure the Gators will be very dialed into what they are doing.

This is Wisner-Pilger's chance to make a run at State and get into the State Tournament.

Head Coach Duane Mendlik has had an extraordinary career, and for the Gators to get to State this year would be fitting for him.

It would be a great way for Wisner-Pilger to honor him for becoming the all-time winningest Coach in Nebraska High School Basketball History last year.

I am really pulling for the Gators and hope they are able to make it down to Lincoln.

Wisner-Pilger would likely have to beat Hartington Cedar Catholic in Thursday's Sub-District Final in order to make Sub-State though.

I feel like the Gators have a great chance to win this Sub-District and get to Sub-State.

It's now or never for Wisner-Pilger though.

The time has to be now for the Gators.

This is Wisner-Pilger's chance to breakthrough and make state.

The Gators have to do it right now for Coach Mendlik.

If Wisner-Pilger loses on Tuesday or Thursday there is no tomorrow for them as their season is over.

Let's hope my next post about the Gators is about them playing in a Sub-State Final.

Tip-off is set for 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday.

Oakland-Craig Boys beat West Point-Beemer in regular season finale

The Oakland-Craig Boys Basketball Team won 63-44 at West Point-Beemer in last Friday night's regular season finale in action aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Knights got out to a 15-5 lead after one. The Cadets battled back in the 2nd quarter, winning it 14-10 to make it a 25-19 game at halftime.

West Point-Beemer got to within 2 at 33-31 in the 3rd quarter before Oakland-Craig went on a 16-2 run spanning the 3rd and 4th quarters to build a 49-33 advantage.

Gunnar Ray led Oakland-Craig with 15 points and 7 rebounds while Colton Thomsen was also in double figures with 13 points. Wyatt Seagren and Jaron Meyer added 7 apiece.

Head Coach Aaron Meyer says his team's play was kind of up and down throughout the game. "For whatever reason we just kind of turn it on and off when we want to it seems like. We started the game and pressure looked really really good, and then 2nd quarter not so hot. 3rd quarter I gave the guys some time in the locker room to hash things out themselves. We just didn't have the right look, came out and just kind of played the same way. And so to be really honest I'm kind of surprised that we did turn it around cause we didn't start the 2nd half very well either, but it was one of those games where we had to get our defense going to get our offense going, and that's kind of what happened."

Oakland-Craig (16-7) takes on GACC (11-11) in the C2-3 Sub-District Semifinals from West Point-Beemer Tuesday night in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Bluejays won 46-45 at home over Fremont Bergan on Saturday.

The Knights beat GACC 66-54 at home in the regular season.

I would think Oakland-Craig would find a way to win the rematch, but you never know.

It figures to be a tight and close game that's for sure.

The Bluejays have been fairly good in close games too so things could really go either way.

Oakland-Craig might be able to get a Wildcard to Sub-State should they beat GACC and lose to say Yutan, but you never know.

This is a really competitive Sub-District, and I look for the Knights to turn in their best effort.

I don't necessarily know if Oakland-Craig played their best game last Friday, but the good news is the Knights have had and do have a lot of time to prepare for GACC.

The Bluejays play Winnebago Friday night so a lot of their attention has been on the Indians I am sure.

I look for Oakland-Craig to be locked in and ready to go come Tuesday night.

I think the Knights will come out and play a good game and turn in a strong performance.

I feel like it will be a successful night of basketball for Oakland-Craig.

The Knights have to step up and play their best basketball though.

Oakland-Craig has to be in beast mode and be at their best Tuesday night.

The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. on the Bull.

I feel like Yutan is the team to beat in this Sub-District with the Knights a close second.

I think it could very well come down to Oakland-Craig and Yutan in Thursday night's Sub-District Final.