Stanton Boys and Girls hoping to achieve a lot this year

Team: Stanton

Mascot: Mustangs

Colors: Orange and Black

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: David Stoddard (1st season)

2017-2018 record: 4-19 (lost to Howells-Dodge in Sub Districts)

Returning Starters: 5

Overview:

The Stanton Boys Basketball Team looks accomplish great things this season under new Head Coach David Stoddard, who takes over for Bryan Mendlik.

The Mustangs return all five starters from last year's 4-19 team, and they are Nathan Arens (6’5 12 PF), Sam Bates  (6’6 12 C), Marcus Spotanski (6’2 12 G/F), TJ Larson (6’1 11 G), and Mason Bruggeman (6’2 10 F).

Newcomers likely to make an impact are Kadyn Fernau (5’10 12 G), Parker Krusemark (5’11 9 G), and Ben Wilke (6’0 11 G/F).

Stanton struggled on offense last year, and I think their offense is going to need to be better this year for them to be successful.

Stoddard says post play will be a strength this year. "Stanton returns a lot of size in the front court and will need young and inexperienced guards to step up and play at high level. Look for senior F/C Nathan Arens (6’5) to have a breakout senior year. Sam Bates (6’6”) and Mason Bruggeman (6’2) will proved depth in the post. TJ Larson and Marcus Spotanski are also returning starters who had a good off season and are poised for a big year. Depth at guard will be a must, as there will be opportunities for young players to step up and earn varsity playing time."

Stoddard says there's been a real willingness to work, saying a couple big posts have put in a lot of time, and some of the younger kids have really improved in their overall game.

He adds the coaching transition has been easy since the kids worked together in June and July on Football and Basketball.

I'm very interested to see how the Mustangs do this year.

I feel Stanton has the potential to be better and more competitive this year than they were last year.

I look for the Mustangs to make strides as the season progresses, and get better each and every day.

I feel these kids will not be successful not only on the court, but in the classroom and in their other activities as well.

These kids are true student-athletes, and I'm willing to bet they will work hard at every aspect of everything they do this season, on and off the court.

I think the size Stanton has will really pay dividends and give teams fits this year.

I look for Arens and Bates to be forces on the inside.

If the Mustangs can develop some good guard play then they can be pretty good in my estimation.

Season Outlook:

The Stanton Boys Basketball Team looks to get back to their winning ways of the past and be a successful team this season.

The schedule sets up as to where I feel there's a lot of potential for wins out there.

I think the Mustangs can do very well if things can come together for them.

Stanton opens up the season at home against Tekamah-Herman on Thursday.

The Mustangs are in Sub-District C2-6 with Lutheran High Northeast, Wisner-Pilger, Wakefield, and Howells-Dodge.

Stoddard says the Sub-District is loaded. "A very difficult Sub-District. It's overall top to bottom, there's a lot of very solid teams and programs, and well coached teams as well."

I really feel Stanton can surprise some people and be a force to be reckoned with this year.

If the Mustangs can develop some guards then watch out.

Stoddard adds overall team goals are daily and weekly improvement, a great attitude, to be successful student athletes, developing them on a personal side and win as well.

I think the thing for Stanton is to be patient and continue to work hard no matter how the season is going and goes.

The Mustangs may struggle at times, but I feel Stanton has a chance to be a good team, and can find that spark and get on a run at any point in the season.

The Mustangs have to have fun, and enjoy the practices, the bus rides, the time together, and of course the games.

Stanton has to stay positive at all times, and can't get down on themselves even when things aren't going well.

The Mustangs have to put their teammates before themselves, and play for one another.

Stanton has to play as one.

No player is more important than the other, and that's something the Mustangs have to believe and keep in mind when they are playing the game.

Stanton has had a lot of success in the recent past, and I'm sure these kids will do all they can to be as successful as possible.

2018-2019 Stanton Mustangs Boys Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 Tekamah-Herman

11/30/18 @ Howells-Dodge

12/04/18 West Point-Beemer

12/11/18 North Bend Central

12/14/18 @ Wakefield

12/15/18 Pender

12/18/18 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family

12/20/18 @ Wisner-Pilger

12/27-12/28 (To Be Determined) Stanton Holiday Tournament Stanton

01/04/19 Oakland-Craig

01/05/19 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder

01/08/19 @ Plainview

01/11/19 Boone Central/Newman Grove

01/12/19 Battle Creek

01/15/19 Madison

01/19/19 @ BRLD

01/22/19 @ Twin River

01/26-02/02 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD

02/07/19 Clarkson/Leigh

02/15/19 @ Emerson-Hubbard

Team: Stanton

Mascot: Mustangs

Colors: Orange and Black

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Greg Wegner (4th season) (62-18 record)

2017-2018 record: 24-5 (took 4th at State)

Returning Starters: 4

Overview:

The Stanton Girls Basketball Team looks to make another run at State this year as the Mustangs return four starters from last year's 24-5 team that placed 4th at State.

The returners are Jessie Brandl (5'8" 12 G), Bree Burtwistle (5'9" 12 P), who averaged 9 points a game last year, Liz Christensen (5'9" 12 G), who averaged 7 points a game last year, and Jaiden Hartl (5'8" 12 G), who averaged 8 points a game a season ago.

Newcomers likely to contribute are Juniors Jasmine Kment, Morgan Remm, and Marissa Remm, as well as Sophomore Ellie Locke and Freshman Sylvia Cunningham.

A big loss from last year is Hannah Heppner. 

Head Coach Greg Wegner says the team has their sights set on a return trip to Lincoln. "We look to return to Lincoln for the 3rd time in 4 years. We have a solid core group of seniors that have led by example over the past 4 years. Their experience and leadership helped lead us to a Semi-Final appearance last season. The girls use their success in volleyball to fuel their drive towards competing against tough conference opponents throughout the year to prepare themselves for a tournament run."

The Mustangs are coming off four years in a row of making state in Volleyball. "Being in Volleyball down in Lincoln for years definitely helped us last year. My first year here we went down to the State Tournament and played Guardian Angels, and they were just so much more experienced than us, and I think our kids were a little bit overwhelmed being in the State Tournament for Basketball," Wegner said.

Wegner says the team didn't feel the pressure last year and was more relaxed.

He adds things have gone well in the preseason. "But overall I'm pleased. I'm really pleased with the effort. I think we have really good leaders this year. We have some kids that have been playing and starting for four years out on the floor so that has helped with some of the experience, but we're going to need some younger kids to step up this year for us for sure."

I look for Kment and Locke to step up and contribute in a big way. I don't know know what to expect from Morgan and Marissa Remm as well as Cunningham right now, but I'm sure they'll contribute in big ways as well.

I feel Stanton has what it takes to get back to Lincoln this year and do damage again at State, but it won't be easy.

With that said, this team is very veteran laden and experienced, and I fully anticipate them making State.

You can bet the players will be very hungry to win a State Title too given the fact they came up a point short in the Semifinals in Volleyball against Blue Hill.

Season Outlook:

Big things are expected once again from the Stanton Girls this year.

The Mustangs have a bunch of games they should have no problem winning, but there are certain games in bunches that could very well test and define this team.

Stanton opens up the season at home against Tekamah-Herman on Thursday before taking on Howells-Dodge. "Howells is on Friday too. So I know Howells and Scott (Polacek) he has his kids prepared. They're great basketball minds up there. They always give us fits in the post," Wegner said.

Wegner says his squad will have to use their speed, adding they've been working on a lot of fast break and transition offense.

The Mustangs are in Sub-District C2-6 with Battle Creek, Norfolk Catholic, Madison, and Clarkson/Leigh. "Battle Creek, Norfolk Catholic always give us fits. Battle Creek we play them twice a year. Kind of our rival school before we joined the East Husker Conference. And that game's always a battle. And we play them twice a year every year. They've got a good group of athletes right in there with us just like we do," Wegner said.

I think the Braves and Knights, along with the Patriots, will be Stanton's biggest threats.

The Mustangs will have to make sure they are playing their best basketball and are on top of their game at that time.

I think if Stanton plays up to their potential and stays healthy and everything like that they have a strong chance to win both the East Husker Conference and Sub-District Tournaments.

Oakland-Craig, West Point-Beemer BRLD, Clarkson/Leigh, and Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family could have something to say about conference, and the Sub-District is tough so certainly nothing will be easy.

At the end of the day though I look for Stanton to be right there and contend for and win championships.

Hartington/Newcastle is another tough team this year that comes to Stanton for the Holiday Tournament so the Mustangs have their work cut out against them too.

Stanton has a tough schedule, but I feel the schedule will only prepare and make the Mustangs a stronger team as the year progresses.

I fully expect Stanton to step up and come through in clutch moments, and be the team that nobody wants to play.

2018-2019 Stanton Mustangs Girls Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 Tekamah-Herman

11/30/18 @ Howells-Dodge

12/04/18 West Point-Beemer

12/11/18 North Bend Central

12/14/18 @ Wakefield-Allen

12/15/18 Pender

12/18/18 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family

12/20/18 @ Wisner-Pilger

12/27-12/28 (To Be Determined) Stanton Holiday Tournament Stanton

01/04/19 Oakland-Craig

01/05/19 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder

01/08/19 @ Plainview

01/11/19 Boone Central/Newman Grove

01/12/19 Battle Creek

01/15/19 Madison

01/19/19 @ BRLD

01/22/19 @ Twin River

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

02/07/19 Clarkson/Leigh

02/08/19 Norfolk Catholic

Wisner-Pilger Preseason Preview

Team: Wisner-Pilger

Mascot: Gators

Colors: Green and White

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Duane Mendlik

2017-2018 record: 17-8 (lost to Lutheran High Northeast in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Wisner-Pilger Boys Basketball Team brings back quite a few players from a team that went 17-8 last season.

Key contributors this year figure to be Rockney Peck (5'5, SO G), Cole Jacobsen (6'3, JR PG), Trevor Styskal (6'0, JR SF),  Dylan Kneifl (6'2, JR SF), Caden Schweers (6'0, JR C), Caden Jackson (6'1, SR PG), Colby Heller (6'3, JR PF), Mason Dimon (6'0, JR SF/PF), and Jayden Raabe (6'3, SR C).

From the looks of things it appears the Gators should be pretty stacked this year having a lot of veteran players and everything.

I would say Wisner-Pilger will be as every bit as good as they were last year with the potential to be even better next year.

Season Outlook:

The Wisner-Pilger Boys look to do great things again this season.

The Gators open up the season at Lutheran High Northeast on Thursday.

Looking at the schedule, it appears Wisner-Pilger has plenty of games they should win with some tough games against great competition that the Gators have the potential to compete well in, in my opinion.

Wisner-Pilger is in Sub-District C2-6 with the Eagles, Stanton, Wakefield, and Howells-Dodge.

I think both the Gators and LHNE have a great chance to come out of that Sub-District and make a Sub-State Game, but of course there can only be one Sub-District Winner.

2018-2019 Wisner-Pilger Gators Boys Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 @ Lutheran High Northeast

11/30/18 Guardian Angels Central Catholic

12/07/18 Tekamah-Herman

12/13/18 @ Oakland-Craig

12/14/18 Wayne

12/18/18 @ Arlington

12/20/18 Stanton

12/27-12/29 (To Be Determined) Shootout On the Elkhorn Wisner

01/04/19 West Point-Beemer

01/08/19 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family

01/11/19 @ Howells-Dodge

01/12/19 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder

01/15/19 @ Twin River

01/17/19 Pender

01/22/19 Clarkson/Leigh

01/24/19 @ North Bend Central

01/26-02/02 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD

02/05/19 BRLD

02/07/19 @ Laurel-Concord-Coleridge

02/15/19 Madison

Team: Wisner-Pilger

Mascot: Gators

Colors: Green and White

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Karrie Bodwell (3rd season) (18-29 record)

2017-2018 record: 9-15 (lost to Battle Creek in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A 

Overview:

The Wisner-Pilger Girls Basketball Team looks to improve upon last year's 9-15 season.

Girls who figure to make an impact and contribute are Junior Aspin Waterman, 5'9 Junior Karrin Jindra, 6'0 Senior Jordan Wegner, and Senior Cassidy Gooch.

The Gators had an outstanding Volleyball season, and I look for the success Wisner-Pilger had in that sport to carry over to basketball.

Season Outlook:

The Wisner-Pilger Girls look to have a good season and be as successful as possible.

The Gators have a tough schedule with a lot of difficult games early on, but Wisner-Pilger is a veteran team and I fully expect them to step up and do well.

The Gators open up the season at Lutheran High Northeast on Thursday.

Should be an interesting battle...one I think Wisner-Pilger can definitely win.

The Gators have GACC at home the next night in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull, and that game figures to be to tough also.

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

I think the Gators have the potential to be competitive in the Sub-District, but it won't be easy trying to knock off those teams.

2018-2019 Wisner-Pilger Gators Girls Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 @ Lutheran High Northeast

11/30/18 Guardian Angels Central Catholic

12/07/18 Tekamah-Herman

12/13/18 @ Oakland-Craig

12/14/18 Wayne

12/18/18 @ Arlington

12/20/18 Stanton

12/27-12/29 (To Be Determined) Shootout On the Elkhorn Wisner

01/03/19 @ Madison

01/04/19 West Point-Beemer

01/08/19 Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family

01/11/19 @ Howells-Dodge

01/12/19 Logan View-Scribner-Snyder

01/15/19 @ Twin River

01/17/19 Pender

01/22/19 Clarkson/Leigh

01/24/19 @ North Bend Central

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

02/05/19 BRLD

02/07/19 @ Laurel-Concord-Coleridge

North Bend Central Boys looking for special season; Girls hoping to be good too

Team: North Bend Central

Mascot: Tigers

Colors: Orange and Black

Class: C-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Jon Baehr (6th season) (105-142 career record)

2017-2018 record: 22-4 (lost to Lincoln Christian in District Final)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The North Bend Central Boys Basketball Team is looking for a special season with the return of several players from last year's team that went 22-4 and reached the District Final before losing to Lincoln Christian.

Returners from last year include John Emanuel (6'2, SR), Chase Ruzicka (6'0, SR), Austin Endorf (6'3, JR), Tanner Wietfeld (6'2, SR), Jaxon Wietfeld (6'3, SO), Ben Rolenc (6'5, SR), and Cole Kluthe (6'4, SR).

With a lot of seniors and a veteran laden team this year I would say it is the Tigers' year to do big things like make a state run.

6th year Head Coach Jon Baehr says as good a season as North Bend Central had last year, they're looking for an even better season this year. "And our guys accomplished a lot of great things, but I think they are ready to kind of take on that next step and next challenge, and try to do something special this year."

I'm sure doing something special would include not only making state, but winning a game or two or winning the whole thing.

Baehr says his team has improved in all aspects of the game. "I think we've grown physically in the weightroom. I think we've grown mentally with our toughness throughout the summer by going to different camps and doing things at summer leagues. And I think just overall skill wise our guys have gotten just bigger, faster, and stronger, and improved their skill level, and I think you'll see that this year when we play."

I would add that I feel the Tigers are going to be a very tough and difficult team to beat this year.

North Bend Central got so close to making state again last year, but came up a little bit short.

I feel the taste of defeat in the District Final last season will only make the Tigers better and stronger this year.

I think that and all the improvements North Bend Central made in the offseason will get them over the hump this year.

I look for the Tigers to make a state run, and compete for the Conference Tournament, Sub-District, and District Final Championships.

I really feel it will be a banner year and a season to remember for North Bend Central.

The football team had a lot of success, and I don't see any reason why the basketball team can't have a great season too.

Season Outlook:

The North Bend Central Boys are thinking big things this season.

The Tigers have a lot of games they should win this year and a tough mid-season stretch before a trip to Grand Island at the end of the regular season to face GICC in the Heartland Hoops Classic.

It should be a very fun season and a great ride for North Bend Central, and I look for the Tigers to have a spectacular and marvelous season once again this year.

North Bend Central opens up the season on Thursday at home against Twin River. Baehr says the Titans are a tough team. "They're going to be aggressive, they'll be quick, they'll get up and down the floor really well. They always play physical and strong."

The Tigers are in Sub-District C1-6 with West Point-Beemer, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder, and Arlington, and have to figure to be the odds on favorite to win it.

Baehr highlights some team goals for the season. "Making sure we can control what we can control. And if we can do that I think we're talented enough, and if we work hard enough that we'll put ourselves in positions to do some great things this year."

I look for it to be a great and memorable season for North Bend Central Boys Basketball.

I feel the Tigers will win a lot of games this year, and be right there when it comes to winning championships.

It sounds like the kids have made some really nice improvements and have gotten even better so that will be fun to watch no doubt.

I look for North Bend Central to do some really good things this season, and make a state run.

I feel the Sub-State format really helps the Tigers given all the tough teams in the area like the Wahoo Schools and Columbus Scotus and others.

We'll see what happens, but I look for North Bend Central to have a season to remember.....a season that makes the players, coaches, parents, fans, and community proud.

The Tigers have had a good run the last 3 years, and I look for this senior class to top off their careers with a great season this year.

The stage is set for North Bend Central to go out there and win and do a lot of great things...now it's a matter of the Tigers going out there and getting the job done.

These kids should have something to remember for the rest of their lives after this season is all said and done.

2018-2019 North Bend Central Tigers Boys Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 Twin River

12/01/18 @ Seward

12/04/18 @ Schuyler

12/06/18 West Point-Beemer

12/11/18 @ Stanton

12/21/18 Milford

12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) North Bend Central Holiday Tournament North Bend Central High School

01/04/19 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder

01/08/19 Arlington

01/10/19 Wayne

01/12/19 @ Archbishop Bergan

01/15/19 Columbus Scotus

01/18/19 Oakland-Craig

01/22/19 @ Madison

01/24/19 Wisner-Pilger

01/26-02/02 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD

02/05/19 @ Tekamah-Herman

02/07/19 Howells-Dodge

02/09/19 Grand Island Central Catholic Site: Heartland Events Center Heartland Events Center

02/15/19 @ Fort Calhoun

 

Team: North Bend Central

Mascot: Tigers

Colors: Orange and Black

Class: C-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Aaron Sterup (18th season) (272-89 career record)

2017-2018 record: 18-5 (lost to Columbus Scotus in Sub-District Final)

Returning Starters: 1

Overview:

The North Bend Central Girls Basketball Team looks to have success this season, but the Tigers return just one starter from last year's 18-5 team.

The lone returner is Lauren Emanuel (6'1, JR Wing), who averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds a game last year. She had 30 points in one game and 20 rebounds in another as a matter of fact.

Other returning letterwinners for longtime Head Coach Aaron Sterup are Megan Ortmeier (5'9, JR G), Faith Taylor (5'9, SR P), Abby Post (5'8, JR Wing), and Cierra Kluthe (5'9, SO G).

Sydney Emanuel (5'8, FR) is a newcomer likely to contribute this season.

Big losses from last year include Brooke Fredrickson, Kristin Lux, Kaitlynn Bjorklund, and Hailey Bang.

Sterup says Lauren Emanuel will be a big factor for the team this year. "Yeah she played a pretty big role for us last year and is the only returning starter so we're going to expect her to do a lot, we're going to lean on her on a lot not only to score points, but in a leadership role and getting us through clutch situations because she's seen those things before."

Sterup says the team was banged up during the offseason, but there were positives that came out of that. "This summer we had a few injuries that we were dealing with so we weren't at full strength at all. But I think that that probably aided our depth a little bit. We got some girls some time in the summer that maybe wouldn't of gotten as many opportunities otherwise."

It sounds to me like a lot of the newcomers and new players should be more ready for the season than they would of been had everyone been healthy in the offseason.

I think that will only help the Tigers this year given their youth and inexperience.

I look for Lauren Emanuel, Taylor, and Ortmeier to really lead the team this year.

I think Post and Kluthe will do nice things as well.

I'm interested to see what Sydney Emanuel can do also.

I think North Bend Central will be very competitive this year.

The Tigers were hit hard by graduation so I don't know if they'll be as good as they have been in the past, but I still expect North Bend Central to be a tough, hard nosed, and physical team.

I also feel depth could be a bit of an issue for the Tigers perhaps so I would say North Bend Central can't afford for any of their top 6 players to get hurt.

Season Outlook:

The North Bend Central Girls look to have a nice season with lots of growth and improvement throughout its course.

The Tigers have a lot of games in bunches that can be wins and a lot of games in bunches that could be losses, in my opinion.

I think it's possible North Bend Central could be about .500 or a little better this year, but I could be wrong, and the team could definitely exceed expectations.

The Tigers open up the season on Thursday at home against Twin River. Sterup says the two teams are almost identical. "It's two teams that have always had similar philosophies as far as really playing good solid half court man-to-man defense. And so both teams know each other very well. So points are hard to come by. And it usually comes down to the team that happens to make a few free throws or make a couple clutch shots because rarely does the winning team get much out of the 30's."

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

Sterup says he would of really liked the new Sub-State format last year, and I think it would of helped North Bend Central get to state perhaps.

Sterup adds his squad isn't going to set goals on wins and losses.  

I think the Tigers can upset some teams this year, and if they can win the games they're supposed to then I don't think 15+ wins is out of the question.

The Cadets figure to be the Sub-District favorite, and the other three teams figure to be tough and no slouches either, but North Bend Central should be right in the thick of things when that time comes.

The Tigers will have had an entire season to work out the kinks and grow and mature.

I think North Bend Central will be a much different team at the end of the year than the one you will see at the start of the season.

I think the first five games or so could be tough on the Tigers, but I look for North Bend Central to pick things up before Christmas and make a nice push into January.

The Tigers just have to keep working hard and must get better as the season progresses to be where they want to be at the end of it.

If North Bend Central plays up to their potential and full capability this year then I think they can walk away proud of what they accomplished regardless of how the season turns out in terms of wins and losses.

2018-2019 North Bend Central Tigers Girls Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 Twin River

12/01/18 @ Seward

12/04/18 @ Schuyler

12/06/18 West Point-Beemer

12/11/18 @ Stanton

12/14/18 @ Pender

12/20/18 @ Raymond Central

12/21/18 Milford

12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) North Bend Central Holiday Tournament North Bend Central High School

01/04/19 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder

01/08/19 Arlington

01/10/19 Wayne

01/12/19 @ Archbishop Bergan

01/15/19 Columbus Scotus

01/18/19 Oakland-Craig

01/22/19 @ Madison

01/24/19 Wisner-Pilger

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

02/05/19 @ Tekamah-Herman

02/07/19 Howells-Dodge

Tekamah-Herman Boys and Girls seeking improvement

Team: Tekamah-Herman

Mascot: Tigers

Colors: Purple, Vegas Gold

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Zach Rosenboom

2017-2018 record: 0-20 (lost to Fort Calhoun in Sub Districts)

Returning Starters: 5

Overview:

The Tekamah-Herman Boys Basketball Team looks to make big strides and improve a lot after going 0-20 last year and 0-19 the year before.

The Tigers return all five starters from last year, including Clay Beaumont (6'1, F), who averaged 11 points a game last year, Connor Feiling (6'1, F), Dylan Chatt (5'7, PG), Eldridge Jensen (5'11, G), and Cole Freidel (6'1, SF).

Other returning letterwinners include Garrison Potadle (6'1, SF/F), Tyler Petersen (5'11, G), Luke Wakehouse (6'1, G), and Alex Camp (6'3, C), who Head Coach Zach Rosenboom says is much improved.

Freshman Brock Rogers (6'2, G) is expected to contribute as well.

Rosenboom. "Return a lot from a young & inexperienced team last year that was unsuccessful in terms of wins & losses."

It certainly appears depth should be a team strength for the Tigers this season.

It sounds like there's been a lot of improvement from the boys, and the football team had an improved season from recent years in the past so I think things are on the rise and upswing for Tekamah-Herman.

Rosenboom says the offseason went well.  "We had quite a few kids who took advantage of the offseason and improved their game. Got bigger and stronger. We have a lot of returning guys. We lost two seniors from last year. And everybody else is back and we pick up some freshmen so things are looking good numbers wise and experience wise."

Hopefully the veteran players and leadership back from last year will result in success for the Tigers this year.

Tekamah-Herman has dropped to Class C-2, which really only affects the Tigers in the postseason.

Rosenboom says he thinks dropping to C-2 will help Tekamah-Herman in the long run.

I think the key this year for the Tigers is to focus on getting better and winning some games.

This is a program that hasn't had or tasted many wins in recent years, and I think Tekamah-Herman has a chance to change some of that this year.

It sounds like the Tigers have come a long ways since the end of last season, and hopefully that results in some wins for Tekamah-Herman this year.

Season Outlook:

The Tekamah-Herman Boys look to turn things around this season and do more winning than they have in recent years.

The schedule has its challenges, but I feel there are some games on there that the Tigers can and should be able to compete in and win.

Tekamah-Herman opens up the season at Stanton on Thursday.

Rosenboom says the Mustangs have a couple of big guys in 6'5 senior Nate Arens and 6'6 senior Sam Bates, adding their strength is to go inside.

The Tigers are in Sub-District C2-3 with Yutan, Elmwood-Murdock, and Omaha Brownell Talbot.

Rosenboom adds Yutan is preseason ranked No. 2 and Elmwood-Murdock's Coach (Matt Shelsta) left and Best Player in Wes Dreamer transferred.

I would say that Sub-District is wide open outside of Yutan, but Tekamah-Herman beat the Chieftains in Football so who's to say they can't do it in basketball when it the time comes either?

Rosenboom adds his team is looking to be improved this season. "I would say we're looking to be a lot more competitive, looking to win some games possibly, upset some people. But we're taking it day-by-day, really working on some fundamentals, and hopefully improving our defense and overall team chemistry."

I don't think the Tigers are anywhere near where they hope to be, but I would say that Tekamah-Herman is taking steps in the right direction and getting better.

Just winning some games this year could go a long ways in dictating future success for the program, in my opinion.

This is a program that last made state less than a decade ago so there is potential for the Tigers to get back to the top without a doubt.

I don't know if you can expect a ton of wins from Tekamah-Herman this year, but I think at least a few wins is possible.

Regardless of their win-loss record though I fully expect the Tigers' games to be much closer than they were last year.

Tekamah-Herman has endured some tough seasons in recent years, but I feel better and brighter times lie ahead for the Tigers, and it all starts this year.

There's a lot of kids back from last year, and numbers are good so the Tigers have to go out there and have an improved season.

2018-2019 Tekamah-Herman Tigers Boys Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 @ Stanton
11/30/18 Pender
12/07/18 @ Wisner-Pilger
12/08/18 @ Twin River
12/11/18 @ Yutan
12/14/18 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
12/15/18 Arlington
12/20/18 @ Omaha Brownell Talbot
12/27-12/29 (To Be Determined) Nebraska Wesleyan Holiday Tournament Nebraska Wesleyan
01/04/19 BRLD
01/05/19 Clarkson/Leigh
01/11/19 @ Madison
01/12/19 West Point-Beemer
01/15/19 Oakland-Craig
01/17/19 @ Fort Calhoun
01/18/19 @ Howells-Dodge
01/26-02/02 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/05/19 North Bend Central
02/08/19 Whiting, IA
02/15/19 Douglas County West

Team: Tekamah-Herman

Mascot: Tigers

Colors: Purple, Vegas Gold

Class: C-1

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: David Eriksen (2nd season)

2017-2018 record: 6-17 (lost to Fort Calhoun in Sub Districts)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Tekamah-Herman Girls Basketball Team looks to build upon last year's 6-win season under 2nd year Head Coach David Eriksen.

Returners include Guard Anna Wakehouse (5'7, JR), and Guards Halle Olsen 5'6, SO), and Maggie Sheets (5'3, SO).

On the inside the Tigers boast Jordan Wetzel (5'10, SR F), Jadyn Fleischman (6'0, JR C), Greta Lindberg (5'9, JR F), and Jen Graef (5'8, SR F).

Senior Sydney Brummond is a newcomer out for basketball for the first time since 8th grade, according to Eriksen.

The freshmen are Elena Jetensky (5'7, Wing), Aubrynn Sheets (5'5 G), and Kaitlyn Quick (5'8 Wing).

A big loss from last year is Marin Jetensky.

The Tigers only have 12 girls out for the team this year.

Eriksen says the inside game should be a strength. "We should be having an advantage on the inside for the most part. Jadyn Fleischman, she's a 6'0 JR. Last year was her first full season of varsity experience so she's starting to understand the game, especially at the varsity level."

Eriksen says Lindberg can go inside or outside for the team, adding this is probably the first year in a while the Tigers will have multiple guards who can step up, saying 5 or 6 guards have a chance to see the floor this season.

He adds scoring will be a challenge for the team.

I would add staying out of foul trouble and staying fresh will be critical as well.

The Tigers have enough girls to fill an entire varsity roster, but the JV games will be shortened this year I'm sure.

Everyone has to know their roles and play them well.

Tekamah-Herman has to be unselfish with the basketball and just in how they approach the game in general.

I feel this team has a lot of potential, but the team appears to be raw and young so we'll see what happens.

The return of seven letterwinners from last year should help though.

Season Outlook:

The Tekamah-Herman Girls look to build upon last year's season and improve their win total this year.

Eriksen says his team simply didn't do the little things well a season ago. "Our record last year and the result last year, watching film from last year....we just beat ourselves up. Couldn't make shots in the paint and couldn't make free throws. And those two things are very very important when it comes to the game of basketball."

With an entire offseason of growth and improvement I look for that to change this year.

Eriksen says things have gone well in the preseason. "Thus far we have a lot of good things going for us right now. Went back to watch a lot of film from last year, and our glaring weakness was a lot of fundamentals. I felt like we were beating ourself for the most part."

Eriksen says the team has been focusing on getting better at fundamentals and controlling things they can this year.

The Tigers open up the season on Thursday at Stanton.

Eriksen says Stanton will have a lot of athletic girls and has a good athletic culture.

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

The postseason is anyone's ball game when the time comes, and I wouldn't count out the Tigers as being a factor if they're playing their best basketball at the end of the season.

I really feel the schedule sets up nicely at the beginning and middle parts of the season for Tekamah-Herman to do well and do a lot of damage.

The end of the regular season appears it will be tough for the Tigers, but that should only help prepare Tekamah-Herman for the postseason.

I think the Tigers have to be very optimistic about this season and feel that the sky is the limit for them.

If Tekamah-Herman can do the fundamental things well such as make free throws and layups, and not beat themselves, then I think the Tigers will be where they want to be at the end of the season.

I think a fast start to the season....picking up some wins in December....is going to be important for the team's psyche if anything.

2018-2019 Tekamah-Herman Tigers Girls Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 @ Stanton
11/30/18 Pender
12/04/18 Douglas County West
12/07/18 @ Wisner-Pilger
12/08/18 @ Twin River
12/11/18 @ Yutan
12/14/18 @ Logan View-Scribner-Snyder
12/15/18 Arlington
12/27-12/29 (To Be Determined) Nebraska Wesleyan Holiday Tournament Nebraska Wesleyan
01/04/19 BRLD
01/05/19 Clarkson/Leigh
01/11/19 @ Madison
01/12/19 West Point-Beemer
01/15/19 Oakland-Craig
01/17/19 @ Fort Calhoun
01/18/19 @ Howells-Dodge
01/22/19 Omaha Mercy
01/25-02/02 (To Be Determined) East Husker Conference Tournament TBD
02/05/19 North Bend Central
02/07/19 @ Omaha Roncalli Catholic

GACC Boys and Girls looking to be good and competitive

Team: Guardian Angels Central Catholic

Mascot: Bluejays

Colors: Blue and White

Class: C-2

Conference: Mid-State

Head Coach: Alex Stieren (2nd season)

2017-2018 record: 3-18 (lost to Pender in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 2

Overview:

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Boys Basketball Team looks to make strides and improve in Head Coach Alex Stieren's second season at the helm of the program.

The Bluejays return two starters in Jared Minnick (SF 6-0 Sr.) and Casey Doernemann (C 6-5 Jr.).

Returning letterwinners include Ben Ulrich (PG 6-2 So.), Matthew Rolf (PF 6-3 Jr.), Adam Reeson (PF 6-3 Jr.), Hunter Uhing (PF 5-11 Sr.), and Brendan Rief (PG 5-10 So.).

Stieren says the preseason has gone well. "Practices have been great. We've been hitting a lot of shots. We've been trying to implement a lot of fundamentals. Got a lot of varsity minutes for a lot of young kids last year. Hopefully that pays off in the end."

Stieren says the team wants to try to run deep on the bench, try and run the floor, and try to score more fast break than halfcourt.

Getting out and running and scoring in transition is a recipe for success in my book.

I feel GACC has what it takes to get back to an elite level and play the type of ball they're accustomed to.

Last year was a rebuilding year with the loss of a lot of seniors from the year before, and despite being young this year, I think the Bluejays are capable of doing a lot of nice things this season.

GACC lost just two players from last year in Bryant Rief and Derek Petz.

I feel the success the boys had in Football and all the experience they got last year will really help them find their way this season.

Stieren says togetherness and teamwork is a strength of the team. "I think this group of boys right now are going to play as a team, they're going to have each other's back throughout the whole game through thick and thin. We've been seeing a lot of selflessness. They've been putting their teammates above them."

That's a very good sign that the Bluejays are putting their teammates and the team first.

As they say there is no "I" in team, and that certainly appears to be how GACC is approaching things.

Stieren says the Bluejays are a work in progress. "We are in the middle of a program overhaul. Last season we had only 2 seniors so we didn’t lose a lot. We also had very little Varsity expereince last year. But we moved up a class to C-2 and I think we are ready for the challenge and hopes are high this year, we just need to put in the effort and time!"

I'm very interested to see what type of year the Bluejays have as I feel they have the potential to improve drastically.

Last year was a learning year, and there's always room for growth and improvement, but I feel GACC has already made a lot of strides and improvements since last year, and will continue to do so this year throughout the season.

Season Outlook:

GACC no doubt wants to get back to their winning ways of the past this year.

I think the Bluejays have a lot of games that are potential wins, games against teams you don't really know how they're going to be exactly.

I think GACC has a lot of potential and an opportunity to win a lot of games. I will say that much.

I feel a lot of it depends on how well the Bluejays play and how far they've come as a team, and also how much they improve throughout the course of the season.

Doing the little things like making good passes, knocking down free throws, and making easy layups are all going to be critical I feel.

GACC opens up the season at Wisner-Pilger Friday night in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull. "I know Coach Mendlik will have the Gators ready. Plays a 1-3-1. Probably expect to see that in a press too. We just got to stay in our lanes, see the floor, and beat the press more with the pass than the dribble," Stieren said.

The thing about the 1-3-1 is you have to make quick, smart, and crisp passes to beat it.

If you dribble too much and get caught in traffic then a turnover is likely.

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

I feel the Bluejays are an up and coming team with a lot of potential this season.

Stieren says goals include go to State, win conference, and Sub-Districts and Districts.

Expectations are always high at GACC, and you can bet the Bluejays expect to be much improved this year.

I feel all the tools are in place for that to happen too.

GACC just has to figure out how to close the close games, and maximize their potential and opportunities.

The Bluejays can't let victories get away from them, GACC has to figure out a way to win games when given the chance and opportunity.

I don't think anyone expects the Bluejays to go undefeated or anything like that, but I feel like GACC can get to double digit wins this year or do something like triple their win total from last year.

2018-2019 Guardian Angels Central Catholic Bluejays Boys Basketball Schedule:

11/30/18 @ Wisner-Pilger
12/01/18 Lutheran High Northeast
12/04/18 Columbus Scotus
12/06/18 Wynot
12/08/18 @ Crofton
12/15/18 @ Ponca
12/18/18 Oakland-Craig
12/21/18 @ Aquinas Catholic
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Howells-Dodge Holiday Tournament Howells
01/11/19 @ Wayne
01/12/19 @ Boone Central/Newman Grove
01/15/19 @ Battle Creek
01/18/19 @ O'Neill
01/19/19 Hartington Cedar Catholic
01/26-02/02 (To Be Determined) Mid State Conference Tournament Norfolk
02/05/19 @ Norfolk Catholic
02/07/19 Pierce
02/09/19 @ Archbishop Bergan
02/15/19 @ Winnebago

Team: Guardian Angels Central Catholic

Mascot: Bluejays

Colors: Blue and White

Class: C-2

Conference: Mid-State

Head Coach: Jerry Stracke (16th season) (416-109 career record)

2017-2018 record: 20-7 (lost to Ansley-Litchfield in first round of State)

Returning Starters: 4

Overview:

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Girls Basketball Team returns four starters from last year, but the lone starter lost is Lexis Haase, who made up about half of the team's scoring last season.

Head Coach Jerry Stracke. "Yeah we'll miss Lexis. She was a big part of our offense. It's going to be hard to replace her. We do return four starters."

The team has 3 seniors, a couple juniors that can help, sophomores, and freshmen.

The returning starters are Ally Plagge (5’5 Sr), Angela Jansen (5’8 Sr), Hannah Knobbe (5'6, Jr), and Marissa Hunke (5’7 Jr).

Other returning letterwinners are Maddie Bracht (5’6 Sr), Greta Vering (5’6 Jr), Brandi Doernemann (5’11 So), Avery Kreikemeier (5’6 So), Brenna Rief (5’4 So), and Reece Snodgrass (5’6 So).

Sophia Hass (5’7 Fr) is a newcomer likely to contribute for the Bluejays.

Stracke says the girls have been working very hard at practice.

He adds the team has a good bench and will be deep, saying the team will play a faster tempo this year and rely a lot on their defense.

Stracke expects his team to improve and grow as the season progresses given the strong offseason the team had. "I thought we got better as the summer went along. I thought the girls put a lot of work into improving, and I can tell here at the beginning of the year we're going to take our lumps, and hopefully we'll grow and learn from our mistakes and we'll just be there and keep getting better there towards the end."

GACC is looking to make state for the 22nd year in a row.

The fact the Bluejays have made state 21 years in a row is incredible and quite remarkable.

It will be interesting to see if GACC can make it 22 in a row. I think they definitely can, but it won't be easy.

The Bluejays are back in C-2 after being D-1 for a couple of years.

This is a veteran experienced team that I expect to peak at season's end, but I feel the loss of Haase will be felt, at least early on.

I don't know if GACC will have as much offensive firepower as they've had in the past, but the Bluejays should be a very tough defensive team that improves on offense as the season progresses.

Season Outlook:

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Girls Basketball Team comes in with high expectations like always.

Stracke says his team has their work cut out for them this year. "Moved up a class - Only lost one player but 50% of our scoring. Will have a hard time scoring this year. Not a tall team. In a tough sub district."

I feel teams with height and speed could give GACC issues.

Despite all that, I look for the Bluejays to have another fine season, similar to what they've had in the past.

GACC opens up the season on Friday at Wisner-Pilger in action that will be aired on 107.9 the Bull.

Stracke says the game will be a good test for them to see where they're at in the early season.

The Bluejays are in Sub-District C2-5 with the Gators, Oakland-Craig, BRLD, and Omaha Nation.

I would say the Knights are the favorite to win it, but you can never count out GACC in the postseason.

I fully expect the Bluejays to be on top of their game come the end of the season, and challenge and push Oakland-Craig and others at the very least.

Every game is so important and critical with the new Sub-State format.

It will be interesting to see how the new Sub-State format treats GACC this year.

Stracke says the old system has helped his team in the past, but feels the new format could help the Bluejays this year given the tough Sub-District they are in.

I feel GACC is one of those teams that can have a good enough regular season to make Sub-State should they not win their Sub-District, but it won't be easy.

The Bluejays have to win the games they're supposed to and knock off some juggernauts.

I'm not expecting GACC to go out and steamroll people night in and night out, but I still look for the Bluejays to be good and have a nice season.

Whether GACC does enough to make state a 22nd year in a row remains to be seen, but I will say one thing.....I think the Bluejays are going to be a tough out no matter who they play.

2018-2019 Guardian Angels Central Catholic Girls Basketball Schedule:

11/30/18 @ Wisner-Pilger
12/01/18 Lutheran High Northeast
12/04/18 Columbus Scotus
12/06/18 Wynot
12/08/18 @ Crofton
12/11/18 Archbishop Bergan
12/13/18 @ Winnebago
12/15/18 @ Norfolk Catholic
12/17/18 Wayne
12/21/18 @ Aquinas Catholic
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Howells-Dodge Holiday Tournament Howells
01/08/19 Bishop Neumann
01/12/19 @ Boone Central/Newman Grove
01/15/19 @ Battle Creek
01/18/19 @ O'Neill
01/19/19 Hartington Cedar Catholic
01/24/19 Spalding Academy
01/26-02/02 (To Be Determined) Mid State Conference Tournament Norfolk
02/05/19 Pender
02/07/19 Pierce

Emerson-Hubbard Boys and Girls looking for good seasons

Team: Emerson-Hubbard

Mascot: Pirates

Colors: Purple, Gold, and White

Class: D-1

Conference: Lewis and Clark

Head Coach: Doug Mackling (1st season)

2017-2018 record: 1-22 (lost to Winside in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 3

Overview:

The Emerson-Hubbard Boys Basketball Team looks to get things turned around under new Head Coach Doug Mackling, who comes back to his alma mater after coaching at Winnebago.

Three starters return for the Pirates, and they are Jake Kneifl (6'1, SR G/F), Nolan Belt (6'3, JR G), and Spencer Burcham (6'0, SR G).

Tyler Stark (5'11, JR F) is another returning letterwinner.

Newcomers likely to contribute are Mason Hall (6'1, SO G), Hunter Schock (6'0, JR G), and Zach Shanks (6'0, SO F/C).

Mackling says this team is hungry to be successful. "A very young team with only two seniors. Only way to go is up after a 1-22 season and 2-21 the year before. We look to make a statement in our Sub-District that looks like any of the teams could win it."

He adds he and the kids worked together quite a bit during the offseason. "I knew I was going to be the boys coach at the beginning of the summer so I got them in some camps and leagues, and I really got working with them during the offseason. Quite a bit during the summer months."

Mackling says he's seen a lot of improvement and potential, but adds the team is young as they only return four players with a significant amount of varsity experience.

Mackling adds he came to Emerson-Hubbard to resurrect the program. "I am returning to my alma mater to turn around a program that has had 3 wins in the past 2 years."

I fully expect the Pirates to be better this season than in the past couple, especially given how successful the football team was this year.

Mackling says the success the football team had has him excited for this basketball season, adding he thinks that success is going to carry over to the hardwood.

It certainly sounds like Mackling is very enthusiastic and passionate about coaching this team, and that sounds like a recipe for success in my book.

Mackling said he plans to run an up tempo offense, a contrast to the half court style Emerson-Hubbard played at the past couple of seasons.

Anything can happen with this team given the success they had in football, and to me it sounds like new coaching blood is at the school, and it appears the team and boys are ready to go and get after things after a tough couple of seasons.

I think the Pirates have to be excited about this season and its potential.

Season Outlook:

The Emerson-Hubbard Boys Basketball Team appears to be fired up about this season.

The schedule is tough, but I think the Pirates will be very competitive this year.

Emerson-Hubbard opens up the season at Bloomfield on Friday.

It's the first time Emerson-Hubbard has really seen Bloomfield on the regular season schedule, according to Mackling.

The Pirates are in Sub-District D1-4 with Pender, Homer, and Allen.

Mackling feels the Sub-District is wide open. "Just looking at the scores from last year, it was a close game with Pender. Just a few points that Pender beat them by. Homer beat them in overtime I think it was or something like that. And Allen we played them this summer, and we beat them in summer ball, and I think that if we do and keep up with what we're doing we can take out Allen too."

Mackling says tough teams in the Lewis and Clark Conference include Ponca, Winnebago, Osmond, Creighton, and Wakefield.

He adds overall team goals are to have a good conference record and win their sub-district.

I think Emerson-Hubbard can compete with the best of them this year, but the schedule is tough.

The Pirates achieved a lot in football and won some tough games so there's no reason to think that can't happen in basketball either.

This team is young, but I would imagine very hungry to win, and anxious to get out there and get after things.

I felt like the football team overachieved in many ways, and feel the Boys Basketball Team can do the same thing.

Emerson-Hubbard has to rely on their senior leaders and young talent to carry and shoulder most of the load.

The Pirates have to be tough minded and strong mentally and physically.

Emerson-Hubbard can't back down from anyone and has to play with tremendous toughness, grit, and fight all season long.

The Pirates have to play with a chip on their shoulder and take on the personality of Coach Mackling and play hard at all times.

2018-2019 Emerson-Hubbard Pirates Boys Basketball Schedule:

11/30/18 @ Bloomfield
12/01/18 Hartington-Newcastle
12/04/18 @ BRLD
12/07/18 @ Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
12/11/18 Walthill
12/14/18 @ Ponca
12/20/18 @ Winside
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Madison Holiday Tournament Madison
01/04/19 @ Siouxland Community Christian, IA
01/08/19 Winnebago
01/11/19 @ Osmond
01/12/19 Wynot
01/15/19 @ Homer
01/18/19 Wakefield
01/22/19 @ Pender
01/24/19 @ Allen
01/25-02/04 (To Be Determined) Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament Host Sites/LCC Finals/TBA
02/05/19 @ Randolph
02/08/19 Omaha Nation
02/15/19 Stanton

Team: Emerson-Hubbard

Mascot: Pirates

Colors: Purple, Gold, and White

Class: D-2

Conference: Lewis and Clark

Head Coach: Cindi Stolze (1st season)

2017-2018 record: 5-19 (lost to Humphrey St. Francis in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 3

Overview:

The Emerson-Hubbard Girls look to have a good season despite a lack of numbers once again.

3 starters return for 1st year Head Coach Cindi Stolze, and they are Melanie Gentrup, Taylor Daum, and Stephanie Ferrusca.

Addison Mackling is a returning letterwinner while freshmen Brynn Schock and Hadley Houfek are expected to contribute as well.

Stolze says this team is going to give things their best shot. "We don't have a whole lot of depth, but the girls are giving it all they can. They've got a lot of heart. I think they're going to be a team to contend with."

Losses from last year were Cailin Gentrup and Taylor Lamp. I'm also uncertain if the Pirates have Courtney Bokemper back this year or not.

Of course Emerson-Hubbard lost some girls after the talk of co-oping with Pender.

Numbers and depth certainly appears to be an issue for the Pirates again this season, but I fully expect Emerson-Hubbard to give it their all night in and night out.

Stolze says team strengths are the team has a few good guards, they are very good at bringing the ball down the court, the team has good shooters, and is not afraid to shoot the 3, plus they are learning how to power up on the rebound as well.

It sounds like the Pirates should have good outside and inside games.

I think scoring is going to be the big thing and challenge for Emerson-Hubbard this year.

The Pirates played well defensively last year so now the challenge is being able to put the ball in the hoop on a consistent basis.

I'm not sure how many girls are out for the team this year, but I would add staying out of foul trouble will be crucial as well.

This team has to stay as healthy and as fresh as possible, and give things their all every time they take to the floor.

Emerson-Hubbard has to work hard and play smart the entire season.

There's not a lot of room for error for the Pirates so Emerson-Hubbard has to play within themselves and get the most out of each other.

Season Outlook:

The Emerson-Hubbard Girls Basketball Team looks to compete at a high level and give things their best shot this season.

I feel there's a lot of potential for wins given the Pirates' schedule.

Emerson-Hubbard opens up the season at Bloomfield on Friday. "It looks like they've got a pretty good defense that we can handle. We've been practicing that. I think it's something that our girls will be able to handle well. I think it will actually be a pretty even matchup, " Stolze said.

Getting that first win would be huge for the Pirates there's no doubt about that.

The Bees, Santee, Winside, and Wynot are all in Sub-District D2-4 with Emerson-Hubbard.  "And coming off of a season last year where they only had 6 wins, again cause we didn't have too many players. But I think the sub-district is probably going to be a little tough for us because we are short-handed on players," Stolze said.

It could definitely be a case where the Pirates are worn down at season's end, but that makes things like conditioning and being healthy all the more crucial and critical.

Stolze says team goals include hitting 50% of their games at minimum.

And as I mentioned I think there's a chance for quite a few wins out there given the Pirates' schedule.

Emerson-Hubbard has to play hard and smart all season long, and must continue to fight, scrap, and claw no matter what.

The Pirates have to start the season off on the right foot and find a way to beat the Bees.

Winning that opening game could go a long ways in setting the tone for the rest of the season for Emerson-Hubbard, in my opinion.

The Pirates have to play with tremendous energy, fight, grit, tenacity, and toughness throughout the course of the season.

Emerson-Hubbard has to work hard at all times and can't take any nights off.

The Pirates have to give everyone on the schedule their best shot, and be the type of team that is extremely tough and never quits.

Emerson-Hubbard has to play smart, but aggressive basketball throughout the course of the season, and has to get better as the season progresses.

2018-2019 Emerson-Hubbard Pirates Girls Basketball Schedule:

11/30/18 @ Bloomfield
12/01/18 Hartington-Newcastle
12/04/18 @ BRLD
12/07/18 @ Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
12/11/18 Walthill
12/14/18 @ Ponca
12/20/18 @ Winside
12/28-12/29 (To Be Determined) Madison Holiday Tournament Madison
01/04/19 @ Siouxland Community Christian, IA
01/08/19 Winnebago
01/11/19 @ Osmond
01/12/19 Wynot
01/15/19 @ Homer
01/18/19 Wakefield-Allen
01/22/19 @ Pender
01/26-02/04 (To Be Determined) Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament Host Sites/LCC Finals/TBA
02/05/19 @ Randolph
02/08/19 Omaha Nation