Winnebago Boys beat Pierce in Sub-District Final; lose to Boone Central/Newman Grove in District Final

The Winnebago Boys Basketball Team won 61-51 over Pierce in the C1-5 Sub-District Final at Norfolk High on Thursday, February 22nd before losing 63-62 to Boone Central/Newman Grove in the C1-3 District Final at Northeast Community College in Norfolk last Monday night.

The Indians jumped out to a 19-5 lead on the Bluejays at the end of one before winning the 2nd quarter 13-11 to take a 32-16 lead into the locker room.

Winnebago won the 3rd quarter 16-14 to go up 48-30 at the end of three.

Pierce outscored the Indians 21-13 in the 4th quarter.

D'Von LaPointe led Winnebago with 26 points while Manape Cleveland totaled 15 points and 7 steals. Makoonce Littlevoice added 9 points and 9 rebounds while Lance Denney scored 7 points.

The Indians led the Cardinals 10-7 after one, and outscored them 23-10 in the 2nd quarter to take a 33-17 lead into the locker room.

Boone Central/Newman Grove outscored Winnebago 27-18 in the 3rd quarter to make it a 51-44 game at the end of three.

The Cardinals won the 4th quarter 19-11.

Cleveland had 21 points to lead the way. LaPointe added 11 while Denney notched 9 points and 11 rebounds. Ed Payer added 8 points while Maurice Scott totaled 7.

Head Coach Jeff Berridge on the loss. "We kind of got in foul trouble. A couple of our main guys got in foul trouble. They did alright. First half, second half they kind of got shook up, so that's what happened there. But we make a couple more free throws we win.

The Indians qualified for state with a wildcard.

Winnebago (20-6) takes on Syracuse (17-9) in the first round of State at 3:45 Thursday afternoon at the Devaney Center in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Rockets beat Auburn 64-60 in the C1-1 District Final at Nebraska City Lourdes last Monday night.

Berridge says his team has to approach the matchup like it's the State Championship. "I like it, but they're there for a reason, so we can't take nobody lightly. So we're just going in like we're playing the No. 1 team, so we're just going to come ready, and my boys are hungry after the loss."

Syracuse is led in scoring by Ben Nannen and Wil McCoy, who come in averaging 18 points and 15 points a game, respectively.

I think the Indians have a chance to get to the state championship and win it.

I feel Winnebago can beat the Rockets, and whichever team wins the 3 and 6 seed game in the semifinals, either Broken Bow or Boone Central/Newman Grove.

Wahoo figures to be very tough if they get to Championship Saturday though.

The other side appears to be pretty stacked with the likes of the Warriors, Grand Island Central Catholic, and Lincoln Christian, but there's some talent on this side of the bracket as well.

The Indians have to keep the pedal to the medal, keep the foot on full throttle for 4 quarters so to speak.

Winnebago can't let Syracuse or any other team come back and steal one from them if they get out to a big lead.

The Indians let one get away against the Cardinals I thought after getting up big at halftime.

The good news for Winnebago is it's a whole new season and the Indians are at state for the 4th straight year.

Berridge says he feels his team matches up good with the Rockets. "Well I like it a lot. Stuff I seen on them they like to shoot the ball, so we like to shoot the ball, so it should be a fun game, and a lot of shots go in it so it should be fun."

Berridge adds playing Winnebago basketball is the key to a win. "Just sticking to our style and making them play Winnebago basketball, and not us getting stuck playing Syracuse basketball. So that's the main goal for me is let my guys go out and play their game and have fun."

It should be a fun and exciting game and state tournament as a whole, and I'm excited for things to start.

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

Stanton Girls take 4th at State

The #2 seeded Stanton Mustangs faced the #7 seeded Burwell Longhorns in the first round of the girls Class C-2 state girls basketball tournament at Lincoln North Star on Thursday, March 1st.

The Mustangs dominated the first half, leading 15-8 at the end of the first quarter and 27-14 at the intermission.

Blake Mann had a big third quarter for Burwell, scoring 12 points herself, while the Longhorns outscored Stanton 16-7 in the frame. The Mustangs still held a 34-30 lead after three.

Burwell won the fourth quarter as well, outscoring Stanton 15-13, and hit a three pointer with 3.5 seconds left, but Stanton was able to hang on for the 47-45 win.

Hannah Heppner had 15 points and 8 rebounds to lead Stanton, while Bree Burtwistle added 14 points, and Liz Christensen chipped in 8.

In the State Semifinals on Friday at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, the Mustangs fell 47-44 to Superior.

Stanton led 17-11 after one, and 24-17 at halftime after winning the 2nd quarter 7-6.

The Wildcats won the 3rd quarter 13-11 to make it a 35-30 game at the end of three.

Superior outscored the Mustangs 17-9 in the 4th quarter to complete the comeback.

Jaiden Hartl paced Stanton with 14 points while Christensen registered 12. Heppner totaled 11 points and 10 rebounds, good enough for a double-double.

Stanton lost Saturday's 3rd place game at Lincoln East to Hastings St. Cecilia, 47-44.

The Mustangs led 10-9 at the end of one before the Hawkettes outscored Stanton 20-7 in the 2nd quarter to take a 29-17 lead into the locker room.

The Mustangs outscored St. Cecilia 16-7 in the 3rd quarter to make it a 36-33 game at the end of three in favor of the Hawkettes.

Both teams scored 11 points in the 4th quarter.

Burtwhistle led the way with 14 points while Heppner recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds to notch another double-double. Jessie Brandl chipped in 7 points.

Tough way for Stanton to end the season, especially losing the way they did in the semifinals.

Knowing you were so close to making it to the State Championship and being that close to playing at Pinnacle Bank Arena has to really sting.

The Mustangs wrap up the year at 24-5.

It was a very memorable season for Stanton, who picked up big wins over Howells-Dodge (twice), West Point-Beemer, North Bend Central, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, West Holt, Hartington-Newcastle, BRLD (twice), Clarkson/Leigh (twice), and Twin River. You can't forget the state win over Burwell either.

Plenty of big wins for the Mustangs this season, and a lot for Stanton to be proud of.

Heppner finished as the team's leading scorer and rebounder at 11 points and 9 rebounds per game on the season. Brandl was 2nd on the team in those categories at 10 points and 5 rebounds a game.

Burtwhistle averaged 9 points a game this year while Hartl averaged 8 and Christensen 7.

The Mustangs part ways with Heppner, Allie Spence, and Tenna Beel.

All three of these girls were big contributors for Stanton, and deserve to be recognized for all their tremendous accomplishments as members of the Mustang Girls Basketball Program.

Key returners include Brandl, Burtwhistle, Hartl, and Christensen.

These four should do a lot and be great for Stanton next year.

Next season is the Mustangs' chance to do something really great and big, in my opinion.

Oakland-Craig figures to be great too, but Stanton will be a tough team to be reckoned with in C-2 next season as well.

The Mustangs should be great in both volleyball and basketball once again next season.

Stanton has to dream big, and dream of winning a state championship next season.

The Mustangs have to visualize what it would be like to play on Championship Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena, and go out there and make their dreams come true.

Stanton has to get to work this offseason, and condition themselves as much as possible so they have the final say in the 4th quarter of the biggest game of the season next year.

That's not to say the Mustangs were wore out at the end of the Superior game, but Stanton let one get away, that's for sure.

I'm sure the Mustangs will have plenty of motivation for next year given how the Superior game ended this year.

I'm willing to bet that's a game Stanton won't soon forget, and will use as fuel and motivation for next season.

GACC Girls upset by Ansley-Litchfield in 1st round of State

The 2018 girls state basketball tournament began on Thursday, March 1st in Lincoln.

In Class D1, the #3 Guardian Angels Central Catholic Bluejays opened play against the #6 Ansley-Litchfield Spartans at Lincoln Southwest.

Ansley-Litchfield jumped out to a 15-4 lead after the first quarter, and held a 30-18 advantage at halftime.

GACC came out firing in the third quarter, making four three-pointers ans outscoring the Spartans 17-9, but still trailed 39-35 after the third.

The Bluejays were able to tie the game in the fourth quarter at 41-41, but could never quite take a lead, and Ansley-Litchfield went on to win the game 49-43.

Lexis Haase led three GACC players in double figures with 13 points. Marissa Hunke had 12, all from three point range, and Angela Jansen added 11.

Good season for the Bluejays that ended a bit sooner than they would of hoped for I'm sure.

GACC ends their season at 20-7 overall.

The Bluejays had a lot of nice wins this season, in my opinion, including victories over Fremont Bergan, Wynot, Winnebago, Howells-Dodge, O'Neill, Hartington Cedar Catholic (twice), Pierce, Clarkson/Leigh, and Weeping Water.

GACC knocked off a lot of good teams this year, and should be very proud of the season they had.

The Bluejays graduate just two seniors in Haase and Allie Knobbe.

Both are significant and big losses for GACC as both had stellar careers for the Bluejays I would say.

I'm sure their contributions to GACC basketball will not soon be forgotten, especially Haase, who is headed to Midland next season.

Key returners next year for the Bluejays include Hunke, Hannah Knobbe, Greta Vering, Brenna Rief, Jansen, Ally Plagge, Maddie Bracht, and Brandi Doernemann.

I think the future of GACC basketball remains bright.

Haase is a big loss, but the Bluejays bring back some great players.

GACC figures to be fairly young again next year, but with another year of growth, development, and experience on their side...should be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

I must say I was surprised the Bluejays lost to the Spartans.

I think digging themselves a deep hole early was ultimately too much for GACC to overcome.

The Bluejays just weren't as polished and explosive offensively this year as GACC teams of the past, in my opinion.

That means the returning players and newcomers have a lot of shooting to do this offseason.

Being confident and being able to knock down clutch shots and free throws will be critical to the Bluejays' future success I would say.

Defense and full court pressure will always be a big thing for GACC too, but the Bluejays have to get back to scoring the way GACC teams of the past have if the Bluejays want to get back to winning state titles.

Next year's girls definitely have a lot to live up to as GACC tries to make state for the 22nd year in a row.

Stanton Girls punch ticket to Lincoln with District Final win over BRLD

The Stanton Girls Basketball Team won 56-43 over BRLD in the C2-2 District Final at Wisner-Pilger Friday night to qualify for state.

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.

Jessie Brandl had 20 points and 10 rebounds, good enough for a double-double. Jaiden Hartl notched 12 points while Hannah Heppner totaled 10 points and 10 rebounds, also good enough for a double-double. Liz Christensen added 8 points while Bree Burtwhistle posted 7 rebounds.

Great performance by the Mustangs. I think a lot of people, including myself, thought this game would be closer and BRLD could win, but Stanton put those thoughts to rest.

The Mustangs (23-2) take on the Burwell Longhorns (20-5) in the first round of State at Lincoln North Star Thursday night at 8:45 in action that will be aired on 107.9 the Bull.

Burwell defeated Cambridge 38-31 in the C2-5 District Final at Kearney High Friday night.

The Longhorns are making their first state appearance since 1985 while Stanton is at State for the 2nd time in the last three years.

The Mustangs were led in scoring by Brandl and Heppner, who average 10 points per game. Burtwhistle averages 9 while Hartl and Christensen average 8 and 7, respectively.

Burwell is led in scoring by Blake Mann, who averages 16 a game. Emma Hoffschneider averages 12 while Lily Gideon averages 11 per game.

I feel the Mustangs have a great chance and opportunity to get to the State Championship on Saturday and win it.

Stanton is a very strong defensive team, and if their offense can come through, they're going to be awfully difficult for anyone to beat.

The Mustangs have had a great season, and I think playing at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Saturday is a very possible thing.

Stanton has to take care of business against Burwell first though.

The winner gets either Superior or Fremont Bergan in the semifinals at 3:45 p.m. on Friday at the Devaney Center.

I could see the Knights upsetting the Wildcats since Superior just beat Bergan by 8 in a District Final, and it's tough to beat a team twice in a row.

I think it could very well be a Hastings St. Cecilia/Stanton final, but there's a lot of work for both teams to do to make that happen.

Having already won a State Championship in Volleyball, getting one in basketball would be big for the Mustangs, in my opinion.

I think Stanton is capable of making it happen, but it won't be easy.

Everyone has the same dream and goal in mind, and that's playing for and winning a state championship.

Anyone can be beat in any round of the state tournament, and so the Mustangs can't let their guard down and must take it to every opponent in an aggressive and ferocious manner.

I'm sure Stanton has plenty of motivation on their side after just missing out on the state tournament last year.

Most of these girls played in the State Tournament two years ago so they know what it's like.

I think that experience combined with the disappointment of last year will propel Stanton to Championship Saturday.

With the exception of a potential 3rd place game on Saturday, Stanton Girls State Basketball Coverage can be heard on the Bull.

GACC Girls win District Final over Weeping Water to advance to state for 21st straight year

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Girls Basketball Team punched their ticket to the State Tournament by defeating Weeping Water 34-27 in the D1-2 District Final at Wahoo Friday night.

The Indians got out to a 10-8 lead after one before the Bluejays tripled up Weeping Water 9-3 in the 2nd quarter to take a 17-13 lead into the locker room.

The Indians won the 3rd quarter 9-6 to close within a single point at 23-22 at the end of three.

GACC outscored Weeping Water 11-5 in the 4th quarter.

Angela Jansen registered 12 points and 14 rebounds, good enough for a double-double. Lexis Haase added 7 points and 7 rebounds.

Head Coach Jerry Stracke says his team's defense really played well in the win. "Well our defense. Defense has been our key the whole season. And hopefully we'll play good defense down at state and do well."

GACC (20-6) takes on Ansley-Litchfield (20-3) in the first round of State on Thursday at 3:45 p.m. at Lincoln Southwest in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Spartans qualified for state via wildcard after losing 37-32 to Overton in the D1-10 Sub-District Semifinals at Kearney Catholic on Tuesday, February 13th.

Ansley-Litchfield Head Coach Joel Bailey says the Eagles really took it to his squad. "That was kind of a just not a real good game for us. That score was not really even indicative of the game. We were blown out of that pretty early, and then battled back late to make it closer than maybe even what the game actually was. We just didn't show up to play very well that night."

Stracke says the Spartans figure to be a difficult matchup. "Well they're very athletic. And their height will give us some problems. They play a 3-2 zone, which we haven't really faced this year. And they diamond press so they play a full court game. So that's going to be a challenge for us, especially since we don't have veteran players out there. But hopefully we'll handle the situation and play well."

GACC is making their 21st consecutive appearance at the state tournament. "It's been special here. We've had some very good athletes. Good parent support, administration, great community. It's a combination of all those things, but like I said very fortunate and very lucky to be here," Stracke said.

The Spartans are making their first ever state tournament appearance in co-op history. Bailey says it's a big deal to be down in Lincoln. "It's pretty big for the basketball program. It's kind of been a volleyball co-op, volleyball schools in the past. They've qualified 2 or 3 different times probably. But we've never done it in basketball and so we're pretty excited to get this done and get down there and see what can happen."

Ansley-Litchfield is led by Sarah Lewis and Falan Ryan, who both average 10 points a game. Mariah Lane averages 9.

Haase is the Bluejays' leading scorer at 17 points a game. Marissa Hunke averages 9 a game while Jansen and Brenna Rief average 7 per contest.

I think GACC will win. I feel the Bluejays' state experience and strength of schedule will be too much for the Spartans to overcome.

I feel GACC's defense will be also too much for Ansley-Litchfield.

The winner gets either Friend or BDS in the Semifinals at 10:45 a.m. on Friday at the Devaney Center.

I feel the Bluejays have a chance to win state again, but it will be tough.

The D-1 field is pretty solid this year with a lot of good teams.

With that said, GACC has played a lot of great teams, and I would put their defense up against anyone in D-1.

I think it's just a matter of if the Bluejays can score.

A team with a high powered offense and good defense could give GACC some issues I would say.

Once again, coverage of Bluejay state basketball with the exception of a potential 3rd place game on Saturday can be heard on the Bull.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Boys end season with District Final loss to Wahoo

We had boys high school basketball on 107.9 The Bull Monday night as Logan View/Scribner-Snyder faced off against Wahoo in the C1-2 District Championship at Fremont High.

The Raiders got out to an early 7-2 lead in the first quarter, before Wahoo took over 12-9 in the frame, and 21-15 at halftime.

LVSS would get as close as four points with less than two minutes left in the game, before Wahoo pulled away for the 49-36 win.

Ben Moxness had 13 points for the Raiders, with Alex Hagerbaumer adding 10.

Difficult way for LVSS to go out. I'm sure the Raiders would have much rather ended their season at the State Tournament.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder ends their season at 21-5.

The Raiders had a magnificent year, picking up big wins over Oakland-Craig (twice), Wayne, North Bend Central, Wisner-Pilger, West Point-Beemer, Howells-Dodge, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, and BRLD.

It had to be tough for LVSS to get left out of the state tournament, especially given the type of season the Raiders had.

LVSS lost to some great teams and powerhouses at the end.

It honestly wouldn't surprise me to see Wahoo go on and win C-1.

The Raiders are definitely good enough to be at state, they just had a very tough draw.

I'm sure the seniors and others are hurting right now, but I'm sure things will be fine in time.

LVSS says goodbye to Brandon Hagerbaumer, Moxness, Polk, Alex Hagerbaumer, Alex VonSeggern, Logan Rebbe, Nathan Taylor, and Joel Moeller.

The Raiders lose some great players. This was a very, very, very talented senior class.

Key returners for LVSS next year include Riley Hoetfelker, Clay Kruger, Austin Peters, Conner Larson, Brett Uhing, and Michael Luther.

There definitely needs to be a lot of work put in in the offseason for the Raiders, and all these players need to step up and contribute and play big roles for LVSS next season.

I think the Raiders have a chance to be good again next year, but LVSS loses some absolute studs to graduation this year.

This is a senior class that won't soon be forgotten given all they did for LVSS Boys Basketball.

They weren't the first class at Logan View to ever make state, but they came pretty darn close.

The bar has now been set for future Raider teams, and now LVSS can aim for what this year's team did and make it even better in the future.

A foundation for success was laid down by this year's senior class.

I want to wish each and every one of those kids success in their lives after high school.

I'm sure all will go on to do great things in life.

For the returning players and newcomers, it's back to work as soon as possible.

North Bend Central ends year with District Final loss to Lincoln Christian; Girls end year with Sub-District Final loss to Columbus Scotus

The North Bend Central Boys Basketball Team lost 69-54 to Lincoln Christian in the C1-4 District Final at Wahoo Monday night.

The Crusaders led the Tigers 17-14 after one before North Bend Central won the 2nd quarter 19-14 to go up 33-31 at halftime.

Lincoln Christian won the 3rd quarter 19-15 to go up 50-48 at the end of three.

The Crusaders outscored the Tigers 19-6 in the 4th quarter.

John Emanuel finished with 18 points while Tanner and Jaxon Wietfeld totaled 14 apiece.

It's always tough to end a season short of the state tournament, but especially when you get so close and are one game away from making it.

North Bend Central's season ends at 22-4.

The season was full of big wins for the Tigers, who defeated West Point-Beemer (twice), Milford, Parkview Christian, Wayne, Wisner-Pilger, Oakland-Craig (twice), Howells-Dodge, and David City Aquinas....all teams that finished above .500 this season.

North Bend Central was so close to making state, the 4th quarter was just unkind to the Tigers against the Crusaders.

North Bend Central figures to be back next year though as they only lose Peter Emanuel and James Seymour to graduation.

Both these players were key and solid contributors for the Tigers, but North Bend Central has to be excited about who they bring back.

The Tigers welcome back John Emanuel, Chase Ruzicka, Austin Endorf, Tanner Wietfeld, Jaxon Wietfeld, Cole Kluthe, and Ben Rolenc, among others.

Next year figures to be North Bend Central's year with quite a few juniors back for their senior campaign.

I think next season is an opportunity for the Tigers to get back to state, and make up for missing out on the tournament this year.

North Bend Central's 2019 senior class has to wake up early as much as possible this offseason, and get after things on the court and in the weightroom.

The Tigers have to dedicate themselves to improving their game on both ends of the floor.

North Bend Central has to work as hard as possible and make sure they're doing everything in their power to maximize their potential and abilities.

State would be a great thing and a great reward for the Tigers next season, and I think North Bend Central is very capable of making it happen.

I'm sure the Tigers are very pained and saddened right now, but give it a couple weeks and I'm sure North Bend Central will be ready to get back to work.

Next year has a chance to be a special year for the Tigers, in my opinion, but North Bend Central has to put in a lot of hard work in the offseason to make all their dreams and hopes of making state a reality.

The Tigers have to play the game as much as possible from now until November, and really enjoy it each and every time they take to the floor.

The North Bend Central Girls Basketball Team also came up short of making the state tournament, losing 33-29 to Columbus Scotus in the C1-7 Sub-District Final at Columbus High last Thursday night.

I thought the Tigers had a shot to knock off the Shamrocks like they did in Volleyball, but it didn't happen in Basketball.

North Bend Central ends the season at 18-5.

I thought it was a good season for the Tigers despite not making state, and I felt North Bend Central put together some really good performances this season.

Big wins came over Twin River, West Point-Beemer (twice), Milford, Arlington, Wayne, Fremont Bergan, Oakland-Craig, and Howells-Dodge (twice).

The Tigers lose a big and talented senior class, including Brooke Fredrickson, Kristin Lux, Kaitlynn Bjorklund, Caitlyn Wiebold, Hailey Bang, and Kristin Lux.

These girls had outstanding careers, and should be very proud of what they accomplished.

They will certainly not be easy to replace.

Key returners for North Bend Central next year though include Megan Ortmeier, Faith Taylor, and Lauren Emanuel.

These 3 are going to need to shoulder more of the load and pickup their games for the Tigers next season.

It will be interesting to see who all comes in as incoming freshmen for North Bend Central next season, but one thing is for sure....the Tigers will be young.

North Bend Central needs to do a lot of shooting and weightlifting this summer to remain at an elite and high level.

Depending who all comes in next season, I think the Tigers can continue to be good and win a lot of games.

Taylor, Ortmeier, and Emanuel really have to step up for North Bend Central next season, and lead and put this team on their shoulders.

There's no doubt the Tigers can be successful again next year, but players are going to have to develop and grow between now and November.

North Bend Central hopes next year isn't a rebuilding year.

It could be, but it's hard saying how the Tigers will be next year without knowing how their JV did and who all comes in next season.

One thing is for sure though...it's going to take a lot of hard work, determination, dedication, and sacrifice for North Bend Central to be good again next year.