West Point-Beemer Boys and Girls beat Arlington and Stanton

The West Point-Beemer Boys survived double overtime and held on to beat Arlington 61-56 on the road Thursday night in action aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Eagles scored with less than 20 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 48-48, sending it into overtime. Both teams then scored six points in the first OT period, leaving it tied at 54-54. The Cadets outscored the Eagles 7-2 in the second OT to get to the win.

Ben Vander Griend led three Cadets in double figures with 24 points. Blake Anderson had 21 points and Zach Vander Griend had 10. Jesus Barragan added 10 rebounds.

West Point-Beemer then turned around and won 51-41 at Stanton Tuesday night.

The Mustangs led 13-11 after one and won the 2nd quarter 13-9 to take a 26-20 lead into the locker room.

The Cadets outscored Stanton 20-6 in the 3rd quarter to go up 40-32 at the end of three.

West Point-Beemer won the 4th quarter 11-9.

Anderson amassed 25 points while Ben Vander Griend chipped in 13.

Not the prettiest of wins for the Cadets, but I'm sure they'll take it, especially in the early part of the season.

West Point-Beemer (2-0) travels to North Bend Central (2-0) to take on the Tigers Thursday night.

North Bend Central won 57-16 at Schuyler Tuesday night.

NBC is an extremely good and tough team, and this won't be an easy game for the Cadets whatsoever.

The Tigers did a number on West Point-Beemer in the East Husker Conference Tournament last year if I remember correctly, and the Cadets have to to be ready to go from the get go Thursday night.

West Point-Beemer has to weather that early storm the Tigers figure to throw their way, and must be mentally tough and have the ability to hang in there under difficult circumstances.

This is a young team going up against a salty, veteran laden North Bend Central team, and the work is definitely cut out for the Cadets.

With that said, West Point-Beemer is 2-0, and has shown the ability to win close games and has proven that they know how to win.

The Cadets have to be strong defensively and poised offensively.

West Point-Beemer has to do a good job of defending the three point line, and can't afford to let the Tigers run and gun too much.

The Cadets have to play their game and not worry about what the Tigers are doing.

West Point-Beemer also can't be scared of or intimidated by North Bend Central.

The Cadets have to come out with fire, toughness, tenacity, and grit.

West Point-Beemer has to match the Tigers' physicality, and must take the ball strong to the hole.

The Cadets have to be confident, and believe in themselves and their abilities.

West Point-Beemer has to trust one another, and believe in each other.

The Cadets have to go into North Bend expecting to win.

West Point-Beemer has to shoot for a real win not just a moral victory.

The Cadets are young and the Tigers are very experienced so on paper you would have to say North Bend Central will win, but then again that's why they play the games.

Anything can happen.

The West Point-Beemer Girls shot 13-18 from three point range on their way to a 76-37 thrashing of Arlington on the road Thursday night in action aired on 107.9 the Bull.

Sierra Kile led WPB with 24 points, going along with 22 from Sidney Swanson. Abbey Dale added 11.

The season opening win was also the first win for new head coach Taylor Shepard.

Shepard says it's a good start.  "Yeah we're absolutely happy. We had some goals for the game, and I think we met all of them so we're excited to see how we can continue to grow from this game."

The Cadets turned around and won 38-28 at Stanton Tuesday night.

The Mustangs led 18-13 at halftime before West Point-Beemer cranked things up in the 2nd half, outscoring Stanton 14-5 in the 3rd quarter to go up 27-23 at the end of three, and then outscoring the Mustangs 11-3 in the 4th quarter to make up the final score.

Kile had 13 points while Andrea Hoffman added 9.

Two big wins to start the season for the Cadets. I think West Point-Beemer is where they want to be at this point in the season.

The Cadets (2-0) take on North Bend Central (2-0) on the road Thursday night.

The Tigers won 45-16 at Schuyler Tuesday night.

North Bend Central is a solid team, and this should be a really good game.

These two teams always get after one another when they play, and I don't think this year's game will be any different.

Both defenses are very good, and both offenses have shown signs of promise.

I think West Point-Beemer could be the stronger offensive team, but it's hard saying this early in the season.

Lauren Emanuel figures to be a tough matchup for the Cadets although I think having Sierra Kile to match up with her is big.

If West Point-Beemer is clicking offensively they should have a good chance to win.

But if the Tigers play at their tempo and style, and get the Cadets into foul trouble, then it could be an interesting game to say the very least.

I fully expect the game to be close and competitive.

Both teams are off to good starts, but which team can gain that competitive edge and stay undefeated?

I think it has a good chance to be West Point-Beemer, but it won't be easy.

Things could truly go either way.

The Tigers are well coached and athletic as are the Cadets.

It should be a really close, competitive ball game.

West Point-Beemer has more kids back and more experience on the floor than North Bend Central does, but the Tigers are at home.

This might be the Cadets' toughest game of the season so far.

You can bet West Point-Beemer will get North Bend Central's best shot and be in a dog fight.

I fully expect things to be close, but I think the Cadets have a good chance to win a close game, maybe by 5 or 6.

GACC Boys off to 0-3 start; Girls 3-0

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Boys lost 66-41 at Wisner-Pilger Friday night in action aired on 107.9 the Bull before falling 46-38 at home to Lutheran High Northeast Monday night, and 47-42 at home to Columbus Scotus Tuesday night.

The Gators led the Bluejays 19-5 after one before GACC won the 2nd quarter 19-13 to make it a 32-24 game at halftime in favor of Wisner-Pilger.

The Gators won the 3rd quarter 14-12 to extend their lead to 46-36 at the end of three.

Wisner-Pilger quadrupled up the Bluejays 20-5 in the 4th quarter.

Ben Ulrich had 19 points while Adam Reeson added 13 points and 14 rebounds, good enough for a double-double.

The Eagles held a 9-6 lead after one before GACC won the 2nd quarter 12-9 to tie the game at 18 at halftime.

LHNE outscored the Bluejays 16-11 in the 3rd quarter to go up 34-29 at the end of three.

The Eagles won the 4th quarter 12-9.

Ulrich led the way with 11 points.

GACC led the Shamrocks 9-8 after one before Scotus won the 2nd quarter 11-9 to go up 19-18 at halftime.

The Shamrocks outscored the Bluejays 14-8 in the 3rd quarter to lead 33-26 at the end of three.

GACC won the 4th quarter 16-14.

Ulrich had 14 points while Jared Minnick chipped in 9.

The opener was rough on the Bluejays, but I thought GACC competed well in Monday and Tuesday's games, especially defensively, now just need to find their offense.

The Bluejays (0-3) take on Wynot (2-0) at home Thursday night.

The Blue Devils won 63-13 at Winside on Friday.

It will be tough, but this is a game GACC can definitely win.

The Bluejays played Scotus and LHNE tough, and I would say those teams are stronger and better than Wynot simply due to size of school.

And although that doesn't necessarily guarantee a win, I think the way GACC played against both of those squads will serve them well Thursday night.

If the Bluejays can keep up their strong play defensively, and find their way offensively, it could make all the difference.

GACC has to take a page out of the girls' book, and get multiple players to score.

Ulrich has been great, and if others can score like that, then this team can be very good.

I think the Bluejays have to be encouraged by what they've seen, at least defensively, despite the slow start.

GACC has figured out half the battle, and now if the Bluejays can figure out their offense and scoring it could be season changing.

The Bluejays were right there with the Eagles and Shamrocks, and even the Gators if you take away the 4th quarter.

GACC has to be tough on the glass and tenacious with their play and attack.

The Bluejays have to get back to playing good, hard nosed, physical basketball, and show everyone just how good and tough they really are.

This is GACC's 3rd game this week with the 4th coming up on Saturday at Crofton so if the Bluejays can get this one against the Blue Devils then the trip up to Crofton will be a whole lot better and sweeter for sure.

If GACC could pick up a couple of wins yet this week it would be huge.

It can happen too, the Bluejays just have to apply themselves and play up to their capability and potential.

GACC has to keep their heads up and keep fighting because I truly believe it's simply a matter of time before they get over that hump.

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Girls are off to a great start as the Bluejays topped Wisner-Pilger 57-26 on the road Friday night in action heard on 107.9 the Bull before winning 81-44 at home over Lutheran High Northeast on Monday, and 50-42 at home against Columbus Scotus Tuesday night.

GACC led the Gators 15-4 at the end of one, and outscored Wisner-Pilger 21-6 in the 2nd quarter to take a 36-10 lead into the locker room.

The Bluejays won the 3rd quarter 13-7 to go up 49-17 at the end of three.

The Gators won the 4th quarter 9-8.

Marissa Hunke had 11 points while Brandi Doernemann chipped in 10. Sophia Hass added 9 while Reece Snodgrass chipped in 7.

GACC led the Eagles 27-16 after one and outscored LHNE 14-8 in the 2nd quarter to take a 41-24 lead into the locker room.

The Eagles won the 3rd quarter 15-14 to make it a 55-39 game at the end of three.

The Bluejays outscored LHNE 26-5 in the 4th quarter.

Brenna Rief notched 12 points while Doernemann added 12 points and 10 rebounds to earn a double-double. Hass notched 11 points and 9 rebounds while Livia Hunke and Angela Jansen recorded 10 points apiece. Snodgrass added 9 while Marissa Hunke poured in 7.

The Shamrocks led 13-9 after one, and outscored the Bluejays 14-8 in the 2nd quarter to take a 27-17 lead into the locker room.

GACC outscored Scotus 16-7 in the 3rd quarter to make it a 34-33 game at the end of three in favor of the Shamrocks.

The Bluejays outscored Scotus 17-8 in the 4th quarter.

Hass paced the Bluejays with 15 points and 7 rebounds while Marissa Hunke and Ally Plagge registered 9 and 7 points, respectively.

Sizzling great start for GACC. The Bluejays have started off the season extremely well in my estimation.

GACC (3-0) hosts Wynot (2-0) Thursday night.

The Blue Devils won 53-10 at Winside Friday night.

Wynot is an extremely good team who has been to state and won state championships and all that.

The Bluejays should win, but GACC can't afford to have any sort of hangover from the win over the Shamrocks.

That win has to be digested by now, and the Bluejays have to be ready for the Blue Devils.

This season is off to a great start for GACC, but the rest of this week is tough.

The Bluejays also travel up to Crofton on Saturday so GACC has to be on top of their game and ready to go.

There are no nights off for the Bluejays, and that's what makes them a great and unique team and program.

GACC is always ready to play no matter what, and is always focused.

The Bluejays have to keep their eye on the prize and keep winning.

It has been a great season for GACC so far, maybe better than what was expected and anticipated, and it needs to continue for the Bluejays.

I don't know what GACC did offensively, but the Bluejays are scoring at an extremely high and alarming rate right now.

If GACC continues to play this way they are going to be very difficult for anyone to beat.

The Bluejays have to be sky high with confidence right now, but GACC has to keep a level head and stay focused.

Yes, this early season success is awesome and great, but there's a long season and a long ways yet to go.

GACC has to come out and throw everything they've got offensively and defensively at Wynot.

The Bluejays have to come out and be intense, prepared, and ready to go.

GACC is used to a lot of winning, and the Bluejays simply need to continue their winning ways Thursday night.

Winnebago Boys and Girls 1-1 on the season so far

The Winnebago Boys doubled up Homer 80-40 on the road Thursday night before falling 68-62 at home to Walthill Friday night.

The Indians led the Knights 17-7 after one, and outscored Homer 22-13 in the 2nd quarter to take a 39-20 lead into the locker room.

Winnebago won the 3rd quarter 20-13 to go up 59-33 at the end of three.

The Indians tripled up the Knights 21-7 in the 4th quarter.

Ed Payer had 21 points and 7 rebounds while Jeriah Greyowl added 18 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds. Kellen CrossBear added 13 points while Bruce Proctor had 12 points and 9 rebounds. Jarius Bass-Earth chipped in 8 rebounds.

The Blujays led Winnebago 16-15 after one, and won the 2nd quarter 18-17 to go up 34-32 at halftime.

The Indians won the 3rd quarter 20-18 to tie the game at 52 at the end of three.

Walthill outscored Winnebago 16-10 in the 4th quarter.

Payer had 19 points and 9 rebounds while CrossBear totaled 17 points. Greyowl chipped in 7 points while Bass-Earth engulfed 15 rebounds.

Great game from the Indians Thursday night and a fantastic effort Friday night.

Winnebago (1-1) hosts Omaha Nation (0-1) Thursday night.

The Chiefs lost 48-47 at home to BRLD Thursday night.

Omaha Nation nearly pulled things off against the Wolverines, but couldn't quite do it.

The Chiefs have proven they are a very tough team though I don't think there's any doubt about that.

The Indians have their hands full Thursday night, but if Winnebago comes out and plays a good game then they can definitely win.

It figures to be a great game and an intriguing battle and matchup to say the very least.

I look for both teams to get after it and one another, and make the game great.

The Indians have to get out and run, run, run.

Winnebago has to press and run and gun Omaha Nation to death if at all possible.

The Indians played great defense against the Knights, and then Walthill kind of got the best of them so I would say defense is going to be big in this one for Winnebago.

If the Indians can defend the way BRLD did then they should have a good chance to win.

Winnebago has some nice and new offensive weapons, and I look for all of them to play well Thursday night.

Payer has to continue to lead this team and CrossBear has to keep scoring the way he has.

Bass-Earth's rebounding hasn't gone unnoticed either, and that has to continue.

Don't undermine Greyowl's prowess either....he's done some great things for the Indians so far this season.

Both teams have had ample time off, and I feel this game could truly go either way.

Winnebago needs to have a good day of practice on Wednesday, and be ready to go and get after things Thursday night.

The Indians have to be in full game and beast mode, and take the fight to the Chiefs for four quarters.

There is no such thing as a moral victory for Winnebago...the Indians want to win, and nothing less.

The Winnebago Girls fell 65-55 at Homer in Thursday night's season opener before bouncing back with a 60-46 win at home over Walthill Friday night.

The Indians led the Knights 16-15 after one before Homer won the 2nd quarter 16-13 to take a 31-29 lead into the locker room.

Both teams scored 15 points in the 3rd quarter, and the score was 46-44 at the end of three in favor of the Knights.

Homer outscored Winnebago 19-11 in the 4th quarter.

Keisha Snyder had 16 points for the Indians while Natasha Deal and Jayla Price had 12 and 11, respectively. Madeline Cleveland chipped in 8.

Winnebago led the Blujays 17-14 after one. Walthill won the 2nd quarter 17-16 to make it a 33-31 game at halftime in favor of the Indians.

Winnebago opened things up in the 3rd quarter, outscoring the Blujays 19-9 to lead 52-40 at the end of three.

The Indians won the 4th quarter 8-6.

Price led the way with 20 points while Cleveland had 10. Deal added 8 points while Kae Earth notched 7 points and 7 rebounds.

Great response by Winnebago Friday night. The Indians turned in a nice performance, especially in the third quarter.

Winnebago (1-1) hosts Omaha Nation (0-1) Thursday night.

The Chiefs lost 76-38 at home to BRLD Thursday night.

The Wolverines are an exceptional team, but if the Indians play the way they are capable of I think they have a good chance to win this one.

Winnebago really needs this one too with Oakland-Craig and GACC coming up next week.

The Indians have to work on improving and getting better in this one.

Winnebago has to treat the game as an opportunity to fine tune their craft and beat a team they should knock off.

The Indians have to come out intense, fired up, and ready to go.

Winnebago has to play a complete four quarter game from start to finish, and must never let up.

The Indians have to take the fight to Omaha Nation from start to finish.

Price, Snyder, Cleveland, Deal, and Earth all have to do a great deal of scoring again for Winnebago.

The Indians were pretty consistent offensively in their first two games, and appeared to get substantially better defensively from game one to game two.

Winnebago needs to turn in another big defensive performance Thursday night to gain more confidence.

A lopsided win over the Chiefs could be a big momentum booster heading into next week.

Speaking of next week, the Indians can't be looking ahead to that, they need to stay in the now, in the present.

Winnebago has to focus on beating Omaha Nation before turning their attention to Oakland-Craig.

The Indians have to execute the game plan, and knock down open shots and free throws.

Contesting shots and rebounding will be big for Winnebago as well I would say.

The Indians have to play a complete game, and do lots of things that make them feel good about themselves.

Winnebago is capable of playing a great game, they just have to go out there and execute and get the job done.

Pender Boys 1-1 so far; Girls 2-0

The Pender Boys Basketball Team split their first two games of the season last week, falling 56-50 in overtime at home to Wakefield Thursday night before drubbing Tekamah-Herman 70-42 on the road Friday night.

The Trojans led 14-12 after one before the Pendragons won the 2nd quarter 12-9 to take a 24-23 lead into the locker room.

Pender outscored Wakefield 13-8 in the 3rd quarter to extend the lead to 37-31 at the end of three.

The Pendragons went ice cold in the 4th as the Trojans won the frame 11-5 to tie the game at 42 at the end of regulation.

Wakefield outlasted Pender 14-8 in the extra session.

Great response from the Pendragons the next night. Pender just about had Wakefield, but couldn't quite close things out.

The Pendragons (1-1) take on Lutheran High Northeast (3-0) on the road Thursday night.

The Eagles won 49-46 at home over Twin River Tuesday night.

LHNE is a good, solid squad, but they aren't world beaters by any means.

The Eagles know how to win close games, and that's something Pender has to learn how to do.

I think LHNE is at an advantage having proven they can close out games and the fact that they are at home.

The Pendragons have to step things up and learn how to finish off close games.

The season opener is the season opener, and it's only one game so I'm not too concerned about the Pendragons right now, I think they'll be fine, but a win over LHNE would be huge.

Pender has Oakland-Craig on Friday as well so this is a key stretch of games for the Pendragons in the early part of the season.

I think the game with the Eagles could go either way, but winning at LHNE won't be easy.

Pender has to go in there confident and must believe they can win though.

This is an experienced veteran team, and there should be no doubt in the players' minds what can and needs to happen.

Sam Mailoux needs to have a big game for the Pendragons, and must be a beast on the boards.

Pender has to create turnovers and get out and run and get easy scoring chances at the basket.

The Pendragons have to play at their pace and not give the Eagles multiple scoring opportunities at the basket.

Pender has to be active offensively, setting screens and moving without the ball.

The Pendragons have to hustle back on defense and can't get too excited after made baskets.

Pender has to be excited and pumped up for this game and be loose also, but also be serious and in game mode once they take the floor.

Everything the Pendragons do has to be done with 100% effort and nothing less.

Pender is going to need to play one of their better games to win. I'd say whoever gets to 50 first, should one or both teams score that much, could very well be the winner.

The Pender Girls Basketball Team is off to a sizzling start as the Pendragons dropped Wakefield-Allen 68-44 at home Thursday night before winning 51-36 at Tekamah-Herman Friday night.

Pender led Wakefield-Allen 16-6 after one and outscored them 21-11 in the 2nd quarter to take a 37-17 lead into the locker room.

The Pendragons outscored them 21-13 in the 3rd quarter to go up 58-30 at the end of three.

Wakefield-Allen won the 4th quarter 14-10.

Sarah Krueger had a game-high 17 points while Ashley Ostrand had 10 points and 8 rebounds. Zoey Lehmkuhl chipped in 10 points while Faith Morris had 8 points and 7 rebounds. Dawson Anderson added 7 rebounds.

Pender went up 10-9 on the Tigers after one before outscoring Tekamah-Herman 17-7 in the 2nd quarter to take a 27-16 lead into the locker room.

The Tigers won the 3rd quarter 12-10 to make it a 37-28 game at the end of three.

The Pendragons outscored Tekamah-Herman 14-8 in the 4th quarter.

Ostrand posted 12 points and 9 rebounds while Morris notched 11 points. Michaela Wegner added 10 while Krueger registered 9 points and 8 rebounds. Lehmkuhl added 12 rebounds.

Two good wins for Pender to start the season.

The Pendragons (2-0) take on Lutheran High Northeast (1-2) on the road Thursday night.

The Eagles lost 59-24 at home to Twin River Tuesday night.

LHNE has struggled this year, especially on the offensive end.

I look for Pender to go in there and win and up their record to 3-0 on the season.

The Pendragons get Oakland-Craig at home on Friday, and that figures to be a tough game, but Pender can't be looking ahead to the Knights.

The Pendragons have to focus on growing, getting better, and improving Thursday night so that they're prepared for Oakland-Craig.

Pender has been great defensively so far and pretty solid offensively as well, and that needs to continue Thursday night.

The Pendragons should be well rested and ready to go, and so that should help.

Pender has to have a good day of practice on Wednesday and be ready to go on Thursday.

This is a Sub-District opponent so getting a win over the Eagles would be big from that aspect of things.

The Pendragons have to go out there and play their game, and do what they do.

Krueger, Ostrand, Morris, Wegner and Lehmkuhl need to continue their prowess on both ends of the floor.

Ostrand and Krueger have been consistent on both ends of the floor so far, and need to continue that.

Pender has to get an all out team effort from everyone Thursday night, and must take the fight to the Eagles for four quarters.

The Pendragons have to be relentless and must not take their foot off the throttle.

Pender needs to play as well as possible heading into Friday night's game against the Knights.

The Pendragons have their work cut out for them Friday night, but if Pender plays well Thursday night they should receive a boost of momentum heading into the contest with the Knights.

The Pendragons have to turn in a complete game performance Thursday night, and allow it to lead to even better things Friday night if that's possible.

Stanton Boys and Girls beat Tekamah-Herman, fall to Howells-Dodge

The Stanton Boys Basketball Team won 58-34 at home over Tekamah-Herman Thursday night before falling 80-43 at Howells-Dodge Friday night.

The Mustangs led 12-3 after one and won the 2nd quarter 16-13 to take a 28-16 lead into the locker room.

Stanton won the 3rd quarter 15-9 to go up 43-25 at the end of three.

The Mustangs outscored the Tigers 15-9 in the 4th quarter.

Nathan Arens and TJ Larson had 14 points apiece to lead Stanton while Marcus Spotanski and Parker Krusemark had 10 and 8, respectively. Sam Bates added 11 rebounds.

The next night at Howells-Dodge, the Jaguars led 21-12 at the end of one, and outscored Stanton 15-6 in the 2nd quarter to go up 36-18 at halftime.

Howells-Dodge won the 3rd quarter 21-16 to lead 57-34 at the end of three.

The Jaguars were 14 points better than the Mustangs in the 4th quarter, outscoring them 23-9 to make up the final score.

Arens registered 12 points while Bates and Spotanski notched 10 and 7, respectively.

Good offensive and defensive play Thursday night, Stanton just couldn't carry things over to Friday night.

The Mustangs (1-1) host West Point-Beemer (1-0) Tuesday night.

The Cadets won 61-56 at Arlington in Double Overtime Thursday night.

West Point-Beemer appears to be solid once again this year, but I think Stanton can definitely hang in there and make it a game of things and win.

The Mustangs have to pound the rock inside with Arens and Bates.

Both have proven to be big factors on offense and rebounding so far this season.

Spotanski has also played well as has Krusemark and Larson.

If all these guys could score high again Tuesday night then Stanton might be able to do it.

The Mustangs have to defend well also though if they want to win.

West Point-Beemer is respectable on offense, but they're somewhat containable I think.

Guard play could be a big factor in this one.

It's Stanton's bigs against the Cadets' speed and athleticism.

I think both teams would prefer to get up and down the floor, but could play a slow paced, half court defensive game if they need to.

I think this could be a grind it out affair for both teams.

Both teams are very familiar with and know one another very well, and it should be a good game.

Stanton has played two games so far whereas West Point-Beemer's second game of the season on Saturday was postponed.

I think the Cadets might be the fresher team coming out, but with that said the Mustangs might be in better game shape.

It will be interesting to see how Stanton responds to what took place Friday night.

The Mustangs were hit with some adversity and I'm curious to see how Stanton responds to it and what they do about it.

Big opportunity in front of the Mustangs Tuesday night, their only game of the week this week.

The Stanton Girls Basketball Team won 51-28 at home over Tekamah-Herman Thursday night before falling 40-39 at Howells-Dodge Friday night.

Stanton got out to an 8-3 lead on the Tigers after one before outscoring Tekamah-Herman 18-10 in the 2nd quarter to take a 26-13 lead into the locker room.

The Mustangs won the 3rd quarter 13-7 to go up 39-20 at the end of three.

Stanton notched 12 points in the 4th quarter compared to 8 for the Tigers.

Jessie Brandl had a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds for the the Mustangs while Sylvia Cunningham registered 8 rebounds.

The Jaguars got out to a 12-8 lead on the Mustangs after one.

Howells-Dodge won the 2nd quarter 6-4 to take an 18-12 lead into the locker room.

Stanton won the 3rd quarter 12-10 to make it a 28-24 game at the end of three.

The Mustangs outscored the Jaguars 15-12 in the 4th quarter.

Very strong performance from Stanton Thursday night, and a tough loss Friday night.

The Mustangs (1-1) host West Point-Beemer (1-0) Tuesday night.

The Cadets blasted Arlington 76-37 on the road Thursday night.

West Point-Beemer was 13-18 from three point range as a matter of fact.

Stanton definitely has their work cut out for them in this one, but the Mustangs have had the Cadets' number recently.

I think the Mustangs' defense will definitely be put to the test in this one though.

West Point-Beemer plays a fast tempo and has some girls who really know how to score.

Stanton has to control the pace of the game and play at their tempo and style.

The Mustangs can't let the Cadets get out and run, and score a lot of points at will.

Stanton has to contain West Point-Beemer's scorers and shooters, and limit their opportunities at the basket.

The Mustangs have to prevent the Cadets from getting second, third, and maybe even fourth scoring opportunities at the basket.

Stanton has to play tight, in your face, defense, and apply ball pressure.

The Mustangs have to contest shots and box out.

Playing physical and having good footwork is important and critical for Stanton as well, in my opinion.

The Mustangs have to outwork, outhustle, and outplay West Point-Beemer.

Stanton has to want it more than the Cadets do, and quite honestly has to be upset about Friday night's loss.

Brandl needs more help from her teammates scoring the basketball.

I'm sure she will get that help at some point, but the Mustangs hope that help comes Tuesday night.

Stanton has to go out there and play to their capability and potential, and take the frustration of losing to the Jaguars on Friday out on the Cadets.

Both teams really need this one badly if you ask me.

Howells-Dodge Boys off to 2-0 start; Girls 1-1 so far

The Howells-Dodge Boys Basketball Team is off to a 2-0 start under new Head Coach Kevin Janata as the Jaguars beat Pierce 59-51 on the road Thursday night and Stanton 80-43 at home Friday night.

The Jaguars led the Bluejays 16-12 after one only to see Pierce win the 2nd quarter 18-11 to take a 30-27 lead into the locker room.

Howells-Dodge outscored the Bluejays 17-6 in the 3rd quarter, recapturing the lead at 44-36 at the end of three.

Both teams scored 15 points in the 4th quarter.

The next night against the Mustangs, the Jaguars led 21-12 at the end of one, and outscored Stanton 15-6 in the 2nd quarter to go up 36-18 at halftime.

Howells-Dodge won the 3rd quarter 21-16 to lead 57-34 at the end of three.

The Jaguars were 14 points better than the Mustangs in the 4th quarter, outscoring them 23-9 to make up the final score.

Two nice wins for Howells-Dodge to start the season. A nice way to kickoff the Kevin Janata era for sure.

The Jaguars (2-0) host David City Aquinas (1-0) Tuesday night.

The Monarchs won 64-40 at home over Raymond Central Friday night.

This should be another good battle and another good test for Howells-Dodge.

The Jaguars got their taste in a team larger than them classification wise when they played Pierce, and passed their first test.

Now Howells-Dodge faces an even tougher test Tuesday night in my estimation.

Aquinas is experienced and has quite a few kids back from last year.

The Jaguars are definitely going to have their hands full in this one there's no doubt about it.

I think Howells-Dodge is capable of picking up the win though.

I feel the Monarchs could be stronger than Pierce, but the Jaguars get Aquinas at home, and Howells-Dodge played really well at home Friday night.

We'll see if the Jaguars can continue their hot play from the first two games of the season Tuesday night.

Howells-Dodge has three nights of games this week, and all games figure to be tough, yet I think the Jaguars can win all three contests.

First things first though...Howells-Dodge has to focus on the Monarchs.

The Jaguars also have Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family and Oakland-Craig later this week, but Aquinas is the only team Howells-Dodge should be worried about right now.

The Monarchs are tough so the Jaguars are going to need to bring their "A" game if they want to win.

Howells-Dodge can do it, they just need to play the way they did the first two games and put things all together for the 3rd time in three games.

The Jaguars have to be feeling confident right now, but not overconfident.

Howells-Dodge has shown they can score the ball and has defended decent so far so if the Jaguars can score at a high rate and improve even more defensively Tuesday night then that could result in a win over Aquinas.

Howells-Dodge has to feel good about what they've done so far, but realize that there is a long ways and a long season left to go.

The Howells-Dodge Girls Basketball Team is 1-1 on the season so far, losing 35-32 at Pierce Thursday night before knocking off Stanton 40-39 at home Friday night.

The Jaguars led the Bluejays 12-9 after one before Pierce won the 2nd quarter 11-8 to tie it up at 20 at halftime.

Pierce won the 3rd quarter 10-7 to go up 30-27 at the end of three.

Both teams scored 5 points in the 4th quarter.

Erin Prusa had 13 points while Jessi Brester totaled 10 points and 8 rebounds.

The Jaguars got out to a 12-8 lead on the Mustangs after one.

Howells-Dodge won the 2nd quarter 6-4 to take an 18-12 lead into the locker room.

Stanton won the 3rd quarter 12-10 to make it a 28-24 game at the end of three.

The Mustangs outscored the Jaguars 15-12 in the 4th quarter.

Prusa notched 11 points while Brester had 9.

Great effort from the Jaguars both nights, but especially in the first half of Friday's game.

Howells-Dodge (1-1) hosts David City Aquinas (1-0) Tuesday night.

The Monarchs won 60-15 at home over Raymond Central Friday night.

Aquinas is a solid team, and the Jaguars are going to need another performance like they got Friday night.

Howells-Dodge's offense concerns me in this one though.

Granted Pierce and Stanton are great defensive teams, but the Monarchs appear to be pretty good on that end of the floor themselves.

That and Aquinas put up 60 in their opener.

With that said, I think the Jaguars are at advantage from the standpoint that they're at home and have played tougher competition.

Aquinas is the bigger school, but I still fully expect Howells-Dodge to be ready to go.

I think this game could very well be tight, and if it is I like the Jaguars' chances.

Prusa and Brester need to continue to step up and score for Howells-Dodge.

These two have provided a nice one-two punch for the Jaguars in the first two games of the season.

Other girls need to follow suit and step up though.

Good consistent offensive production from Prusa, Brester, and anyone else would really help. The more the merrier so to speak.

Howells-Dodge has things down defensively, and have figured things out in some ways with scoring, but the offensive output could improve, in my opinion.

Still though a pretty darn good start to the season for the Jaguars, but Howells-Dodge really needs this one with Aquinas with Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family and Oakland-Craig coming up later this week.

If the Jaguars could come out of this week with a 2-1 record I think they would be thrilled.

It could definitely happen too, but Howells-Dodge has to get after things on both ends of the floor for 4 quarters, and play their hearts and guts out until the very end, just like they did last week I'm sure, and especially against Stanton.

For missing a couple girls with injuries, the Jaguars are off to a mighty fine start so far this season, in my opinion.

Winnebago Basketball Preview

Team: Winnebago

Mascot: Indians

Colors: Blue and White

Class: C-1

Conference: Lewis and Clark

Head Coach: Jeff Berridge (6th season) (120-21 career record)

2017-2018 record: 22-7 (lost to Wahoo in State Championship)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Winnebago Boys Basketball Team looks for more success this year after making state in each of the past four seasons, winning it all in 2015 and finishing runner-up last year.

Key contributors for the Indians this year figure to be T.J. Frenchman (6'0, SR G), Jeriah Greyowl (5'10, PG/SG), Ed Payer (6'0, JR PG/SG), and Willy Wingett (6'6, JR C).

It looks like Winnebago should have some good size and athleticism, but I don't know if the Indians will be nearly as good as they have been in the past.

I also wonder if Tyrese Gorrin is out for the team this year as he's not listed on the roster on MaxPreps.

Winnebago has had a lot of success in recent past, and this team has a lot to live up to there's no doubt about that.

The Indians lost their Jamboree Game to Omaha South, 80-49, but the Packers are a solid Class A school.

Season Outlook:

The Winnebago Boys look to continue their winning ways of the past this season.

The Indians have a difficult schedule, and there are quite a few teams, especially early on, that I could see Winnebago having issues with.

We will truly find out what the Indians are made of this year and how they respond to adversity.

Winnebago has had some great teams in the past, but I don't know if this team will be nearly as good.

The Indians just have to work hard everyday and get better, and play their hearts out and do everything they can to win.

Winnebago opens up the season at Homer on Thursday.

The Indians are in Sub-District C1-7 with Wayne, Pierce, Norfolk Catholic, and O'Neill.

2018-2019 Winnebago Indians Boys Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 @ Homer
11/30/18 Walthill
12/06/18 Omaha Nation
12/11/18 Oakland-Craig
12/18/18 @ O'Neill
12/21/18 Norfolk Catholic
12/27-12/29 (To Be Determined) Shootout On the Elkhorn Wisner
01/04/19 @ Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
01/08/19 @ Emerson-Hubbard
01/11/19 Wynot
01/15/19 @ Ponca
01/19/19 CB St. Albert, IA Site: Ralston Ralston
01/22/19 BRLD
01/24/19 @ Pender
01/25-02/04 (To Be Determined) Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament Host Sites/LCC Finals/TBA
02/05/19 Wakefield
02/08/19 @ Crow Creek, SD
02/09/19 Little Wound, SD Site: Crow Creek Crow Creek
02/15/19 Guardian Angels Central Catholic

Team: Winnebago

Mascot: Indians

Colors: Blue and White

Class: C-2

Conference: Lewis and Clark

Co-Head Coaches: Treivan Bear and Robert Stoner

2017-2018 record: 9-12 (lost to Pierce in Sub-Districts)

Returning Starters: 2

Overview:

The Winnebago Girls Basketball Team looks to build on last year's success and have even more of it this year.

The Indians have new coaches this year in Co-Head Coaches Treivan Bear and Robert Stoner.

Bear has been a Youth Sports Coach in Winnebago the past 6 years.

The Indians have two returning starters in Kae Earth (5'8, SR F) and Jayla Price (5'7, JR G).

Natasha Deal (5'8, SO G) will be a key role player, according to Coach Bear, and Madeline Cleveland (6'0, SO G/F) is a newcomer.

Other girls who I think could make an impact are Tia YellowThunder (5'6, JR G), Shaylee Kearnes (5'5, SR G), Jaidan Payer (5'9, JR F/C), Kiana Lewis (5'8, JR C), and Daelyn Zagurksi (5'8, SR PF/C).

I think Winnebago has a chance to be really good this year given all the veteran experience they bring back.

This team did some nice things last year, and I look for them to continue to build on that this season.

Bear says the Girls are all in. "The girls are all buying into the goal. And you see that passion and effort and intensity, and it's great. They're all buying into the direction that we want the team to head."

The Indians beat Class A Omaha South 71-27 in their Jamboree game so this team appears to be headed in the right direction for sure.

I think expectations have to be high for Winnebago, and they have to expect to be very good,

The Indians have to expect to win every time they take the court, and must not accept losing.

I feel that with the boys perhaps being a bit down this year it is the Girls' time to shine and rise up, and make some noise.

Winnebago has the pieces in place to have a great season, in my opinion, now it's just a matter of going out there and dominating and making it happen.

I feel the Indians are in the works of building something special, and this team has to have high hopes and dream big.

No mountain is too tall to climb, and no dream is too big.

Season Outlook:

The Winnebago Girls look and figure to be a force to be reckoned with this season.

The Indians have a bunch of games on their schedule that can be wins, in my opinion, it's just a matter of how well the team comes together and how hard they work in my estimation.

Winnebago opens up the season at Homer on Thursday.

Winnebago is in Sub-District C2-7 with Hartington Cedar Catholic, Ponca, Laurel-Concord-Coleridge, and Homer. 

Bear says the Trojans and Ponca figure to be extremely tough. "Yeah no doubt. Those teams are always good. They play disciplined, they play patient. They hustle on the hustle plays. And teams are kind of hard to come by and it's hard to coach so those teams are going to be tough, they're always tough."

As they say though to be the best you have to beat the best, and certainly Winnebago will try and be giant slayers this season.

If the Indians can have a good regular season I think they could potentially do enough to make a Sub-State game should they not win their Sub-District.

It won't be easy though as C-2 is loaded this year.

Bear says the team wants to make a name for themselves and alter people's perception of Winnebago when it comes to Basketball. "I think the girls decided that they want to go to the State Tournament. Just to really improve from last season and make basketball known from Winnebago. I think the girls feel like they've kind of been left out of the talks when it comes to basketball in the town because when people hear Winnebago it's all about the boys. And that's great, but the girls, they want to put their name in their too, and make people know that basketball's what we do here in Winnebago."

The Indians will certainly have the opportunity to do just that this season, and I'm really excited to see what Winnebago can do this year.

The Indians certainly got off on the right foot in their Jamboree game, and I'm interested to see how that carries over to the Homer game Thursday night.

I think the season has the potential to be great for Winnebago.

The girls have to dream big and believe in themselves.

The Indians can't back down from any challenge or be afraid of anyone.

2018-2019 Winnebago Indians Girls Basketball Schedule:

11/29/18 @ Homer

11/30/18 Walthill

12/06/18 Omaha Nation

12/11/18 Oakland-Craig

12/13/18 Guardian Angels Central Catholic

12/18/18 @ O'Neill

12/21/18 Norfolk Catholic

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

01/04/19 @ Laurel-Concord-Coleridge

01/08/19 @ Emerson-Hubbard

01/11/19 Wynot

01/15/19 @ Ponca

01/22/19 BRLD

01/24/19 @ Pender

01/26-02/04 (To Be Determined) Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament Host Sites/LCC Finals/TBA

02/05/19 Wakefield-Allen

02/08/19 @ Crow Creek, SD

02/09/19 McLaughlin, SD Site: Crow Creek Crow Creek