Pender Boys and Girls looking for breakout seasons

Team: Pender

Mascot: Pendragons

Colors: Red and White

Class: D-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Sean King (4th season) (18-53 record)

2017-2018 record: 10-15 (lost to Walthill in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 2

Overview:

Big things are expected from the Pender Boys this year as the Pendragons return a couple of starters and a boatload of experience from a team that went 10-15 a season ago.

It's lots of returners that didn't start last year, but a lot of kids that got a lot of playing time and experience, and have been playing together for a long time, according to 4th year Head Coach Sean King.

Returning starters include Sam Mailoux (6'5, SR), who averaged 16 points and 13 rebounds a game last year, along with Jaydon Jump (SR).

Other returning letterwinners are Chris Rutar (6'0, SR G), Eric Schopke (SR G), and Jaxon Maise (SO, G).

Newcomers likely to contribute are Juniors Austin Roth and Larry McManigal, Sophomores Dylan Vogt and Nathan Breitbarth, and Freshman Caleb Trimble.

King says he was very happy with how the offseason went. "We had a lot of kids get into the weightroom. We had a lot of kids get into the gym. Get a lot of shots up. We had very good attendance with a lot of the camps that we traveled to over the summer, and a lot of the summer leagues that we took part in."

Key losses from last year include Jared Tyrrell, Jordan Springer, and Tyler Nelson.

A few solid players for sure lost to graduation, but I think the makeup of returning and incoming players makes the Pendragons a team to be reckoned with this year.

I would say this is Pender's best chance to do something in quite a while.

King says the team has high goals and expectations this year. "Above .500 team, should be in contention to play for sub-district title and a chance to play into state. Chance to be one of the highest scoring teams in Pender in a while."

This is truly the Pendragons' year to do something, in my opinion, with the return of the two starters, four seniors, and five letterwinners.

The time to make a push and do something is now for Pender.

There's no better time than the present for the Pendragons in my estimation.

Expectations couldn't be any higher, and the potential of this team is very high I would say.

I think Pender has a chance to be very good this year.

Season Outlook:

The Pender Boys Basketball Team looks and figures to be very good this year.

Pender opens up the season at home against Wakefield on Thursday. "They're a very good, a very athletic team. They've got some size. They've got some kids that got a lot of height. So we've got to be prepared to rebound, we've got to be prepared to box out. We know they're always very aggressive defensively. We got to be ready to handle the basketball, and we've got to be ready to take the opportunities when they're given to us," King said.

King says there's certain aspects of the game the team matches up well in against the Trojans, and certain aspects they don't match up well in.

The Pendragons are in Sub-District D1-4 with Emerson-Hubbard, Allen, and Homer. "I'm excited to get to Sub-Districts. I think it will be a competitive Sub-District. And I think really any team in that sub-district has a legitimate shot to come out of there and play for a chance at a district final, " King said.

King says the boys have high expectations for the themselves and they have high expectations for the boys.

Team goals include they expect to play well in sub-districts, be in if not win every game they play in, and be well over .500.

I could see the Pendragons starting off decent and really pick things up in the second half of the season just due to the nature of their schedule.

I feel this is a team that has a chance to win 15-20 games at least.

I think Pender has a legit shot to win their Sub-District and get to a Sub-State Game.

The Pendragons could potentially make state as well with the right Sub-State matchup should they get there.

None of the teams in the Sub-District can be counted out though as Pender will have to earn the Sub-District Title should they get it.

The Pendragons have to go out there and play the game at a high level throughout the season.

Pender has to take things seriously and have that killer instinct to win and finish off games.

I think if there's one area the Pendragons could benefit from improving in this year it's on the defensive end of the floor as Pender gave up over 50 points in all but two losses last year.

2018-2019 Pender Pendragons Boys Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 Wakefield
11/30/18 @ Tekamah-Herman
12/06/18 @ Lutheran High Northeast
12/07/18 Oakland-Craig
12/10/18 Allen
12/15/18 @ Stanton
12/20/18 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
12/27-12/29 (To Be Determined) Northeast Nebraska Shoot Out Wayne
01/08/19 Homer
01/10/19 Omaha Nation
01/12/19 Clarkson/Leigh
01/17/19 @ Wisner-Pilger
01/18/19 @ Wynot
01/19/19 Howells-Dodge
01/21/19 @ Madison
01/22/19 Emerson-Hubbard
01/24/19 Winnebago
01/26-02/02 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/04/19 @ Spalding Academy
02/15/19 @ BRLD

Team: Pender

Mascot: Pendragons

Colors: Red and White

Class: D-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Luke Hoffman (2nd Season)

2017-2018 record: 10-14 (lost to Clarkson/Leigh in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 4

Overview:

The Pender Girls Basketball Team looks to be good this year with the return of four starters from last year's 10-14 team.

Returning starters include Michaela Wegner (5'6, SR G), Sarah Krueger (5'6, SR G), Faith Morris (5'6, JR G), and Ashley Ostrand (5'5, SO G), who averaged 14 points a game last year as a freshman.

Newcomers likely to contribute are freshmen Caitlyn Heise (5'7) and Reese Kneifl (5'5).

Head Coach Luke Hoffman says the team hopes to be successful this season. "The team has everyone back but one senior. Hoping with a second year coach they know what to expect from me and I know what to expect from them. We have put the time in to be successful."

Tymaree Krusemark was the lone senior lost from last year.

Hoffman says team togetherness and continuity has been good. "I feel like the team is growing together preseason here as we've gotten started. We have quite a few girls back from last year, and me as a second year coach. We're kind of just trying to get used to one another, and that's really been evident this year."

Hoffman says the kids know a little more what to expect, and he knows them better as players, and adds the team is gelling pretty well right now.

He adds speed is a team strength.

Hoffman adds he wants to see the kids' hard work pay off. "I want them to see that the time they put in translates over onto the court. I want to see obviously them be successful. That makes the day go a heck of a lot better when you get on there and everything translates of how hard you worked."

I have no doubt that the hard work and time Pender put in this offseason will pay off.

With the majority of last year's team back I fully expect the Pendragons to do big and great things this season.

I thought Pender did some nice things last year, they just had a tough schedule.

This is a veteran team and there's a lot of key pieces back from last year, and I fully expect the Pendragons to have a nice and successful season.

I think scoring consistently will be big for Pender this season.

The Pendragons were held to under 50 points in each of their losses last year, and that has to change this year if Pender is to have a good season and be a successful team.

The Pendragons have to attack the basket and can't be afraid to take the big shot.

Season Outlook:

The Pender Girls look to get back to the type of form they're accustomed to, making state and what not.

The Pendragons open up the season on Thursday at home against Wakefield-Allen. Hoffman says the team doesn't know what to expect against them. "We saw them a little bit at Wayne State Camp this summer, but I don't know everything to expect. I know Coach Metzler over there will have them prepared, ready to go that first game. I know he's going to have I think with that co-op quite a few girls to pick from.

Hoffman says his team has to be prepared for whatever they bring.

That game figures to be very interesting given what Wakefield-Allen brings to the table.

You don't really know what to expect from them so things could go either way in that one I would say.

Pender is in Sub-District D1-6 with Lutheran High Northeast, Osmond, Randolph, and Walthill. "We don't play any of those teams in the past too much except for now we do have Lutheran High Northeast on the schedule. We scheduled them when we dropped a Bob Clough Tournament," Hoffman said.

I think the Pendragons have a legit shot to get out of that Sub-District given their talent and tough schedule.

Pender has an extremely difficult month of December before things lighten up some so I totally expect the Pendragons to catch fire the second half of the season.

I think the tough schedule Pender plays makes them a legit Sub-State and State Contender.

It will be interesting to see how the new Sub-State format treats our area teams.

I think the Pendragons could really benefit from it if they don't have to play a top team from a tough area.

I think time will tell how good this Pender team is, but I fully expect the Pendragons to start hot and pick things up again midseason.

Some challenges await Pender for sure, but I feel the Pendragons are equipped and ready to be a top team in the East Husker Conference, Sub-District, and area.

I think the thing with the tough December schedule is Pender has to compete their hearts out, but not get too frustrated if things don't go their way given the difficulty of the teams they'll be facing.

2018-2019 Pender Pendragons Girls Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 Wakefield-Allen
11/30/18 @ Tekamah-Herman
12/06/18 @ Lutheran High Northeast
12/07/18 Oakland-Craig
12/14/18 North Bend Central
12/15/18 @ Stanton
12/18/18 @ BRLD
12/20/18 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
12/27-12/29 (To Be Determined) Northeast Nebraska Shoot Out Wayne State College
01/08/19 Homer
01/10/19 Omaha Nation
01/12/19 Clarkson/Leigh
01/17/19 @ Wisner-Pilger
01/18/19 @ Wynot
01/19/19 Howells-Dodge
01/21/19 @ Madison
01/22/19 Emerson-Hubbard
01/24/19 Winnebago
01/25-02/02 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/05/19 @ Guardian Angels Central Catholic

Clarkson/Leigh Boys and Girls looking for successful seasons

Team: Clarkson/Leigh

Mascot: Patriots

Colors: Red, Blue, Gray

Class: D-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Jeff Bachman (2nd season)

2017-2018 record: 4-18 (lost to Walthill in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Clarkson/Leigh Boys Basketball Team looks for improvement this season after going 4-18 a year ago.

Back for 2nd year Head Coach Jeff Bachman are Daniel Beller (Senior 6’3 Center), who averaged 11 points and 10 rebounds a game last year, Isaak Wiese (Junior 6’1 Forward), Tommy McEvoy (6’2 Sophomore Forward), who averaged 10 points a game last year, and Lance Paprocki (5’6 Sophomore Guard).

Newcomers who could make an impact this year are Travis Stanley (Senior 5’6 Guard/Forward), Trevor Zulkoski (Sophomore 5’8” Guard/Forward), Mitch Beeson (Freshman 6’0 Forward), Carter Hanel (Freshman 6’3” Center), and Jarred Novotny (Freshman 6’1” Guard).

Bachman says this squad is big. "We will be very athletic, and have some decent length. We will have success scoring inside."

Bachman adds being young could hurt the team this year. "We are very inexperienced and will need to find some more ball handlers."

He says McEvoy is a coach's dream. "He's not only a really good athlete, he's just a great kid. He's a very coachable person. He is one of the hardest workers I've ever been privileged to work with. He listens to exactly what you say, and really be able to apply what you teach him onto the court or field."

McEvoy had an excellent Football Season, and I look for that to carry over onto the hardwood as well.

Bachman says success breeds success. "We believe that carries over. I think our football to basketball season will be a great example of that."

The Patriots might be young, but having size is never a bad thing.

I think Beller and McEvoy have the ability to take over a game at any given time.

I think Stanley will be a big contributor as will Paprocki.

Wiese should help compliment Beller nicely in the post.

I'm really interested to see what some of these freshmen can do too.

I feel there is a lot of potential in them and the entire team for that matter.

I think time will tell how good this Clarkson/Leigh Team is and can be.

Season Outlook:

The Clarkson/Leigh Boys look to be much improved from last year.

The Patriots open up the season on Friday, November 30th at Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family. "They're going to have a lot of length again here this year. They have a few guys coming back from last year. Brett Hanis, who was a pretty good guard for them. They have a Hanzel, another pretty decent guard. And there's another Hanzel, who's a big 6'5, 6'6 post," Bachman said.

Bachman says the Bulldogs will be tough again, and are a team his team wants to measure themselves against, adding he feels the game will be very competitive.

Clarkson/Leigh is in Sub-District D1-3 with Fremont Bergan, Cedar Bluffs, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, and East Butler.

Bachman says Bergan is probably the favorite to win the Sub-District with Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family a tough close second.

Team goals include getting the most of the kids as possible, achieve at a high level, maximize their talent, and compete with everyone on their schedule.

I think there are a lot of opportunities for wins for the Patriots this season.

I look for Clarkson/Leigh to do better this year than they did last year, and continue to build this program.

Bachman says this team will get better as the year goes along. "We have a chance to be very successful. We will be very inexperienced, but will get better and progress throughout the season. We will be a team no one wants to play by the end of the year."

I would agree with Bachman. I feel the Patriots will be a team that is dangerous and capable of pulling off some big upsets in the East Husker Conference Tournament and postseason.

I think Clarkson/Leigh has a chance to win at least 6 games this year if not more.

The schedule has its challenges seeing as the Patriots play a lot of C-1 and C-2 Schools, but that will only make Clarkson/Leigh better down the line.

The Patriots had a nice football season, and I don't see any reason why Clarkson/Leigh can't have a nice basketball season as well.

The Patriots have to work hard and believe in one another and work to get better every time they take to the floor, whether that's during a game or in practice.

2018-2019 Clarkson/Leigh Patriots Boys Basketball Schedule:

11/30/18 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family  
12/01/18 Madison  
12/04/18 @ Oakland-Craig  
12/06/18 Winside  
12/07/18 BRLD  
12/15/18 Howells-Dodge  
12/18/18 @ Columbus Lakeview  
12/27-12/28 (To Be Determined) Shelby-Rising City Holiday Tournament Shelby
01/05/19 @ Tekamah-Herman  
01/11/19 Humphrey St. Francis  
01/12/19 @ Pender  
01/17/19 @ Twin River  
01/18/19 Lutheran High Northeast  
01/22/19 @ Wisner-Pilger  
01/26-02/02 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/05/19 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder  
02/07/19 @ Stanton  
02/08/19 @ East Butler  
02/15/19 David City

Team: Clarkson/Leigh

Mascot: Patriots

Colors: Red, Blue, Gray

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Matt Murren (6th season) (44-72 record)

2017-2018 record: 14-10 (lost to GACC in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 5

Overview:

The Clarkson/Leigh Girls Basketball Team looks for a great season and a breakout campaign.

The Patriots return everyone from last year, including Kaegan Held (12 5’4 G), who averaged 11 points a game last season,  Ashlynn Novotny (11 5’10 G), who averaged 7 points and 7 rebounds a game last year,  Halee Steffensmeier (12 5’4 G), who averaged 7 points a game last year, Hannah Kasik (12 5’8 F), who returns from an ACL injury. Leader in PPG, RPG as soph., Beth Wiese (12 5’8 F), Paige Moore (12 5’8 F), Kim Stodola (11 5’8 F), and Cassidy Hoffman (10 6’ F).

Others likely to contribute are Alissa Kasik (10 5’6 G) and Bailey Lemburg (10 5’4 G).

6th year Head Coach Matt Murren says the team challenged themselves this offseason. "The summer went very well. We tried to challenge the girls. We have everybody back this year. And so we really tried to challenge them and go to some tough team camps at York and Centennial and tried to play some bigger schools...some Class B Schools, some Class C-1 Schools. And really tried to make the girls work this summer, and improve their game, and see what it takes to get to that next level."

Murren says this year's senior class has improved by 5 wins each season.

Murren adds it doesn't make any difference to him that the team moved up to C-2. "We play the same games up until Sub-Districts that we would if we were in Class D-1. So quite frankly the schedule doesn't change. Yeah maybe it gets a little harder in the postseason, but you never know. You got to play well the first 20 some odd games to make those last ones really matter so we've got to make sure we do our job before we get to postseason when that starts to count."

Murren says the team will be very deep once again this year. "The Patriots have an opportunity to be a very successful team this season as they return their full team from the prior season, including 8 players in their rotation and add back senior Hannah Kasik who missed last year with an ACL injury. This group has multiple 2 or 3 year starters so experience is a positive. Will look to apply full court pressure that will lead to a transition offense creating points. Guard play with Held, Novotny,

Steffensmeier, Kasik, and Lemburg will allow the Patriots to have options to push the ball. Post

play will be improved with Kasik, Hoffman, Stodola, Wiese and Moore. Shooting has been an

emphasis for the Patriots, who look to continue to improve in that area."

Murren adds that defense is a team strength whereas scoring and free throw consistency are weaknesses.

I think scoring is the whole key to Clarkson/Leigh's season. The Patriots are proven and talented enough defensively, but it's the offense that has to kick it in high gear for Clarkson/Leigh to break through and achieve all their goals and dreams, in my opinion.

The Patriots are definitely capable of making a Sub-State Match and reaching the State Tournament, but it won't be easy.

Season Outlook:

The Clarkson/Leigh Girls look to break through and make State this year.

The road to Lincoln starts on Friday, November 30th when the team takes on Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family on the road in the season opener. "Yeah it's a game that we look forward to every year. It's kind of a rivalry as we're a little bit closer. They're only about 20 miles apart. And should be a good battle. They're going to be a highly ranked team I'm sure. Coming off a state berth last year, and that's the game last year that we look at that we felt we should have won," Murren said.

The Patriots are in Sub-District C2-6 with Stanton, Battle Creek, Norfolk Catholic, and Madison.

It's a difficult Sub-District, but there's no doubt in my mind that Clarkson/Leigh can hold their own against those teams.

Murren says he's a big fan of the sub-state format.

Murren adds the team has to focus on the little things to make state. "We're going to put the work in that we've got to reach small goals, game goals, do the little things. And if we do those little things and we enjoy them, we take on the process....the success is going to come in the end."

These girls have to embrace every challenge and obstacle they face this season.

Life often throws one curveballs, and these girls just have to roll with the punches and be a very resilient group.

Struggles are bound to come the Patriots' way during the season, but what Clarkson/Leigh chooses to do about their struggles could ultimately dictate their fate this season.

It's often said that struggles turn into successes, and so the hard work and progress and improvements these girls have made over the course of their careers should be able to pay off at some point in the season for the Patriots.

I think Clarkson/Leigh can use the disappointment of how the Volleyball season ended as motivation and fuel to the fire this year.

The Patriots have to play with a chip on their shoulder throughout the season, and play as if they have something to prove and accomplish.

I think there are a lot of very winnable games on the schedule for Clarkson/Leigh, and feel we will learn a lot about this team in the second half of the season.

I look for the Patriots to have a lot of success this year.

2018-2019 Clarkson/Leigh Patriots Girls Basketball Schedule:

11/30/18 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family  

12/01/18 Madison  

12/04/18 @ Oakland-Craig  

12/06/18 Winside  

12/07/18 BRLD  

12/11/18 David City  

12/15/18 Howells-Dodge  

12/18/18 @ Columbus Lakeview  

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

01/04/19 East Butler

01/05/19 @ Tekamah-Herman  

01/11/19 Humphrey St. Francis  

01/12/19 @ Pender  

01/17/19 @ Twin River  

01/18/19 Lutheran High Northeast  

01/22/19 @ Wisner-Pilger  

01/25-02/02 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD

02/05/19 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder  

02/07/19 @ Stanton

Howells-Dodge Boys and Girls look to have competitive and successful seasons

Team: Howells-Dodge

Mascot: Jaguars

Colors: Green, Black, Silver

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Kevin Janata (1st season)

2017-2018 record: 13-12 (lost to Battle Creek in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 3

Overview:

There's a new Sheriff in Town as 2007 Howells High School Graduate Kevin Janata takes over the reigns of the Howells-Dodge Boys Basketball Program, taking over for Cole Fischer, who took the AD job at the school.

Janata was Head Coach at Plainview for 4 years and spent last year as an Assistant at Crofton.

Janata says he's excited to get things going. "I'm just really excited for this opportunity. Just being a hometown kid I feel I got a little bit to prove, that I didn't just get the job because I'm from here. And I feel like the kids on the team are kind of buying into that spirit. That we have a lot to prove. And we're going to show that we're not just a football school, we are pretty good at basketball too."

Janata inherits a team that brings back three starters from last year's 13-12 team in Josh Brester (5'11, SR G), Lane Hegemann (6'4, SR P), who averaged 8 points and 7 rebounds a game last year, and Kade Hegemann (5'11, SR G), who is currently injured.

Luke Rocheford (6'1, JR G) is another returning letterwinner for the Jaguars.

Newcomers likely to contribute include Darrin Pokorny (6’1, Jr), Seth Cech (6’2, Sr.), Cole Stewart (6’3, Sr.), Matt Cada (5’9, Sr.), Charlie Dvorak (5’11, Jr), and Blake Sindelar (6-1, Fr.).

Janata says there's a lot of varsity playing time to be had with the graduation of last year's seniors and the injury in football to Kade Hegemann.

Key losses from last year include Connor Blum, Dax VanLengen, Ryan Macholan, and Jordan Brichacek.

I think there's a lot of talent and potential in this returning group of players.

I feel the Jaguars are capable of going on and having a nice season.

Janata says this squad has good plenty of depth and motivation. "We are a very athletic team with a lot of depth. We realistically could play 8 or 9 deep with different starters depending on the matchups. This is a very hungry team that wants to improve on their 13-12 record from last year."

Janata adds working together and scoring is something the team is working on. "With a new coach, there will be some growing pains to a new system. Getting the team to play as a group and shooting higher percentage shots is something we look to improve upon this year."

Janata says the team is ready to go to work. "Going to be a young team with a lot to prove. New coach with a new system so there may be some growing pains, but a hungry team ready to work. .500 team last year, but potential to improve on that mark this year."

I think there is some good talent on this team and solid guards and post players. Not having Kade Hegemann will hurt, but I feel there's plenty of other players ready to step up and fill the void left from his absence.

Season Outlook:

Howells-Dodge looks for success in Janata's first season.

The Jaguars open up the season at Pierce on Thursday, November 29th. "Coach Emory is a great coach. He usually has his kids ready to go. And in the past they've gone deep into the Football playoffs, which was kind of an advantage for us. But they've had a full season to get ready, just like we have. And I think by the time we roll up into Pierce, our kids are tired of beating up on each other they'll be ready for that game," Janata said.

Janata adds the game will be a good measuring stick for his team.

Howells-Dodge is in Sub-District C2-6 with Stanton, Wakefield, Wisner-Pilger, and Lutheran High Northeast. "Come Sub-District time it's going to be anyone's game. Just looking at the teams in our district, we play a few of them during the season, be a good chance to see where we're at, but there is not an easy game on the schedule. So we'll have to really come to play and see what happens when subs roll around," Janata said.

The Jaguars appear to have a bunch of games on the schedule they should win.

I think Howells-Dodge will do no worse than hover around the .500 mark, and feel this team could upset a few teams and finish above .500 even.

Janata says his team wants to be playing their best basketball come Sub-District time. "Our goals are to improve in every practice and in every game. We want to improve on our record from last year and make a run come district time. It's a young team, so there is a lot of potential. We also have a good group of seniors who are motivated and want to go to state."

This program was dominant and elite not that long ago.

The team won state 6 years ago, and took 3rd at State in 2013-2014.

I don't think there's any doubt the Jaguars want and can get back to that elite level.

I feel the pieces are in place for Howells-Dodge to set a good foundation year and a level of success for years to come.

There's plenty of talent on this team, and with some growth and development I feel the Jaguars have what it takes to be a successful squad.

I feel Howells-Dodge is capable of being above .500 heading into Christmas so we'll see what the early part of the season brings for the Jaguars.

I feel Howells-Dodge can really make some hay in the middle part of their schedule before it gets tough at the end of the regular season.

2018-2019 Howells-Dodge Jaguars Boys Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 @ Pierce
11/30/18 Stanton
12/04/18 Aquinas Catholic
12/06/18 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
12/08/18 Oakland-Craig
12/11/18 @ West Point-Beemer
12/14/18 BRLD
12/15/18 @ Clarkson/Leigh
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Howells-Dodge Holiday Tournament Howells
01/04/19 Humphrey St. Francis
01/05/19 @ Plainview
01/11/19 Wisner-Pilger
01/12/19 Mead
01/18/19 Tekamah-Herman
01/19/19 @ Pender
01/22/19 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
01/26-02/02 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/07/19 @ North Bend Central
02/08/19 Wakefield
02/15/19 Lutheran High Northeast

Team: Howells-Dodge

Mascot: Jaguars

Colors: Green, Black, Silver

Class: D-1

Conference:  East Husker

Head Coach: Scott Polacek (27th season) (378-205 record)

2017-2018 record: 12-12 (lost to Stanton in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 3

Overview:

The Howells-Dodge Girls Basketball Team looks to have success this year after bringing back 3 starters from last year's 12-12 team.

The returners are Point Guard Cassie Pieper 5'4, SO), Center Erin Prusa 6'0, SR), and Jessi Brester (5'9, SR).

Head Coach Scott Polacek says Senior Hannah Bayer (5'6, SR F) will come off the bench.

Polacek also says his team will be without Grace Dvorak and Tonya Brester for much of the season due to injury.

He adds the team played 59 games over the summer between the three levels.

Macey Kulhanek is a big loss from last season.

I look for Prusa, Jessi Brester, and Pieper to do big things this year.

You look to your senior leaders to step up and do a lot for you, and I feel these players are capable of carrying the load for the Jaguars.

Prusa has to establish herself as a dominant, physical force on the inside, and must score and rebound well.

Brester has to find her mid range game and be a force on the boards as well.

Pieper has to take care of the ball and dish it off to other players to score.

I think not having Dvorak and Tonya Brester is really going to hurt.

Tonya Brester was a guard Howells-Dodge was probably going to rely upon to shoot from the outside.

Dvorak's versatility in the post will be missed also.

It will be interesting to see which guards can step up and hit shots from the outside.

I feel the Jaguars' inside game will be strong, but I'm uncertain about their outside game, especially with the injury to Tonya Brester.

Howells-Dodge has murderers row to start the season schedule wise so it could be a slow and rough start to the season for the Jaguars, but we shall see.

Season Outlook:

The Howells-Dodge Girls look to be successful this year, but it won't be easy.

Polacek says the team has a gauntlet through December. Season opener against Pierce and then Stanton the next night.

The Jaguars open up the season at Pierce on Thursday, November 29th.

Other games before Christmas come against David City Aquinas, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Oakland-Craig, West Point-Beemer, BRLD, and Clarkson/Leigh.

I think a few of those games at least are games Howells-Dodge can win, but man the early part of the schedule is brutal for the Jaguars.

Howells-Dodge drops back down to D-1 after being C-2 the past couple of years.  "Our conference is mostly C-1 and C-2 Schools. So almost our entire regular season we're going to be playing competition bigger. So that will help us a lot for district seeding, and then to keep you in contention for a wildcard with our new serpentine system in basketball. It's going to be a big advantage. Regardless of what our record is it's going to keep us competitive and in contention for that wildcard the whole season," Polacek said.

The Jaguars are in Sub-District D1-5 with Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Fullerton, Nebraska Christian, and High Plains Community.

Polacek says the Bulldogs are the Sub-District favorite. Nebraska Christian is a good team too, according to Polacek.

He says the team hopes to do well enough in the regular season to get to a Sub-State game. "Our goal is to battle the whole way, be as competitive as we can through a tough conference. And hopefully we can get ourselves into a district final game and make another shot at State. That's really what we want to do."

I think Sub-State really helps a team like Howells-Dodge this year given the new format and Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family being in the Sub-District.

The Jaguars need to do well throughout the regular season to have a chance at a Sub-State game though.

If Howells-Dodge struggles this year and isn't in contention for a Sub-State game at the end of the regular season then a Sub-State game is a moot point for them.

I look for the Jaguars to play their best Basketball at the end of the season though given their schedule and everything.

2018-2019 Howells-Dodge Jaguars Girls Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 @ Pierce
11/30/18 Stanton
12/04/18 Aquinas Catholic
12/06/18 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
12/08/18 Oakland-Craig
12/11/18 @ West Point-Beemer
12/14/18 BRLD
12/15/18 @ Clarkson/Leigh
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Howells-Dodge Holiday Tournament Howells
01/04/19 Humphrey St. Francis
01/05/19 @ Plainview
01/08/19 @ Lutheran High Northeast
01/11/19 Wisner-Pilger
01/12/19 Mead
01/18/19 Tekamah-Herman
01/19/19 @ Pender
01/22/19 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
01/25-02/02 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/07/19 @ North Bend Central

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Boys and Girls hoping for successful seasons despite being hit hard by graduation

Team: Logan View/Scribner-Snyder

Mascot: Raiders

Colors: Blue and Red

Class: C-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Sean Forbes (5th season) (58-38 career record)

2017-2018 record: 21-5 (Lost to Wahoo in District Final)

Returning Starters: 0

Overview:

It's new look, new Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Boys Basketball this year as the Raiders are a brand new team after graduating 8 seniors from last year.

Kids who will help make up the team this year are Connor Larson (5’11, SO G), Trystain Roseberry ( 6’3,  JR F), Nathan Wacker (6’2,  SR F), Clay Kruger (6'1, Sr G), Riley Hoetfelker ( 6’0,  So G, Austin Peters (6’1,  SR F),  Garrett Kriete, (6'5, So C),  Garrett Palmer 6’0,  So G),  Jayden Korman (6'1, SO F), Brett Uhing (5'11, SO F), Wyatt Rebbe (6'0, JR G), and Jake Hagerbaumer (6'2, SO G).

Head Coach Sean Forbes. "This will be a brand new team for us this season after graduating 8 seniors. We are going to look forward to improving throughout the season and hopefully be playing our best at the end of the year. There is a lot of opportunity for playing time for whoever steps up and has the best pre-season on our team. I look forward to having competition at practice to see how our team comes together."

Forbes says things have gone well in the preseason. "Our younger guys and our new guys are really working hard. Competition's been high at practice cause everybody knows playing time's wide open. So practices have been going really good and everybody's been working hard so I'm pretty happy with the progress we've made so far."

Larson and Wacker have really stepped up in the preseason, according to Forbes.

The 8 seniors that graduated last year are Brandon Hagerbaumer, Ben Moxness, Jacob Polk, Alex Hagerbaumer, Alex VonSeggern, Logan Rebbe, Nathan Taylor, and Joel Moeller.

It's an entirely different team and squad this year, and so I think it's hard to know what to expect from the Raiders.

I feel Logan View/Scribner-Snyder will get better as the season progresses, but the Raiders will be young and inexperienced for sure.

Forbes adds chemistry has come a long ways.

Depth appears to be a team strength as Forbes says the team will be a lot deeper this year with the ability to play 10 or 11 guys this year compared to 6 or 7 last year.

I feel the team will get a lot of valuable playing and varsity experience this year if anything.

I think this is a team that will be really good in the future, and has the potential to be a good, solid, quality squad this year as well.

I think having depth will really allow this team to stay fresh without much drop off.

Season Outlook:

The Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Boys look to reload as opposed to rebuild.

The schedule is very challenging for the Raiders though so it will be interesting to see how they do this season.

LVSS is in Sub-District C1-6 with North Bend Central, West Point-Beemer, and Arlington.

Forbes says Sub-State would of really helped the Raiders the past four years.

The team hopes to be clicking in January and February when it matters.

Forbes says his team is looking forward to the season. "We're going to look forward to seeing who steps up on our team and hopefully harass the other team with the numerous guys we plan on playing."

It will be interesting to see who all starts and sees a lot of playing time for Logan View/Scribner-Snyder.

I think the Raiders could try a lot of different rotations and have a lot of success.

It appears this team has a lot of potential, and I think Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has the potential to win their fair share of games this year.

I don't know if the Raiders will be as good as they were last year, but LVSS should be a solid, young team.

I feel this is a team may start off slow, but peak at the right time at the end of the season and be a postseason threat.

The schedule has its challenges, but I don't think there's any doubt the Raiders can win some games and surprise some people this season.

The Raiders host Oakland-Craig in the season opener on Thursday, November 29th.

The Knights are a very experienced and veteran laden team, and that should make for a very difficult challenge for Logan View/Scribner-Snyder.

I feel it will be a game with a lot of unknowns as I don't think anyone really knows what to expect come the 29th.

I think if anything the Raiders will learn about themselves and each other in that contest.

2018-2019 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder Raiders Boys Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 Oakland-Craig
12/01/18 Twin River
12/04/18 @ Wayne
12/08/18 Wahoo
12/11/18 Columbus Lakeview
12/14/18 Tekamah-Herman
12/18/18 @ Douglas County West
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Elmwood-Murdock Holiday Tournament Elmwood-Murdock
01/04/19 North Bend Central
01/05/19 Stanton
01/08/19 @ Madison
01/12/19 @ Wisner-Pilger
01/15/19 @ Arlington
01/17/19 @ Raymond Central
01/19/19 West Point-Beemer
01/22/19 @ Howells-Dodge
01/26-02/02 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/05/19 @ Clarkson/Leigh
02/08/19 @ BRLD
02/15/19 Yutan

Team: Logan View/Scribner-Snyder

Mascot: Raiders

Colors: Blue and Red

Class: C-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Nick Hegge (8th season) (23-132 career record)

2017-2018 record: 7-16 (Lost to Arlington in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 2

Overview:

The Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Girls Basketball Team looks to build on the success the team had last year, especially at the end of the season, and be even more successful this year.

Two starters return for 8th year Head Coach Nick Hegge's squad, and they are Shaylin Daugherty (5’9, Sr F), who averaged 7 rebounds a game last season, and Ashley Peters (5’5, Sr G).

Other returning letterwinners and newcomers include Ashley Uhing (5’6, Sr F), Valerie Uehling (5'4, SO G), Josie Kahlandt , (5'6, SO G), and Kaylin Niewohner  (5'5, SR G).

Hegge says the team is ready for the season to begin. "The girls are excited, they're fired up. They've got some energy. We lost a lot from last year's team, but we're hoping that we have kids ready to fill in and step in, and hope that they don't miss a beat."

21 girls are out for the team this year.

Girls lost from last year include Kaylee Boyle, Sierra Beacom, Morgan Morgan, Abby Kahlandt, and Breanna Smith.

Hegge says good guard play is a team strength.

Uehling, Kahlandt, Daugherty, and Peters played a lot last year, and are back and ready to go.

Uhing will be needed on defense and rebounding, according to Hegge.

Hegge says Uehling is a rising star. "Valerie Uehling is a very nice player and will likely receive college interest as she gets older."

I look for her and Daugherty, Kahlandt, Niewohner, and Peters to lead the team this year.

I think Daugherty will be a huge key to the Raiders's success this season.

I look for her to become a consistent scoring threat down low that rebounds the ball very well also.

I think LVSS will have a lot of good guard play and solid post play that hopefully results in the Raiders improving on last year's season.

Having 21 girls out for the team is a really good sign, and I think co-oping in all sports now has really added to the camaraderie and familiarity of the girls.

I feel team chemistry and togetherness is probably at an all time-high given the fact these girls have been together for a while now.

Season Outlook:

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder's Girls hope to be even better this year than they were last year.

I think there's a handful of games that could be sure wins, and those games are against Cedar Bluffs, DC West, Madison, and Boys Town.

I feel there are other games that are winnable for the Raiders this year as well, and think LVSS can get to at least 8 wins this season.

The Raiders have increased their win total every season in recent years, and I look for LVSS to do that once again this season.

The Raiders host Oakland-Craig on Thursday, November 29th in the season opener. "We can't wait around. We got to be ready to go. We know that they're a physical team, and we know that they like to get after you and press. So we just got to be ready for it, and we got to be ready to bring it from night one, " Hegge said.

Hegge adds there's no easy dates in the East Husker Conference.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder is in Sub-District C1-6 with West Point-Beemer, North Bend Central, Tekamah-Herman, and Arlington.

I feel anyone is beatable at that time of year, and the Raiders can certainly make anything happen when the postseason rolls around.

I think scoring the ball at a high rate will be important for LVSS, and to score a lot of points the Raiders will need to take care of the ball, and look to get out in transition.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has to value each possession, and convert easy layups and free throws when given the opportunity.

I think defense will be important for the Raiders too.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has to rebound well and box out and keep their stars out of foul trouble as much as possible.

The Raiders are an up and coming team, and LVSS has to take more steps forward this season and improve upon last year.

I thought Logan View/Scribner-Snyder did some really nice things last year, but it's a new year and the Raiders have a lot to prove this season.

I think the success LVSS had in Volleyball and Softball and Cross Country will really help the Raiders in basketball this year.

2018-2019 Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Raiders Girls Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 Oakland-Craig
12/01/18 Twin River
12/04/18 @ Wayne
12/06/18 Cedar Bluffs
12/11/18 Columbus Lakeview
12/14/18 Tekamah-Herman
12/18/18 @ Douglas County West
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined)         Elmwood-Murdock Holiday Tournament Elmwood-Murdock
01/04/19 North Bend Central
01/05/19 Stanton
01/08/19 @ Madison
01/12/19 @ Wisner-Pilger
01/15/19 @ Arlington
01/17/19 @ Raymond Central
01/19/19 West Point-Beemer
01/22/19 @ Howells-Dodge
01/25-02/02 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/05/19 @ Clarkson/Leigh
02/07/19 @ Boys Town
02/08/19 @ BRLD

Oakland-Craig Boys and Girls anticipating lots of success

Team: Oakland-Craig

Mascot: Knights

Colors: Orange and White

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Aaron Meyer (15th season) (184-158 career record)

2017-2018 record: 16-10 (lost to BRLD in Sub-District Final)

Returning Starters: 3

Overview:

The Oakland-Craig Boys Basketball Team looks to be good again this year as the Knights return the majority of last year's 16-10 team.

Returning starters include Garrison Dodge (5'9, SR G), who averaged 9 points a game last season, Wyatt Seagren (6'6, JR C), who notched 8 points and 6 rebounds a game last season, and Cole Bures (6'4, SR C).

Other returning letterwinners are Robby Mayberry (5'10, SR G), Jared Mulder (6'0, SR F), Colton Thomsen (6'2, JR F), Ian Lundquist (5'9, JR G), and Tyson Harney (6'2, SR F).

Newcomers who could contribute this season are Jaron Meyer (5'11, SO G) and Coulter Thiele (6'1, SO G).

Key losses from last year are Garrett Seagren and Kobe Benne, who both did a lot of the team's scoring.

Head Coach Aaron Meyer says his team will need to find new ways to score. "I don't know if we should expect to replace their type of scoring. Though I think we're going to need to score more baskets around the paint in multiple ways. We've got to get a little bit creative that way I think."

That means Wyatt Seagren will really need to step things up on the inside.

Meyer says stepping up the scoring and younger players finding their way will be important to this team's success. "We graduated the bulk of our scoring so we need guys to pick up the load there. We also have a crew of younger players that need to find their niche."

Meyer adds this is a veteran team with talent. "This team has some size and depth. We also have some experienced players returning."

I don't think there's any doubt the Knights will win their fair share of games this season.

Oakland-Craig may not be as athletic and dynamic as they were the past couple of seasons, but I think this team will play really well together.

I look for the Knights to win the close games, and have a nice season.

I think there's a lot to be said for being experienced and veteran laden, and I look for Oakland-Craig to be one of those teams that stays calm during tough situations and makes plays down the stretch and in clutch moments.

The Knights should be solid across the board this year.

Season Outlook:

Oakland-Craig looks to have another successful season this year and do big things.

I feel the Knights have a chance to win quite a few games this year, and think the schedule sets up nicely for Oakland-Craig.

Meyer says expectations are high. "One thing that we've noticed already with this group of kids and these seniors is they want to get past the expectations of others around them."

The Knights open up the season at Logan View/Scribner-Snyder on Thursday, November 29th. "We saw them this summer, and they were youthful and hungry, and they were way better than I anticipated. Especially for only really having one, maybe two guys return that played much," Meyer said.

Meyer says his team would of taken advantage of the new Sub-State format in the past.

Goals include finishing in the top of the conference and be at their best at the end of the season.

Oakland-Craig is in Sub-District C2-5 with BRLD, GACC, Walthill, and Omaha Nation.

I feel that Sub-District will be very entertaining and competitive.

There's a long ways to go before the postseason rolls around though, and the Knights have a lot of big games before the postseason begins.

I think the biggest thing for Oakland-Craig is to work as hard as possible and have a drive and a will and a burning passion to win.

The Knights have to hate to lose, and take the mentality they played with in Football and carry it over onto the hardwood.

Oakland-Craig has a chance to be a very good team, and I'm really excited to see what the team can do this year.

I think the Knights will be a very scrappy team that works extremely hard.

I think defense and ball handling will be two strengths for Oakland-Craig.

Hitting free throws, especially in the clutch, will be big for the Knights too I feel.

I think Oakland-Craig is one of the better teams in the conference and the area, and look for them to show why this season.

2018-2019 Oakland-Craig Knights Boys Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
12/01/18 @ Boys Town
12/04/18 Clarkson/Leigh
12/07/18 @ Pender
12/08/18 @ Howells-Dodge
12/11/18 @ Winnebago
12/13/18 Wisner-Pilger
12/15/18 Madison
12/18/18 @ Guardian Angels Central Catholic
12/20/18 Omaha Nation
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Malcolm Holiday Tournament Malcolm
01/04/19 @ Stanton
01/08/19 @ Walthill
01/11/19 BRLD
01/15/19 @ Tekamah-Herman
01/18/19 @ North Bend Central
01/22/19 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
01/26-02/02 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/08/19 West Point-Beemer

Team: Oakland-Craig

Mascot: Knights

Colors: Orange and White

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Joe Anderson (6th season) (69-50 record)

2017-2018 record: 12-11 (lost to BRLD in Sub-District Final)

Returning Starters: 6

Overview:

The Oakland-Craig Girls Basketball Team looks for a huge season with the return of Dacey Nelson and Kennedy Benne from ACL injuries.

Head Coach Joe Anderson says everyone returns. "Girls have high expectations this year if everything can fall into place. We return all of our starters, plus we return 2 time all-state Guard Dacey Nelson (5'7, SR G) (23 ppg, 7.5 rpg) who missed all of last season due to ACL. We also return all-state guard  Kennedy Benne (5'7, JR G) (20.6 ppg, 6rpg, 4.6 spg) who missed the last 11 games of the season with an ACL injury. Both are healthy and look good. I really feel these 2 girls are 2 of the best guards in the state. With those 2 out, our other girls really improved and gained  a lot of game experience. Mya Guzinksi (5'7, JR G) is a very good point guard that distributes the ball very well ( 5 assists per game). Natalia McNeill (5'7, SR G) (9ppg) and Grace Pille (5'6, SR G) (4 ppg) are all girls that have played a lot of varsity BB the last 3 years. Ashley Denton (5'7, SR G) stepped up last year and became a 3 point threat for us. Makenna Pearson (5'10, SO P) started all the games last year as a freshman post. Jeannina Blahak (6'1, SO P) had a big summer and should give us some big help in the middle at 6’1.  If we can stay healthy we should have a very competitive group."

Other returning letterwinners/newcomers include Ellie Weitzenkamp (5'6, SR G), Edie Anderson (5'5, SO G), Ashten Rennerfeldt (5'7, SO G), and Rheanna Paul (5'11, SO P).

Anderson says his squad is better this year for having gone through what they did last year. "Those injuries really allowed those other girls to improve their game and kind of put them in some situations where we had to lean on them. And I think that's going to do nothing but help us this year. Because now we have Dacey back, we have Kennedy back, and we have all those girls with a lot more experience. They're forced to handle the ball, take some important shots, and you put all that together, and we feel we have a pretty deep team this year."

Anderson says the team is low on numbers, but the girls they do have out have played quite a bit of varsity basketball.

This team should be very good, I don't think there's any doubt about it.

As long as the Knights stay healthy they should be a great team.

I look for Nelson and Benne to have huge seasons, and for everyone to play well throughout the season.

Nelson is headed to Hillsdale College to play basketball next season, and her and Benne are very exceptional talents.

I think this season has a chance to be very memorable for Oakland-Craig.

Expectations are at an all-time high.  "Our kids have really high expectations. We feel like we've been building for this season. We had high hopes last year too and it was really cut short with some injuries," Anderson said.

Anderson says the team hopes to stay healthy this year, and the goal is to keep getting better and better each week and play good in February.

Season Outlook:

Oakland-Craig figures to have a very good chance to be a great team this season.

The pre-Christmas Schedule looks like the Knights can win every game, and I wouldn't be shocked if the Knights were undefeated at least through the end of the Calendar Year.

The end of the regular season gets tough with games against Gretna, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Fremont Bergan, and West Point-Beemer.

That's when it will all really count, but Oakland-Craig has to enjoy the journey, process, and ride.

The East Husker Conference figures to be tough this year with the top teams including the Knights, Stanton, West Point-Beemer, and Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, and I would add Clarkson/Leigh to that group as well as BRLD.

Anderson says the Knights want to win a conference championship, and build that momentum into Districts and be a State Qualifying team. 

Oakland-Craig is in a tough Sub-District in C2-5 with perennial power GACC, Wisner-Pilger, BRLD, and Omaha Nation. "GACC's a team that I think has been to state 20 some years in a row, and they're always going to play good basketball come February. BRLD's had a good program the last few years since they've combined. There's going to be good basketball teams. And our goal is to make sure that we just keep getting better week in and week out, " Anderson said. 

Anderson also says his team is really anxious to get back down to state after making the State Tournament for the first time in School history in 2015-2016.

The pieces are certainly in place for the Knights to not only get to state, but do some damage at the State Tournament.

As long as Oakland-Craig stays healthy they should be right there in the end.

I'm very excited to see what the Knights can do this season given all who and what they bring to the table.

Oakland-Craig has a roster full of stars and really good players, and the Knights should do some very special and amazing things this season.

I honestly would not be surprised if Oakland-Craig cuts down the nets at Pinnacle Bank Arena on March 2nd.

That's something the Knights have to shoot and strive for, and dream about.

2018-2019 Oakland-Craig Knights Girls Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder

12/01/18 @ Boys Town

12/04/18 Clarkson/Leigh

12/07/18 @ Pender

12/08/18 @ Howells-Dodge

12/11/18 @ Winnebago

12/13/18 Wisner-Pilger

12/15/18 Madison

12/20/18 Omaha Nation

12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Malcolm Holiday Tournament Malcolm

01/04/19 @ Stanton

01/05/19 Elmwood-Murdock

01/11/19 BRLD

01/15/19 @ Tekamah-Herman

01/18/19 @ North Bend Central

01/19/19 Gretna Site: Ralston Arena Ralston Arena

01/22/19 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family

01/25-02/02 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD

02/05/19 Archbishop Bergan

02/08/19 West Point-Beemer

BRLD Boys and Girls expecting big things this year

Team: Bancroft-Rosalie-Lyons-Decatur

Mascot: Wolverines

Colors: UCLA Blue, Black, and Gold

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Cory Meyer (5th season) (80-27 record)

2017-2018 record: 26-3 (took 3rd place at State)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The BRLD Boys Basketball Team looks for another gigantic season after finishing 3rd at State last season.

Of course we can't forget the Lucas Vogt buzzer beating three pointer to beat Elmwood-Murdock in the first round of state last season.

Back for the Wolverines are Nick Ronnfeldt, Will Gatzemeyer, Jaxon Johnson, Darwin Snyder, Dylan Beutler, Vogt, Braxton Bargmann, Devin Hegge, Braydon Anderson, Micah Henschen, and Luke Kramer.

5th year Head Coach Cory Meyer says the team is really looking forward to the season. "It's probably the most exciting season for me so far. We've got a lot of really good kids. We've got a lot of talent back. We're going to miss the seniors from last year, but it's going to be an exciting year."

Key losses from last year include Kenyan Lovejoy, Trent Gatewood, Hunter Ferguson, and Michael Snyder.

Meyer says the team will probably have a target on their back and be ranked for the first time in a long time.

Meyer adds highlights of the offseason include doing well at the Big Ten Camp and winning the West Point-Beemer Camp over the summer.

He says fans can expect to see a tough team this year. "A lot of intensity, experience coming back from last year's 26-3 team. Hard work."

I don't think there's any doubt the Wolverines will be very good this year.

BRLD returns a ton of players from last year's team, and depth appears to be a very big strength.

And the thing is the Wolverines are still relatively young this year.

A lot of these players are Juniors and Sophomores, and I feel the sky is the limit for them.

Big things are and should be expected for BRLD this year, and I'm very anxious and excited to see how the Wolverines fare.

These kids had a lot of success in Football, and I think that will only carry over to the hardwood.

A long football season could mean the Wolverines might take a bit to get their legs under them in basketball, but I totally anticipate BRLD being fine in that regard.

It should be another great and memorable season for the Wolverines, and BRLD has to be very excited about this year.

Season Outlook:

BRLD figures to be very dynamic once again this season.

I feel the schedule sets up nicely for the Wolverines.

Games against Ponca, Boys Town, Winnebago, and Oakland-Craig figure to be very tough though.

Auburn in the Heartland Hoops Classic towards the end of the season and Pender to close out the regular season figure to be challenging as well.

Meyer says there's a lot of good teams on the schedule. "I've always felt our conference & districts are one of the most competitive to play in. This area in general is very competitive."

BRLD opens up the season at Omaha Nation on Thursday, November 29th. Meyer says the Chiefs will be a challenge. "Starting off the first game it's going to be tough, especially at Macy. And it's going to be a good game. They bring a lot of skill, they bring a lot of good shooters, a lot of good ball handlers. I look for it to be a tough game."

The Wolverines are in Sub-District C2-5 with Omaha Nation, Oakland-Craig, GACC, and Walthill.

Extremely tough Sub-District for sure. I think BRLD will have their work cut out for them in the postseason. I wouldn't be surprised if 2 or 3 teams from this Sub-District Qualified for Sub-State.

Meyer adds a lot is expected of this year's team. "I have high expectations with this team. I have not only great players, but great kids with great work ethic that like to push each other. Very unselfish team."

Meyer says everything matters. "The Basketball IQ's very high with our team. I do have really high expectations. Every practice, every game, every drill that we do I mean it needs to be competitive. And we need to push each other and make ourselves better."

I would add that every play, every shot, every free throw, every rebound matters.

Everything the Wolverines do matters as BRLD is in the business of winning.

I really think BRLD has a great chance to get back to state and make it to Championship Saturday in Lincoln and win it.

I feel this team has a lot of high and great potential.

The Wolverines are a great and elite team, and I look for them to prove and show that once again this season.


2018-2019 BRLD Wolverines Boys Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 @ Omaha Nation
12/01/18 Homer
12/04/18 Emerson-Hubbard
12/06/18 Walthill
12/07/18 @ Clarkson/Leigh
12/14/18 @ Howells-Dodge
12/21/18 Ponca
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Howells-Dodge Holiday Tournament Howells
01/04/19 @ Tekamah-Herman
01/05/19 @ West Point-Beemer
01/11/19 @ Oakland-Craig
01/15/19 @ Wakefield
01/18/19 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family
01/19/19 Stanton
01/22/19 @ Winnebago
01/26-02/02 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/05/19 @ Wisner-Pilger
02/08/19 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
02/09/19 Auburn Site: Grand Island-Heartland Classic Grand Island-Heartland Classic
02/15/19 Pender

Team: Bancroft-Rosalie-Lyons-Decatur

Mascot: Wolverines

Colors: UCLA Blue, Black, and Gold

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Rod Peters (7th season)

2017-2018 record: 21-5 (lost to Stanton in District Final)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The BRLD Girls Basketball Team has high expectations once again this year after going 21-5 and reaching a District Final in a season that also saw them win the East Husker Conference Tournament.

Back for the Wolverines this season are Seniors Paige Peters and Brandi Simonsen, Junior Kelsey Larsen, and Sophomores Caragan Tietz and Aubrey Berg.

Players that came off the bench last season were Brooklyn Nolting, Kinlee Bacon, and Isabel Freemont.

Junior Kailynn Lovejoy could make an impact, and Freshman Alyssa Buchholz will add a scoring punch, according to 7th year Head Coach Rod Peters.

BRLD graduated a talented senior class from last year that included four-year starter Vicki Gatzemeyer. "And going into the summer I was a little nervous. And I thought we had girls that really did a good job of stepping into their roles and figuring out what their roles were on the team, "Peters said.

Peters says he thought the Wolverines became a better passing team over the summer.

It sounds like BRLD plays well together as a team and is unselfish, two signs of a great basketball team.

I look for the Wolverines to continue the momentum of the good season they had last year, and do even better things this year.

Peters says the team will have to push the ball up the floor quite a bit due to not having a ton of height.

Teams with height could give BRLD issues, but I think the Wolverines will be very fast and athletic.

BRLD had an explosive offense and a solid defense last year.

I think there's room for improvement on both ends of the floor, and I look for the Wolverines to make those improvements as the season progresses.

I feel BRLD will be a team that gets better as the season goes along.

The Wolverines lost some key pieces from last year's team, but appear to have the pieces in place to retool and reload.

It should be another fantastic season for BRLD.

Season Outlook:

The BRLD Girls Basketball Team looks to be a team to be reckoned with once again this year.

I feel the Wolverines will have a chance to win quite a few games again this season.

The toughest games on the schedule appear to be against Clarkson/Leigh, Ponca, West Point-Beemer, Oakland-Craig, and Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family.

BRLD has a stretch of five straight road games to start the new calendar year, and the Cadets, Knights, and Bulldogs makeup three of those contests. That will be a very difficult stretch for the Wolverines for sure.

BRLD opens up the season on Thursday, November 29th at Omaha Nation. 

Peters says Omaha Nation has a new coach and adds the Chiefs lost a few really good guards from last year.

When asked about the East Husker Conference this year, Peters says things should be very competitive. "I think there's some really good teams in the conference and some great players. So any given night I think a lot of teams could be beaten by other teams." 

Peters says really good teams include Oakland-Craig, Stanton, West Point-Beemer, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Clarkson/Leigh, and Pender. 

Peters says team goals include getting into the Conference Finals again, and playing well as a team together.  

Other goals include making state, which the team came up short of doing last year, and going into every game thinking they have an opportunity to win.

I don't think there's any doubt the Wolverines want to and and expect to get back to the District Finals and go to Sub-State.

BRLD has their work cut out for them in the Sub-District though with the likes of Oakland-Craig, GACC, and Wisner-Pilger in it.

The Wolverines are in Sub-District C2-5 with the Knights, Bluejays, Gators, and Omaha Nation.

It should be a fun season and a great ride for BRLD, and I'm sure the Wolverines are very anxious and excited to get the season underway.

I expect big things from BRLD once again.

2018-2019 BRLD Wolverines Girls Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 @ Omaha Nation

12/01/18 Homer

12/04/18 Emerson-Hubbard

12/06/18 Walthill

12/07/18 @ Clarkson/Leigh

12/14/18 @ Howells-Dodge

12/15/18 @ Boys Town

12/18/18 Pender

12/21/18 Ponca

12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Howells-Dodge Holiday Tournament Howells

01/04/19 @ Tekamah-Herman

01/05/19 @ West Point-Beemer

01/11/19 @ Oakland-Craig

01/15/19 @ Wakefield-Allen

01/18/19 @ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family

01/19/19 Stanton

01/22/19 @ Winnebago

01/25-02/02 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD

02/05/19 @ Wisner-Pilger

02/08/19 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder