West Point-Beemer Girls lose to Wahoo in District Final to end season

The West Point-Beemer Girls Basketball Team came up short in the C1-2 District Final at Fremont High against Wahoo Friday night as the Cadets lost 60-48 in a game aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Cadets jumped in front early, but the Warriors battled back to tie the game at 15 at the end of one.

Wahoo won the 2nd quarter 13-9 to go up 28-24 at halftime.

The Warriors started the 3rd quarter on a 9-0 run, and outscored West Point-Beemer 13-6 in the 3rd quarter to lead 41-30 at the end of three.

Wahoo won the 4th quarter 19-18.

Makenna Weddle led the Cadets with a team-high 11 points in her final game in a West Point-Beemer uniform. Fellow senior Katie Pilakowski added 10 while freshman Sidney Swanson notched 9. Senior Brittney Hinkel totaled 8.

Difficult way for the Cadets to go out. West Point-Beemer had their chance, but lost their 3rd District Final in the last four years.

West Point-Beemer ends the season with a 20-7 record.

It was a very memorable season for the Cadets, who really picked up their play after Christmas.

West Point-Beemer beat Arlington twice, knocked off Howells-Dodge, and beat BRLD, Twin River (twice), Stanton, and Oakland-Craig, all teams who finished the season .500 or better.

Hinkel was the team's leading scorer and rebounder, finishing with averages of 11 points and 6 rebounds a game.

The Cadets lose Hinkel, Weddle, Pilakowski, Megan Groth, and Nicole Mitzel to graduation.

These girls are all big losses, and played a key and vital role in West Point-Beemer's success the last four years.

Plenty of talent returns for the Cadets though.

West Point-Beemer brings back Swanson, Brooklyn Weddle, Abbey Dale, Abby Kaup, Andrea Hoffman, Darian Repschlaeger, Brooke Haase, Katie Combs, Kendra Paasch, and Rachel Groth.

I expect each and every one of these girls to step up and contribute for the Cadets next season.

West Point-Beemer will need some new scorers and leaders to emerge, but I fully expect the returning players and newcomers to find girls to do that.

I think the Cadets will have another fantastic season next year, and put themselves in a position to make state.

West Point-Beemer has to continue all the shooting and intense workouts in the offseason they put in this year.

The Cadets have to keep growing and improving as players and teammates to continue to make this program what it has become.

Perhaps next year will be the year West Point-Beemer breaks through and makes state.

It's tough to make state when you get paired against Wahoo, Neumann, or even Pierce, but in order to be the best you have to beat the best.

One of these years the Cadets will breakthrough and make state.

This year just wasn't West Point-Beemer's year to breakthrough and reach the state tournament.

Perhaps next year will be.

BRLD Girls end season in District Final loss to Stanton

The BRLD Girls Basketball Team saw their season come to an end Friday night as the Wolverines lost 56-43 to Stanton in the C2-2 District Final at Wisner-Pilger.

The Mustangs got out to a 17-12 lead after one, and outscored BRLD 15-9 in the 2nd quarter to take a 32-21 lead into the locker room.

Stanton won the 3rd quarter 11-6 to extend their lead to 43-27 at the end of three.

The Wolverines won the 4th quarter 16-13.

Vicki Gatzemeyer had 17 points to pace BRLD in her final game in a Wolverine uniform. Sophia Henneman chipped in 9 in her final game as well.

I thought BRLD had a really good chance to win this game and make state. The Wolverines just came up a little bit short though.

BRLD concludes the year with a 21-5 record.

It was a great and memorable season for the Wolverines, who picked up big wins over Howells-Dodge, Clarkson/Leigh, Ponca, Oakland-Craig (twice), Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Stanton, and North Bend Central.

BRLD won the East Husker Conference Tournament, and that had to be a big deal for the Wolverines.

BRLD graduates a talented senior class that includes Gatzemeyer, Henneman, Tiahna Bonneau, Kelcee Bacon, and Mariah Petersen.

The Wolverines bring back some nice talent though in Paige Peters, Brandi Simonsen, Caragan Tietz, and Kelsey Larsen.

I look for BRLD to have another nice season next year, and be a factor in the EHC Conference and postseason once again.

The Wolverines did a lot of great things and made a lot of nice memories this season, they simply came up short of reaching their goal and final desired destination.

I think not making state gives BRLD something to work towards and build for in the future though.

The Wolverines came so close this year, and it's going to hurt for a while, but BRLD has to put it behind them and move on and get ready for next season when they're ready.

A lot of hard work, determination, time, and effort went into this season for the Wolverines.

BRLD really did some special things, and I'm sure this season is something the players, coaches, parents, and fans will never forget.

The Wolverines almost made state in Boys and Girls, but there's the potential for that happening in the future yet.

BRLD has to take more steps in the right direction this offseason, and make the program even better than it already is.

I thought the Wolverines made a lot of strides from their first year to their second year so there's no reason to think BRLD can't take even more steps forward next season.

The Wolverines did a lot of nice and special things this year, and should be very proud of what they accomplished.

I'm sure everyone is bummed out and disappointed about not being at state, but there is always next year.

Oakland-Craig Boys lose Sub-District Final to BRLD

It came down to a deciding possession late in the 4th quarter in the Boys C2-3 Sub-District Final from West Point-Beemer Thursday night as BRLD edged Oakland-Craig 48-43.

Down 46-43 with 7.8 seconds left, the Knights' Robby Mayberry was dribbling down court, and tried to get the ball to All-State Player Garrett Seagren for a game-tying three pointer, but Mayberry crossed half court and threw it behind to Seagren, who was trailing the play, but couldn't quite make it across halfcourt with the ball after catching it, thus the game deciding turnover.

Head Coach Aaron Meyer on the play. "Yeah that's a hard one. It's basketball. And you make plays sometimes, and sometimes you don't. And it's one of those life lessons where we're going to learn that the game's not won and lost in one or two possessions at the end of the game. There's 32 minutes of that ball game, and we had chances throughout. So sometimes it does come down to the very end, but we're not going to be pointing any fingers."

Oakland-Craig made a furious rally late as Seagren canned three 3's after BRLD went up 45-34 with less than a minute to go.

The Knights led early, 6-5 after one, and 17-15 at halftime after winning the 2nd quarter 11-10.

The Wolverines put together a big 3rd quarter though, doubling up Oakland-Craig 18-9 to go up 33-26 at the end of three.

The Knights won the 4th quarter 17-15.

Seagren paced Oakland-Craig with 16 points, including 12 in the 4th quarter, while Kobe Benne totaled 13, 11 coming in the 2nd quarter. Wyatt Seagren added 7 points and 12 rebounds.

Aaron Meyer says his team never gave up after falling behind in the 2nd half. "Yeah we had that little lull where we lost a couple guys defensively. I don't think we communicated on the substitution. And we weren't sure who we were guarding. That stuff can't happen this time of year, let alone a high school game. And they took advantage. They made a couple 3's. We had some great looks there near the end that didn't go in the last oh I'd say 3 or 4 minutes of the game. And then I told the guys a little over a minute left, we're down 10, I'm looking at the bench wondering why I should sub some guys in. And Garrett said no coach we're not done yet. And I got full confidence if we get him the ball there at the end he's got a shot to tie. I'm putting some money on that. He wanted it. We just didn't get it to him."

The Knights end the season at 16-10.

BRLD Head Coach Cory Meyer says Oakland-Craig was underrated. Aaron always has his team ready. They're a great team. They're a lot better than what that record shows because to start the season off they didn't have Garrett to start off with, and they should be a Division I if not ranked in C-2. And there's no doubt in my mind. And trying to beat them twice is tough to do, and we did that tonight."

Aaron Meyer says Garrett Seagren and Benne really came to play. "Yeah they did. When you're a senior like that, you're going to win some, you're going to lose some. And if you're going to lose you want to go down with a fight. And they went down with a fight no doubt so really proud of their efforts."

Garrett Seagren led the team in scoring and rebounding at 15 points and 7 rebounds a game this season.

Benne was second in scoring at 12 points a game.

Wyatt Seagren was 2nd in rebounding at 6 boards a game.

Garrett Seagren and Benne are lost to graduation.

Those are two very good players leaving the Oakland-Craig program.

Key returners include Wyatt Seagren, Robby Mayberry, Jared Mulder, Garrison Dodge, Cole Bures, and Tyson Harney.

I think the Knights have a chance to be good again next year, but new players have to emerge and become scorers for Oakland-Craig next season.

Other players have to step up and pick up the slack left by the departed Garrett Seagren and Benne.

They are two great players left to graduation, but I fully expect a number of the returners develop into scorers in the offseason and carry more of the load next season.

I think Dodge, Bures, and Wyatt Seagren in particular have to become go to scorers for the Knights next year.

Those are the 3 I look to shoulder more of the scoring load next season.

Pender Boys drop Sub-District Final game to Walthill

The Pender Boys Basketball Team saw their season come to an end Thursday night as the Pendragons lost 53-36 to Walthill in the D1-4 Sub-District Final from Wisner-Pilger.

I thought this game would be closer than it was, but it just wasn't meant to be.

Pender ends the season with a 10-15 record.

I thought it was a nice season for the Pendragons.

Pender doubled up their win total from last year.

I think picking up a sub-district win over GACC was huge.

The Pendragons say goodbye to Jared Tyrrell, Gerrit Foellmer, Jordan Springer, Riley Prokop, Tyler Nelson, and Dean Gibbs.

These players will be sorely missed without a doubt as they were a big part of this ongoing turnaround for the Pender Boys Basketball Program.

Key returners include Austin Roth, Eric Schopke, Chris Rutar, Jaydon Jump, Jaxon Maise, Sam Mailoux, and Dylan Brader.

I like the makeup of this Pendragon team heading into next season.

I feel Pender will be even better next year than they were this year.

I think the Pendragons will have a chance to win even more games next year than they did last year.

I don't think there's any reason to think Pender can't win anywhere from 15-20 games next season.

As long as the Pendragons have Mailoux they should be able to compete at a high level and win a lot of games.

I feel Pender has a shot to be successful again next season, and perhaps get to a district final or even make state.

The Pendragons took some big steps in the right direction this year so things can only go up from here I would say.

Pender has to continue to make strides and get better in the offseason.

The Pendragon Boys Basketball Program is a work in progress, and perhaps can become a finished product after next year.

Emerson-Hubbard Boys lose regular season finale at Stanton, fall to Winside in Sub-Districts; Girls end year with loss to Humphrey St. Francis in Sub-District Final

The Emerson-Hubbard Boys Basketball Team lost 61-29 at Stanton last Friday night to end the regular season before losing 58-41 to Winside in the D2-3 Sub-District Semifinals at Stanton Tuesday night to wrap up the season.

The Mustangs went up 17-7 at the end of one on the Pirates before outscoring Emerson-Hubbard 23-8 in the 2nd quarter to take a 40-15 lead into the locker room.

Stanton won the 3rd quarter 8-5 to go up 48-20 at the end of three.

The Mustangs won the 4th quarter 13-9.

Jacob Kneifl had 12 points while Nolan Belt totaled 7 points and 8 rebounds.

The Wildcats went up 19-14 after one, and outscored the Pirates 16-9 in the 2nd quarter to take a 35-23 lead into the locker room.

Winside outscored Emerson-Hubbard 15-4 in the 3rd quarter to go up 50-27 at the end of three.

The Pirates won the 4th quarter 14-8.

I thought Emerson-Hubbard played decent in their sub-district game.

The Pirates end the year at 1-22.

Emerson-Hubbard says goodbye to Chandler Emmons, Joshua Sebade, Blake Eriksen, Keaton Wriedt, and Luke Stolze.

These seniors meant a lot to the Pirates for sure, and will be missed, there's no doubt about it.

Key returners include Belt, Spencer Burcham, Kneifl, and Kaden Swanson.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Emerson-Hubbard next year.

They have approached Allen about co-oping so it will be interesting to see if that happens next season.

The Pirates appear to be good in numbers for boys basketball, but Girls is a different story.

Whatever happens I hope it's for the best interest of the kids and the school.

Emerson-Hubbard had a tough year, and anything to make them more successful is a good thing, in my opinion.

The returning players and newcomers have to get after things in the offseason and work their tails off.

Next year has already started, and everyone needs to get started on offseason shooting and stuff of that nature if they haven't already.

I feel Emerson-Hubbard or whatever team these kids play for next year has a chance to be better next year than they were this year.

The Pirates had a difficult season, but perhaps changes are coming in the near future.

Both Allen and Emerson-Hubbard really struggled this year so I think co-oping is something Allen should consider.

I'm sort of surprised Emerson-Hubbard hasn't combined with Pender as that seemed like a natural fit.

At any rate I'm sure Emerson-Hubbard will get something figured out for their boys and girls basketball teams in terms of a co-op.

The Emerson-Hubbard Girls Basketball Team lost 63-44 to Humphrey St. Francis in the D2-3 Sub-District Final at Stanton last Thursday night to end the season.

The Flyers led 21-14 after one, and won the 2nd quarter 11-10 to take a 32-24 lead into the locker room.

Humphrey St. Francis outscored the Pirates 17-10 in the 3rd quarter to go up 49-34 at the end of three.

The Flyers won the 4th quarter 14-10.

Melanie Gentrup poured in 33 points while Courtney Bokemper and Cailin Gentrup had 10 and 7 rebounds, respectively.

What a fantastic effort by Melanie Gentrup. She single handily carried the Pirates in this one.

Emerson-Hubbard ends the season with a 5-19 record.

I thought the Pirates had a nice season for ending the season with only 7 players.

Melanie Gentrup averaged 14 points and 5 rebounds this season while Bokemper put up 10 points and 9 rebounds per game on the season.

The good news for Emerson-Hubbard fans is they're both back next year.

The tough news is the Pirates lose Cailin Gentrup and Taylor Lamp.

Key returners are Addison Mackling, Taylor Daum, and Stephanie Ferrusca as well.

The bad news is those three and Melanie Gentrup and Bokemper are all that returns next year.

I don't know if Emerson-Hubbard can play a season with just 5 girls on the roster.

Perhaps there are some freshmen coming in next year, I don't know, but I do know that Emerson-Hubbard has approached Allen about co-oping.

It will be interesting to see what happens because Emerson-Hubbard definitely needs someone to co-op with.

I figured Emerson-Hubbard and Pender would of combined, but from what I heard Emerson-Hubbard didn't want to co-op with Pender as of last year.

Allen struggled this year too so I think Emerson-Hubbard and Allen could really benefit from a co-op.

It will be interesting to see what happens because these girls need a team to play for next season.

I'm sure things will all workout and Emerson-Hubbard will get a co-op landed.

The worst thing for Emerson-Hubbard next year would have to be not having a team and having to cancel the season.

That's not something I see happening though.

The one thing you hope doesn't happen though is players transfer.

Wisner-Pilger Boys beat Madison, lose to Lutheran High Northeast in Sub-Districts to end season

The Wisner-Pilger Boys Basketball Team routed Madison 71-35 on the road last Friday night to end the regular season before falling 57-35 to Lutheran High Northeast in the C2-4 Sub-District Semifinals at Norfolk Catholic Tuesday night.

The Gators got out to a 17-10 lead at the end of one on the Dragons, and outscored them 14-8 in the 2nd quarter to take a 31-18 lead into the locker room.

Wisner-Pilger outscored Madison 17-9 in the 3rd quarter to go up 48-27 at the end of three.

The Gators outscored the Dragons 23-8 in the 4th quarter.

The Eagles got out to an 11-7 lead after one before outscoring Madison 14-8 in the 2nd quarter to take a 25-15 lead into the locker room.

Wisner-Pilger won the 3rd quarter 13-10 to make it a 35-28 game at the end of three.

LHNE outscored the Gators 22-7 in the 4th quarter.

Tough way to go out for Wisner-Pilger there's no doubt about it.

The Gators end the season at 17-8.

It was a nice season for Wisner-Pilger overall I would say.

The Gators picked up big wins over West Point-Beemer, Oakland-Craig, Wayne, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Howells-Dodge, and Laurel-Concord-Coleridge.

Wisner-Pilger didn't really have any bad losses this year as their losses came to good teams.

The Gators part ways with Hunter Waterman, Gunner Labenz, Chase Albers, Keegan Ruskamp, and Jack Canetta.

All of these players were very valuable members of the team and their contributions to Wisner-Pilger Boys Basketball will be missed without a doubt.

The Gators have to be excited about the future though as Wisner-Pilger brings back Jayden Raabe, Rockney Peck, Dylan Kneifl, Colby Heller, Mason Dimon, and Caden Schweers, among others.

Great players graduate, but great players return for the Gators as well.

Wisner-Pilger really has to get after things this offseason, and dedicate themselves to improving at the game of basketball, and getting bigger, faster, and stronger.

The Gators have to be committed to working out often and honing their skills.

It takes a lot of hard work, sacrifice, and determination to be great, and Wisner-Pilger has to get out there and go make it happen.

The Gators had a tough finish to the game against the Eagles so perhaps Wisner-Pilger needs to condition themselves more to become the last team standing.

Whatever the Gators do they need to figure out a formula to get over the hump and get out of sub-districts and into a district final and on to state.

I thought Wisner-Pilger had a nice season this year, but thought they could have done even better than they did.

The Gators were a good team this year, but with a lot of hard work put in over the summer can be great next year without a doubt.

Clarkson/Leigh Boys lose to David City and Walthill to end year; Girls fall to GACC in Sub-District Final

The Clarkson/Leigh Boys Basketball Team lost 52-48 in double overtime at David City last Friday night before ending the season Tuesday night with a 58-50 loss to Walthill in the D1-4 Sub-District Semifinals.

The Patriots led the Scouts 11-10 after one, and won the 2nd quarter 11-10 to take a 22-20 lead into the locker room.

Clarkson/Leigh won the 3rd quarter 11-9 to extend their lead to 33-29 at the end of three.

David City outscored the Patriots 13-9 in the 4th quarter to tie the game at 42 at the end of regulation.

Both teams scored 2 points in the first overtime, and the game was tied at 44 heading into the second OT.

The Scouts doubled up Clarkson/Leigh 8-4 in the 2nd overtime.

Daniel Beller had a double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds while Tommy McEvoy had 7 points and 11 rebounds. Anthony Bruhn added 8 boards.

The Blujays and Patriots were tied at 8 after one before Walthill won the 2nd quarter 17-15 to take a 25-23 lead into the locker room.

The Blujays won the 3rd quarter 19-18 to extend the lead to 44-41 at the end of three.

Walthill outscored Clarkson/Leigh 14-9 in the 4th quarter.

Bruhn finished with 11 points while McEvoy and Haden Held totaled 10 and 9, respectively. Beller notched 15 rebounds while Jacob Gall had 8.

I thought the Patriots finished the season strong. I think Clarkson/Leigh played their best basketball in their last two contests, and got better as the season progressed.

The Patriots end the year at 4-18.

Clarkson/Leigh won all their games in the 2nd half of the season, and I thought the Patriots played much better once McEvoy came back from injury.

Beller led the team in scoring and rebounding with 11 points and 10 rebounds a game this season.

Clarkson/Leigh says goodbye to Held, Bruhn, Gall, and Garrett Schroeder.

These players are significant losses and will be sorely missed for sure.

Key returners include Beller, McEvoy, Lance Paprocki, and Isaak Wiese.

I think Beller and McEvoy are two great players to build your team around, and I look for the Patriots to do just that next year.

Clarkson/Leigh figures to be fairly young next year as they should have a pretty good mix of juniors and sophomores.

I think the Patriots have a chance to be better next year than they were this year.

Clarkson/Leigh graduates some key guys, but if some new players can develop and grow and step up next season then the Patriots should be in business.

Clarkson/Leigh has to work hard and put in a lot of time in the gym and weightroom this offseason.

These kids should have a basketball in their hands as much as possible.

Basketball has to be a priority for these players, and they have to take their workouts seriously.

The Patriots have to put in the time necessary to become a great team.

Greatness isn't achieved overnight, and champions aren't made just between December and March.

Champions are made in the offseason, and that certainly applies to Clarkson/Leigh and their returning players and newcomers.

Next season has already begun, and the sooner the Patriots get to work for next season the better off they will be.

The Clarkson/Leigh Girls Basketball Team saw their season come to an end last Thursday night as the Patriots lost 54-33 to GACC in the D1-4 Sub-District Final at Wisner-Pilger.

The Patriots led 9-8 at the end of the 1st quarter, but the Bluejays outscored Clarkson/Leigh 19-12 in the second frame to capture a 27-21 halftime lead.

GACC tripled up the Patriots 12-4 in the 3rd quarter to extend their lead to 39-25 at the end of three.

The Bluejays outscored Clarkson/Leigh 15-8 in the 4th quarter.

Lexis Haase led GACC with 25 points and 8 rebounds. Ally Plagge added 10 points and 8 rebounds while Marissa Hunke scored 7 points.

Ashlynn Novotny paced the Patriots with 11 points.

Tough way for Clarkson/Leigh to go out no doubt.

Clarkson/Leigh ends the season at 14-10.

It was a pretty memorable season for the Patriots, who knocked off the likes of Oakland-Craig (twice), Yutan, Friend, Elgin Public/Pope John,  Lutheran High Northeast, and Howells-Dodge.

Held led the team in scoring this season at 11 points per game while Novotny was the team's leading rebounder at 6 per contest.

Head Coach Matt Murren's squad brings back everybody next year. "We had two sophomores, two freshmen, and five juniors kind of in that 9 person rotation. And we got everybody back. We talked in the locker room. It stinks right now, and the kids are taking it hard, and they care. But everybody on this team's got to do a little bit for each other. And whatever that skill is that we've got to work on individually, we've got to do it. And we'll come back a better ball club next year."

I look for next year to be the Patriots' year.

I think Clarkson/Leigh has a great chance to make state given all who they bring back.

The Patriots have to work on their offensive game this offseason, and shoot, shoot, and shoot the rock as much as possible.

I think Clarkson/Leigh can become a great and elite team by improving their offensive game.

The Patriots are very skilled defensively now it's just a matter of getting scoring up.

I think these girls can definitely make the necessary improvements in the offseason to be a great team next year.

I feel Clarkson/Leigh will primed and ready to make a state run when the time comes.

The Patriots came close to doing something this year, they just had GACC in their way.

Had Clarkson/Leigh beat the Bluejays they could of very well made state.

As it is the Patriots have unfinished business left to attend to next season.

Clarkson/Leigh has to keep growing and improving as players and young ladies.

The more basketball these girls play in the offseason the better next year will go for them I would say.